ADDRESS. 
93 
possessed of greater fascination? By which among the many- 
classes of human learning, can higher tone of intellect be 
given? 
Again, while thus expressing our views of the nature and 
tendencies of the pursuits connected with Pharmacy, let 
us observe the influence they are capable of exerting upon the 
mental faculties. The facts that constitute the knowledge 
necessary to be acquired, are not seen through the dim me- 
dium of conjecture, but have been revealed and made con 
spicuous from close, accurate, and reiterated inspection; they 
are based upon the strictest evidence. Neither are they pro- 
miscuously commingled: for they have been so arranged and 
systematized, as to render their perpetuity indubitable, and 
their attainment easy. For these reasons, this knowledge is en- 
titled to the name of positive. It regards demonstration as in- 
dispensable to establish propositions, and admits no conclu- 
sions to be sound but such as have been arrived at by rigid 
induction. To avoid the causes of deceit, the perception 
must be aroused, the reasoning powers invigorated, and such 
mental training is enforced, as to be productive of lasting 
beneficial consequences. Nor are the advantages of discipline, 
imposed by pharmaceutic studies, when rightly conducted, 
confined to their own circle; the habitual preciseness of re- 
flection they engender, extends to other subjects, and facilitates 
the formation of correct opinions upon all things; the judg- 
ment, prepared and fortified against the attack of specious 
fallacies, or false pretensions, remains unbiassed in its deci- 
sions, undazzled by the glare that plausibility may throw 
around assertions, having the semblance, but not the reality 
of truth; it has settled principles to rely upon, and protected 
by the firm and serviceable iEgis which they form, is unaf- 
fected by the shafts that subtle error may direct. 
In the delineation given, I believe that an over estimate 
has not been made of the services rendered by an enlightened 
profession, and that too high a valuation has not been placed 
upon its acquirements — they are eminently liberal. 
Having selected this profession, and assumed its most seri- 
