A lecture delivered at the opening of the medical department of the Columbian College, introductory to a course on the theory and practice of medicine / by Thomas Henderson.

  • Henderson, Thomas, 1789-1854.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A lecture delivered at the opening of the medical department of the Columbian College, introductory to a course on the theory and practice of medicine / by Thomas Henderson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    theie sources of exultation become the no less fertile origin of calamity, distressing to the moral, as disease is afflicting to the physical man. Previous to entering on the immediate duties of the Chair to which we belong, the liberty is taken to refer to the gene- ral habits and collateral pursuits, attached to the study of Medicine. For indulging in the following reflections, an apo- logy is found in the interesting relation which we bear to you as your teacher ; the deep anxiety desired to be mani- fested in that capacity ; the great importance of the subject; while we recognize some obligations to consider the follow- ing views at the opening of this department of the Medical Institution. Medicine derives its consequence, as a science, from au individual consideration, namely, its connexion with disease. It is neither the offspring of abstract intellectual inquiry, nor its legitimate object; it is derived from the necessities of our nature, and is perpetuated on the sacred principle of benevolence. The most impressive incident in its whole his- tory, may be considered the effort of uneducated, unscien- tific humanity, bending towards the relief of the first subject of disease or injury. Here the foundation of the healing art is laid ; built on a corner stone which sustains it invulne- rable against the shafts of ignorance, the malevolence of misanthropic, or the effusions of satirical reproach. We maintain that the spirit of this origin pervades our science; and while obnoxious to imperfection, the characteristic of all human pursuits, it is recommended to the consideration, and important to the interests of society, in a degree unri- valled.