An introductory lecture, intended as a recommendation to a more careful investigation of the constitutional origin of local diseases, on principles deduced from the opinions of Hunter and Abernethy / delivered at the Finsbury Dispensary, by George Macilwain.

  • Macilwain, George, 1797-1882.
Date:
1834
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture, intended as a recommendation to a more careful investigation of the constitutional origin of local diseases, on principles deduced from the opinions of Hunter and Abernethy / delivered at the Finsbury Dispensary, by George Macilwain. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    10/40 (page 6)
    h,e had investigated; yet probably it is the most remarkable work ever achieved by a single indi- vidual. To say nothing of subjects which it is almost certain must have occupied his attention, but of which we have no positive proofs,—not reckoning the multiform considerations and reflections, leading to, and arising out of, the preparations which he has left us; not taking into the account the various unpublished volumes, which were so unfortunately destroyed; but contemplating the Museum as we see it;—whether we consider it, with reference to the investigations of the various processes in animal or vegetable life, of which it aff'ords proofs ; the infinitely varied manner in which these are unfolded and exemplified in health or disease, or even the mere mechanical oc- cupation, we at once recognize it as a wonderful example of human talent and industry. When, how- ever, we recollect that the labour was accomplished in the busy hum of a metropolis, amidst various unavoidable interruptions from other important avo- cations, with the occasional embarrassments of indis- position ; and when, lastly, we reflect that the whole was the efl'ort of an individual, whose pecu- niary means were often painfully restricted, during a comparatively short life; language supplies no symbol which can adequately designate the depth or variety of our sensations, and we gaze on the vast fabric with silent admiration. Mr. Hunter, however, shewed, that we are not to pect perfection. I would not undertake to say,