Words, names and phrases in medicine : an address delivered at the opening of the Course of lectures in Physiology in the University of Manchester / by William Stirling.

  • Stirling, William, 1851-1932.
Date:
[1912]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Words, names and phrases in medicine : an address delivered at the opening of the Course of lectures in Physiology in the University of Manchester / by William Stirling. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    Words Names and Phrases in Medicine. BY WILLIAM STIRLING, M.D., D.Sc., LL.D., Ft ofessor of Physiology and Histology, Dean of the Medical Faculty oj the University of Manchester. AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE OPENING OF THE COURSE OF LECTURES IN PHYSIOLOGY. OCTOBER 2nd, 1912. MAN THE CHEF D'CEUYRE OF CREATION. You come to the study of Physiology presumably with a working knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with some acquaintance with Anatomy and Embryology. I take it that you are well equipped to begin the study of this fascinating and withal practical subject. It presents the problems that are manifested by all living beings in action and in relation to their environment. Moreover, we shall have to consider and analyse the functions of the individual parts of living organisms—more especially animal organisms—their inter- dependence, and the means by which the vital activities are con- trolled, directed and governed. It would not be profitable for us to consider Man by himself. We must extend our view and consider him also in relation to other animals. As you wish to become medical men, it behoves us also to link up normal life and functions with those perversions or modifications of vital activity which are denoted by the word “ disease.” Man has been described as a Microcosm. Cruveilhier, the great French pathologist, spoke of Man as the “ Chef d'ceuvre de la Creation.” Notwithstanding the complexity of the higher animals, considered from a physical, structural or functional point of view, certain facts stand out clear and distinct in all living organisms, viz., the extraordinary integration of their