Medical jurisprudence / by J.A. Paris and J.S.M. Fonblanque.

Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Medical jurisprudence / by J.A. Paris and J.S.M. Fonblanque. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    was long considered as the only arbiter of questions relating to any of the subjects of Juridical Medicine. The estimation in which this work was universally held may be easily discovered, from the expressions with which it is mentioned by all cotemporary writers. Zacutus Lusitanus, in alluding to its value, exclaims u Emi,—vidi—legi—obstupui”! When we consider the period at which it was w ritten, it must certainly be acknowledged as a very extraordinary work; that it should be overrun with casuistical subtleties can- not be a matter of surprise ; the style too is entirely scholastic, full of digression, and prolix passages of erudition, but such w as the taste of the age in which it was composed. We are also to remember that at this period, the philosophy of Aristotle alone directed the schools, and the doctrines of Galen, illustrated by a thousand servile commentators were, according to the judgment of that asra, the only sources from w'hich medical opinions could be legitimately de- duced. The study of Anatomy had only then com- menced under the guidance of Vesalius, Columbus, Fallopius, and Eustachius; while Surgery, notwith- standing the labours of Par6, Arceus, Andrew Dalla Croce, Aqua Pendente, and other masters, was in its mere infancy. Chemistry too was as yet full of con- ceit and uncertainty; and Pharmacy was absolutely without any acknowledged principles. As the great work of Zacchias was composed at different periods, with considerable intervals between each, we find numerous repetitions, and contradictions. It is there- fore evident, that although the u Qucestioncs Medico- legates ” may afford much instruction to the learned physician, it can be of no service to the student; this opinion is justly expressed by Cf Camerarius (a)— [a) Systema Cautel. Medicar. p. 579.