Commentaries on the history and cure of diseases / by William Heberden.

  • Heberden, William, 1710-1801.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Commentaries on the history and cure of diseases / by William Heberden. 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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    PEE EAC E. Plutarch says,* that the life of a vestal virgin was divided into three portions ; in the first of which she learned the duties of her pro- fession, in the second she practised them, and in the third she taught them to others. This is no bad model for the life of a physician : and as I have now passed through the two first of these times, I am willing to employ the remainder of my days in teaching what I know to any of my sons who may choose the profession of physic ; and to him I desire that these papers may be given. The notes, from which the following observations were collected, were taken in the chambers of the sick from themselves, or from their attendants, where several things might occasion the omission of some material circumstances. These notes were read over every month, and such facts, as tended to throw any light upon the history of a distemper, or the effects of a remedy, were entered under the title of the distemper in another book, from which were extract- ed all the particulars there given, relating to the nature and cure of diseases. It appeared more advisable to give such facts only as were justified by the original papers, however imperfect, than either to supply their defects from memory, except in a very few instances, or than to borrow any thing from other writers. The collections from the notes, as well as the notes themselves, were written in Latin, the diseases being arranged alphabetically : and this is the reason that the titles are here in that language. In making the extracts, it was not only more easy to follow the order in which the observations had been arranged, but there was likewise less danger of any confusion or omission ; and little or no incon- * Plutarch in Nutria, et u 7rt£<r£uTtga> roxirfur.