A chemical analysis of the Lemington waters : with a practical dissertation on their medical effects and instructions for cold and warm bathing / by Amos Middleton.

  • Middleton, Amos, active 19th century.
Date:
1814
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A chemical analysis of the Lemington waters : with a practical dissertation on their medical effects and instructions for cold and warm bathing / by Amos Middleton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    the most unqualified assent; tljat their practice Las been most universally adopted; and that their fundamental principles have been establish- ed by incontrovertible facts^ on a solid and immoveable basis; while, by the most irresisti- ble arguments, they have totally overthrown and trampled into the dust, the fragile and illusive opinions of their visionary and defeated opponents. But whilst we listen, with proper deference, to these assertions^ let us also recol- lect that assertion is not proof; and that such, precisely, has been the cry raised in favour of eveiy prevalent system of Physic, since the venerable days of Hippocrates. Besides,^ who- ever will spare- but a few short moments, to jreflect on the rapid and incessant vicissitudes, tvhich both the most favourite principles, and most approved practice have imdergone within these very few years, v/ill be but little disposed to place a blind, and implicit confidence in an}' hypothetical reasoning, however varnished over with the syren gloss of ingenious suppo- sition, or sanctioned by reverend custom, and the authority of mighty names. For, as far as Custom, and the authority of names are concern- ed, A\hich may indeed stamp en-or with dignity, but cannot convert it into truth,; where shall we find a case more exactly in point than the now totalfy exploded, and ridic-ulous opinion, of