Medical study : an introductory address ... / [John Addington Symonds].

  • Symonds, John Addington, 1807-1871.
Date:
1836
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Medical study : an introductory address ... / [John Addington Symonds]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    bedside. There is so much comprehended in this subject, that I can scarcely attempt to speak of it at all, as I must, by necessity, treat it so very imper¬ fectly ; I will only remind you, that to observe well, comprises the following particulars: First, to observe, with a mind free from preconceptions, all those idola which Bacon held up to censure and ridicule. Se¬ condly^ observe accurately; for which it is necessary, not only to see, but to look; not only to hear, but to listen ; not only to feel, but to touch. Thirdly, to ob¬ serve acutely; which can only be done by keeping the senses in constant sharpness and readiness, by practice and education. Fourthly, to observe in an orderly manner; that is, to associate and parcel your observations by their proper affinities, so that they may be more readily remembered. Fifthly, to test one observation by succeeding ones. In acquiring just conceptions of disease, nothing can take the place of observation; and I do not go too far in saying, that in no locality in the kingdom would you find greater opportunities, than in our own city. When there are such harvests of experience as in the magnificent Infirmary, in Saint Peter’s Hospital, and in the General Hospital, if you do not go in and reap them, it will be your own fault, and your lasting regret. I now hasten to the third division of my subject, namely, the spirit by which it is desirable to be ani¬ mated in medical study. And in the first place I