An account of the proceedings at the first anniversary meeting of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, held at the Bristol Infirmary, on Friday, July 19th, 1833, containing the address delivered on that occasion, by Edward Barlow [and observations and questions respecting vaccination, by J. Baron].

Date:
1833
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An account of the proceedings at the first anniversary meeting of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, held at the Bristol Infirmary, on Friday, July 19th, 1833, containing the address delivered on that occasion, by Edward Barlow [and observations and questions respecting vaccination, by J. Baron]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    a direct [jledge, to render his utmost aid in promoting the ends which we have in view. Tliese are to investigate truth, and to establish on the sure l)asis of philosophic induction, the principles of medical science. To this purpose all may contribute, how- ever humble their talents or acquirements. Each individual may present some offering' to the store of facts from which general conclusions are to be drawn. The truths which we seek are in nature, and from the observation of nature are they best learned. In collecting the evidences on which inductive reason- ing is to be exercised, every fact is valuable, provided it be accurately observed and faithfully reported. And here it is that circumspection is needed. How - ever on our guard against the delusions of fancy, we are all too prone to view facts through the medium of preconceived notions. In this there is no dishon- esty, no intention to mislead, for we deceive our- selves ere we deceive others. What I advert to is a tendency inherent in the mind itself, which uncon- sciously biasses the judgment, and even affects our simple perceptions. The sources of prejudice arising from this tendency, have been fully and ably exposed by the great Father of inductive Philosophy, and all who wish to avoid them should study deeply the masterly elucidations which he has given of the various idols of the mind.” They should also bear continually in mind the limits which he has shown to circumscribe philosophic enquiry, and the means by which alone it can be successfully pursued. These limits cannot be more distinctly and explicitly stated than in his own expressive words .—Homo, naturce minister et interpres, lanturn facit et intelligit,