1 tlml. they were, benevolently endowed by nature with
2 their nauseous flavor to warn us against the danger
3 of using them too freely.
4 A physician, might us rationally assert, that it is
5 possible for linn to give to the. rotation of the earth
6 any direction he wills, as that the remedies he admin¬
7 isters in accordance with the mere custom of the
8 profession, must infallibly prove beneficial, ife cannot
9 dictate laws to Nature in either ease; experience alone
10 , ’V,'
11 is the teacher and arbiter, and on experience must
12 we ground our hopes. But, as hope often deceives us;
13 and as even the most skilful physician is not infallible;
14 the grand rule to be adopted b nil sir mg dose . l<>
15 be avoided, and such oedij to be administered as, though
16 thug may not benefit* yet, cannot do any harm." This
17 rule m,iv easily be followed, if we acquaint ourselves
18 with the effects of medicines both in large and minute
19 doses; and 1 think, that without this knowledge, no
20 physician can prescribe any remedy whatever, with a
21 clear conscience. The point lo which I devoted the
22 greatest attention in my investigations, was—observing,
23 the effects produced by various mediciues; ar c! it v as
24 not until the operation of a prescription had been
25 thoroughly tested, that 1 felt confidence in prescribing
26 it in similar cases —similia simUibus.
27 The ancients, without being acquainted with the
28 natural law of similia similibus cuv/mtnr (according
29 to which small doses arc required) were well aware
30 of the injurious effects of large doses, and recom¬
31 mended the greatest caution— Praesla/. jniuca dost, et
32 per inlenmlUi remedia e.rhibcir, quoin unit .impetm van- '
33 hiculvm ruicdiorim molcsie obruere; i. e. “It is better