1 IX
2 weapons. The drops are not always the pure extract
3 of the medicinal plants, but are sometimes diluted to
4 a decillionth of their strength ; and even the smelling
5 at some of these substances is said to be occasionally
6 sufficient to work miracles.
7 All our medical knowledge is the result of experi-
8 ence ; and the reason why we have made so little
9 progress in medicine is, that its professors have not
10 divested themselves of that narrow-minded adherence to
11 ancient maxims, which rejects all experimental results
12 that are not recognised in their dogmas.
13 I look upon the immeasurable realms of medicine as
14 a republic, founded for the welfare and prosperity of
15 mankind. There should be neither exclusive authority,
16 nor respect of persons. The members of this com-
17 monwealth, in wandering with measured tread about
18 its sometimes gloomy precincts, will, by careful research
19 find some untrodden paths, which lead to undiscovered
20 treasures. n is thus that I have spent the greater part
21 of my life, and I am desirous of pointing out to others
22 the road which I found most agreeable and safe. It
23 is unlike that followed by many of our cotemporaries,
24 y ho, infatuated by their own system, drag their patients
25 >ver gulfs and precipices'. Mine is a smooth and middle
26 course ; following so much only of every other as 1
27 have, by the observation of many years, proved useful.
28 Moreover, this new path is easier, less perilous, more
29 agreeable, and less expensive.
30 During the latter years of my residence at Lahore,
31 my practice was crowned with the greatest success ; and
32 after having scrutinized my theory , I became convinced