Pathological anatomy considered in its relation to medical science, being an address delivered at the Royal Cork Institution, introductory to a course on pathological anatomy and histology / by Thomas S. Holland.

  • Holland, Thomas S.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Pathological anatomy considered in its relation to medical science, being an address delivered at the Royal Cork Institution, introductory to a course on pathological anatomy and histology / by Thomas S. Holland. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    ia the solids, he lost sight of the fluid elements of tissue. We sliould keep constantly befoi-e us, that what is to-day purely scientific may be to-morrow highly practical, and that the apparent importance of a disco- very forms no criterion whereby to judge of the advantages to be hereafter derived therefrom ; for instance, a galvanic current was passed through a galvanic needle—it was seen to deviate from its usual position; here was a discovery of a purely scientific interest, the practical application of which has rendered it so intimately connected with the interests of society, that the advantages it has conferred on mankind arc almost incalculable. A purely practical or exclusively theoretical system of medical education is injurious; like an acid or alkali, when apart, hurtful to a well- organized being, but like them, when combined, forming a compound perfectly free from the injurious tendency of either. Some of my hearers may consider, that Theory is only useful to explain what cannot be reduced to demonstration, but it has to accomplish a far higher purpose; it forms the nucleus, so to speak, around which stray facts accumulate, from which they derive their importance, and to which they are frequently indebted for their full developement. A theory carries with it defenders and opponents, and though at first sight their exertions may appear to have a directly opposite tendency, still they labour to attain the same object; for, to defend we must observe—to oppose we must observe—to argue successfully we must refer to tlie discoveries of others, and confirm or refute them by our own observations. It is by the conflict of mind against mind, that science is advanced, and on what ground is that contest so oft renewed as on the wide
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