An introductory lecture delivered in the University of London, on Thursday, October 2, 1828 / by John Conolly.
- Date:
- 1828
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: An introductory lecture delivered in the University of London, on Thursday, October 2, 1828 / by John Conolly. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
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![be tauglit the changes of structure and the interruptions of function, whicli constitute disease. Chemistry and Bo- tany, in connection with the history of the nature and pro- perties of the materials drawn from the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms for medical purposes, having given them a general view of the powers of which physicians have availed themselves, in order to restore health when either structure or function was impaired; they have now to study, by the help of this and of other practical Chairs, the application, combination, and adaptation of these powers, and whatever bears upon the management of every form of malady to which human beings are liable. This is the end to which all their former labours have been directed; an end not to be attained without a previous devotion of time to the means just enumerated, and from a connection with which all their previous studies derive their principal value. It is my business, therefore, to enter into the history of diseases; to explain their causes, as far as they have been discovered; to describe their varieties, as far as they have been observed; to point out their symptoms, their distinc- tive features, their tendencies, their results; and then to instruct my pupils in what manner these evils are to be met; how resources are to be used or devised against them; how their causes are to be averted or destroyed; how the effects are to be distinguished; how their results are to be prevented or removed. I should justly be suspected of taking a very imperfect view of my duties, if, on commencing such a task, so im- portant, so extensive, I did not feel and acknowledge a deep sense of the responsibility I have incurred;—if I did not confess, that ever since I was elected to this office, I have been anxiously occupied in reflecting upon the best means of performing its duties so as to be useful to those who come to me for instruction. In the introductory part of my]Course, I shall so far de- part from custom as to say very little on the mere History](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b21916445_0006.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
