We shall have to revert to these points when, in conclusion, we consider the variety and importance of his contributions to the science of his profession, and why they were not still more numerous. The latter, though perhaps the less grateful, is by no means the least useful portion of biographical analysis.
Commencing his lectures in Bartholomew Close, they soon seem to have attracted notice. The anatomical courses, which were always on a similar plan, were very skilfully framed to interest and instruct the students. The arrangement of the matter was such, that the dry details of anatomy were lighted up by a description, not only of the purposes served by the various parts, but by as much as could be conveniently included of the diseases or accidents to which they were subject; and thus the juxtaposition of the structure, function, and diseases, naturally tended to impress the whole.
Diseases of more general site, and which therefore did not fall conveniently under discussion in describing any one part, were reserved for a separate course of lectures. It was in this course that he more fully developed those general principles on which his reputation more especially rests. Of his inimitable manner we shall speak hereafter.
He was one of the first who insisted on the great importance of Comparative Anatomy, in studying the uses of the several parts of the human body. Were it not for the comparison of the relations of various parts in different animals, we should be continually the victims of hypotheses, which the juxtaposition or other characters of organs in any one animal are constantly suggesting. Here necessity compels the observance of that rule of inductive philosophy, which seeks not for the true relation of any one thing in itself, but from universals, from uses and application which are common to other things. In one case nature makes that luminously clear, which is only dimly shadowed forth in another; and in seeing organs under every conceivable variety of circumstance, we learn to estimate at their full value characteristics which are common to and inseparable from all—the only point whence we can securely deduce their real uses in the animal economy. Of this, Abernethy early saw and inculcated the advantages.
As it was impossible to combine anything like a comprehensive study of a vast science in the same course with lectures on human Anatomy, he was accustomed, at the conclusion of the course, to devote a lecture or two to select illustrations of this important subject. This he ultimately relinquished, the universal admission of the fact rendering it no longer necessary.
We shall have occasion, by and by, to record the circumstances under which one of the most important steps was taken for securing the interests of Comparative Anatomy in this country—a proceeding in a great degree owing to the good sense and personal influence of Abernethy, and exemplifying, in the admirable fitness of the individual[16], the penetrative perception of character which distinguished his early Preceptor in Anatomy.
We have little doubt that we have now entered on the most laborious part of Abernethy's life, and that, during this and some succeeding years, his exertions were so great and unremitting, as to have laid the foundation of those ailments which, at a comparatively early period of life, began to embitter its enjoyment, and to strew the onward path with the elements of decay and suffering.
He lectured himself on anatomy, physiology, and pathology, besides surgery—subjects which are now usually divided between three or four teachers. There is abundant evidence that he was an attentive observer of what was going on in the hospital. He was assiduous in visiting most places where any information was to be obtained. We find him attending Mr. Hunter's lectures, and constantly meditating on what he heard there; thus seeking opportunities of making himself more and more familiar with those opinions which, in his view, on most of the points to which they related, were definite—cautiously deduced—not always clear, perhaps; but, when understood, truthful.
He endeavoured further to mature an accurate perception of Mr. Hunter's views, by seeking private conferences with him; and Hunter kindly afforded him facilities for so doing. We have Abernethy's own acknowledgment of this, coupled with his regret that he could not more frequently avail himself of them. Indeed, when we consider that Abernethy lived at this time in St. Mary Axe, or in Mildred's Court in the Poultry,—that he was lecturing on the sciences I have mentioned,—that he was observant of cases at the hospital (a very timeful occupation),—and consider the distance between these points and Mr. Hunter's residence in Leicester Square, or his school in Windmill Street,—we see there could not be much time to spare. It was not, however, merely during the time at which he was delivering his lectures that he was thus actively employed. We have, not unfrequently, evidence that he was often at the hospital late in the day, in the most leisure season of the year, when perhaps his senior had, during his absence in the summer, confided the patients to his care.
We used to get, occasionally, such passages as these in the lectures: "One summer evening, as I was crossing the Square of the hospital, a student came running to me," &c. Very significant of continued attention during the summer or leisure season—he not being, be it remembered, other than an assistant-surgeon, and not, therefore, necessarily having duties at the hospital.