we quote one remark, which impresses the importance of a requisition, the essential basis of all scientific inquiries—namely, a careful collection of facts.
"In proportion as we advance in knowledge," says Mr. Abernethy, "we are led to record many circumstances in the progress of the disorder which had before passed without notice, but which, if known and duly attended to, would clearly point out to us the nature and remedy of the complaint. Hence the records of former cases are of much less value, as the symptoms about which we are now anxious to inquire, have in them been entirely overlooked."
[23] Bichat, Eloge de Desault. Œuvres.
CHAPTER XI.
ABERNETHY'S EXPERIMENTS ON THE MUSCLES IN FROGS, ETC.
"There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy, Horatio," is a sentiment which, in some form or other, occurs to the most uninformed peasant, and to the most profound philosopher.
The very small difference between the acquisitions of the two, however marvellous when viewed abstractedly, sinks into nothing when compared to the secrets of nature which yet remain unexplored. This comparison is the true source of that humility which, while it adds dignity to the acquirements of intellect, is the foundation on which we may most securely rest the hope of increasing possessions.