When these conditions are observed, it is very rarely that we cannot detect organic affections in organs in which there may be no present symptoms. In relation to the extent to which they may be affected, it is true we have yet much to learn; still, if cases be judged of not by the history merely, nor by the symptoms merely, but by both in conjunction, and if to these be added a careful observation of the amount of work that the organs are separately or collectively doing, as compared with their natural proportions; together with a careful estimate of that which the actions of any visible disease may be eliminating from the body; then, indeed, we have good ground for hope that means will be opened to us of distinguishing more accurately various states of the system; and additional principles and powers disclosed of readjusting the disturbed balance of the various functions, which is the essential element of disease.
[29] "History of the Inductive Sciences."
[30] Butler's "Analogy."
CHAPTER XVI.
"MY BOOK" CONTINUED.
"La première chose qui s'offre à l'Homme quand il se regarde, c'est son corps. Mais pour comprendre ce qu'elle est, il faut qu'il la compare avec tout ce qui est au-dessus de lui, et tout ce qui est au-dessous, afin de reconnoître ses justes bornes."—Pascal, Pensées, Nature des Hommes, vol. ii, p. 57.
Abernethy, in impressing any anatomical fact, would sometimes say that we carried about with us in our own bodies excellent means of refreshing our impressions on many points of anatomy; but we may say this in a much more extensive sense with regard to the interpretation of that for which anatomy is alone useful—namely, the uses or functions of the body. It would be very possible for any observant person, who was moderately versed in the ordinary principles of correct reasoning, to detect many defects in medical investigations and practice; in the correction of which many of Abernethy's practical contributions consisted; but the mind, restlessly impatient to arrive at conclusions, often overlooks the most important facts, and deduces inferences directly from the evidence of the eye or other senses, without submitting it to such test as the intellectual faculty can alone supply. Nothing can exceed the mischief of this in serious matters, nor the absurdity of it, when we think awhile.