By the study of Anatomy.
How may one learn to know the Distempers relating to Surgery, and the Remedies appropriated for them?
Two several ways; viz. 1. By the reading of good Books, and Instructions receiv'd from able Masters of that Art. 2. By practice and the Observation of what is perform'd by others upon the Bodies of their Patients.
What are the Diseases in general that belong to Surgery?
They are Tumours, Impostumes, Wounds, Ulcers, Fractures, Dislocations, and generally all sorts of Distempers whereto Manual Operations may be applyed.
What are the Instruments in general which are commonly used in Surgery for the curing of Diseases?
They are Five; viz. the Hand, Bandages, Medicines, the Incision-Knife, and Fire.
What is the general Practice which ought to be observ'd in the Application of these different helps?
Hippocrates teacheth us, in saying, that when Medicines are not sufficient, recourse may be had to the Incision-Knife, and afterward to Fire; intimating that we must proceed by degrees.