To conclude, I think it requisite to observe, that, dreadful as the bite of a mad dog is, when the poison has infected the unfortunate patient, yet this unlucky accident happens much seldomer, than mankind from the dread of the misfortune, are apt to apprehend it does. Many nostrums are published as specifics, and their virtue artfully confirmed, with cases of being bit by dogs, that had however not the least symptom of madness; and thence cures enumerated, that could have no foundation on reality; by which artifices much mischief has been done in real cases. Due observance should therefore be had to the state of the dog that has given the wound, and the circumstances attending; that either the patient may not be brought into unnecessary pain, or that proper and substantial remedies may not be neglected.
LECTURE V.
OF
FEVERS AND
INFLAMMATORY DISEASES,
AND
THEIR PROPER METHOD OF TREATMENT.
We now proceed to the more internal diseases; in which, the various steps that we intend to take of restoring health again, must be guided with the greatest caution, as the seat of the malady is hid from our external examination.
It is for this very reason I designed previously to prepare the reader with the two first lectures; particularly the second, I must beg the reader thoroughly to examine, and to understand; for on this will in a great measure depend the proper application of the various experienced remedies, which I here mean to unfold.