Page:An Essay on the Antiquity of Hindoo Medicine.djvu/15

 N commencing a course of lectures, it is usual to give some account of the origin and history, the objects and uses of the subject to be entered upon, by teacher and student. The practice has its advantages, in many respects, for all ought to be acquainted both with the object and the use of any study they are about to commence; but few can be interested about the history of a subject with which they are supposed to be totally unacquainted. Though a lecturer may usually choose any part of his subject for his introductory discourse, there are occasions when he feels it expedient to give his own views on the subject to be studied. As I consider that to be my case, I shall enter at once into a consideration of the objects of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, and the sciences with which they are connected, and without which they cannot be understood; adding a short survey of the history of the science, and concluding with some observations on the modes and means of teaching.

Materia Medica treats of the nature in general of medicines, and Therapeutics of their application in the treatment of disease. 'All substances which are applied to diseased organs, with a view to cure or relieve, and which possess this virtue, independent of their nutritive qualities, are medicines.' They are obtained from both the Organic and Inorganic kingdoms, i.e. from the Vegetable and Animal, as well as from the Mineral kingdom. It is necessary, therefore,