Page:Memoirs of John Abernethy, F. R. S., with a view of his lectures, writings, and character (IA 39002086429751.med.yale.edu).pdf/17

 PREFACE

TO

THE FIRST EDITION.

In submitting to the Public 2 Memoir of a great man, it may naturally be expected that an author should endeavour to convey to them some idea of the associations, or other cireum- stances, which have prompted the undertaking.

My father practised on the borders of a forest, and when he was called at night to visit a distant patient, it was the greatest treat to me, then a little boy, to be allowed to saddle my pony and accompany him. My father knew the forest nearly as well as his own garden; but still in passing bogs im impenetrable darkness, the more refined topography of a forester would �