Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/150

 To observe the want of exactness in the Cutts or Figures, hitherto given of the Brain: and although he acknowledgeth, that the best Figures, hitherto made of that part are those of Dr. Willis, yet he finds several faults committed here and there, and conceives, there are many things to be added for making them perfect: which certainly this able Anatomist will consider further, and according to his Ingenuity, as he shall see cause, rectify, if the Author of the Book, deflected on, prevent him not.

Having thus discussed the hitherto practised way of dissecting the Brain, and the litle light to be derived thence, together with the defectiveness of the Figures belonging thereto, he leavtth it to the Consideration of Judicious men, what saith is to be given to the Explications made upon such unsolid foundations; and that done, he declares, which are the two only ways for attaining the true knowledge of an Engine; ''viz. One, by having the contrivance of it discovered by the Author himself; the other,'' by taking it in pieces to the very least parts, and examining them all both severally and joyntly. The former not being to be expected, he excites the Lovers of real knowledge to the careful performance of the latter; excusing in the mean time those two sorts of persons, that hitherto have addicted themselves to Anatomical researches, ''viz. Physitians and Chirurgions,'' for not having made satisfactory discoveries by their labors, and alleadging on their behalf their want of time requisite for this purpose; the ill consequence of which he represents to be, that they often undertake to cure a Body, of which they know not the Structure, which is no better, (saith he) then if a man would repair or wind up an Engin, the parts of which he is ignorant of. And as for Professors of Universities or other Schools, he judges them not so proper for that particular application, and the variety of methods of dissecting; both which is necessary for examining every the smallest part, and the observe thereof, there being sometimes required whole years for finding out one onely thing, that perhaps may afterwards be demonstrated to others in one hour; which he exemplifyes by divers instances of Discoveries, made by some of the modern Anatomists.