Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/330

 only employ the Understanding, or furnish us with such Conveniencies as may be spared; since we see that several Nations which never had them lived very happily, and did very great Things in the World.

Before I begin my Comparison between Ancient and Modern Skill in Physick, it may be necessary to state the Difference between an Empirick, and a Rational Physician; and to enquire how far a Rational Physician may reason right, as to what relates to the curing of his Patient's Distemper, though his general Hypotheses be wrong, and his Theories, in themselves considered, insufficient. An Empirick is properly he who, without considering the Constitution of his Patient, the Symptoms of his Disease, or those Circumstances of his Case which arise from outward Accidents, administers such Physick as has formerly done good to some Body else that was tormented with a Disease which was called by the same Name with this that his Patient now labours under. A Rational Physician is he who critically enquires into the Constitution, and peculiar Accidents of Life, of the Person to whom he is to administer; who weighs all the known Virtues of the Medicines which may be