Page:The Hunterian Oration, delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons ... February 14, 1817 (IA b22009358).pdf/14

6 of accidents and disease; which is clearly demonstrative of a most sagacious mind, intently employed in watching the progress of symptoms, and the curative powers of nature. The great fund of knowledge contained in those of his works that have survived the ravages of time, and there is reason to fear that much has been lost, clearly proves that the Healing Art had been cultivated with ardour long before the time of Hippocrates. But although we have few or no accounts that can be depended upon, of the individuals to whom, in this respect, the world is indebted, there is great probability in believing that his pages record all the most valuable knowledge of his predecessors, at least upon those subjects of which he treats. This opinion may confidently be �