Page:The Hunterian Oration 1832.djvu/28

 —It is scarcely necessary for me to remind the assembly, which I am now addressing, that the fate of surgery is inseparably connected with that of anatomy : hence, in the dark ages, when the latter branch of knowledge was totally neglected, the former was in the lowest state of degradation. Empiricism usurped the place of science, and one circumstance was then exemplified, which presents a singular contrast to what is seen at the present day; namely, the rich and powerful were compelled to resign their purses and often their lives to ignorant pretenders, because no better assistance could be obtained; but now, when this disadvantage no longer exists, we find the noble and opulent voluntarily coming forward in Courts of Justice, as the patrons and dupes of murderous quackery, and, in opposition to all common sense and common decorum, spontaneously selecting the felonious charlatan, as the fit object of their protection and confidence.

When I join with such occurrences the present state of the laws of this kingdom, as having a decided tendency to promote the silent, but