Page:The advancement of science by experimental research - the Harveian oration, delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, June 27th, 1883 (IA b24869958).pdf/55

 nated, but such instances are still doubtful, and they are of very rare occurrence; and, we believe, that with proper care they would never have happened. So also the disturbance from the vaccine inflammation may be followed by eczema or impetigo, or glandular enlargements; but these troubles would probabiy have arisen in cachectic children, even if vaccination had not been performed.

The science of pathology is advancing with rapid strides, but the fear is lest by hasty generalization, its progress be retarded, and that hypotheses imperfectly established be used as the solid bases upon which to build explanations of disease and modes of treatment. The safeguard against these disastrous results lies in the plan adopted by Harvey in the study of the circulation of the blood, patient research, direct experiment and exact observation. Every one interested in the advancement of medical science must, we think, desire that those hindrances which have been formed by mistaken sentimentalism may be laid aside, and that true knowledge