Page:Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ser 03 vol 05).djvu/49

Rh presuming, interrogatively, that the work of Sir Thomas Watson was their principal reference and authority on the subject of which it treated, was promptly answered, "not so, we prefer that of your countryman, Dr. Wood." The fame which had been derived from his previous publications was greatly enhanced and extended by this very able production. It took rank at once as one of the most complete and reliable works extant. Six editions have been printed, and others may be expected, for, notwithstanding the appearance of later treatises traversing the same ground in all the light of modern science, it still deservedly maintains its place in public estimation; and, unlike the generality of medical books, gives promise long to survive its learned and lamented author. Clearness, vigor and beauty of style, simplicity of arrangement, fulness and accuracy of description, are a few of its many excellences. Nearly a generation has elapsed since its publication, and it would he strange if, in the rapid progress of inquiry, its pathology on some subjects had not become rather antiquated, and its therapeusis also arraigned, if not partially discarded. It must not be forgotten, however, that in regard to those points of treatment from which there is most dissent, the profession, hastily casting off from its ancient moorings, and going, as often happens in such cases, from one extreme to the other, has scarcely even yet attained to a haven of rest. It being hardly supposable that the older physicians were so universally in error, it has been suggested that the type of disease has changed, and that it is now less openly inflammatory, or more asthenic, than it was in their day. There are many reasons which may be adduced in support of this view, and it is certain that maladies of a low or typhoid character, depending upon cerebral depression and impaired