Lecture on the necessity of the study of physiology : delivered before the American Institute of Instruction at Hartford, August 22, 1845 / by Edward Jarvis.

  • Jarvis, Edward, 1803-1884.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Lecture on the necessity of the study of physiology : delivered before the American Institute of Instruction at Hartford, August 22, 1845 / by Edward Jarvis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    PHYSIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE USEFUL BEFORE OTHERS. But in all this, there is one thing wanting, one study of primary interest omitted —the man has yet neglected to prepare himself to meet one responsi- bility, that, for every child of earth, comes first in the course of human life. Before a man can become a geographer, a calcula- tor, or grammarian, before he can reason or write, be- fore he can be a merchant, a sailor, or mechanic, be- fore he can engage in any of the occupations of the world or share in any of the burdens of society, he is appointed to live. He may not necessarily be a trader, a traveller, a chemist, or an astronomer, but he must necessarily breathe, eat, and exercise, and carry on all of the functions of the living body. The necessity of superintending the operations of life within his own body, inevitably falls upon every one, of every condition and every age. Whatever else he may be engaged in, whatever may be his tastes and means, this necessity comes upon him; it comes first, it takes precedence of all. Without wishing to say any thing in derogation of the preparation for other responsibilities of life, whether certain or uncertain, I think I do them no injustice, if I now and here urge upon you the ne- cessity of giving a high and front rank to the study of the Laws of Physical Life. It is to these laws of Physical Life, to Physiology that I wish to call your attention in this lecture.