A course of fifteen lectures on medical botany, denominated Thomson's new theory of medical practice : in which the various theories that have preceded it are reviewed and compared : delivered in Cincinnati, Ohio / by Samuel Robinson ; with introductory remarks by the proprietor.

  • Robinson, Samuel.
Date:
1834
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A course of fifteen lectures on medical botany, denominated Thomson's new theory of medical practice : in which the various theories that have preceded it are reviewed and compared : delivered in Cincinnati, Ohio / by Samuel Robinson ; with introductory remarks by the proprietor. 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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    against the goodness of Divine Providence, that the i'ir- tinnts were often, not only destitute of the blessings of fortune, but of nature, and even the necessaries of life. To this objection St. Pierre returns to the following beautiful and profound answer : To this, said he, I re- ply, the misfortunes of the virtuous often turn to their advantage. When the world persecutes thern, they are generally driven into some illustrious career. Misfor- tunes are the road to great talents; or, at least, to great virtues, which are far preferable. It is not in your power, said Marcus Aurelius to a friend who was exhausting his breath upon the unequal distribution of the favours of the gods, it is not in your power to become a great natural philosopher, a poet, a mathematician, an orator, or an historian ; but it is in vour power to be an honest and a virtuous man, which is far superiour to them all! Use well the gifts the gods have given thee, and leave off repining at the good they have denied. For the very talents thou sighest after, are far from conferring happiness on their possessors. The splendour derived from successful studies, seldom repay the occupant for the lassitude and exhaustion of the mind, the feverish debility and throb of nervous ex- citement which thrill through all his frame. The peasant in his cot, perhaps has more real enjoy- ment, and certainly has more peace, and calm content- ednesB, than the philosopher, crushed to an untimely grave by the very magnitude of his studies. Inter silvas academi queerere vcrum, as the poet says : To search out truth through academic groves may be a very pleasing, but often is a very unprofitable occupa- tion. You may behold the scholar, pale, over his mid- night lamp, and far distant the golden dreams of honour and applause, which he is never destined to realize. How disconsolate is the condition of an intellectual be- intr who thus suspends his happiness on the praise and glory of the world ? The good Aurelius gave an advice, worthy of being inscribed in letters of gold. He who places his heart on material objects, or expects to draw the streams of consolation from the resources of the 3*