It has been supposed, that extensive reading rather impedes by overloading the mind, than assists by giving information. Reading, however, with judgment and discrimination will produce no such effect. The mind should be so regulated that each new fact may be combined with the former stock, or, if, in opposition, reserved for subsequent mature reflection. It will then come in aid, to limit, to confirm, or to invalidate preconceived opinions. If reading and practice proceed, pari passu, the advantages will be still more considerable.

Each new observation may be soon brought to its proper test, and its value consequently justly appreciated. Facts in medicine have lately accumulated so rapidly, that we are oppressed by the load rather than informed by the substance. To discriminate between the true and the false, the important and the trifling ones, is no easy task. To say that any author states as a fact what he does not know to be true must appear harsh, perhaps unjustifiable; but the internal evidence often shows, that the case cannot have existed as the writer (we should have said the author) describes. When we find the symptoms loosely detailed, the necessary connections omitted, the effects of medicines imperfectly or inconsistently described, we may rest assured that it is the manufacture of the closet. When we find violent complaints cured by the most inert remedies, we may be equally certain that the violence of the symptoms are magnified, or the real effects of the medicines disguised; and, as has been often hinted, when an inventor describes his plan as infallible, suspicion should open all her eyes to detect the fallacy; yet many such deceptions occur with no culpable intention. A young sanguine practitioner seems to think every case the same, and always finds wonderful benefit from his plans. When he reviews them with a calmer, more experienced eye, he doubts whether they have been so successful as he supposed, or indeed whether they have succeeded at all. This is not indeed a singular case: it is the unavoidable progress of the mind from youth to age, from confidence to doubt, from hesitation to scepticism.

The mind of the physician should, in the most arduous and difficult circumstances, be unruffled. Doubt and hesitation should never be seen in his countenance, or in unsteady, vacillating councils. In the midst of uncertainty he should be calm. In the most adverse events, while he may express his surprise, he should never appear without his resources, nor until the case be wholly desperate should he suffer those around him to despair. For doubt and apprehension of the event there may be a more early foundation, and suspicions may be cautiously suggested that, should any given remedy fail, the danger would be increased.

In emergencies, friendly and affectionate anxiety may suggest additional advice, or a remedy of a doubtful quality and uncertain effects, the boasted panacea of some fashionable quack, recommended by an archbishop, a judge, or any other old woman; for, in such circumstances, each appellation is synonymous. No physician, whatever may be his character, is justified in refusing professional assistance, when required; nor, to his coadjutor, in this respect, ought he to withhold whatever his former experience with the patient has taught him. If he gains from his assistant, the patient has the advantage; it is his fault if the patient suffers. In every consultation it should be known whether the first or the second has the implicit confidence of the patient and his friends; and the conduct should be suitable.

In the administration of a quack remedy more caution is necessary. It should be known whether it is a mere name without effect, or whether it has any decided positive power. If the former, it may be indulged; nor is it a great sacrifice, in case of a fortunate event, that the medicine has the credit, if, in contrary circum stances, the friends of the patient feel satisfied that every thing which art could devise has. been attempted. This doctrine we know will not be popular among physicians; but they ought to recollect, that to cure their patient is their first object; to gain fame, a secondary one. If indulged with their favourite remedy, they will agree to combine other means; confidence will be supported, hopes raised, the spirits cheered; and, in case of a sinister event, the candour and liberality of the practitioner will secure general esteem. Yet he would merit the severest censure, if, indulging such fancies and prejudices, he omitted, for a moment, the efforts which he yet retained. The conduct we recommend is only justifiable where the case is desperate, or the boasted panacea inert.

In some circumstances, however, the remedy is active, and the ingredients well known. The physician must then decide whether it is adapted to the complaint, or whether its effects may not be too powerful. When he has stated, fully and impartially, his opinion, the friends or the patient must determine. We think, that he is not justified in leaving, as has happened, the patient to his fate. It is rather his duty to look on, to watch, to regulate, or correct any errors. He may-yet save the devoted victim from destruction, from falling a sacrifice to prejudices either his own or his mistaken friends.

There is yet another situation in which an active quack medicine may be allowed. In continued chronic complaints the patient is often weary of his physician, and willing to try the recommendation of some interested adviser. He has, for instance, been using a mercurial alterative, and wishes to try Spilsbury's drops. They are no other. Why then may he not be indulged? Low indeed must be the credit of his physician, if he should sufferby adding one to the many boasted cures performed by this medicine, which is only the hydrargyrus muriatus in small doses, a preparation of mercury generally employed. Yet we must repeat, that, in every such instance, the physician is inexcusable if he do not guard the patient against any probable inconvenience that may result from the supposed qualities of the secret remedy, and suggest the best methods of preventing them. These few remarks we have suggested as a kind of supplement to the very liberal and judicious observations of Dr. Gregory in his most valuable lectures on the "Duties and Qualifications of a Physician," and to this work we would refer the young practitioner for his more general conduct.