AN
ORATION
ON THE
Improvement of Medicine.



AN 
ORATION.
ON THE
IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE:
PRONUONCED BEFORE A RESPECTABLE AUDITORY AUDITORY OF 
CITIZENS, IN THE FEDERAL HALL IN THE CITY
OF NEW-YORK; ACCORDING TO APPOINTMENT-
MENT OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK:
At their Anniversary meeting, on the 16th January, 1794.
By AMASA DINGLEY, Physician.
'IHTPIKH' Tεχνεων μεν παδεωv 'εδΤv' επrϕαaνεδTαTη
IΠΠOKPATOYΣ NOMOΣ.
Errores non sunt Artis, sed artificum. NEWTON.
Haud equidem credo, quia fit sivinitus illis
Ingenitum, aut rerum fato prudentia major:
Verum, ubi Tempestas et cœli mobilis humor,
Mutavere vias; et Jupiter uvidus Austris,
Densat.erant quæ rara modo; et quæ densa, relaxat;
Vertuntur species animorum: P. V. MARO.
SECOND EDITION.
NEW-YORK,
PRINTED BY JOHN BUEL, №. 151, WATER STREET,
CORNER OF FLY-MARKET.
M, DCC, XCV. 

TO THE PUBLIC. 
THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE IS THE
SUPREME LAW. Therefore, to the people the following
pages are dedicated. To them it belongs to fix the merit
of every work, and to appretiate the true character of every
citizen; for they are the only legitimate source of sovereignty.
If these pages contain any thing useful or new, the people
will approve it, and give credit to the Author for a part of the
debt, which he owes to society. The remainder shall be paid
hereafter. If, on the contrary, this pamphlet should be found to
have no tendency to promote the interests of medicine and of truth,
the people will reject it; for their good sense will enable them
to judge accurately and determine fairly.
A. D.
February, 1794.
ADVERTISEMENT.
THIS Pamphlet was intended for the benefit of the
Medical Society, and for the entertainment of the Gentlemen who
honored the speaker by hearing him—Several of his friends
considered the facts and sentiments contained in it not unworthy
of publication—The Society also unanimously requested "A Copy
of the Discourse", which they were pleased to denominate,
"judicious and excellent, for the PRESS." This polite
demand was obeyed—And afterwards a few copies were printed
at the request of those friends, whose judgement the Author
respected more than his own—Frequent enquiries having been
made for the pamphlet, since that time, the performance, now
in the form of a new edition, and not without the hope of pro-
moting the common good, solicits the candid attention of the
PUBLIC.
New-York, January, 1795. 

An ORATION, &c. 
GENTLEMEN,
A SHORT contemplation of the animal œconomy will
convince us that life cannot be perpetual, under the
present mode of existence: For we quickly perceive, by
the law of our nature, we are subjected to changes, disease
and death. From the first disease that affected man, the
healing are must have taken its origin; as it is natural to
believe that mankind must have been thus early impelled
by sickness and pain to seek the remedies that nature afford-
ed for the removal or mitigation of their misery.-It is a
pleasing and useful speculation, to trace our art from this
embryo state to its present condition of improvement and
maturity. In the dawn of medical knowledge, the evo-
lutions of the human mind must have been slow and imper-
fect. Great distress must have been suffered before many
medical facts could have been investigated; and after all,
these must have been the result of individual exertion. But,
in the course of revolving time, and by the progress of
civilization, the collective energies of men, under the be-
nign influences of freedom and the social compact, are con-
centred to a point, for accelerating the perfection of the
arts and sciences. Among these, if you except agricul-
ture, and the art of teaching children to think accurately
and act well, the first in use, and the first in dignity, is
the Healing Art, or the Science of Life.—Yours is the hap-
piness "to associate for the express purposes of promoting
social
B 

6 AN ORATION ON THE 
social and professional intercourse, as a happy means of disse-
minating medical knowledge; of investigating the diseases and
remedies peculiar to our country, and thereby to lessen human
misery; and of giving respectability and order to the practice
of Physic"* And, I trust, it may be added, of collecting,
methodising and publishing medical facts and observations
for the benefit of this age and of posterity.
LET it then be the design of this discourse, to call your
attention to the Improvement of Medicine: For this will
necessarily lead me, concisely, to point out some of the
principal objects of the Institution, by which the advanta-
ges derivable from this establishment will be rendered ob-
vious to the Community; and, to shew some of the means
of making the Institution useful to the citizens, and honor-
able to its members.
THE novelty of the occasion, as well as the mixed aspect.
of medical affairs, seemed to require that something should
be offered on this subject. A short essay on some therapeu-
tic subject, perhaps, would be more acceptable to several
of the members.—But, to adopt this plan, I trust, will
fulfil your design in appointing an anniversary discourse,
and at the same time, be productive of more general utility.
A DIFFIDENCE of my own abilities, would have forbid-
den my appearing before you on this occasion, had I not
been confident of enjoying the exercise of that candour and
generosity of sentiment, while an attempt is made to per-
form the duty you have assigned me, which has been so
often conspicuous in your stated meetings.
THE medical and philosophical societies in Europe have
already, done much to promote and accomplish the excel-
lent
* Vid. Constitution and By Laws of the Society. 

7 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE 
lent designs for which you are associated. They have
brought us to the gate of the temple of nature; they
have drawn aside the veil of ignorance and mysteries; they
have invited us to enter and accompany them, as patient
inquirers in the investigation of life, health, and disease.
With the other parts of united America, let us join our
Brothers of the old world, in this excellent work of the
study of nature. Thus shall we pay a debt that is due to
society and mankind, and "learn* to venerate ourselves as
men." For, in the great republic of human nature, these
societies are what virtuous families are in a single State.
NORTH America is replenished with a rich variety of
objects for the improvement of every branch of medicine.-
After we have attended to the geography of our country,
one of the first subjects that should arrest our attention, is
the effect that is produced on the public health, by the
progress of agriculture, and the consequent salutary changes
of our climates.
THE changes of temperature, and local situation, that
are constantly taking place on this globe, afford subjects for
useful medical researches.- It may be permitted to adduce
a few facts to illustrate this point.- All the northern and
western parts of America, exhibit a good picture of the
ancient condition of most of the European climates:-
In 860, the Mediterranean was covered with ice:
In 1296, the Baltic was frozen from Gothland to Sweden:
AND in 1423, the ice bore riding from Prussia to Lubeck.
IN
* Pythagoræ aurea carmino. Pythagoras fled from the tyranny of
Polycrates in Samos, to Crotona in Italy, where be founded a school of
physic: He was the first who joined the study of medicine with that of
philosophy. History of Surgery. 

8 AN ORATION ON THE 
IN the time of Galen, it was observed, that the peach-
tree could not flourish in Italy, by reason of the cold
of the winter.†
DURING these periods, most of the kingdoms in Europe
were overshadowed by impenetrable forests, and the greater
part of the people lived by hunting and plunder. But,
after a long interval of mental and moral darkness, when
agriculture, with the other arts, were restored, we find
no satisfactory account of the progressive melioration of
those climates, by clearing the countries of their forests
and perfecting agriculture. The solution of this problem
is left for the Physicians of America. To effect this de-
sirable object, many ingenious experiments and researches
are necessary.‖
IT will be useful to make methodical registers of the
thermometer, barometer,§ hydrometer, and ombrometer.
This will require a multiplicity of meteorological observa-
tions; and by experiments with the eudiometer and other
chemical investigations, perhaps, it will be found, that
the true cause of intermitting fevers, and various
other disorders, both epidemic and endemic, is the carbonic
acid,
 † Vide Dr. Forster's observations during Captain Cooke's voyage round
the world, 1772—1775: page 81.—Henry Home's sketches of the his-
tory of man.—Drs. Arbuthnot and Huxham on air.—Gibbon's Decline
and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 1, 8vo. Lond. 1788; particularly
chap. 1 and 2. See the improvements in agriculture, "and introduction
of fruits into the VVestern Empire; and chap. 9, climate of Germany
and its effects on the natives in the time of Decius.—Dr. Hunter's
Georgical Essays.
‖ Vide Jefferson's notes on Virginia.—Captain Carver's Travels.
§ From the history of the barometer, we know, that the weight of the
atmosphere is greater at one time than another, in the ratio of one tenth
of the baroscopic column of mercury; so great a difference cannot but
greatly affect us who are subject to it, seeing it amounts to 3200 lb. Dr.
Huxham. 

9 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
acid, as Bergman supposes;† or some other peculiar gas, or
mephitic exhalation, generated by fermentation in our
swamps and stagnant waters. By knowing the nature of
the cause, we shall gain much towards effecting a cure of
these destructive maladies.
THESE inquiries will also assist the Physician in explain-
ing and describing endemic and epidemic diseases, as well
as the diseases of cattle and all sorts of animals. And, as
the pathology of vegetables is a most interesting subject in
the materia medica, and in husbandry and gardening, the
farmer will remember that these studies will extend to the
diseases of his fruit-trees, his wheat, his corn, and all the
productions of the farm. Will not the farmer then
associate his labours with the physician to record useful facts
on these subjects? May not these studies enable medical men
to ascertain the origin of epidemics with more success and
certainty than has hitherto been done? Of how much utility
this may be to the commercial and political interests of our
country, need not be mentioned before this enlightened
audience.
BUT to effect these purposes completely, it will be
necessary to be constantly making additions of the best
modern publications to the Society's Library, which is
already an object of considerable advantage, especially
to the junior members. A Library has been called
medicine for the mind: A Medical Library is a common
bond of union among Physicians, and it renders the acqui-
sition of knowledge cheap and easy.
DR. SIMS, President of the London Medical Society,
and an honorary member of this institution, in his observa-
tions
† Vide Bergman's Physical and Chemical Essays.

10 AN ORATION ON THE
tions on epidemics, says, that his Medical Library, which
consisted of four thousand volumes, was inadequate to
furnish a sufficient number of authentic facts, from which
an accurate history of epidemic diseases could be made.*
This proves the necessity of collecting new facts, at the
same time that it mews the usefulness of a common and
well-chosen Library.
THE philosophy of the Atmosphere and Winds, so far
as they influence health, is an important subject. Which
winds are most salutary, and which most noxious?
The effects of Evaporation, Rain and Snow, on health,
remain to be explained. Is water held in solution in
Calorique—is it dissolved in air? Where do our most re-
markable winds begin—and where cease to blow? In what
sort of weather, and in which seasons of the year is oxygene
gas, or the vital part of the atmosphere, and hydrogene,
or inflammable gas,† subject to the greatest increase or
diminution? In dry seasons, what becomes of the water
taken up by evaporation, and what new combinations
take place to produce a condensation and precipitation of
water? In attending to this sublime Chemistry of Nature,
should we not carefully observe and record electric and
magnetic Phænomena? These are inquiries worthy of
the attention of a society of Physicians. Every inquiry of
this
* Vid. Memoirs of the Med. Society of Lond. vol. 1, 1787.
† Mr. CAVENDISH has shewn that this gas is at least ten times lighter
than common air: Mr. Lavoisier contends that it is one of the compo-
nent parts of water, and it is by him called hydrogene It is supposed to
afford their principal nourishment to vegetables, and thence to animals,
and is perpetually arising from their decomposition.—This source of it
in hot climates, and in summer months, is so great as to exceed estima-
tion. —Vid. Dr. Darwin's Botanic Garden.

11 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
this kind will contribute to an accumulation of facts for
completing an history § of the atmosphere.
THE rapid improvements in agriculture, and the increa-
sing commerce of these States, constantly bring us acquainted
with new articles in diet. The comparative effects of all
these, as well as those that have been habitual to the people,
ought to be carefully noted and explained.
THE diseases that will probably be produced by manufac-
tures in our country, will become an object of the greatest
consequence in a political point of view. It is to be expected
that new diseases will be discovered; but of those that are
now known among the class of citizens, who are employed
in the very useful labors of mechanics, there are many that
have not yet found a safe and perfect remedy. As it is
probable that most of the manufactures of these states will be
carried on by means of machinery, for facilitating the opera-
tions, rendering the productions better and cheaper, and
superseding manual labor; the diseases of all sorts of ingeni-
ous artisans * will often put the skill of the physician to the
test. In many, the ill effects of a sedentary life will be united
with the danger that arises from being exposed to poisonous
bodies and vapors necessarily employed in the manipulations
and operations of art. The substances, therefore, which
occupy the labors of the artist, also become objects highly
worthy of the study and observation of the Physician.
THE
§ When we observe phænomena, and collect facts, we form a history.
When we discover the nature and relations of phænomena and facts,
we acquire a science. When we apply the result of science as rules of
conduct, we practise arts.-Vid. Bruce's First Principles of Philo-
sophy.
* The surprising advances of Chemistry and the effects of its application
to manufactures; the wonderful combinations of Chemistry and Mecha-
nics, for the reduction of labour—These are the happy means by which
bankruptcy has been hitherto averted. The genius of Watt, Wedge-
wood, and Arkwright, has counteracted the expence and folly of the Ame-
rican War. 
Jasper Wilson's letter to Rt. Hon. Wm. Pitt. 

12 AN ORATION ON THE 
THE mariner, from the distinguished rank that he holds
in modern society, and especially in all commercial nations,
deserves great attention from the Physician. Several
of the diseases of seamen, and particularly the scurvy,
have hitherto baffled medicine. The investigation and
cure of their diseases remain, in a great measure, for
the future labours of medical men. In doing this,
many facts may be ascertained for the explanation of
that most remarkable property which exists in animal
bodies of accommodating themselves to the various condi-
tions of life; such as the changes of climate, heat and
cold, diet, action of body and mind, sleep and watching,
the healing; of wounds, and the re-union of broken bones.
To the honor of our country it may be said, that a large
proportion of the mariners are well instructed, and
they have an inquisitive spirit of observation. They can
furnish useful hints and remarks that ought to be examin-
ed, because they may lead to useful conclusions.
To investigate the diseases of mankind with success,
we must learn to look up to the heavens, as well as down
to the earth. The question respecting the effects of solar
and lunar attraction† on health, remains yet to be
solved, particularly as these effects may influence fevers,
hepatic diseases, puerperal medicine, animal secretion and
excretion, and the diseases of the mind.
VESALIUS, that great, injured name, * was the first
author of note who adventured to detect the errors of
Galen. In his work De Corporis Humani Fabrica, first publish-
ed in 1543, he attempts to prove that the gravity of the
fluids
† Dr. Mead, De Imperio Solis et Lunæ.
* Vid. Opera Andreæ Vesalius, and Manning's Physiology. 

13 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
fluids contained in the veins and arteries, exerts no manner
of effect within them, so far as relates to the principles of hy-
draulics. There are, however, some pathological appearances
that favor the supposition that the effect of the gravity of
the fluids is not entirely lost, in their living and containing
vessels or tubes, particularly in hydropic patients. But, the
doctrine of Vesalius has lately been adopted by an ingenious
author,* who has rejected, entirely, the mechanical philoso-
phy from his system, after it had long been ingeniously
defended by Boerhaave and others. There belongs to
animal and vegetable bodies, an organization differing
essentially from all other modifications of matter. And, to
this organization there is superadded a quality,called, irritabi-
lity, nervous, inherent or contractile Power, by some; Excitabi-
lity, by others, on which the functions of life depend. There-
fore all the supposed analogies, with the innumerable errors
thence resulting, between animate and inanimate bodies,ought
to be rejected from rational Medicine. On this subject
much remains to be done.
IT is one of your professed designs to establish an exten-
sive chemical museum, to contain all the natural productions of
this state, that are the objects of medical chemistry. This
must necessarily furnish a large correspondence with the non-
resident members, who are gentlemen of learning and inge-
nuity, and being on the places that furnish these productions,
much of the honor of perfecting this establishment will fall to
them—-Our country is rich in articles of Botany,‡ and our
C 
materia
* Vid. Joannis Brunonis, M. D. Elementa Medicinæ. Sect, cvii.
cx. Editio prima.
‡ My highly respected friend. Dr. S. L. Mitchill, Professor of
Chemistry and Botany, in the College of New-York, has favored
me with a communication containing the following note on a
Botanic Garden; and a translation of Girtanner's Theory of
Respiration 

14 AN ORATION ON THE 
materia medica might be copiously furnished in America,
from all the three kingdoms of nature. A history of these
substances, some of which are contained in the unsettled west-
ern territories, is a desideratum in physic; I hope therefore
it will not be deemed too enthusiastic to anticipate the happy
day when New-York shall boast of its Pharmacopœia,that shall
vie with those of Europe, in its account of new and more
successful remedies, effected by the associated labours of
this society.
The investigation of the American Materia Medica,†
would lead us to a better acquaintance with the state of
medicine among the Indians; and to a more perfect
knowledge
Respiration, (vid. page 22.) which are inserted on account of
their beneficial aspects on the true interests of our country; as
well as for a testimony of my sincere respect and esteem for the
virtues and talents of that Gentleman:
"Note on a Botanic Garden."
" The Trustees of Columbia College, have made BOTANY
a part of their system of public Education; but, although they
have constituted a Professorship, and appointed a Professor, still
no provision has hitherto been made for a Botanic Garden.
This establishment is so nearly connected with Botany, that the
Lectures must ever be very lame and defective without it. Nothing
but a more full conviction of its importance and utility, is want-
ing, to set on foot such an institution, and to carry it into effect.
A Botanic Garden is one of the genteelest and most beautiful of
public improvements. It comprizes within a small compass, the
history of the vegetable species of our own country, and by the intro-
duction of exotics, makes us acquainted with the plants of the most
distant parts of the earth. By facilitating experiments upon
plants at this time, when the theory of nutrition and manures is
such an interesting desideratum, it may be considered as one of the
means of affording substantial help to the labours of the Agricul-
tural Society, and of improving in some degree the practice of
modern husbandry. When these things are duly considered, it
can scarcely be doubted that Botany will receive a further share
of public patronage."
† As a specimen of what has been done in this way, see Materia
Medica Americana, potissimum vegni vegitabilis. Autore, D.J. David
Schoepf. 8 vo. Erlangae, 1787. 

15 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
knowledge of the antiquities of our country. We shall
have more reason to undertake this desirable work, when
we advert to what has been said on the subject, by one
of the most celebrated writers on the Materia Medica,
that this or any other age has produced.
PROFESSOR Cullen did not hesitate to assert, that, the
errors of false experience are so numerous, that, the
writings on the Materia Medica are for the most part a
compilation of mistakes and falshoods. And he adds,
that, these errors arise from the obstinacy of old pro-
fessors, and their blind attachment to theory, as well as
the vanity of young physicians being the authors of obser-
vations that are hastily made and dressed in the closet;
and, besides, many of the operations of nature have been
falsely imputed to the effects of medicines pretendedly found-
ed on experience.* So distant are they from a true and
faithful delineation of nature.†
AFTER these facts are mentioned, it will be scarcely
necessary to enumerate the frauds and sophistications of
Chemistry and Pharmacy.
To avoid error, under all these circumstances, would
require the hands of Briareus, together with the eyes of
Argus.—And, how can these evils be removed, but by
explaining the materia medica of our own country?
On this occasion, it may not be improper to observe,
that by abolishing all nostrums, or secret remedies in your
society, and by making it a sufficient cause of ineligibility to
the membership, if any Candidate should hold, use or vend
any
* See the accurate delineation of true and false experience, by
Dr. Zimmermann, in his treatise on experience in physic.
† Vid. Cullen's Treatise on the Mat. Med. vol. 1. 

l6 AN ORATION ON THE 
any nostrum, you have, in this particular, vindicated the
profession from the imputation of quackery. The to-
leration and encouragement of this practice, have, with the
enchantments of Mesmer's animal magnetism, and other
popular impositions, uniformly been most fertile and dis-
graceful sources of empiricism.
WITH their government, the French have regenerated
their medicine, the annals of which have not been stained
with blood, like those of their politics; because their war
has not been carried on against reason and truth, but a-
gainst error and tyranny.
FRANCE, in her present volcanic state, like fiery Ætna,
perhaps, may destroy a Pliny, but, she has however, thrown
out many precious substances, that will enrich the world.
Among these the Nouveau Plan de Constitution, pour la Me-
decine en France,† deserves to be considered as one of the
first good fruits of their political regeneration. From this
plan we learn, that the Medical Society at Paris have
exerted the most active vigilance to oppose the dangerous
illusions of ignorance; and the nation have decreed, that
for the future, " No Medicines shall be kept secret."
IT remains among the desiderata of the healing art,
to shew the advantages that may result to medicine
from Electricity; and to determine in what cases and in
what manner this powerful agent may be further employed
for the advancement of the health and happiness of
mankind. A sage of America " invaded the lowering
sky," and was able to arrest, controul, and bring down
from the clouds this omnipresent‡ agent in the great
operations
† See a translation of this excellent work in the Med. Comment.
for 1792, Edinburgh.
‡ Ignis ubique latet, naturam amplectitur omnem ;
Cuncta parit, renovat, dividit, unit, alit. VOLTAIRE.

17 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
operations of nature. To give a triumph and consum-
mation to the art, requires a complete examination and
discovery of its action and effects on animal bodies. In
doing this, we have reason to hope, that many of the
perplexities that have hitherto embarrassed the doctrines
of inflammation and animal heat, as well as several other
phenomena of the animal economy will be happily solved.
Is electricity an inflammable fluid, subject to a
law of elective attraction? If heat be the oscillatory
motion of the minute particles of bodies, wherein does
animal and vegetable heat differ from that of inanimate
or unorganized * bodies? What are the extremes of
heat consistent with animal and vegetable life? What
degrees of heat are sufficient to destroy animal, vegetable,
mineral, and aerial poisons and contagions? The subject of
poisons and contagions opens an immense field for the re-
searches of Medical Philosophy.
IT still remains to determine the full effects of warm
and cool bathing, both partial and general, on animal
bodies. The baths lately made in this city and its neigh-
bourhood, afford excellent opportunities for experiments
in this subject. What are the combined operations of
moisture, under different degrees of temperature, motion
and pressure?
IT is now well known, if a person should be immerged
two feet under water, and the area of his skin be fifteen
feet, he would sustain a weight of circumfluent water, pres-
sing on his whole surface, added to that of the air, equal
to two thousand two hundred and eighty pounds. How
will
* L'Organization, le sentiment, le movement spontané, la vie, n'exist-
ent qu'a la surface de la terre, et dans le lieux exposes a la lumiére.
Traité de Chymie par M. Lavoisier.

l8 AN ORATION ON THE 
will the circulations, thoracic and abdominal viscera, perspira-
tion and the nervous system, be affected by these circumstances?
THE ingenious, but unfortunate Stark, by experiments
on his own body, found that the perspiration is almost
twice as much, during those hours when the body is naked,
as it is in an equal space of time, when covered by our
ordinary garments:—By the same clear and decisive expe-
riments, it appears, that the perspiration is not half so great
for a given number of hours in the night, when in sleep, as
it is for the same number of hours in the day, when awake.
These discoveries have yet had very little influence on the
practice of physic.
IF we except the discovery of the circulation of the blood,
and that of the absorbent system, no modern discovery is
more useful than that of the perspiration. Is not this disco-
very to be perfected by future statical experiments?
WE are constantly told, that almost all diseases depend
on an increase or diminution of the perspiration; and that
cold constantly checks, and heat increases it. Perhaps we
seldom know when it is checked, or when it is increased—
In connection with this subject, will it not be useful to at-
tend to the effects of air and earth-bathing on animals.
An inquiry into the causes and cure of Cholera Infantum,
would be a work of the greatest utility. Infants are the hope
of society.* This disease destroys multitudes every year.—
What are the effects of tea and coffee on infants, received
by the medium of the milk of the mothers and nurses?
The Chinese avoid above all things, the drinking of tea on
a fasting stomach-§ In this city, the properties of the tea-
water,
* Vid. Dr. Gregory's Comparative View, and Dr. Hugh Smith's
Letters to Married Women---and Dr. Buchan's Domestic Medicine.
§ Vid. Du Halde's Description of the Empire of China. 

19 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
water, and the waters in the wells of the different parts of
the city should be examined, and their effects on health
recorded.
HOW far can the good effects of vegetation† on atmos-
pheric air, be restored to populous cities, by planting orna-
mental trees in the streets and public walks, and would this
have any influence in preventing or checking epidemics?
IN this country, the comparative effects of cyder, wine,
ardent spirits, and malt liquors, have not yet been fully
ascertained.
THE evils that arise from living in Cellars* and other
damp places deprived of free ventilation, and the effects of
stoves on the lungs and on the feet, would furnish a useful
subject for a medical memoir.
IRON has been found to be present in almost all organized
bodies: And, as it enters into the composition of animals,
answering important purposes in their œconomy, and is the
most valuable of all the metals; it becomes highly necessary
for the Physician to understand its medicinal uses.—This
can only be done by the aid of the new Chemistry, which
will teach us the nature of the Gases, and the laws of
elective attraction, which are capable of explaining many
of the mysteries of Pathology.
MIGHT not Inoculation be extended to many of the
eruptive diseases, with advantage; and the ferocious nature
of the Plague‖ if this country should ever be visited by that
calamity, and some other malignant epidemics, be rendered
much milder, and less destructive by this practice?
THE
† Vid. Priestley and Ingenhouz's experiments to shew the great power
of vegetables to purify the air, in the sun-shine.
* This pernicious practice is one of the peculiar aggravations of the
misfortunes of the poorer class of citizens in New-York.
‖ Vid. Gibbon's Roman Empire, vol. 7, 8vo. ch. xliii. Howard
on Prisons and Lazarettes. 

20 AN ORATION ON THE 
THE extremes of luxury and abstemiousness, the cus-
toms, manners and fashions of the people and their
habitations; the effects of celibacy† on health and political
prosperity; the artificial diseases originating in excess of
refinement; and in a particular manner, the all-conquer-
ing power of habit, present themselves to medicine, and
demand a large share of her study and careful attention.
A TRUE account of the effects of burying-grounds in
populous cities; an accurate bill of mortality; a general
registry of marriages and births; and an account of the
number of people who migrate into the United States,
and particularly into this city, would be attended with
great public advantages. In some places this work is
begun, by which it appears that many parts of New-
England are more remarkable for longevity than any
countries in Europe. This work never can be completed
but by the united labors of societies of active and
ingenious men. May not a future American PRICE want
facts to enable him to make calculations on the value of
lives, annuities and reversionary payments? And, may
not the future Historian of America want facts to enable
him to explain the true indoles and characteristics of the
people of a great Republic, that is to consist of a heterogeneous
and mixed mass of all the nations on earth?
The publication of Brunonis Elementa Medicinœ, will pro-
bably form a new Æra in the annals of the healing
art. You will therefore permit me to observe, if in the
18th century, a genius has appeared, the light of the
medical
† Vid. Gibbon on the effects of the monastic life, Roman
empire, chap. 37—and the present political, moral and physical
condition of the people of the West-Indies—Southern States of
America, and all other countries where the labour is principally
done by Slaves. 

21 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
medical world, to dissipate the darkness of hypothesis and
system, by the most successful application of philosophy
and general principles to the SCIENCE OF LIVING
MATTER; and if this author has been more successful
in demonstrating that man is nothing of himself, but
depends altogether on extraneous causes, and that all his
dormant energies must be wakened into motion by these
causes, before he can exhibit the phænomena of sense,
perception, thought, reasoning and action; then it follows,
that Philosophy, which is the immoveable basis of this
doctrine, must be more intimately studied by Physicians
than formerly. Hence, all the frivolous objections of some,
against this doctrine, that it leads to idleness and super-
ficial study; and all the vain pretensions of others, that
a few months of inattentive reading and a little practice,
according to this theory, are sufficient to make a good
Physician, fall with their authors to the ground.
THE author of the new theory of Medicine, had a fiery
imagination, which, like
"The Poet's eye, in a fine frenzy rolling,
"Did glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven,"*
and grasped the most distant analogies of nature. His
subtle genius did discover the nice connections and differ-
ences of animal facts and animal functions: And, his
profound and luminous judgment, by long and laborious
inductions, led him to conclusions, that, in their ultimate
practical effect, must be the source of innumerable evils,
or of uncounted blessings to mankind. Are these conclu-
sions true? Let them be acknowledged. Are they false?
Let them be confuted. Are they a mixture of truth and
error? Let the gold be separated from the dross.
D 
IT
*Shakespeare 

22 AN ORATION ON THE 
It yet remains, to determine the advantages that may
accrue to Medicine, from a faithful relation of unsuccess-
ful cases. We learn from the writings of CICERO and
JULIUS CÆSAR, not only the virtues, but also the
defects and errors of these personages. Physicians ought
not to be unwilling to publish their want of success in the
administration of Medicines; for this has hitherto been a
department in physic which has been much neglected:
Though Hippocrates and some others who have been
greater BENEFACTORS† to mankind than kings and
heroes, have given a few laudable examples in this way.
LONG has Medicine been traduced as a mere conjectural
and experimental art.* In a partial sense, this is true.—
It is also true of agriculture and politics: and even some
of the sublimer parts of the mathematics, are involved in
perplexities that the mind of NEWTON himself could not
perfectly remove.
IN this age, however, it is acknowledged by all candid
and well informed men, that many of the operations
of the animal œconomy are as well explained and
understood, as any phæomenon in natural Philosophy—
Many facts might be adduced in support of this declaration.
It is sufficient to instance the subjects of Digestion and
Respiration
† Among the physicians of this class in America, Dr. Z. Boylstone
and Dr. Douglas have merited a distinguished rank. To Dr. Boylstone
and the Rev. Dr. cotton Mather, America is indebted for the introduc-
tion of the practice of inoculating for the Small-Pox, Vid. Mather, Boyl-
stone Coleman's Historical account of the Small-Pox inoculated in
New-England. Boston, 1721—1730.
To Dr. Douglass of Boston, and Dr. C. Golden of New-York,
America is indebted for the first judicious method of treating the malig-
nant Quinsey, which prevailed in Boston and several other parts of Ame-
rica, in 1735 and 1736; and which has since that period, several times
prevailed being attended with great mortality, in this country. Vid.
Douglas de Angina Ulcusculosa.
* As nostra conjecturalis est—experimentis nitens. Celsus. 

23 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
Respiration. The former has been almost exhausted by the
lucid experiments and by the ingenious and successful labours
of Stevens, Spallanzani, Hunter, Senebier, and Carminati;
and the latter has been happily elucidated by Priestley,
Crawford, Lavoisier and Girtanner†.
THE stomach and the succus gastricus, afford an excel-
lent lesson of instruction. Who would not wish to profit
by it in all his enquiries? If we imitate the wonderful
operations of the organ so happily explained by the before-
mentioned authors, we shall find, that many a bulky
volume of hypotheses will pass down the primæ viæ of
our minds, without leaving more than a few sentences
of useful truth, to invigorate the mind of the Physician
in the acquisition of medical knowledge.
THESE facts will soon induce us to believe, that error
is the sole cause of the misery of man. That the detection
of error is the discovery of truth, is an excellent aphorism.
A faithful detail of medical errors, properly managed, would
have
†" Mr, Girtanner's Theory of respiration is briefly this :" " During
respiration the oxygene-gas of the atmosphere is decompounded. One
part of the oxygene unites with the venous blood and changes its dark co-
lour into a scarlet. Another part of the oxygene combines with the car-
bone which is disengaged from the venous blood, and forms carbonic acid
gas. A third portion of the oxygene connects itself with the carbone of
the dark coloured mucus, which is separated in the branches of the Trac-
hea in considerable quantity; and in like manner turns to carbonic acid
gas. A fourth portion of the oxygene, combines with the Hydrogene se-
parated from the venous blood, and constitutes the watery exhalation ma-
nifest in the breath.
" The caloric of the decompounded oxygene gas continues in part
with the combined oxygene, and together with it, forms a combination
with the venous blood; and hence proceeds the greater quantity of calo-
ric in the arterial than in the venous blood, as Crawford has remarked
Another part of the caloric goes into union with the carbonic acid gas
A third part of it enters into the formation of the Halitus.''—The pro
ducts of respiration he enumerates are these; 1st, a fluid animal oxyde
arterial blood. 2d, Carbonic acid gas. 3d, water. And 4th, a small
quantity of uncombined caloric. (Girtanner, anfangegrunde des anti-
phlogistischen chemic, kap. xxxiv. 260 )

24 AN ORATlON ON THE
have the happiest effect on practice-It would prevent the
misapplication of talents and time, and so facilitate the
way to truth. This can no where be done so well as in a
Medical Society—For, the truths that are dispersed among
various persons, may be here collected and united into one
general mass of knowledge, which will enlarge the mind,
and regulate the judgment of the practitioners, who having
regularly received instructions from particular teachers,
are now to consider the ARS MEDENDI as their best
teacher—-The variety of facts, that each may shew to the
other, will prevent partial views, and inspire comprehen-
sive conceptions; thus the judicious Physician, to whom
are committed the dearest interests of society, will be enabled
to steer his course more safely between the dangerous
extremes of dogmatism and empiricism. It is very apparent
that this practice must lead indirectly and ultimately to a
great improvement in medicine—The collision of mind
with mind, ought to strike out some light, and we ought to
collect the scattered rays to a focal point, by which some of
the darker and more interior recesses of the temple of medical
science might, in a future period, be happily illuminated.
IN the present state of society, it is difficult to obtain
subjects for facilitating the study of Phisiology and Patholo-
gy. The morbid appearances of dead bodies are examined
under great embarrassments-If we unite to demonstrate
to the public the advantages of these enquiries, we may
hope to obtain the interest of the wise and prudent part
of the citizens in favour of these pursuits. Prejudice and
feeling are opposed, but reason may do much to remove
these obstacles. The best apology that ever could be of-
fered for what has been done in this business is, that " men
are sometimes induced to violate the laws of society to study
those of nature."—But we should reflect, that the laws of
society 

25 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
society are a part of the general system of nature, and,
therefore, they cannot be violated in these instances with
impunity. One of the first characters‖ in the French Re-
public, has observed with great truth, that, " Respect for the
remains of men who have been dear to us, is no prejudice;
it is an affection inspired by nature herself; who has placed
in the recesses of our hearts, a veneration for every thing
that can recal to our remembrance, beings whom friend-
ship, or gratitude has rendered sacred to our feelings.
The liberty of offering a sorrowful homage to their ashes,
is then a precious right, to delicate minds; and the power
of choosing that which their sensations dictate, cannot,
without injustice, be taken away."
On this day it is proper to commemorate some of the
benefits of the City-Dispensary- This Institution has been
encouraged and supported by the liberal contributions and
well-directed charity of the citizens. Since the establish-
ment of this medical asylum for the poor and sick, more
than one thousand poor patients have been received into
its hospitable bosom. By a careful examination of the Re-
gistry, I am able to lay before you the following statement
of facts, viz.
70 are returned on the books, dead.
When you consider the circumstances of this class of citi-
zens, you will all readily acknowledge, that this is a small
proportion—
42 have been sent to the Alms-house and Hospital.
13 being disorderly, have been dismissed.
75 have been relieved, some of their very compli-
cated diseases being incurable.
8 have removed into the country:
And 730 are returned on the journal, cured: 
Contri-
‖ Condorect, 

26 AN ORATION ON THE 
Contributors to the dispensary! your bounty and cha-
rity have poured wine and oil into the wounds of sensibility,
and caused the abodes of sickness, pain and misery, to echo
with grateful joy. On this day, the blessing of more than
700 persons, many of whom have been ready to perish,
comes upon you. Physicians of the Dispensary! have we
attended the bed of hopeless, beggared, sharp-pinching po-
verty, with the same fidelity, as we do the sickly couch
of wealth and luxury? If we have done this, to day
we participate the divine pleasure, which springs from the
consciousness of doing good.
IT is hoped you will not tax me with arrogance, while
I endeavour to call your attention, one moment, to the
most useful subject of resuscitation.
THE apparatus annexed to the Dispensary for the re-
lief of unfortunate persons, who may suffer suspended
respiration, by drowning, lightning, suffocation, convulsions,
suicide, intense cold, mephitic air and noxious vapours; and
other causes that produce apparently sudden death, particu-
larly in the case of still-born infants, has not yet answered
the important uses for which it was intended. Could
not this society by uniting their exertions with the mana-
gers of the Dispensary, and other benevolent citizens,
effect all the excellent designs, that the Humane Societies
of our sister States and those of Europe, have most hap-
pily achieved?
LET us cast our eyes over the map of New-York: We
instantly perceive that no country affords so fine a theatre
for the establishment of HUMANE SOCIETIES as this State.
On the one side we are presented with a delightful view
of the East-River; on the other, the Hudson, covered
with the floating wealth of the Farmer and Merchant,
appears 

41 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE.
appears before us. Northward and Westward, we behold
the Iroquois, Champlain, Erie and Ontario. In the exten-
sive and fertile territories between these extremes, we
observe the Mohawk, Senaka and Genesee; next, the in-
tersecting branches of the Delaware and Susquehannah,
and then the beautiful ponds, canals and smaller lakes,
appear before us. And may we not anticipate the north-
ern and western inland lock-navigation? All these masses
of water are situated in a climate that is exposed to the
most sudden changes, storms and tempests; and in the
winter, to intense cold. Now let us behold the travel-
ler, whelmed beneath the ice, the fragile bridge of his
delusive way! Here let HUMANITY come in aid of life and
restore the SUFFERER to the bosom of love and gratitude—
then will he wipe the tear of sorrow from the eye of
conjugal and filial affection! For, while all this yield,
ing element furnishes an ample scene of dangerous busi-
ness and pleasure, it forms at the same time, " the floating
grave,"to employ, as the Poet observes,
" the resuscitating breath
" Of medical benevolences"
On this theatre, contentions and disputes ought to be
exhibited, that would be worthy of Physicians and useful to
men: Here, the genius of Medicine might contend with
that of the Drama† for the honors of philanthropy. Here
disputes on the nature of animal life, and on the best
methods of rekindling its quenched flame, might be
managed in such a manner as to compel all men to
acknowledge that Medicine is a most useful art. When
we shall have accomplished these excellent works, we shall
rejoice
† Referring to a theatrical exhibition, of the Old American Com-
pany for the relief of a number of orphans and widows of the Fisher-
men who were downed in the north-River, in March and April, 1793. 

28 AN ORATION ON THE 
rejoice as many of our professional brethren have already
done:
" Our's is the task, the greatest task, to save
" Friend, Lover, Parent, from the watery grave;
" To snatch from death the victim of despair,
" And give the means of penitence and prayer."——
IN America we have always enjoyed, what France has
lately restored to her Citizens, the union of Medicine with
Chirurgery, which constitutes the Healing Art what it was
in the Hippocratic Age. To separate the practice of Physic
from that of Chirurgery, would be like a disunion of Light
and Fire—Medical Surgery is, therefore, highly interesting
to the Physician and to the public—Perhaps, it is reserved
for the Physicians of America to discover the best methods
of preventing or superceding many of the severer operations
in surgery—Too much praise cannot be given to the
humane, judicious, prompt and dexterous operator. But
when will the presumptuous exercise of the bloody scalpel
and catlin of Radcliffe and Sigault be suspended. When
will their vanity, rashness and pertinacity no longer boast
of what is in reality the greatest disgrace of the healing
art ? How long shall human nature be struck with horror,
at the detail of their barbarous and ill-judged operations?*
ANATOMY is justly said to be the eye of all rational
Medicine. In like manner, the theory of the human
mind, may justly be considered, as a kind of Anatomy of
the Passions, Intellect and faculties of Man; which disco-
vers all the mental diseases. Contemptible are the resources
of that Physician, who is solely dependent on Nosology,
for the name of a disease, and on a Pharmacopœia, for a
specific remedy. 
TO
* Vid. Principles of Puerperal Medicine, by John Aitkin, M. D.
Wm. Dease's Observations on Midwifery-and Dr. Hunter's Remarks 
on the Sigaultian operation. 

29 IMPROVENMENT OF MEDICINE. 
To the praise of this age, the pathology of the mind
is considered as a subject of as much utility to medicine as
that of the body. There is but little doubt, but Tetanus,
Epilepsia, Hydrophobia, Mania, or Madness; Visaniæ,† or
the several kinds of Insanity; and even Hysteria and Hy-
pochondriasis, with some of the diseases of the Moral Facul-
ty, would in several parts of Europe and America, in
1692, have been ranked under the head of Witchcraft,§ and
consequently, all these diseases, with many more, would
have been considered as capital crimes, in the penal code
of that day. 
LET the sober, wise and judicious part of the public
now determine, how much praise is due to Physicians
for investigating and radically curing many of these
diseases.
A FEW years ago, it was considered as a kind of daring
impiety, for a Physician to attempt the cure of several
diseases of the mind; particularly those of the moral
faculty. But as long as we believe that men have the
power of resisting inclination, and to weigh the motives
of action, we need not fear the consequences of trying
the full effects of medicines that may operate by physical
necessity on man. And, let it be remembered, when
Hipparchus undertook to number the stars and trace their
motions, his attempt was also derided as impious; because,
it was considered as a work that baffled all human labor
and observation, and could be done only by the Deity.
E 
Mark
† Vid. Dr. T. Arnold's Treatise on Insanity, Lunacy and Madness.
§ See Hutchinson's History of Massachusetts.—Mr. Calef 's work on
Witchcraft—Mead's Medica Sacra.—Mather's Magnalia.—Case of the
Demoniacs mentioned in the New-Testament, by N. Lardner. Lond.
8 vo. 1758, and Gibbon's Roman Empire, chap. xxi. 

30 AN ORATION ON THE
Mark what followed: The labors of Hipparchus enabled
Paul, a Florentine Physician,† to make maps and charts,
by which he demonstrated to Columbus the globurality
of this Planet. All the events in nature are wonder-
fully connected together by infinite wisdom, and conspire
to make one complete and harmonious plan of Providence!
Had it not been for what has falsely been called the rash im-
piety and enthusiasm of Hipparchus, the old world would
never have come to the knowledge of America; and instead
of associating together, under a free government, to promote
the interests of humanity, most of us who are present
would, at this moment, have been the vassals of some
European despot, as was once the lot of our persecuted
ancestors.
MAY it be the distinguished fortune of some American
Physicians, to become in the medical world, what Hippar-
chus and Columbus were in Astronomy and Navigation!
TO the praise of America, there is a native of this
country, who, by uniting the three characters of Philo-
sopher, Patriot and Physician, (need I name Dr. Rush?)
has done much towards investigating, explaining and curing
many of the mental diseases. But much still remains to
be done.
THIS is an age of scepticism: and this is the time to
observe and explain the effects of scepticism on health.
Neither should the curious and surprising operations of
speculative opinions in religion,§ morals and politics, be
overlooked; for they evidently produce remarkable effects
on
† In 1474, he corresponded with Columbus, on the probability of
finding India, in the west. Life of Columbus, by Ferdinand Columbus.
§ Vid. Hannah Adams's View of Religions. Mosheim's Ecclesiasti-
cal History, and Robertson's Charles V.

31 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
on health and disease. The ebulitions of enthusiasm, with
dreams, visions, trances, and all the illusions of the senses,
particularly sight and hearing, should likewise engage the
serious and careful attention and study of medical men.
And, while we contemplate the injustice and impolicy of
the slavery of the poor Africans, in our boasted republican
and free governments, shall we forget to observe the
effects of slavery on the health, temper, genius and cha-
racter of the people, who advocate and practise this trafic
and bondage of man?
THE doctrine of the association of ideas is more useful
to the Physician, than to the Professor of any other art.
Whoever knows how to avail himself of this subject in the
practice of physic, may be said to be in possession of a key
to unlock many of the apartments of the cabinet of nature.
How often, by this talismanic charm, may the morbid
condition be changed to the healthful! This was the
BRAZEN SERPENT and the TALITHA-CUMI of
Dr. Willis, when he cured the King of England.
WHILE medicines are administered to change the dis-
eased action, or to remove the irregular action, to equal-
ize the excitement and to vary its degree, and thus to re-
store health and happiness; we find ample scope for
scrutinising the operations of the mind, when we shall often
obtain the greatest advantages in changing the train of
ideas
" From grave to gay, from lively to severe."
In doing this, may we not hope, that, it is reserved for
the professors of the healing art to unravel all the curious
tissue of feeling, emotion, passion and thought more success-
fully, than has ever yet been done by the unaided light
of solitary philosophy.
THE 

32 AN ORATION ON THE 
THE effects of reading Novels and Romances, on the
Imagination, appetites and passions, particularly in young
people, have not yet been investigated by Physicians. To
keep the passions† regular and in temperate balance with
each other, is the way to preserve health, and at the same
time to promote virtue and happiness. Temperance is the
only panacea that Medicine knows. This saved Socrates,
Thucidydes and Justinian from the ravages of the plague
which depopulated the earth in their days. Hence, the
necessity of the professors of health enforcing their instruc-
tions of temperance by the eloquence of example. But
the time allotted for this discourse does not permit me
to go into a regular detail on these subjects,
THUS, Gentlemen, I have endeavored to call your atten-
tion to the improvement of Medicine, by giving a slight, tho'
very imperfect, sketch of the principal objects of your
Institution. The advantages are too obvious to need any
comment. Many of them are of such a nature, that they
never can be effected by individuals, but must depend
solely on the united labors of societies of active and in-
genious men. Active men, it must be remembered, for
all who are not active in these societies, are like negative
quantities, which being added to positive, too often make
the whole negative.
IN conformity with the design of this Anniversary
Meeting, many more particulars might be mentioned, if
the time and your patience would permit; Suffice it, to
remark, wherever there is organization, spontaneous mo-
tion and life, there are the concomitants of Humanity,
Disease and Death; and there are the Objects to engage 
the attention and employ the study of the Physician.
ARE
† Vid. The Rev. Dr. Watts' Doctrine of the Passions, and Locke's
Essay on Human Understanding. 

33 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
ARE we convinced of the advantages of uniting our
exertions to accomplish the useful purposes which have been
mentioned? Opposition of pretended interest and partial
views will effect nothing. Union, every thing. Wise
men are seldom satisfied with their own opinions, till they
are confirmed by the suffrages of the rest of mankind.
This is the age in which the mysterious quackery of
Abracadabra ought to be no more; for Dogmatism can
no longer trample on Genius and Merit. Let us, there-
fore, be amalgamated together. United, we have the hardness
and strength of iron, with the ductility and beauty of gold.
In discord, we are nothing but a mere rope of sand.
UNDER the Dæmon of Discord, what advantageth it† 
this Society, that Æsculapius and Avicenna should have
lived? that, Vesalius and Harvey should have traced the
blood thro' all its labyrinth.—That Boerhaave and Van
Sweiten should have accumulated all the knowledge of
Antiquity and augmented the same, for our use—that Win-
slow and Morgagni should have demonstrated the geo-
metry of God, in the mechanism of Man—That Haller
and Whytt, that Hoffman and Cullen should have written;
that Black, Pringle and M'Bride should have experi-
mented; that Priestley should have taught us the uses of air,
and Lavoisier those of fire; that Hunter,§ Brown and
Galvani, should have penetrated the recesses of Life!—
Under the Dominion of Discord, we can achieve excellent
works. We can say, each to the other, let us eat and
drink, for to-morrow we die.†
AN eloquent foreigner observes, that "union is an irresist-
able panacea against the evils of pertinacity. It is union that
composes the understanding and tranquilizes the affections;
she
§ Jobn Hunter.
† Holy Bible. 

34 AN ORATION ON THE 
she stills the tumult of the passions, she supersedes perso-
nal antipathies, She disenchants the deluded senses, she
dissipates the clouds by which truth is obscured, she
Sheds the rays of distinction on the apostle of truth; he
presents her with modesty, he is received without unfa-
vorable prepossessions." Let us, then, unite our labours
for the common good of Society: Thus shall we render
this Institution useful to the People, and honorable to its
Members.
THE patriotic Citizens will give their approbation to an
Establishment which has the public health for its object.
May we not hope, that, the enlightened Legislators of a
free People will give their sanction to its Incorporation?
All the objects of the Institution can be promoted much
better this way than any other. This Society may, here-
after, have a HUNTER,† a FOTHERGILL, a COPE-
LEY, a LETTSOME and a HAWES, who will insti-
tute Incentives and Rewards for Genius and Character.
She may, in some future day, have an Establishment for
the relief of the Widows and Orphans of her poor or
unsuccessful members.
I AM sensible, many objections are urged against all
sorts of Incorporations in a free government. But, these
all arise from the effects of the ancient Incorporations
being misapplied to the present State of Society. Incorpora-
tions, were invented by the Emperors, of Germany, in fa-
vor of the Peasantry, when the Barons, or Chieftains,
Under the feudal system, conspired together, in a formi-
dable Aristocracy, against the Kings. Then it became the
policy of Kings to check the encroachments of the Patri-
cians,
† Wm. Hunter. 

35 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
cians, or Nobles, on the usurped and regal power; and
artfully to strengthen and increase this power, which was
ever operating the degradation and misery of mankind,
by giving, as it was then falsely called, privileges to the
Plebeians, or Peasantry, and so defending them against the
equally unjust claims of the Barons, in uniting them in
the support of Monarchy, which was constantly at war
with Aristocracy. In America, there is no Peasantry;
but in room of it, a collective and united body of Husband-
men, called THE FREE YEOMANRY. There are
more modern Corporations, with peculiar powers, which
have ended in monopolies. These, first, fattened on
the blood and tears of the natives of the East and
West-Indies, and having become enebriated with the
sweat, extorted from the slaves wearied limbs of the Sons
of Africa, they, afterwards, corrupt Society, with their
unjustly accumulated wealth, and destroy themselves. In
all those periods, the people were oppressed by an arbitrary
Government, which did nothing relative to Medicine; if,
you except the despotic decrees of the Parliament of Paris,
respecting antimony; and the disgraceful edict of Charles V.
to regulate Venesection.
INCORPORATIONS may be reformed, as well as any
other political institutions. May it be a part of modern
policy to establish certain incorporations, under such condi-
tions, as will check the violence of democracy; and tend,
by promoting useful knowledge, to the support, perhaps,
to the perpetuity, of elective, free and well-balanced
governments.
THE wisest physician † of antiquity observed, that the
Asiatics were less warlike and more effeminate than the
Europeans.
† Hippocrates de aere, locis et aquis.

36 AN ORATION ON THE
Europeans. This he attributed, in part, to their climate,
but principally, to the form and administration of their
governments, which were all despotic and subject to the
arbitrary will of their kings. We have the happiness to
live under a free government. At this time we scarce
need recur to Longinus to be informed, that, "Liberty is
formed to nurse the sentiments of great geniuses, to inspire 
them with hope; to push forward the propensity of contest
one with another, and the generous emulation of being the first
in rank." Our government, then, must produce great
effects, not only on the genius, but also on the health of
the people. The former will enable Physicians to observe
with accuracy, and future ages will expect that their duty
should have impelled them to record with fidelity, THE
EFFECTS OF FREE GOVERNMENTS ON THE
HEALTH OF THE CITIZENS.
FREEDOM! all-hallowed name! Thou friend of
man! at thought of thee, our hearts are warmed with
thy celestial fire! Already do we behold a host of thy
heaven-descended offspring:
When Bacon, " from the gloom
Of cloistered monks, and jargon-teaching schools
Led forth the true Philosophy, there long
Held in the chain of words and forms
And definitions void,"—
thy victorious benignant hand guided his illumined mind;
When he marked out the limits of human knowledge, thou
didst inspire him. When Newton, greatest sage! calcu-
lated, thou waft with him. When Baile became the
advocate-general of Philosophers, then didst thou give a
subtlety and inspire a confidence unknown to man before.
When Locke made all the mental world his own, thy
friendly genius guided him through all the deep research,
and 

37 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE. 
and pointed the way to truth. In Milton, immortal
name! thou didst teach mankind that disobedience to the
will of Heaven is the true cause of all the tyranny and
misery in nature. When Clarke and Butler, by moral
demonstration, proved to bewildered men the truth of that re-
ligion first taught in Judea, by Jesus of Nazareth, which carries
in its divine bosom, peace on earth and good will to men;
thou didst dispel the darkness of superstition. When
Raleigh, Ridley, Sidney, Russel, and Hamden expired,
in sealing the truth with their precious blood, thou, O
FREEDOM! didst consecrate their names, in the sacred
temples of Virtue, Honor and Fame.
IN thy venerable Rousseau, thou hast pourtrayed all
thy charms; by his eloquence hast thou delineated the
beauty and power of truth; and by his strength and
courage, didst thou sustbantiate thy choicest blessings. In
thy own Voltaire, thy benediction to all mankind was
God and Liberty. In him didst thou avenge the cause
of humanity and deliver Europe from the yoke of the
ancient despotism of Asia: In him didst thou give to
truth the sacred impressions of genius; and by his strong arm
didst thou shake the disgraceful remains of feudal and Gothic
vassalage. When Montesquieu and Beccaria, restored to
humanity, her long lost charms, thy friendly spirit did direct
them.
PRIESTLY, illustrious sage? The fruitless effort to save
a sinking realm is his crime: The greatness of his virtues
and his sufferings, prove the despotism and misfortunes of
that nation, whose history his future same will adorn. He.
O FREEDOM! hath fought, successfully fought, under
thy holy banners, and broken the fetters of reason. By
him, haft thou confounded the blind partisans of antiquity.
and demolished the antique pillars of the temple of super-
stition. But, in Britain shall it be said, that, Erskine his 
F 
friend

38 AN ORATION ON THE 
friend, and the friend of Paine, can no longer defend the
palladium of Liberty; and that he having become the
christian victim of the riotous triumph of mad hierar-
chical bigotry, such as would have disgraced the reign of
Diocletian or Nero, must flee his native land. Welcome,
thrice welcome, to this western world; thou bringest with
thee all the treasures of knowledge of all ancient and mo-
dern time. Come and animate the Americans with the
amiable example of thy virtues.†
When Mirabeau, Condorcet, and that bright phalanx
of patriots and heroes, arrayed in the divine panoply of
reason, waged successful war against the many-headed mon-
ster, Tyranny, thou, O FREEDOM! didst nerve their
mighty arm with more than Herculean strength.
THESE are the men whose same will live forever:
These are the benefactors of mankind: their glory will
embrace all the future generations of men. Who can
stop the progress of their works! What can check the
progress of truth! As soon might man stretch forth his
feeble arm and say to you bright orb of day, retire and
cease to shine.
BUT, what shall we say of the Legislators and Heroes
of America? These all uttered their voices, strong as
reason and sublime as heaven, saying, Let America be free,
and America was free. Under the auspices of that freedom,
in this Hall, are we now assembled.
PHYSICIANS!
† This was written after Dr. Priestley had informed several of his
friends in America of his intention of leaving England, on account
of civil and religious persecution, and fleeing to America, the asylum
of those who flee from the the Tyrants of the old world.

39 IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICINE.
PHYSICIANS! you are convened on one of the most
important occasions that can excite the attention of the
wise and virtuous part of mankind. Your profession is to
be the disciples of nature. Your object is to be the
mitigation and cure of diseases. And, your ruling princi-
ple is to be active benevolence, by which you are to
become the counsellors, the friends and the benefactors of
mankind. Let us therefore make this day a solemn Ju-
bilee, sacred to the memory of all those who have improved
the healing art, and promoted the interests of humanity in
the world.