Dr. H. Gross' Comparative Materia Medica (Classic Reprint)

Book excerpt: Excerpt from Dr. H. Gross' Comparative Materia Medica In comparison to that which is not known, the knowledge of all physicians in this world is certainly small. But we should never be able to enlarge upon the existing basis, did we deny, as do the skeptics upon principle, the general certainty of cognition in medical science, or, to speak practically, the reliability of experience in the medical art. True, there are many trifles connected with the demeanor of the physician, either winning or destroying confidence, without the observance of which even the most distinguished experience and ability cannot captivate the public. Such a boon is usually somewhat dependent upon innate individuality, though sometimes acquired or developed. It would be unjust to denounce bluntly the use of these outward expedients by the cheap name of "charlatanry;" they deserve this designation only when not based upon a solid, scientific foundation, - a foundation which, however, cannot be present, or at least not apparent, where skepticism is raised to a dogma; or, where no connection has yet been found between theory and practice. But to return: in accordance with his experience, every physician cures as best he is able. In this respect we are in favor of the widest toleration, claiming the same for ourselves. No one is justified in marking out purely arbitrary paths in science, because these are mutually opposed as much as are anarchy and rational liberty. Hohenheim's doctrine did not become the common property of all physicians, because it was enveloped by a mysterious obscurity. Homoeopathy has no such fate to fear since she has a widely diffused "Press" as an ally. - Great, but not insurmountable, are the difficulties which, until now, have prevented her universal recognition and practical application. In so far as these difficulties lie in the Materia Medica, which, indeed, to the novice appears a chaos, I hope to remove them in a great measure by the present work. Our treasury of remedies has grown so much, both extensively and intensibly, that the publication of further provings of new remedies seems only exceptionally desirable. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.