TOSir HENRY HALFORD, Bart.K.H. F.R.S.PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, PHYSICIAN TOTHE KING, &c. &c. &c.
TOSir HENRY HALFORD, Bart.K.H. F.R.S.PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, PHYSICIAN TOTHE KING, &c. &c. &c.
My dear Sir,
In requesting the honour of dedicating to you the following pages, I am actuated by the feelings of respect and personal regard, which I entertain equally for your public and for your private character.
It is also with more than ordinary interest that I address my observations to you, as the President of the College; an office which, it may with truth be said, you fill with no less dignity to yourself, than with benefit to the whole profession.
In becoming an advocate for the employment of the stethoscope, I disclaim adopting principles in the practice of physic, which might with any justice be called mechanical.
It cannot however be denied, that with all the improvements which the art of medicine has received, it still must, on many occasions, depend greatly on conjecture.
Some of the diseases of the chest are attended with such obscurity, that the detection of their precise nature bids defiance to the most acute penetration. What prudent physician, then, will disdain to avail himself of the means which this simple but philosophical instrument affords, of obtaining a more faithful diagnosis?
It is not intended that its use should supersede those established principles of ourart, which early and regular education, as well as experience, have pointed out to us; but that it should serve as an auxiliary in the investigation of obscure disease.
For my own part, I have no apprehension that the judicious employment of the stethoscope can, in any degree, tend to make us negligent in observing the symptoms of diseases, or indifferent to the study of the usual means of diagnosis.
In the hope, that the general opinions which I have offered in this volume, may receive the high sanction of your approval,
I have the honour to remain,Dear Sir,Your most obliged, faithful,And obedient Servant,CHARLES SCUDAMORE.
Wimpole Street,April 14th, 1826.