[p. 315]
begins, not from a clear impression, but from a
plausible fiction,
I. e., if the general statement from which
we deduce
conclusions be a plausible but untrue hypothesis. Conclusions
drawn from such hypotheses lead to nowhere. | it often induces a grievous
and
troublesome condition. All who so act are lost in a
blind alley. Now no harm would be done if bad
practitioners received their due wages. But as it is
their innocent patients suffer, for whom the violence
of their disorder did not appear sufficient without
the addition of their physician's inexperience. I
must now pass on to another subject.
PART 2
II. But conclusions which are merely verbal cannot
bear fruit, only those do which are based on demonstrated
fact. For affirmation and talk are deceptive
and treacherous. Wherefore one must hold fast to
facts in generalisations also, Or, possibly, " even from beginning
to end." | and occupy oneself with
facts persistently, if one is to acquire that ready and
infallible habit which we call " the art of medicine."
For so to do will bestow a very great advantage
upon sick folk and medical practitioners. Do not
hesitate to inquire of laymen, if thereby there
seems likely to result any improvement in treatment.
For so I think the whole art has been set
forth, by observing some part of the final end in
each of many particulars, and then combining all
into a single whole. So one must pay attention to
generalities in incidents, with help and quietness
rather than with professions and the excuses that
accompany ill-success.
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