There is not an individual in the whole circle of the profession, to
whom I could with greater satisfaction, or with so much propriety,
dedicate this work, as to yourself.
Ardent and zealous in the advancement of our science, you must deeply
deplore the prejudices that retard its progress;—eminently enlightened
in Natural History, you can justly appreciate the importance of its
applications to Medicine; while your well known earnestness in upholding
the dignity, and in encouraging the legitimate exercise of our
profession, marks you as the most proper patron of a work, the aim of
which is to extinguish the false lights of empiricism, and to substitute
a steady beacon on the solid and permanent basis of truth and science:
at the same time, the extensive practice which your talents and urbanity
so justly command in this metropolis, must long since have taught you
the full extent of that empiricism which it has been my endeavour to
expose, and the practical mischief of that ignorance which it has been
my object to enlighten.
Nor let me omit to mention the claims of that friendship which has for
many years subsisted between us; be assured that I am gratefully
sensible of those personal obligations which so fully justify this
public avowal of them; confidently trusting that you will not measure
the gratitude which your kindness has inspired, by the merits of the
offering by which it is acknowledged, but rather by the truth and
sincerity of the Dedication, by which I am enabled to express
My respect for your talents;
esteem for your virtues;
and wishes for your happiness;
JOHN AYRTON PARIS.
_Dover-street, April, 1829._