The science of Medicine is progressive; genius irradiates its onward
march. Few other sciences have advanced as rapidly as it has done within
the last half century. Hence it has happened that in many of its
branches text-books have not kept pace with the knowledge of its leading
minds. Such is confessedly the case in the department of Medical
Jurisprudence. This very term, Medical Jurisprudence, as now used in
colleges, is generally acknowledged to be a misnomer. There is no reason
why it should be so used. The leading medical writers and practitioners
are sound at present on the moral principles that ought to direct the
conduct of physicians. It is high time that their principles be more
generally and distinctly inculcated on the younger members, and
especially on the students of their noble profession. To promote this
object is the purpose aimed at by the author. His brief volume is not
intended to be substituted for existing text-books on Medical
Jurisprudence, but to supply some chapters imperatively demanded by
science for the thorough treatment of this important subject.