Domestic Practice.

BY A. C. C. THOMPSON, M. D., SANDERSVILLE, GA.

Men are ever prone to run into extremes, and probably as much so in their opinions relative to the science of medicine, as in relation to any art, science or theory. Whilst there are some Utopian disciples of Esculapius so circumscribed in their views that they would restrict all medical knowledge to those only who are professionally and practically engaged in the healing art, there are some among the unprofessional who profess to regard nearly all regular physicians as licensed man-slayers, and all medicines except "old women's teas," as slow poison-" mineral medicines" in particular.

The object of this article is not to discuss ultraisms, but to inquire into the expediency of communicating so much medical knowledge to all intelligent persons as shall enable them, especially the heads of families, to apply remedial agents in cases of emergency, and in such simple cases as may not need the attendance of a regular physician.

In the conclusion of this essay, we shall offer some general remarks upon the physiological and pathological condition of man; and in some subsequent articles, may say something of those remedial agents whose properties and application should be well understood by the heads of every family.

If the knowledge of things pertaining to man's physical and intellectual happiness is important, then, there can be no physical science of deeper interest than that of medicine; and inasmuch as it pertains to the comfort of all, we argue, that it is expedient that all intelligent persons should pos sess some correct knowledge upon a subject of such general importance.

If the sciences are to be taught only to those who expect to make a practical use of them, the sphere of useful learning would be very much contracted, and professional pedants would arrogantly impose their dogmas upon the credulous multitude.

In the sciences of Chemistry and Astronomy, it is only

expected that the practical chemist and astronomer shall be acquainted with all the manipulations and calculations pertaining to their respective sciences. The same may be said of many other arts and sciences; hence, we beg leave to differ from the sentiment of the following couplet, Alexander Pope to the contrary notwithstanding:

"A little learning is a dangerous thing;

Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."

There needs no argument to prove that even a little learning is less dangerous than great ignorance. If none were permitted to study the various branches of literature and science but those who were favored with such circumstances and talents as would be likely to render them profound, the mysteries and beauties of nature would be known only to a fortunate few; and the books of science and art, written in the nomenclature of the learned and locked up in their dusty libraries, would be unintelligible and inaccessible to the great mass of mankind.

Shall Philosophy, Theology, Politics, and all other useful knowledge, be widely disseminated, whilst that science which pertains to man's health and life is scrupulously withheld from the multitude? It was the seclusive doctrine of papacy that the masses must be kept ignorant of the Bible, and receive only the teachings of councils and prelates, for fear that they could not understand the mysteries of revelation, and hence, might introduce some fatal heresies. Happily for the cause of religion, the reformation of Luther exhumed the Bible from monkish cloisters, and threw off the fetters of popish bigotry and superstition that had enslaved the minds of millions during the dark ages. Monarchs maintained the theory, that subjects were born to be ruled without any will of their own; and hence, the knowledge of government should be confined to kings and courts. But republicanism in America has proved that enlightened men are capable of self-government.

It has been urged, that the knowledge of medicine should be withheld from those who do not intend to devote themselves exclusively to the science, because they would

acquire but a very limited knowledge, and hence would frequently endanger or destroy life by mal-practice. If skillful physicians could always be obtained when needed, and no one besides would ever attempt to administer remedies, there might then be some reason in the objection. But it frequently happens that a physician cannot be obtained at the time when his services are most needed, and men will make efforts to relieve themselves and their friends; hence, it is much safer for them to apply remedies with some general knowledge of the human constitution, and the proper remedies for diseases, than to engage in domestic practice without any information upon the subject except such as they may have acquired from quack publications in newspapers.

It frequently happens that persons are attacked with diseases of such virulent character, that death will speedily occur unless relief can be obtained; and in consequence of the remoteness of many families from physicians, or the absence of the physician from his usual place of business, lives are frequently lost.

We will also add, that those persons who have some correct knowledge of the nature and treatment of diseases, are generally more prompt in obtaining medical aid in due time, and are more apt to conform strictly to the directions of their physician, than such as possess no medical knowledge.

From these facts we argue, that it is expedient for all intelligent persons, and particularly the heads of families, to obtain as much theoretical and practical knowledge of the science of medicine as their circumstances will admit. Hence, the study of medicine and its kindred branches, at least so far as is necessary for domestic practice, should constitute a part of the education of all persons of proper age and advancement.

If we admit the necessity of the above mentioned course of instruction, it then becomes necessary to determine how far this knowledge should extend, or, in other words, what amount of medical knowledge is necessary for domestic

practice. Without presuming to prescribe a certain amount of reading, we would observe, that the practice of making domestic physicians by perusing a duodecimo upon infinitesimal doses, or the practice of steaming, without any previous knowledge of the human constitution, is very reprehensible. The necessary amount of medical informa tion for medical purposes, or at least for cases of emergency, should embrace a general outline of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Diseases, Therapeutics, and so much of Surgery as relates to wounds, fractures and dislocations. All that is necessary for such a course could be condensed by a judicious writer into five 8mo. volumes of 500 pages each. Any person of ordinary intelligence and application can read ten or twelve such volumes in a year, and have considerable time to devote to other matters. If our sons and daughters, after completing their usual scholastic studies, would devote at least one year to a plain practical course of medical reading, many of them would acquire a valuable fund of information, and be better prepared to assume the responsibilities of a family.

The study of Physiology and Hygiene is already becoming popular in many of our best schools, and we trust that Therapeutics will soon be added to the scholastic course, that these may serve as a stimulus to a more thorough investigation. The taste for such reading is forming in various sections of the country, and it would be much better to have a regular course adapted to the comprehension of the unprofessional, than to depend upon such works as we frequently see in families, pretending to embrace in one volume every thing that is necessary to be known by families relative to the healing art.

Having presented the above suggestions in favor of Domestic Practice, which will probably be regarded by some as speculative and impracticable, we will conclude this article with a brief outline of the human constitution; and, in some subsequent numbers, we propose to consider a few of the most important organic and functional derangements, and the application of remedial agents.

These observations are not offered with the view of throwing much light upon the subject, for the writer does not pretend to advance any facts or ideas that are not already known, or have not been previously expressed by authors in various styles; but we desire to call the attention of the reading public to the matter, if happily we may awaken an interest and induce some to pursue a more extended investigation.

The physical constitution of man embraces several systems, each of which is composed of various organs, the harmonious execution of whose functions sustains life in its most agreeable form. All the physical organs are generally arranged under eight systems: The osseous or bony, the muscular, the digestive, the circulating, the respiratory, the nervous, the secretory and excretory systems.

The organs belonging to these different systems are all engaged in the two great physical operations of composition and decomposition, which operations may also be called nutrition and decay. The growth of man never entirely ceases, while his constitution is in healthy action. Even after he has attained to his complete physical development, he does not remain identically the same for any one day of his life; but parts of the several systems are constantly becoming worn out, and must be cast off as effete matter, and their places supplied by other particles in every respect similar. Hence, elements that once constituted an essential part of the body, after having filled their destined purposes, become useless and noxious, and, if not removed, would act as virulent poisons upon the various organs of the body. The manner of removing these effete elements will be explained when we treat of the excretory system. We will now take up each system in consecutive order.

The Osseous, or bony system, consists of those solid parts of the body known as bones. It may be styled the framework of the body, necessary to give it form and support in various positions, and, in connection with the muscular system, regulates action and locomotion.

We will not state the precise number of bones in the