The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-06-23

nonstrates the Importance OF medical science, than
he fact that in all newly discovered countries, no
natter how savage or uncivilized the natives may
have been, some evidences OF an earnest appca-
ton to the "healing art" have beep discovered. 1t
Is quite evident that it is natural and inevitable
consequence to society OF all kinds, that attempts
'honld be made to alleviate pan 10 heal wounds,
ana repair the injuries 10 which the body is every
hour exposed; and however rude and imperfect
these attempts may have been, yet we always find
them keeping pace with the advance of civilization
and Intellectual light
As far hack in the history of the world as authen
TIC record carries us,we have constant proof Of de-
voton more or less energetic, TO the practice Of me-
dicine. In those early days, the Priests were the
repositories OF medical lore, circumstance which
originated among the Jews from Divine command
but which was perpetuaied among them, as well as
the other contemporary nations, by the superior ed
ucaton which this particular class received and the
consequent superior knowledge on all other subjects
which they evnced This association Of Priest
and Physician was by no means favorable to the adj
vance OF medicine, as a science the was pros
ututed from ltslegtimate aims to secure and main
tam the ascendancy of the other and the treatment
OF diseases cloaked under the superstitious
rites and ceremonies. About 800 years B. C. the
Importance of studying medicine ,on proper system,
was acknowledged in the foundation Of the first
school at Alexandra, through the munifcence of
the Piolemies. Here il was taught in its various
branches and here some of the most illustrious
men, whose names adorn the pages Of medical lite
nature, received their elementary instruction.
Forseveral centuries afterhs period medicine was
prosecuted with equal ardor in the Arabian and Sar
acenic schools, and initiating the example set by AL
exandra, the Neapolitan Colleges of Monte Casino
and Saerno, acquired considerable celebrity Dur
ing the period of the dark ages the science of
medicine was involved in the general gloom, which
overspread the natious of Europe, and it was not
until the art OF printing had introduced new era in
the worlds history, that the healing art with the
other sciences was again cultivated with diligence
and success. Since this great epoch the medical
profession has steadily progressed, and by long
RES OF splendid discoveries has conferred innumera
Bile blessings on suffering humanity.
Much, however, remains to be done towards the
publication and elevation of medical science Ow-
ing to defective systems of education, and from the
unfaithful and remiss manner in which the road to
professional titles and distinctions has been guarded,
especially in this country, many men have been L.
ed with the care of the health of their feow-beings
and whpse incapacity has been proclaimed by the
commission of most deplorable blunders. A mistrust
in the judgment and skill and truth Of the doctrines
and modes of practice of the Faculty, has thus, and
not without reason, been created, and the way
opened for the access of individuals not regularly
educated In the professlOn but who have boldly
undertaken correct the errors of the regular prac
al. lI..I
and more simple modes of treating the numerous
diseases which afflict the sons and daughters of
ADAM
Now these ''quacks," as they are contemptuousy
designated by the "reguars," have done much to
introduce revolution in medical science. Like the
hardy, rough-hewn pioneers Of colonization, these
sworn foes of the diplomatsed professors of the
''healing art" have cleared the way for the more
useful labors of those who having the skill and sci
ence which they lacked, may follow in their path,
carefully avoiding the errors into which ignorance
and rashness had betrayed their predecessors. The
fraternity whom we have thus described as the pi-
Oneers of improvement and reform in the great field
OF medical science, have indeed, in not few in
stances, triumphed over the REGULARS" but then
their defective medical knowledge, and want of
quainance with the principles Of pharmacy, and
chemical and botanical science, have led to rather
uncomfortable mistakes to all parties concerned.
The establishment at this juncture, of a scientific
institution for compromising medicines according to
the present improved state of chemical and pharma
ceutical science would appear to be very orportune
Indeed, TO population ike that Of the United
States, exposed to so many vcissitudes Of climate
and so varied endemic influences, and many thou
sands Of which must find it impossible to obtain
proper medical advice from physician, the institu-
ton of the "NEw YORK COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND
PHARMACY" which will, it seems, prepare medi-
cnes adapted for the cure of all diseases incident to
this country, accompanied by full and ineligible
directions for use, must prove very acceptable. II
such an association acts up to its announcement,
and perpetrates no deception, it will certainly
produce a curious revolution in the whole prac-
tics of medicine in this country. And 80 in the
name Of Gaen and Esculapius we bid it ego
ahead"
SMUGGLING ON THE LINEs.-It has been carried on
pretty extensively of late Of the Canada lines. En-
tire packages of printed goods may be obtained at
Troy at twenty per cent less than cost of regular
Importation. This is agreeable news to the honest
importer
RELIGIOUS SrARs.-It is said that the Rev. Hub
bard Winslow, who assisted at the installation of
Mr. Kirk in Boston, used expressions which implied
very strong censure of Mr.. Kinks course that he
took occasion to censure the course of itinerating
religious stars.
IMPORTANT SUT.--The owners of slaves on board
the Creole that escaped into Nassau, have COM
menced suit against one Of the Insurance Compa-
MES Of New Orleans for the amount insured in
that office