The Middlebury galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1848-1850, 1848-06-27

1
principles are fixed as any of the laws OF
nature We readily admit in the physi-
1 cal sciences, that from the same causes
the same results proceed-all circumstan
ces being equal. And can we suppose
that He who impaired unvarying laws to
inanimate matter, has withdrawn from it
His absolute governance by endowing it
with life ? Do not the several systems
of the human body, in the performance Of
their functions, cooperate in a certain
manner, which by observation has been
reduced to scientific principles 2 And
shall we therefore refuse to medicine the
same certainty, which is readily admitted
in all other cases TO be established by an
omniscient power! The ars cOyecturaN
is, therefore, as applied TO medicine, is the
offspring ofignorance, and not the deduc-
ton of sound philosophy. The truth is,
the apparent alterations in the operations
of medicines, result not from uncertainty,
but from inattention to the existing state
of the system. The acknowledged
immutable laws which pervade animat-
ed nature in health and disease, afford
every encouragement to the votaries of
Medical Science. Different, indeed, from
the laws of inanimate objects, but not the
less sure. Rendered more complex by
the vital spark, the essential character of
which is locked up in the bosom Of our
Creator, and yet in their operations, like
chemical affinity, equally subject to our
observation"
In accordance with these views he con>
stantly endeavored to make himself ac>
quainted with all the circumstances which
might come in to modify the operations
OF medlcine, or in any way change fhe
phases of disease. lie was continually
watching the phenomena daily transporting
around him, and was accustomed to note
the thermometlical and barometrical
changes, and compare them with the
character istics ofprevaiing diseases. He
watched closely the incipient as we'll as
the more advanced stages of the different
epidemic and endemic diseases, which
from time TO time made their appearance
twas this critical observation of his, which
gives value to the several essays which he
published at different times. His Histo-
ny of "Erysipelatous Fever" as it dp-
peared in this region few years ago, has
been quoted by some of the best medical
writer's upon this disease, since his article
was written. The last article which en-
gagged his attention previous TO his death,
which, however, he never finished, was
a history ofthe diseases of Addison Coun-
ty, for the purpose of comparing their
character with the geological formations
of the different districts OF the county.
His minute and exact knowledge ofthe
different principles of the numerous arts
cles four extensive Materia Medica and
the various degrees of power with which
they enter into combination, is forci-
bic and happy illustration of the truth,
that there is 10 one study SO all-irnportant
to the medical man as that of natural sci>
ence.
With these predominant traits of char
acter as student of nature, it is easy to
predict what would be his character as
7student and practitioner of medicine.
When called to visit the sick, every case
was, in his view, problem ofnature and
could be solved only by knowledge OF
natural laws, and being familiar with
these, he was seldom at loss to decide
what course to pursue. 1t could never be
said Of him that he was a routine practl-
toner. He was accustomed 10 examine
critically medical authorities and to d.
gest well tn cir views on any point, but
these views were ever held subject to his
own judgment.
DIR. Allen was thorough and more than
commonly happy in his diagnosis. He
was also peculiar for the skill displayed
in the choice of his remedies From his
eytensive knowledge, he was enabled 10
take into consideration all the modifying
circumstances, and prescribe according
Iy.
From his great knowledge of diseases
and his success in their treatment, his
practice became extensive. Nophysi-
clan i'll this portion of the state was more
frequently or extensively called in coun-
Gil, and few enjoy 10 SO great an extent
the confidence and friendship of their
brethren Asa Surgeon he was much
distinguished throug hout this region and
in portion of the State of New York.
Scarcely any operation of note was per-
formed in this vicinity by any other Sur
geon for several years. As an operator
he may be ranked among the most sue
cessful, though his operations were not
performed with that adroitness which dis
tinguishes some -four best surgeons. He
acted according to the mott1-thata thing
well done was quick done. One thing
worthy of particular attention in the OPP
erations of DR.. Alien is, his great and ever
remarkable success in those performed
upon old people. Out of very large
number ofthi class performed by him, it
is not known that he lost one 1t is the
) general opinion that old people are not
good subjects for surgical operations.
He was particularly attentive to his pa
tients. This was especially the case when
their condition was at all critical. He