respect of other actions. And indeed the talk of children, by out-running their understandings in many things, very much resembles that of parrots.
As we express our inward sentiments by words, so we do also by gestures, and particularly by the muscles of the face. Here, again, association and imitation display themselves. This dumb show prevails more in the hotter climates, where the passions are more impetuous, than in these northern ones. It is also probable, that the narrowness and imperfection of the ancient languages made it more necessary and prevalent in ancient times. Deaf persons have an extraordinary aptness both in learning and decyphering this, as might well be expected. The imitation of manners and characters by dumb show is often more striking than any verbal description of them.
Section VIII
THE RELATION WHICH THE FOREGOING THEORY BEARS TO THE ART OF PHYSIC.
This proposition may appear from several hints to that purpose, which have been already given. But it will be more fully manifest, if I give a short view of the data and quæsita in the art of physic.
Now the general problem, which comprehends the whole art, is,
Having the Symptoms given, to find the Remedy.
This problem may be solved in some cases empirically and directly by the histories of distempers, and of their cures. But then there are other cases, and those not a few, to which the learning and experience of the most able physicians either cannot find histories sufficiently similar, or none where the event was successful. Hence it is necessary to attempt the solution of the general problem rationally and indirectly, by dividing it into the two following less comprehensive and consequently more manageable problems; viz.
First, Having the symptoms given, to find the deviation of the body from its natural state.
Secondly, Having this deviation given, to find the remedy.
