for the proper performance of which, anatomical and surgical knowledge are indispensable. Everybody knows that no one is competent to repair a watch, or other machine, unless he has a full knowledge of all its parts and their connections; but the public appear to believe that an individual may have sufficient skill to repair the human frame, without any thorough knowledge of its construction. They seem to suppose that bone-setting is a kind of talismanic process, which does not come within the rules of scientific or mechanical operations. In consequence of this unfounded opinion, good surgeons have often been set aside to make room for some one who bore the magical name of Sweet. If any one attempts to convince the bystanders that their confidence is misplaced, he is met with reports of cases which in their view overthrow all arguments and explanations.
Take a case in point. A man bruises his foot or sprains his ancle. A surgeon is called, and informs the patient that there is no fracture nor dislocation, and advises a proper course of treatment. The patient continues lame, and perhaps
