effects of morbid causes, pain is relieved, the duration of disease shortened, and the system aided in its efforts to return to a healthy condition. Yet medicine does not pretend to confer immortality upon animal bodies. The dread mandate of the Most High, "Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return," cannot be escaped; the final moment must come, when "no skill can fly nor power can save."
When we consider the extensive relief that frail humanity is constantly receiving from medical means, and the immense labor and sacrifice which it has cost the thousands who have devoted their lives to its cause, instead of reproaching it for its imperfections we should bless it for its benefits, and be devoutly thankful to the Great Author of all good for its merciful provision. But, unfortunately, men are not always thus disposed. Whenever the efforts of the physician are unsuccessful, the failure is thought to arise from his individual deficiency. The public make little or no allowance for the persistency or incurable nature of many diseases, but appear to suppose that a physician who is really skilful
