_La médecine expectante_ is still the favourite method of practice with many of the French physicians. I cannot undertake to say how generally. When the principle is directed by a clear judgment, there is much in it to be admired. A constant and too officious interference by means of active medicines, may do serious injury to the powers of the constitution; and, on such terms, the remedy may be worse than the disease: but, on the other hand, to look on passively as a spectator, and witness the formation of disease, forbearing all active treatment until formidable symptoms take place, seems more reprehensible even than excess of zeal in the use of medicine. I approve the maxim, _Venienti occurrite morbo_. In inflammations of the most important organs of the body, if we allow delay, or want decision, the moment of being useful soon passes away. It is incumbent upon us always to pay due attention to natural indications, and to consider nature in the light of a good physician; but I maintain that, in all instances of acute disease, and for the most part in chronic, we may interpose our aid with certain benefit, if we form a correct diagnosis, and come armed with just principles of practice. Within the last few years, new medical doctrines[6] have been introduced in France, by M. Broussais, Professor at the Hôpital du Val-de-Grâce at Paris; of which, the most important part relates to the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal. This inflammation is divided into acute and chronic, and is denominated according to its situation; _gastrite_, when affecting the stomach; _gastro-enterite_, when it extends from the stomach to the small intestines; and _colite_, when confined to the colon. The great importance of the functions of the stomach and intestines, and the active sympathies which the stomach especially exchanges with every part of the body, almost as a centre of the nervous system, is one of the medical truths first taught in our schools, and is constantly demonstrated to our observation, both in health and sickness. But M. Broussais has extended to an unauthorized length, his theories founded on the inflammatory affection of the mucous membrane of the digestive canal; so that, if I mistake not, he assigns to it almost an universality of influence.