The details of a science which treats of phenomena so interesting in their character, and so wide in their range, are never dry and uninteresting, as the details of other sciences sometimes are. There are no tedious technicalities, no dull abstractions. There is no tiresome monotony. There is therefore an absorbing enthusiasm in the pursuit of medical science, which is not so common in other studies. It is an enthusiasm which makes its votary disregard the loathsomeness of putrefaction, and even forget danger, in his search after truth. An additional interest is given to his investigations by the consideration, that if he discover a fact, or help to establish one, he adds to the resources which our art can apply to the relief of human misery. To experience this pleasure, so gratifying to the humane and benevolent mind, he needs not to make any grand discovery. The joy which Jenner realized in the contemplation of the benefits of his discovery must have been almost overpowering; but the benefit which results to our race from the humblest contribution to medical knowledge is as real though not as great, and is a fitting subject for joy to him who makes it, for it will assuage many a pang and save many a life. In the practice of medicine, though there is, as you have seen in my first chapter, much uncertainty, there is a high satisfaction in the very exercise of unravelling its perplexities, and in separating, as it can be done by untiring and careful observation, the certain from the uncertain, the true from the false. And though much is left to nature by the judicious physician, still there is much pleasure in watching her movements, in removing obstacles which oppose her salutary processes, and in assisting her efforts so far as it may be necessary to do so. This intelligent watch and guidance which medical skill exercises over nature in removing disease is far from being unsatisfactory to the rational practitioner. And then, too, though the general use of _heroic_ remedies is injurious, there are times when the careful observer sees opportunities for employing them to great advantage in arresting morbid processes. And so accustomed is he to make the requisite discriminations, that his efforts in positive medication are well directed, and are almost sure to accomplish their object. He has a satisfaction in such achievements, of which the undiscriminating overdoser knows nothing.