But it is true, I most cheerfully allow, that Homœopathy is more successful than any _exclusive_ system of practice, which is characterized by _positive_ medication. It is so, simply because it leaves the curative power of nature to act freely, undisturbed by any officious interference. It is also true, that Homœopathy is more successful than any _over dosing_ practice of any kind. But it is _not_ true that it is anything like as successful as a cautious _eclectic_ practice. I mean by this a practice which selects its remedies from every source where they are to be found, _governing its choice by the actual effects ascertained by careful observation, without regard to any theory or any exclusive system of doctrines_. This is the only proper mode of practice, (if it can be called a _mode_,) and though it makes no such loud pretensions as are made by the different exclusive modes of practice, in their strife for popularity, it is pre-eminently successful. I mean successful in curing disease. I do not refer at all to success in obtaining the public favor—that is quite another thing. The success which Homœopathy has realized, in obtaining its hold upon the community, results from several causes which I will briefly notice. 1. Mental influence. This system of practice is especially calculated to produce a great effect in this way. The very idea, that there is a peculiar power imparted to the little globules by their preparation, acts upon the imagination of the patient. It gratifies too the love of mystery, so common, and so ready to respond to the appeals which are made to it. The minute examination of symptoms, of which such display is made by Homœopathic physicians, adds to this influence upon the mind, by its imposing air of deep and patient research. 2. A strict regard to diet and regimen. This I need not dwell upon. 3. The influence of the curative power of nature, the efforts of which are not interfered with by Homœopathy. This is the chief cause of all the cures which Homœopathy claims to itself, as the undoubted results of its infinitesimal doses. The two influences first named prepare the system for the operation of this curative power. 4. A comparison between the results of Homœopathic practice and those of the practice of over-dosing physicians. Such a comparison will generally tell in favor of Homœopathy, because the plan of giving no medicine and relying upon a favorable mental influence and a strict regulation of diet and regimen, is much better than storming a patient with drugs, as one would a citadel with balls.