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"For as those Things which affect our Senses, are always esteem'd the surest and most infallible Test of every Doctrine; so a more than common Regard to those is necessary in our Attempts for the Advancement of Medicine; which as it is only conversible with sensible Bodies, ought not to admit any Thing for Truth which has not the Testimony of the Senses."

— Willan, Robert (fl. 1746-1757)

Author

Willan, Robert (fl. 1746-1757)

Work Title

An Essay on the King's-Evil

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for J. and P. Knapton, and T. Longman

Date

1746

Metaphor

"For as those Things which affect our Senses, are always esteem'd the surest and most infallible Test of every Doctrine; so a more than common Regard to those is necessary in our Attempts for the Advancement of Medicine; which as it is only conversible with sensible Bodies, ought not to admit any Thing for Truth which has not the Testimony of the Senses."

Metaphor in Context

I have only now to acquaint my Readers, that the following Doctrines are supported by the Dissection of Bodies, and other Matters of Fact. For as those Things which affect our Senses, are always esteem'd the surest and most infallible Test of every Doctrine; so a more than common Regard to those is necessary in our Attempts for the Advancement of Medicine; which as it is only conversible with sensible Bodies, ought not to admit any Thing for Truth which has not the Testimony of the Senses. On this Consideration, wearied with the Jargon and Confusion, which the Flights of fertil but deceitful Imagination had introduc'd into the noblest of all Sciences, Many of the wisest and most judicious of the Moderns are resolved to allow no Reasoning for Orthodox, which is not supported on the Basis of Demonstration. By this Means an Art, which has been accused of Doubt and Uncertainty, is already arrived at such Perfection, as may enable her devoted Sons to follow her Steps with perfect uninterupted Satisfaction, and the Testimony of a good Conscience. A great and admirable Progress has been made in this Reformation, by the late incomparable Boerhaave, which will be a Subject of Praise and Admiration in Ages to come, and an Honour to the Age and Country in which he liv'd.
(pp. xiii-xiv)