CHAPTER II.

SKILL IN MEDICINE, 50

Show in what medical skill consists, in view of the uncertainty of medicine—appreciating the condition of the patient in all respects, and applying remedies in the best manner to relieve this condition. Errors impairing skill. Taking limited views of disease. Directing attention too much to particular organs. Undue attachment to certain modes of investigation. Difficulties in the way of deciding what it is best to do. Course of different physicians in view of these difficulties. Accurate proportioning of means and ends. Value of experience. Illustration of some of these points in the case of a sick traveller assisted by his friend in going through a mountain pass.