Abernethy, in his lectures on this subject, when observing on the inefficiency of this division of the nerve—which was ministering to effects only—was accustomed to remark, with that peculiar archness of expression which his pupils must so well remember: "I wonder that it never entered into the head of some wise booby or other to divide the nerve going to a gouty man's toe." This was a very characteristic mode of terminating a discussion of any point which he wished to impress on the memory of the pupil.
OF HIS PAPER ON OCCASIONAL CONSEQUENCES OF BLEEDING.
In these days of improved statistical inquiry, it would be a curious document which should give us the comparative number of persons who are now bled, and that of only fifty years ago; and whilst it would present very instructive data as to the progress of medical science, it would give also some significant hints as to the relations of fashionable remedies. First, almost every barber was a bleeder; and within my own recollection, a lady, who for any serious ailment consulted the most eminent physician in the neighbourhood in which she lived, would allow no one to bleed her but the barber.
Formerly, multitudes of people lost a little blood every "spring and fall." Accidents of all kinds afforded a fine opportunity for bleeding. The papers announced accidents generally by the usual—"It is with regret that we learn that Sir Harry —— was thrown from his horse in the Park. It was feared that the honourable baronet had sustained serious injury; but, fortunately, Mr. Sharpe was on the spot, so that the patient was immediately bled. He was conveyed home, and we rejoice to hear that he is doing well. The accident, which it had been feared was a fracture, proved to be only a 'dislocation.'"
The questions in regard to bleeding were said to be—who, when, and how much (_quis, quando, quantum?_); but, to our minds, Aretæus has a better saying: "When bleeding is required, there is need of deliberation (_cum sanguinem detrahere oportet, deliberatione indiget_)." We like this better; because, in addition to the little words quoted above, it suggests another, more important than either—namely, _cur?_ why—on many occasions, a favourite inquiry of Abernethy's.