If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.

He that travels in theory has no inconveniences.

There is no kind of idleness by which we are so easily seduced as that which dignifies itself by the appearance of business.

Forgetfulness is necessary to remembrance. Ideas are retained by renovation of that impression which time is always wearing away,and which new images are striving to obliterate. If useless thoughts could be expelled from the mind, all the valuable parts of our knowledge would more frequently recur, and every recurrence would reinstate them in their former place.

I am far from any intention to limit curiosity, or confine the labours of learning to arts of immediate and necessary use. It is only from the various essays of experimental industry, and the vague excursions of mind set upon discovery, that any advancement of knowledge can be expected; and though many must be disappointed in their labours, yet they are not to be charged with having spent their time in vain; their example contributed to inspire emulation, and their miscarriage taught others the way to success.

It is incident to physicians, I am afraid, beyond all other men, to mistake subsequence for consequence.

Pain and disease awaken us to convictions which are necessary to our moral condition.