the vital manifestations of the body in its normal state. For
this reason the art of medicine depends on the accessory sciences,
chiefly anatomy and physiology. These accessory sciences have
considerably developed in the evolution of medicine, and the art of
medicine has become the chief motive power which urges men to research
and discovery in the biological sciences, such as histology,
embryology, comparative anatomy and physiology, anatomy and physiology
of the brain, bacteriology, etc. Pure science now occupies such a
position in medical studies that the "healing art" often remains in
the background; although it must later on take the chief part, and is
regarded by the public as of the greatest importance.

The value of the art of medicine is subject to great variations. It is
only of real value when, free from all charlatanism, it rests on a
sufficiently scientific basis; for the art of an ignoramus falls into
error and employs inappropriate methods; on the other hand, the art of
a charlatan has for its object the purse of the patient. It is common
to meet with physicians who have a good practical experience of art
without possessing scientific knowledge, others who have both
practical experience and science but are charlatans, others again who
are very scientific but incapable in practice. The ideal is a
combination of art, science and disinterested honesty; but it is not
very uncommon to meet with a combination of ignorance, incapacity and
charlatanism. Lastly, too many doctors, otherwise capable and
intelligent, are too much influenced by authority, text-books and
prejudices, instead of observing and judging each case for themselves
in the true scientific spirit. Many dogmas of medical education rest
on hypotheses, theories or statements which have no solid foundation,
and do not represent the fruits of a true personal experience of human
life. Many doctors only see through other people's glasses, without
reflecting for themselves; the worst of these are those with
"systems," homoeopaths, the disciples of natural medicine, etc. It
is especially in the sexual question that these human weaknesses of
medical practitioners often lead to the most pitiable results.

We must first of all take to heart the fundamental principle of
hygiene, which is at the same time that of all honest and sound
medicine--_prevention is better than cure._

The modern opinions of medical men on the sexual question are still
unfortunate