The Doctor is concluded. The Fourth Volume is distinguished by
the same qualities as we noted in the Third; though there are fewer" good stories," less of " shrewd, sensible, or touching ob- servations," and more of odd out-of-the-way learning and " of self- sufficient and egotistical conceits." As a whole, therefore, it is inferior to the former; for the author seems to have exhausted his matter, or himself. But there are a few scattered chapters on medical topics which form a connected subject, and are curious for their learning, interesting for their facts, and not uninstructive for the suggestions they open up. The themes are—the irreligion attributed to the profession, the effect of medical studies on dif- ferent dispositions, the public estimate of Jew physicians, and the actual extent of their skill in olden times, as well as the dubious practices of which members of the healing art have been suspected in all former ages. It has been a question with many minds, whether the condition of mankind really advances,—whether one age, regard being paid to the keenness of the feelings or the power of endurance, is any happier than another. It is difficult to shake off the bonds of custom, so as to be able to decide upon this point; but we should incline to think that both rich and poor arc better off now than in the times when (as appears from Chapters CXXI. and CXXII.) the great were obnoxious to poison at every meal, and the poor to be experimented upon alive, or to be killed, not for the extension of science, but for tho benefit of some individual king or peer.
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