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In preparing the additional matter I have had no assistance except such as libraries and the conversation of men of science and literature have afforded. The urbanity of gentlemen of those descriptions, in this metropolis, and the readiness with which they have afforded me access to the sources of intelligence in their possession, will live in my remembrance and be at all times acknowledged with gratitude.

has attacked the immortal works of Butler. He seems not to possess powers for discriminating between doggrel rhymes and Hudibrastick poetry; for he declares that " to make verses of this kind," to wit, like Butler, " is one of the lowest orders of intellectual employments." If we may judge, however, from some specimens of this critick's own verse, "the lowest order of intellectual employments" in his hands would be "likely to be lower!!" But Pope has hit his case so exactly that we will dismiss him with a quotation from that writer, whose productions he will doubtless pronounce "gross and nauseous."

"Some have at first for wits, then poets past,
"Turn'd criticks next, and prov'd plain fools at last."

Philadelphia, June 18, 1806.

INTRODUCTION

TO THE

LONDON EDITION.

THE demand for a second edition of CAUSTICK'S PETITION, within the short period of two months from the publication of the first, has excited so much vanity in the author as to induce him to believe that his efforts have not been altogether unacceptable, and to hope that his objects may ultimately prove not to have been altogether unaccomplished. With such a reward for former exertions, and such an incitement for future, it will be thought natural in him to have used his endeavour for a continuance of publick favour.

The present edition, which contains more than double the quantity of matter that composed the last, will plead the virtue of industry, even should the merit of the new matter not justly lay claim to that indulgence with which the former was honoured.

Besides enlargement, this edition will be found, especially in the first canto, to be materially altered.

The aim of the alterations has been to avoid, as much as the subjects necessarily enlarged upon would admit, every sentiment and expression, which would offend the heart of innocence, or the eye of delicacy. Addressed, as the poem originally was, to professional men, there was, perhaps, little cause to complain of too great a licence in this particular. The circulation of the work proving, however, to be by no means confined to the medical profession, and promising to be still less so in future, it has been the author's study to savour this to the more general palate as well as to enlarge the scope of its objects.

Of one, among other advantages, which may generally be derived for the improvement of second editions, viz. the criticisms of monthly journals, the author is in a great measure deprived. Two only (the Antijacobin and Monthly Register) have yet committed the deeds of Dr. Caustick to the test of their tremendous ordeal.

The sweet drops of their approbation, which, in their great clemency, they have allowed him to taste, instead of the bitter pill which the trembling poet feared might have been his dose, inculcates a hope of a survival of the affray, without a broken heart through his own chagrin, however great his danger of a broken head through the chagrin of others.

Thus far I had proceeded in remarks, which are applícable to this second edition only, and hesitated some time, before I resolved on the expedience of pursuing my observations, and offering something like an explanation of the motives, which led to the present publication. This delay has enabled me to mention a third review of the first edition (by the British Critick). Like the former two it has indulged Dr. Caustick with encomiums on his " ingenious burlesque,” his "humorous notes," his "happy ludicrous compounded rhymes, and many other qualities to ensure no trifling success in doggrel verse." &c.

To have hoped, by any thing that might be said in this introduction, to alter the conduct of those, against whom the animadversions contained in the poem are directed, would be vain. Others, however, who seek after truth with more disinterestedness, and with whom truth, when known, may be subservient to some good effect, may have their inquiries facilitated by a simple detail of a few plain facts.

The discovery of Perkinism, and the ascertainment of I its utility in the cure of diseases, have been objects of the author's most critical and cautious investigation. This investigation, terminating in a conviction of its great importance to mankind, and its high claims to a rank among the choicest blessings to humanity, has placed him on the alert to watch its progress, and to feel an anxiety for its success. He has of consequence been roused at

!

the disgraceful attempts made by the combined energies of prejudice and self interest to prevent the use, nay, even the trial, of the efficacy of the metallick tractors.

Opposition, honourable in its views, and fair in its means, to discoveries of great pretensions, is not only commendable, but almost indispensably necessary to the development of truth. Such opposition, like friction to the diamond, proves its hardness and increases its lustre. But when, as in the present instance, every avenue to truth is defended by scorpions, who endeavour to frighten you back by their hisses, or assail you with their stings, it cannot be unjustifiable to attempt to clear the passage by whipping away the reptiles. The author, however, would not presume to represent that he has accomplished this task. But, if he has failed in his attempt, he is not yet discouraged. They have thrown the gauntlet in an untenable cause, and, as his quiver' is yet full of arrows, he will be justified in shooting folly, malice, and ignorance

whenever they appear in any guise to combine against this important discovery.

The writer would, however, caution against any supposition that the whole medical profession, many of whom are stars of prime magnitude in the hemisphere of science, are enemies to Perkinism, or would make use of any unjustifiable means to oppose an improvement in the art of healing. Indeed, no person can hold the more honourable part of the profession in higher estimation than the author of the following poem.

A concise sketch of the history of Perkinism, since its first introduction into this island, will render evident what has been the nature of the opposition to the metallick practice, inasmuch as it will show that it resolves itself into two heads, viz. ridicule and malicious falsehood. These, when called into action even by men of moderate talent, who are compelled by interest to extraordinary exertion, are no impotent engines, employed against the weak, however inefficient they may prove with men of penetration and independence.

I shall proceed to the proof of my assertion relative to the character of the opposition to Perkinism. I shall draw my facts from the several writers' own acknowledgements and Mr. Perkins's answers; both of which have long been the subject of my attentive observation.

At the head of that part of the opposition to be classed under ridicule, may be mentioned certain proceedings in the Bath and Bristol infirmaries; the former under the direction of Dr. Haygarth, a physician of Bath; and the latter conducted by Mr. Smith, a surgeon of Bristol. These have been the grand rallying points about which every minor assailant has taken his stand. But it is unnecessary to recapitulate them here, as they are sufficiently enlarged upon in the second and third cantos of the

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