Nothing is known in our profession by guess; and I do not…
“Nothing is known in our profession by guess; and I do not believe, that from the first dawn of medical science to the present moment, a single correct idea has ever emanated from conjecture: it is right therefore, that those who are studying their profession should be aware that there is no short road to knowledge; and that observation on the diseased living, examination of the dead, and experiments upon living animals, are the only sources of true knowledge; and that inductions from these are the sole bases of legitimate theory.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True knowledge in medicine comes only from careful observation, dissection, and experimentation, not from guesswork or conjecture.
In simple terms: Medical truth requires observation and experiment, not guesses.
Key Takeaway
Rely on evidence, not speculation.
Themes
science
methodology
evidence
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- medical research
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
empiricism
induction
theory formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure observations are unbiased?
- What role should intuition play in scientific discovery?
A Different Perspective
Evidence may be limited by ethical constraints and practical feasibility.