Were I disposed to consider the comparative merit of each…
![“Were I disposed to consider the comparative merit of each of them [facts or theories in medical practice], I should derive most of the evils of medicine from supposed facts, and ascribe all the remedies which have been uniformly and extensively useful, to such theories as are true. Facts are…” quote by Benjamin Rush](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/da7/benjamin-rush-9439_doctor_were-i-disposed-to-consider-the-comparat_2482487.jpg)
“Were I disposed to consider the comparative merit of each of them [facts or theories in medical practice], I should derive most of the evils of medicine from supposed facts, and ascribe all the remedies which have been uniformly and extensively useful, to such theories as are true. Facts are combined and rendered useful only by means of theories, and the more disposed men are to reason, the more minute and extensive they become in their observations”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Medicine’s progress depends on theories that organize facts; without theory, facts are useless, and reasoning deepens observation.
In simple terms: Theories turn facts into useful knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Use theory to guide practice.
Themes
medicine
theory
observation
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- clinical diagnosis
- research design
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
epistemology
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance theory and empirical evidence?
- When might theory hinder discovery?
A Different Perspective
Theories can bias interpretation of facts.