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The Methodic Sect, which was founded by the Roman physician Themison,^[38] a disciple of Asclepiades, as they conceived all diseases to depend upon overbracing, or on relaxation, so did they class all medicines under the head of relaxing and bracing remedies; and although this theory has been long since banished from the schools, yet it continues at this day to exert a secret influence on medical practice, and to preserve from neglect some unimportant medicines. The general belief in the relaxing effect of the warm, and the equally strengthening influence of the cold bath, may be traced to conclusions deduced from the operations of hot and cold water upon parchment and other inert bodies.^[39]

The Stahlians, under the impression of their ideal system, introduced Archœal remedies, and many of a superstitious and inert kind; whilst, as they on all occasions trusted to the constant attention and wisdom of nature, so did they zealously oppose the use of some of the most efficacious instruments of art, as the Peruvian bark; and few physicians were so reserved in the use of general remedies, as bleeding, vomiting, and the like; their practice was therefore imbecile, and it has been aptly enough denominated, “a meditation upon death.” They were however vigilant in observation and acute in discernment, and we are indebted to them for some faithful and minute descriptions.