There is no short cut, nor "royal road," to the attainment of medical knowledge. The path which we have to pursue is long, difficult, and unsafe."

"We must adopt loathsome diseases for our familiar associates, or we shall never be thoroughly acquainted with their nature and dispositions; we must risk, nay even injure, our own health in order to be able to preserve or restore that of others."

"Pray, Mr. Abernethy, what is a cure for gout?' was the question of an indolent and luxurious citizen. 'Live upon sixpence a day - and earn it,' was the cogent reply."

"Why, Madam, do you know there are upward of thirty yards of bowels squeezed underneath that girdle of your daughter's? Go home and cut it; let Nature have fair play, and you will have no need of my advice."

"Private patients, if they do not like me, can go elsewhere; but the poor devils in the hospital I am bound to take care of."