Snuff—Its Use and Abuse

problems. The study of anatomy was at one time paramount. This was followed by the study of the functions of body structure, the science of physiology, while the changes in physiological function became the study of pathology. A better understanding of pathology, assisted by the advancing knowledge of chemistry as applied to treatment, was responsible for the study of pharmacology-the precise effect of drugs upon the human economy. The interest in chemistry led to a new discipline-the chemistry of human metabolism, biochemistryin which the minute and complex changes which occur in the tissues, the blood-stream, and organs of our complicated human mechanism are critically investigated. Microbiology has made striking advances, particularly in the study of virology. Allergy has had its phase, and now autoimmunity is in the limelight. But none of these disciplines can be allowed to supersede or replace the art of clinical medicine as practised at the bedside of the patient of whatever age. It has been said that old men dream dreams and young men see visions. I hope I am young enough to see the prospect of a wonderful future for paediatrics in the next 40 years.