Life and Specific Medicines
The work explores the distinction between two types of life: the fundamental or constitutional life, and the functional life associated with bodily organs and their operations. It argues that true organization requires the existence of life prior to it, similar to how a musician is necessary for a flute to produce music. The text discusses how constitutional life can be affected without noticeable changes in bodily functions, as seen in cases like inoculation, where a single pustule can alter the body's resistance to infection. Conversely, conditions such as hysteria and hydrophobia can severely disrupt bodily functions while leaving the constitutional life intact. The author highlights the peculiar nature of hysteria, likening it to a mimosa that mimics various diseases, including death. The effects of hydro-carbonic gas are noted for inducing a state of exhaustion that resembles death without prior excitement, suggesting potential experimental applications in treating hydrophobia. A significant distinction is made between bitters and tonics in medical treatment. Bitters are described as beneficial for conditions arising from excessive irritability, as they act to depress and calm the system. In contrast, tonics are effective for weakness stemming from relaxation, as they help to tighten and strengthen the body's functions. The author notes that while bark may possess both bitter and tonic properties, no perfect combination of these has yet been discovered. The text critiques the current neglect of specific medicines in medical practice, arguing that while the pursuit of specifics may indicate a lack of understanding, their dismissal reflects a lack of maturity in the field. The author posits that all medicines can be considered specific as the science of medicine evolves and matures.
By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1817 · Genre: Philosophical Essay, Medical Literature, Scientific Discourse · 542 words
First lines
It is a great error in physiology not to distinguish between what may be called the general or fundamental life -- the _principium vitae_, and the functional life -- the life in the functions. Organization must presuppose life as anterior to it: without life, there could not be or remain any organization; but then there is also _a_ life in the organs, or functions, distinct from the other. Thus, a flute presupposes, -- demands the existence of a musician as anterior to it, without whom no flute could ever have existed; and yet again, without the instrument there can be no music.
What this Textopian page supports
Life and Specific Medicines is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1817 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Date: 1817 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Essay, Medical Literature, Scientific Discourse, Literary Criticism, Metaphysical Writing
- Length: 542 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Life and Specific Medicines by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Life and Specific Medicines?
- How does this essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Essay first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Epidemic Disease And Quarantine by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Iron And Heat by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Food Medicine And Poison by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Plato And Aristotle by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Non Perception Of Colours by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Birds And Poets by John Burroughs
Genres
- Philosophical Essay — The text explores deep philosophical concepts regarding life, organization, and the nature of medicine.
- Medical Literature — The work discusses specific medicines and their effects on the body, indicating a focus on medical themes.
- Scientific Discourse — The text employs scientific reasoning and observations related to physiology and medicine.
- Literary Criticism — The writing style reflects a critical examination of existing medical practices and theories.
Tags
philosophy · medicine · physiology · life · organization · functions · principium vitae · hysteria · hydrophobia · gout · tonics · bitters
More by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Expostulation and Reply (1817)
- The Tables Turned (1798)
- Animal Tranquillity and Decay (1816)
- Goody Blake and Harry Gill (1798)
- The Last of the Flock (1815)
- Lines Left Upon a Seat in a Yew-Tree, which Stands Near the Lake of Estwaithe, on a Desolate Part of the Shore, Yet Commanding a Beautiful Prospect (1818)
- The Foster-Mother's Tale (1815)
- The Thorn (1798)
- All works by Samuel Taylor Coleridge