former times, it seems not unreasonable to hope, that mankind may be persuaded to bestow a few moments unbiassed atten∣tion on a subject confessedly of the highest medical importance.2. This subject hath indeed been amply and learnedly treated by ancient and mo∣dern physicians, in various countries and languages; in this kingdom particularly, by the celebrated Dr. Mead, and the no less famous Dr. James; the latter of whom published, in the year 1760, an en∣tire volume on Canine Madness. Ancient authors were less diffuse, and were gene∣rally satisfied with transcribing from each other. Most of these writers I have con∣sidered with attention, and acknowledge myself much obliged to them for many important facts: I cannot, however, avoid observing, that their labours have a mani∣fest tendency to confirm the fatal preju∣dice which I most devoutly wish to eradi∣cate; I therefore think myself justified in adding a small pamphlet to the volumi∣nous tracts already written on the disease commonly, but improperly, called the hydrophobia, or dread of water. I say 0