Note 13 — (First Pilgrimage.) (continued 2)
Reading edition
In a Note to page 127 of Dr. Peez’s work, we have the following words:—“There are some chemists, as for example, the Aulic Councillor Struve, (evidently actuated by mercantile motives) who charge us with purposely attempting to involve the origin and efficacy of mineral springs in a magic gloom.” This is not a very liberal insinuation!
“Mercantile motives!” What motives led the doctor to study, and now to practise physick?—Answer. Merely to heal the sick without fee or reward. What are the motives which lead the lawyer to waste his time and health by the midnight lamp, studying Coke upon Littleton?—Answer. The prospective pleasure of pleading the causes of those who come into court “in forma pauperis”! But then there is the parson. He spends years of his life and thousands of his money at Oxford and Cambridge, studying theology and mythology—with the view of going forth to preach the word to Jew and Gentile, and without the most remote prospect of worldly advantage! Mercantile motives, indeed! Dr. Struve with great labour, expense, and skill, has imitated the Wisbaden waters, so that those who are unable to ascend the Rhine, may yet drink at the Kochbrunnen, without feeing the Spa Doctor.