Stillwell v. Van Eppes 295 Stoddart v. Johnson Stone v. Boston Stockbridge v. W. Stockbridge 176, Union Bank v. Gray 318, 330 v. Schr. Little 349 325 Valier v. Hart 335 Sumner v. Finegan Sutton v. Dana PRACTICE. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. Ir is a common remark, that the study of any single branch of science is apt to beget an extravagant idea of its importance. I shall not probably escape the imputation, when I declare the opinion, that a familiar acquaintance with practice, is one of the most striking and indispensable qualifications of an accomplished lawyer. It teaches him how to handle his weapons; and it is to the successful practice of law, what a practical knowledge of masonry and carpentry is to the science of architecture; or, to give a more appropriate illustration, what a field drill is to the commander of a military force. A lawyer may be thoroughly grounded in the great principles of jurisprudence, but without a knowledge of practice, he cannot know how, when or where to avail himself of his theoretical attainments, just as a strong man may be in possession of a costly armory, without knowing how to load or discharge even a revolving pistol. These remarks have been made, because I believe that this department of our jurisprudence has been more generally neglected by the members of the profession in this Commonwealth, than any other. The |