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general. Every one thus acquainted with the proceedings will atthe same time fully feel how a student, with a little self-esteem,must be ashamed, and blamed by his fellow-students, not to beable to give satisfaction when thus examined in their presence,and will agree with me, that students " devoting their timeto amusement and idleness," will not be likely to exposethemselves to such an examination, (not being obliged to do so byany law.) For this, and for many other reasons, I do not hesi-tate to declare this statement in the report to be quite wrong anderroneous.

In the same page we read-" The dissecting-rooms are seldomcrowded with pupils." The anatomical rooms in Berlin are sup-plied with subjects as well as any institutions of this kind in theworld, and I have been acquainted with the proceedings thereduring many years, but I have always found that the large num-ber of subjects was still insufficient to supply the daily demandfor the students. and many of them have often been consequentlyobliged to go several days without dissecting at all. That thedissecting-rooms in Berlin are not crowded with pupils, althoughabout jE3 4s. is paid for each semestre, I totally deny.At page 421 of THE LANCET we read-" The hospital in

which are the clinical wards, subordinate to the faculty, (of Ber-lin,) is the Charite," yet not a word is mentioned of other clinicalinstitutions belonging more exclusively to the faculty, as-First,the Royal Clinical Institution for Surgery and Ophthalmology,with many beds, and a large number of out-patients, (in formeryears under the direction of the late V. Graefe, at present, of z,the celebrated Dieffenbach,) in which nearly all operations areperformed by the students themselves, from the slightest to theseverest, they being at the same time entrusted with the after-dressing, and obliged to have the care of the patient during thewhole period of his treatment, even to watch at his bed duringthe night, if required. Second. The Polyclinicum, for medicineand surgery, under the direction of Professor Truestaedt.Third. The so-called University Clinicum, for medicine, informer times under Hufland and Osaun, now, I believe, underProfessor Romberg, with a large number of out-patients, the stu-dents being at the same time obliged to visit at their own homespatients who are unable to attend. Fourth. The excellent insti-tution for midwifery and female diseases, under the direction ofProfessor Busch, called " Die Entbindungs Anstalt der Univer-sitaet," to distinguish it from the other institution of this kind inthe Charite, containing many beds and out-patients, and inwhich, doubtless, every opportunity is offered for the students toobtain a full practical information in these branches of ourscience. But even in regard to the Charite, which, it may benoticed, was originally founded for the medical pupils for thearmy only, it must be remembered that the patients for the medi-cal wards are always selected by the professors out of the wholenumber of patients in the house, and scarcely one of themwill be allowed to object " to being seen or examined," as errone-ously stated in the report. These patients nearly all belong tothe lowest order of society, and perhaps amongst fifty of them,not one will be found who pays the expenses of his residence inthe hospital out of his own pocket, except perhaps in the divisionfor mental diseases ; and, moreover, the statement in THELANCET, " that the cases are nearly all acute," is founded innothing but a mistake, as every one can convince himself, bylooking a little closer around in the rooms. Further, it must benoticed, that with the clinical wards for diseases of the eye, (inthe Charite,) and for diseased children, a large number of out-patients is constantly connected, the latter being under the direc-tion of my beloved teacher, Professor Barez. And I beg tomention, that a pupil who has listened to the clinical lectures ofthis eminent teacher, without having acquired a certain degreeof practical information for the future, will find instruction no-where.

This brief sketch, Sir, may prove, perhaps, to your readers, thatthe clinical studies in the faculty of Berlin will bear a closer in-spection, and that all possible opportunities are offered to thestudents to accomplish themselves in every form and branch ofour noble science.One of the most striking errors, however, into which Dr.

Hoefer has fallen, is in regard to the examination for the degree.Thus we read in THE LANCET-" The examination for thedegree is a mere formality." " It consists in a written and in anoral trial." Now it is evident that the author has confoundedthe " tentamen medicum" with the examen itself, " the examenrigorosum." Every candidate for the degree of the medicalfaculty, after having produced the required certificates, is obligedto pass before the same, the so-called " tentamen medicum,"which consists in a written and an oral trial, but is by nomeans a mere formality, as it depends on the result of thisexamen whether the dean will give permission to the candidate to

enter into the examination for the degree, or advise him to con-tinue his studies for a longer time.The " examen rigorosum," or the examination for the degree

which follows the " tentamen medicum," consists only in an oraltrial, but by no means contradicts its name. It lasts from five tosix hours, the following branches being objects of the examen;and the following gentlemen used to constitute the board ofexamens at Berlin a few years back-viz., Anatomy, Physiology,and Comparative Anatomy, Professor Muller; Operative Sur-gery, Professor V. Graefe; Surgery, Professor Rust ; MateriaMedica, Professor Link; General and Special Pathology andTherapeutics, Professor Bartels; Comparative Physiology andMedical Zoology, Professor Schultz. Besides this, the dean, whopresides, chooses some subject in which he himself examines.May I ask now, Sir, if the gentlemen I have mentioned, and

whose names are known to the scientific world, are likely to be sa-tisfied with a a mere formality" when called forth as legal exa-miners ? Three of them, V. Graefe. Rust, and Bartels, are no moreamong the living, but there is no doubt other not less learned andworthy men have taken their places.

These remarks will suffice, pro virili part!, and to corrobo-rate my own statement, leaving it to others who may find interestin it to examine more closely the report of Dr. Hoefer. Dixiet animam salvavi. With all due regard, I remain, Sir, your mostobedient, humble servant,

J. H. STEINAU, M.D.City.road, Finsbury, Sept. 22, 1844.

J. H. STEINAU, M.D.

>1<** We admire the feeling which has prompted Dr. Steinau tocome forward to defend the institutions of his " alma mater," andhave therefore willingly given insertion to his letter. It will,however, be observed, that his " corrections" have referencenearly exclusively to the extent to which the students make useof the opportunities afforded them, and to the degree of severityshewn in the university examinations. Considering that Dr.Steinau confesses himself unable to comprehend how "theprofessors and teachers could blame their pupils and com.

militones carissimos in the eyes of an agent of a foreign govern.ment," (whether deserving of blame or not, we suppose,) wcannot look upon the doctor as a very impartial witness. 0)9comparing Dr. Steinau’s letter with the account which we gaveof medical education in Prussia,* our readers will see that ouistatement of the medical regulations is correct, even according to thfdoctor himself. On the other hand, we would ask,-If the Prus.sian students are so laborious, and the university examinations sesevere, how is it that the government does not consider the university M.D. degree a sufficient guarantee of their medical knowledgtto allow them to practise, but obliges them subsequently to pass fserious examination before a " superior medical board," speciall]appointed by the ministry, and independent of the university, thaimaking their M.D. degree merely a honorary title?-ED. L.

ABUSES IN THE ELECTION OF DRESSERS ANDHOUSE SURGEONS AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGEHOSPITAL.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SiR,-Permit me a small space in your valuable journal,-andI am sure you will do so the more readily, when you know that thepurport of my letter is to expose, and, if possible, to correct, anabuse -which now exists in University College. You have alwaysshewn the kindest sympathy for this institution, and have alwaysstriven to raise it in the estimation of the world, and therefore youare worthy of the deepest gratitude from all the students.The abuse exists in the election of dressers and clerks of the

hospital. You well know that these offices are given to those whohave most distinguished themselves at the college in obtainingmedals and certificates of honour. No one can deny the fairnessof this plan; but then, it is abused, and how it is so is the object ofmy letter.Many students come up to this college with the laudable inten-

tion of signalizing themselves among their colleagues; but someof them having more time, or more money, or more of both com-bined, can afford to stay in London many sessions longer thanthose with whom they so unjustly enter into the field of competi-tion. One year they go in for physiology or chemistry, or anyother class, and work at one subject alone for that session. Whatchance, then, have those students who work at all their subjectsgenerally, and in doing so, cannot afford to give up the whole ofa session to one special branch of their profession; another yearthey work exclusively for another medal, obtain it, and so go onsuccessively every session until they have reaped quite a goldenharvest; and after they have been at the college four or five, or

* See LANCET, June 22nd, 1844.

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even six years, they then think that they may try with certaintyfor a dressership or clerkship, and as these offices are awarded tcthose who have gained the most honours, they obtain their object,to the exclusion of those men who have vainly competed withthem. No one can deny the injustice of such a proceeding; butwhat do these senior students do then ? many of them merelyobtain these offices (especially the dressership) for the sake of thecertificate from the surgeon or physician, and with the idea 01being one day enrolled amongst the Fellows of the Royal Collegeof Surgeons! caring very little for the practical knowledge thatmust accrue to them from such an office. They, perhaps, at thetime, are working for some other medal-for they are insatiable inthis respect ; they consequently cannot attend to their duties, andtherefore employ deputies to do their work, and then have the im-pudence to ask for a certificate from the surgeon or physician,which, of course, can never be refused to men of such high stand-ing, as they are considered. In this respect they very much re-semble the " dog in the manger."Now, Sir, I really think that such an abuse ought to be cor-

rected ; and one way of effecting this purpose I will humbly sug-gest. The plan I propose is, to consider a man who has been atthe college for three years, as one who ought to have finished hiseducation, and if he competes for a dressership or clerkship in hisfourth year, the medals and honours he has obtained during theprevious three years ought not to be taken into consideration, andthat he ought to be considered as a first-year’s man. Then wouldthe hard-working practical man stand some chance against thesemedal-hunters, as Mr. Teague justly terms them. I remain, yoursobediently, A DRESSER.University College, London, Nov. II, 1844.

INCONSISTENCIES IN THE PRIZE SYSTEM ATUNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,&mdash;The letter of Mr. James Teague, inserted in THE LANCETof November 9, has powerfully exposed some of the evils attend-ing the present regulations for prizes at University College. Afurther exposition of these glaring inconsistencies may not beuseless.

1st. There is a rule which states that no students shall beallowed to contend for prizes, except those who have regularlyattended the weekly examinations held in the different classes.This rule is never observed. I

2nd. There is no rule which disqualifies medical practitioners !,from contending for these prizes. Hence it is a common thingfor members of the College of Surgeons to enter the lists against Ithe young apprentice. Doubts may be expressed as to whetherthese " members" increase their reputation by this honourablerivalry.

3rd. Students who reside in London, or those who have muchtime to spare, and who have been attending the classes for five,six, or seven years, are allowed to contend with others, who per-haps can only stay two sessions in London. Is this an equalcontest ?

4th. Students who have taken degrees, honours, and exhibi-tions, in the University of London, may return, and do return, tothe scene of their studies, and compete with youths just com-mencing their medical education.

I take the liberty of troubling you with these remarks, and Ido this without hesitation, knowing that abuses like these haveonly to be pointed out to ensure your powerful assistance in theirremoval. I have not mentioned the remedies for this state ofthings; they are simple, of easy application, and will probably benoticed hereafter. I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,

JOHN ELLIOTT WOOD.University College, Nov. 9. 1844.

JOHN ELLIOTT WOOD.

THE MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL.

(NOTE FROM MR. ROGERS, OF WARDOUR-STREET.)To the Editor Of THE LANCET.

SIR,&mdash;On Monday last, the 11 th inst., being in the neighbour-hood of my old hospital, the Middlesex, I thought I would go inand see what was going forward, when I found that Mr. Arnottintended amputating the thigh of a male patient. Having a littlespare time, I determined on seeing the operation, and for that pur-pose adjourned to the theatre, where a number of gentlemen,new-comers, and therefore strangers to me, were assembled. Iwalked into the front row, where I found two old pupils likemyself; and casting my eyes upwards, I found written oppositeto me a notice, to the effect that former house-surgeons, oldpupils, who came as visitors, and the dressers to the other sur-geons. were allowed to stand there. I thouaht this included

myself, but I was presently undeceived, and that, too in themost uncourteous manner possible ; for on Mr. Arnott entering

, the theatre, he at first gave a short clinique on ’the case, butsuddenly pulling up, he turned upon me, saying, in a manner I

have above alluded to, " You have no business here-go out."I immediately withdrew, (observing, as I went, "I am an old

’ pupil,") and then took up my station at the top of the theatre,amidst the tittering of the students, who doubtless thought me’ an intruder. After the operation was over, I inquired of Mr.

Arnott why I had been so insulted? when he observed he didnot know me. I then told him he had signed my certificate;I forget the exact words he then uttered, but it was somethingto the effect that I was not known to him the more for that. Hethen inquired whether I practised in London, to which I re-plied, Yes; when he observed, I was only admitted there bycourtesy. I will take care how I again expose myself to hiscourtesy.I call attention to this, as I do not think I ought to have beenso unceremoniously treated, even supposing I had been a stranger;and I question whether a like insult would have been offered to anyrespectable well-conducted person visiting any other hospital inLondon. I would farther recommend the above-named gentle-man to be a little more courteous, if possible, to the studentsin general, as I remember being insulted by him on two pre-vious occasions during my pupilage.

I do not believe 1 was wholly unknown at the above hospitalduring the five years I was there, nor shall I be to my old fellow-students when they see me sign myself yours respectfully,

J. ROGERS, M.R.C.S., &c.Wardour-street, Soho, Nov. 13, IS44.

J. ROGERS, M.R.C.S., &c.

THE FUND OF THE ASSOCIATED APOTHECARIESAND SURGEON-APOTHECARIES OF ENGLANDAND WALES.

(NOTE FROM DR. WANSBROUGH.)To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SIR,&mdash;As one of the thirteen hundred and twenty-three mem-bers of the " Associated Apothecaries and Surgeon-Apothecariesof England and Wales," which was formed in 1812, and ceasedits labours in the cause of medical reform in 1823, I should liketo know what has become of the amount of stock in the three percents. Reduced, which then stood at four hundred and twenty-fivepounds?The last officers on the 2nd of July, 1823, were-President-Joseph Hayes, Esq.Vice-Presidents-James Upton, Esq.; Lewis Leese, Esq.General Committee-Henry Blatch, Esq.; Thomas Alcock,

Esq.; John Brown Eyles, Esq.; Thomas Hurst, Esq.; W. M.Gaitskill, Esq.; James Morrah, Esq. ; John Parrott, Esq.;George Rodd, Esq.; W. Henry King, Esq.; Ebenezer Randall,Esq. ; Charles Shillitoe, Esq.; George Woolley, Esq.; HenryCoombe, Esq.; Thomas Clarke, Esq.; William Hillman, Esq.;C.T. Haden, Esq.; John Hingeston, Esq.; Edward Leese, Esq.;John Hunter, Esq.; Thomas Parkinson, Esq.; John Hurlock,Esq.; N. Wells, Esq.; William Robins, Esq.; - Williams, Esq,

Treasurers-J. S. Parkinson, Esq.; J. Upton, Esq.; J. Hun-ter, Esq.Bankers-Messrs. Gosling and Sharpe, Fleet-street.Secretary-John Powell, Esq.,’1, Keppel-street, Russell-square.Perhaps the treasurers, if alive, or survivors of the " general

committee," will inform us whether the said sum of four hundredand twenty-five pounds remains still invested, and to what pur-pose the interest, two hundred and sixty-seven pounds fifteenshillings, has been applied during twenty-one years, as no balance-sheet, to my knowledge, has appeared since the 2nd of July, 1823-!I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

T. W. WANSBROUGH, M.D.T. W. WANSBROUGH, M.D.Chelsea, Nov. 12, 1844.

T. W. WANSBROUGH, M.D.

THE ORTHOP&OElig;DIC INSTITUTION.

TnE Editor of THE LANCET is, of course, aware that in con-sequence of the bad management (to use a mild term) of theOrthopoedic Institution, No. 6, Bloomsbury-square, the follow-ing resignations have taken place:-The president, the RightHonourable the Earl of Eldon ; the Earl of Arundel- and Surrey,Dr. Stromeyer, of Hanover, Amos Swaysland, Esq., FrederickHeisch, Esq., Frederick Heisch, jun., Esq., vice-presidents.Why this fact is kept a secret by the committee is best known

to themselves. The truth of the above can be confirmed by ap-plication to any of the parties named.

A CONSTANT READER.Oct. 4, 1841.