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have been already instructed in the methodof collecting this fluid, and been shown thatif anatomists have remained so long igno-rant of its existence, this was because theyemployed an imperfect and defective mannerof opening the head and, spinal column. Ialso told you how most of our predecessorsconsidered the presence of this fluid in thecerebro-spinal cavities, as depending onsome pathological condition of the nervouscentres or their membranes: finally, we were ’led to ask the question, whether the fluid ofthe vertebral canal communicates with thatcontained in the cranium, or not?

According to the ideas first inculcated byBICHAT, and afterwards adopted by all hisfollowers, the arachnoid membrane, after

having lined the external surfaces of thespinal marrow and the cerebrum, penetratesthrough a peculiar opening into the post,,-rior part of the lateral ventricles, over whosesurfaces it is rellecte4 on all sides. Havingoften observed, as indeed all pathologistshad seen before him, more or less serousfluid in the ventricles, and having, as hethought, discovered a serous membrane

spread over the venlricular surfaces, Bi-CHAT thought himself justified in concludingit was the arachnoid.This conclusion seems founded more on the ideas which he had preconceived, thanon actual facts; for if BICHAT had taken thetrouble of examining with care and minuteattention the disposition of the surfaces ofthe cerebral ventricle?, he would have seenthat as for the greater part of these surfacesit is totally impossible to discover any traceof serous membrane : had BICHAT, I say,observed this fundamental fact, he neverwould have thought of discovering by what arrangement of parts the arachnoid mem-brane penetrates into the interior of theventricles. This is not the only error intowhich man has fallen through a too hastydisposition of generalizing without sufficientfacts. Anatomists are a1:;o in the habit of

saying that the whole of the articular cavi-ties is lined by reflexions of serous raem-brane,-an error easily refuted by any thinglike accurate dissection. We may then say,in a general manner, that serous membranesdo not present the disposition attributed tothem for so man;, years by some of our bestanaomists, viz., that of completely liningthe whole of the cavities, and of the partscontained in the cavities, where they exist ;and that the even polished surfaces whichsome of these cavities present, are far fromproving that they are lined with a serousmembrane. The synovial membranes wouldsoon wear out if they spread over the arti-cular surfaces, which are in immediate con-tact with each other,—the constant frictionwould destroy them; besides, once for all,we cannot discover any trace of synovialmembrane on this part of a joint by actualdissection. It is true that the cavities of

the middle and lateral ventricles, of theaqueduct of SYLVIUS, and of the fourth vtu-tricle, present a smooth, even, polished sur-face ; but this circumstance alone cannot

prove that they are lined with a serous

membrane, for observation shews the con.trary. I will pursue this subject at our

next meeting.

DINNER

OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,

ON Thursday, the 27th iust. about 100general practitioner;:; of medicine, residingin Southwark, and its vicinity, dined togetherat the Bridge Hozcse Hotel, Southwark, GEOWEBSTER, -Esq., of Dulwich, in the chair,as a preliminary step in the fulfilment ofthe object;) described in an advertisementwhich appeared in a late number of THE £

LANCET, and now more fully described bythe chairman in the remarks with which heintroduced the first professional toast. Theremoval of the cloth was followed-bv thechaunting of " Non Nobis Domine," and theadoption of the followiug toasts, with muchapplause :—" The King;" " the Queen f "’’ the Princess Victoria and the rest of theRoyal Family ;" " the Navy and Army."The CHAIRMAN then rose and said,—Gen-

tlemen, the toast which I have now to pro-pose, may be called " the toast" of theevening, and I am sure that you will receiveit with enthusiasm. But before I name it,I beg your attention for a few moments tothe cause of our meeting this evening, andthe important objects which we have inview. I am sure that the English gene-ral practitioners of medicine, constitut.

ing the great body of the profession, musthave frequently regretted that few or no

opportunities of assembling together insocial converse, or at the festive board,occur amongst us, for tlte cultivation ofthose kindly feelings, that union, good fel-lowship, and reciprocity of sentiment, whichare so essential to the welfare of our no’,teprofession. (Hear, hear.) It is scarcelyrequisite to enquire why these opportunitare so few. By some we have been face-tiously termed the " subordinates" of ourprofession (Laughter), and, therefore, as wedo not roll in our carriages, and collectguineas in the broad light of the sun, wecannot spend our evenings in this way veryoften. (Applause.) But I do not believethat that is the reason. I would rather say.that we are practising our laborious pro-fession from morn almost till night, andfrom night till morn again, and beingweighed down with anxiety, are glad toenjoy the evening at our own firesides.But perhaps it may partly spring from petty

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feelings of jealousy, which are apt to creep degrade and lower general practitionersin, and from a want of confidence in each (hear, hear, and immense applause), not onlyother’s honour. Be this as it may, we have in the eyes of the public, but in our ownfew or no opportunities of meeting. There eyes also, as the introduction of these clubs.is, so far as I know, no society in London, And for what are they established ? For the- and I am much surprised at it-formed to saving of a few paltry pounds to each pa-cultivate kind professional feeling and pro- rish! Hitherto we have been advancing intect our dignity and rights, (applause) ex- scientific attainments, and increasing in pub-cepting a society which for some time has lie estimation; and now, in the 19th cen-existed, on a small scale, in this neighbour- tury, we are to retrograde, to be insulted,hood, whose influence has been attended vilified, degraded ! And why? Because wewith the happiest results wherever felt. will not tamely submit to be slaves. (LoudThe spirit of this society will be shown by applause.) We are to be put up to Dutchreading the following paragraph from its auction; not to the highest, but to the lowestregulations:-" It is not the object of this bidder. (Reiterated cheers.) ure are to besociety to institute a monopoly. It is in- pitted-the man of little experience againsttended to promote fair and honourable con- him of the most extensive observation, andduct among the practitioners atlarge towards to be forced to perform the anxious andeach other; to encourage among them the laborious duties of our profession for anexercise of harmony and good-will; to dif- utterly contemptible pittance. This is nei-fuse useful medical information; to insist ther the time nor the place to adduce argu-npon the rights vested in its members by ments against the clubs ; we do not meet forthe law of the land; to suppress illegal that purpose, or they might be easily cited.practitioners, and thereby protect the real The newspaper, and all the branches of theinterests of the public; to require the due medical, press have supported us. (Applause.)observance of medical etiquette between But though this is a monster with manyhospital and consulting surgeons ; in few heads, it is only one of a number existing inwords, to render the profession within the our profession. Need I mention another

sphere prescribed, honourable, useful, and grievance, that of quackery? This is an evilrespectable." Now, though several who are which truly preys upon the vitals of the

present may have thought over this im- public, and weighs down our profession,portant subject, and considered the necessity spreading over the land, and assuming innu-of such an association, yet I think that we merable shapes. Indeed, I think it is themust give the honour to this society of great enemy of mankind himself, and thatforming a nucleus from which an extensive its name may be called " Legion." Can weassociation may spring, having roots in this turn our eyes in any direction without ob-metropolis and spreading its branches into serving symptoms of quackery? What can

every district of the kingdom. These may we say regarding the colleges,-of theirbe called the remote causes of our assembling efforts to suppress it ? Have they assistedthis evening. I will now mention what I us in this matter? (Hear, hear, and loud ap-consider, in medical language, to be the plause.) Have they protected us ? Theyproximate causes. I will not conceal from have not. Has the government protected usview the recent and still continued attempts in any way ? No ; on the contrary, it derivesto inflict upon the profession a host of evils a large revenue from the sale of secret re-in the shape of self-supporting dispensaries. medies. But we have not only our Eadys,(Loud cheers.) Private or parochial medical and St. John Longs, and Morisons, but ourclubs, whether farthing, halfpenny, or even licenced or professional quackery. I can

penny clubs (Laughter), joined to the woeful hardly trust myself to speak when I see men,effects of Poor-Law medical contracts, have who ought to uphold the interests and dig-at length aroused the general practitioners nity of our profession, prostituting it for afrom the apathy in which they have too base and selfish purpose. (Loud cheers.)long indulged. We know that it is difficult And, before leaving quackery, allow me toto excite our profession; we are too busily say one word respecting homoeopathy.employed every day to attend to evils that (Laughter.) I have given it some little at-come singly, and at a distance, but when tention, and the only conclusion at which Ithey fall as thick as hail, I trust the pro- can arrive is this, that it is aspeciousbranchfession will arise, like a giant refreshed, of quackery. It comes from the land ofand, manfully uniting, contend with the mysticism, Germany; it is carried on in a

threatening dangers. In my remarks, I dis- mysterious manner; its remedies are keptclaim any personal allusion to the Poor-Law secret; and I should say, that it has beenCommissioners, their Assistants, or Boards got up here in opposition to Morison’s pills.of Guardians. They may all be estimable (Laughter and long-continued applause.) Ho-men in private life, who believe that they moeopathy gives a hundredth millionth partare only discharging a public duty. But I of a grain for a dose, whereas the pills ofshall not shrink from declaring what I feel Morison are given by hundreds at a time.to be the truth, that nothing has occurred for Another, and one of the greatest grievancesa century past which has tended so much to from which our body sutlers, is the exist-

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ence of what may be called " prescribing" titioners’ society, yet we wish the supportor « dispensing" chemists,-men who, with- and good-will of all branches of the profes.out a particle of medical or scientific know- sion. There ought to be a reciprocal desireedge, are becoming the general practitioners in all classes of medical men to assist eachin all minor ailments and the beginnings of other ; and I am proud to see’both physiciansdisease. I have heard it said, even by men and surgeons present to aid us to night.in high places, " Let the chemists and the I will read to you a sketch, if I may so callquacks get as many patients as they can ;" it, for the formation of a general association.but I differ entirely from this doctrine of It was left to me to draw this up, but it isfree trade. Is it not the duty of a govern- not like the law of the Medes and Persiafs,ment to provide genuine coin for circulation, unalterable, nor am I quite certain that Ito prevent the circulation of base metal, and have here expressed the feelings of the com.to inflict punishment upon those who clip mittee. It is proposed, that the generalor debase the true coin ? I know of no other practitioners of medicine in England andcountry where our system of unlicensed Wales, shall form themselves into an asso-practice exists; and I am svitisfied that if ciation for the purposes of exciting andwe act with unanimity, it cannot continue in cherishing kindly aad honourable feelingsthis country. Let the duties of chemists be towards each other; and of guarding,properly regulated, and not allowed to in- watching over, and protecting the rights,terfere with those of the medical practi- privileges, interests, and respectability oftioner. (Hear.) Another evil is the mode the profession. 2ndly. That the Societyof paying general practitioners, a mode shall be called « The BRITISH MEDICALwhich, unfortunately, leads to unjust suspi- ASSOCIATION." 3rdly. That those gentle-cions of his integrity, and is’often very gall- men who are willing to become members ofiug to an honourable-minded man. (Heal’, the association, shall, at an early meeting,hear.) Another grievance-for I have a appoint proper officers, such as president,long list of them—which existed until lately, vice-presidents, secretaries, councillors,and, indeed, even now is scarcely settled, members of committees, &c.; and shall formwas the subject of attendance on coroners’ a code of laws for the government of the

iriquests; and, moreover, I believe that no association, to be submitted to the con-provision yet exists for the payment of wit- sideration of a subsequent general meeting.nesses at trials. (Hear, hear.) They ma- 4thly. That the association shall hold fre-nage these matters better, I think, in other quent meetings for the transaction of bu-countries, in Scotland, certainly. When siness. 5thly. That it shall oppose allI resided there, I received two guineas a encroachments from without, and all dis-day for my attendance as a witness on trials. honourable or unprofessional conduct amongThe sessions were held at a considerable its members. 6thly. That it shall by alldistance from my residence, and I was often legal means, or by application to Parlia-obliged to go on the preceding evening; ment, if considered necessary, endeavour

perhaps I was there a whole day. I came to remove every professional grievance,home the next morning, and received six evil, and hardship. 7thly. That it shallguineas for my time and labour. They know protect its members from all illegal or un-there how to value the time and skill of a just prosecutions. 8thly. That it shall ea-medical man. There are other subjects, deavour to form a benevolent fund for theupon which I cannot now touch; but let us assistance of decayed members of the pro-notice how we mean to remedy them. Had fession ; and for the benefit of the widowsthe constituted authorities, the colleges, the and orphans of deceased medical men.

corporations, and the halls done their duty 9thly. That for these important purposes(cheers), we should not have been obliged subscriptions shall be paid by tne membersto meet this night, to take the matter into in such manner as shall hereafter be agreedour own hands, and form an association. upon, and donations received from theirBut instead of protecting the profession, I friends and the profession at large. 10thly.fear they have frequently oppressed it; in That the association shall endeavour tothe place of advancing science, I fear they extend its expected advantages over thehave rather acted as drags on the wheels of kingdom, by corresponding with, and in-

improvement. I speak of these bodies in their viting the co-operation of, their medicalcorporate capacity, and not as individuals, brethren in cities, towns, and local districts,many of whom I highly esteem. We wish and by recom ending them to form them-not to act on any narrow or illiberal views. selves into local societies, having the same,We have no hostility to any branch of the or similar, important ends and objects inprofession, whether physicians, or surgeons, view. Ilthly. That the association shall bythough some busy-bodies have circulated all means in its power, endeavour to pro-reports to that effect. On the contrary, we mote the welfare, prosperity, and union ofdesire our Society to be formed on a broad its own body in particular, and uphold theand liberal basis; and though, by the pro- dignity, respectability, and usefulness ofposed laws, none but general practitioners the medical profession at large. 12thly.can be members, seeing it is a general prae- That the members and their friends shall

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dine together annually in the metropolis, with the carriage. The coachman was a low(The propositions were respectively re- Jarvie—(renewed laughter)—who would onlyceived with loud cheers.) You will ob- drive as he himself thought proper. Theserve that we have said- nothing about distance he drove was only about sevenliterary or kientific matters ; we must not miles, and he went only once a day, and youattempt too much ; I think we have an may be sure that he travelled at his ownabundance of associations for promoting pace, whether it was a good or a bad one.those objects. At all events, it may be as That poor Jarvie is now no more, and thewell, at present, to do nothing on these " Yellow Journal" is also defunct. Weheads. If we are active, unanimous, and have a new race of coachmen, the vehiclesdetermined, what may we not effect? We are improved, the horses are spirited, andare powerful, numerous, and, I take leave the coachmen are active, and up to -theirto say, an intelligent body. (Cheers.) Our business. So it is with the medical press.minds are not less cultivated, nor is our (Applause.) We have now the quarterly,education more confined, than those of per- the monthly, the weekly, and, I had almostsons in other professions. But it does not said, the daily medical press; and when thebecome me to praise the class of which I am rail-roads and steam-engiries are in full play,myself a very humble member. I would we shall have the daily press also. (Lau,-h.rather describe the general practitioner in ter and cheers.) But it is not the velocity,the felicitous language of one whose talents or the frequency of the medical press, thatand attainments we have all cause to admire, is its greatest recommendation. No; it isas I find it in the " Introductory Address" ia independence, its firmness, its judgment,of Dr. A. T. Thomson, delivered at the its integrity, and the talent which its iride-opening of the London University, at the fatigable labourers bring to bear upon it..=-commencement of the session. (The learned (Loud applause.) Formerly there was hotchairman here quoted a passage, which will only a monopoly, but the press was morallybe found at pages 77, 78, of the present gagged. If a report of a lecture appeared,Volume of THE LANCET.) I will not longer if a case was reported from a hospital, or ifdetain you, Gentlemen, from the toast a stricture was made on the blunders’ orhich I have to give, namely, 11 Prosperity bungling of a hospital functionary, the wholeand unanimity to the general practitioners profession was in arms at the daring at-6f medicine throughout the empire." (Enthu- tempt, and the poor dependant functionarysiastic Cheering, which continued for several of the press was tried and condemned, andminutes.) vengeance -vvas executed upon him, withoutThe CHAIRMAN then said, I have had a benefit of clergy. (Laughte1’ and cheers.)

paper sent me with the names of many gen- But the perseverance of an independent me-tlemen who are anxious to become members dical press has changed all this, and nowof the Association. I ought to say that I the lectures of the most able and talentedhave had numerous letters from medical teachers are laid before us as soon as theymenwho, from business, professional avoca- are delivered, cases are reported to us fromtions, and other matters, could not join us the hospitals as soon as they occnr, and weto-day, but who are delighted at the pros- have all the discoveries in the science and.pect of having such a society formed as that art of our profession immediately brought tothe outlines of which I have read to you, view, and submitted to the tests of truth andand who will be most anxious to support us experience. (Great applause.) And in theinthis cause. (Cheers.) We shall be happy press, also, we have able and steady cham-to receive the names of other gentlemen who pions of our rights and interests. They haveare disposed to add them to the list. I am done much for us already ; they will stand-sure the company will receive the next toast by us in all our difficulties, (hear, hear),with very great satisfaction-’’ The inde- aid us in removing abuses, assist us in

pendent medical press :’ (Long-continued averting those dangers and evils whichcheers.) I feel totally inadequate to do any threaten us, and support us in attaining thething like justice to this toast. We are objects which we have e in view. (Cheers.)under such obligations to the medical press, The press has done more for us than wethat I have no words in which to express have done for ourselves, (hear, hear,) but Iwhat I feel. When we contrast the state of sincerely hope that we shall henceforth actthe medical press at this moment with what ia concert. I am aware that the pressit was some twenty years ago, it may not in- itself may not always exhibit that perfectaptly be compared to one of the long coaches harmony and unanimity which might, per-which used at that time to pass my door. haps, be desirable; but that is not to beThe medical press of London, so far as I can expected, and indeed I am not quite sureremember, was then represented by one that it is desirable. One part of the pressjournal, The Medical and Physical, more takes up a subject which another neglects ;familiarly known by the name of « The Yel- one will enter upon a department of science,low Journal." The vehicle was a yellow or medical policy, of which another perhapsone (Laughter); it was lumbering and does not think ; one will more warmlycumbrous, and the hacks were in keeping espouse the interests of some particularB

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(lass of the profession, and another will had one good quality; he watched carefully,take up eur, interests more fervently. Thus and took good care that no unqualifiedyou see that each branch, and all classes, of people should pass -into the domaitisofmedicine and its professors, are attended to PLUTO. (Laughter.) - Our Cerherus. eitherand protected. Concluding with the figure sleeps on his post, or takes his sops, per--with which I began, I may say that we are fectly careless what impostors or pretendersnot at all obliged to ride in the same get into the dominicns of the profession.vehicle, because there is room for us all. (Cheers.) Our three heads, as a matter ofThe- press may have done some evil, for course, have three mouths, and- each ofthat is the fate of every human thing. (Hear, these mouths is very prone to -gobble uphear.) There is no good upon earth with- whatever comes in its way, regardless ofout some alloy. But the press has kept up its neighbouring mouths or ot" the bodya watchful surveillance over every depart- below. (Renezced cheers and laughter.) Eachment of our profession, and I am quite sure mouth has a private oesophagus which leadshas greatly tended to heighten its moral to a private ventriculus, into which allthetone, and increase its general respectability. aliment that can be collected frorri the body(Cheers.) In giving you 11 The tnd’epen- is popped, and the body never sees it again.dent Press," I take leave to couple with it Is it to be wondered at, Gentlemen, thatthe name of Dr. James Johnson, as-- he is where there is no -central organ of diges-present. tion, assimilation, and nutrition, the bodyThe toast having been drank with great should languish, and get out of condition.applause,

.

Gentlemen, the French maxim is pecu-Dr. JAMES JOHNSON rose and spoke, as fol- liarly applicable to yourselves : 11 Aide toi

riows :---Mr. Chairman; gentlemen ; I greatly, et Dieu t’aidera." Help yonrselves; andregret that a more able representative of the God will help you. Let the body put its" independent medical press" than myself shoulder manfully to the wheel,-in the workis not-present to acknowledgelhe handsome of reform and union, and it is not impossibleeulogies which you have passed on that that, in due time, the three heads may beportion of the press, and for the kind man- joined into one, to co-operate with the body.ner in which my name has been associated I conclude, Gentlemen, with wishing successwith the toast.- In consequence of being to a National Association of Medical Prac-tarely convalescent from a severe indis- tioners, inclusive of all ranks and denomina--position, I am unable to give a just ex- tions, constituted for the diffusion of know-pression to my feelings on this occasion, ledge, the promotion of harmony, and the ’but, in the name and on behalf of my breth- prqtection of their rights and respectability.ren of the. periodical press, sincerely thank (Loud applause.)you, and I trust that we shall ever cordially The CHAIRMAN, in proposing "The healthco-operate with the profession at large in of the medical officers of the navy and army,"the sacred cause for which you are now characterised them as a meritorious class,assembled-. Gentlemen, I cannot sit down with whom he never met without derlvmgwithout expressing the greatest gratification both profit and delight. These’ gentlemenat seeing before me such a large assembly continued to suffer under many grievances,of medical practitioners. I see, or rather but he trusted that they would speedily getI foresee, that it will be the harbinger rid of them, in common with the rest of theof a still larger and more important asso- profession. (Cheers.)

.

ciation, not confined to this or that parish, Mr. LADDERS, on behalf of the naval offi-to this or that province, to the metropolis cers, expressed his entire concurrence in the.or to the country, but extending and em- formation of this Association. I am ready,bracing every member of the medical pro- he remarked, to aid my friends around mefession in England. (Cheers.) There never in the promotion of so excellent an object inwas a period in which such an association every way. There are amongst us somewas more imperiously demanded than it is who have particular notions, but with themnow, in this country. The profession, as I am not disposed to quarrel. There is awe all know, is in a strauge, a most ano- certain class, too, that we might call medi-malous, I had almost said a monstrous state. cal mules, (a laugh), persons, too, who ar-;--It is monstrous, because it bears a con- rogate to themselves a distinction to whichsiderable resemblance to a monster of an- they have no right or pretension, and whotiquity composed of one body and three are occasionally to be seen within the gates

: heads. (Laughter.) A head, Gentlemen, is of some London hospital. I do not think itgenerally .placed upon a body to guide, necessary to describe their merits or their

_ direct and protect that body; but our three demerits more particularly, but I trust weheads, unfortunately, pull three different shall be ready to support each other in everyways, and leave the body to draw any way claim of our own to what is fair, legitimate,it likes, or be pulled to pieces by its and honourable in the profession, to obtain

_-enemies, (Laughter and Cheers.) The mon- which, may success attend this institution.ster of antiquity, Cerberus, who resided in (Cheers.)a certain place which I will not mention, A MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE ARMY (whose

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name we could not learn), acknowledged the support. It gave him great pleasure to seecompliment on behalf of his brother officers. such an Association as this, even in its in.He was sure that no branch of the profession fancy; and if it were conducted on the

-would more readily come forward-to support principles which had been laid down thatits dignity or protect its rights. evening, it must acquire that giant strengthMr. LANDERS then rose to propose The which would soon dissipate all petty un-

health of their’ excellent and worthy Chair- comfortable feelings. He thanked the com-.man." The manner in which he had per- pany for the reception they had given theformed his duties that evening was a pledge toast, and hoped that though the Societyof what might be expected from him in fu- would soon arrive at puberty, its old agefure. If they imitated his (the Chairman’s) was far distant. (Cheers.) --

spirit, they must ultimately achieve their Mr. LEEDHAM briefly proposed-- « Theobject, (The toast was drank amidst deaf- health of the Stewards:’ .’ . ,

. --

.’

euing applause.) . Mr. EDWARD EVANS acknowledged the

The CHAIRMAN said, that he could-not ex- compliment. The stewards, he said, had’press his feelings in appropriate language, no sinister motive in getting up this meeting.’14-e feared that he had but very inefficiently They only sought the welfare of the medicaldischarged his duties; but if his efforts had profession at large. He was glad to findbeen of, use, he was delighted and satisfied. visitors present who were celebrated as

He sincerely trusted that the great objects anatomists and physiologists, and the ge-He sincerely trusted that the great objects anato and physiologists, and the ge-which they had in view would be carried neral practitioners warmly desired to extendInto complete effect, (cheers), and that they the hand of brothers to them. He trusted thatwourd fear neither the sneers, the scoffs, nor they would assist each other, and’make-thisthe ridicule -of those whose hearts were not a friendly Association. Dr. Clutterbuck hadlarge enough to go with them in support of told him (Mr. E.) that he should have been’tlie objects which had been brought under happy to be present, and that so far as hisnotice. He was conscious that the Associ- pocket or his influence would enable him,a’tipn were in the road of honour, integrity, he would promote the design of the Asso-and success. It would be entirely their own ciation. (Cheers.) faults if they failed in the different purposes The CHAIRMAN then proposed " Thethey had in view. (Loud applause.) He Health of the Secretary, Mr. Eales." - Itwould now propose "-The health of the was impossible to collect a meeting like thevisitors." It was not the wish of the general present without much trouble. Their Se-practitioners to be selfish, and confine their cretary must have had laborious duties toideas of benefit to themselves; on the con- perform, and no one could have exceededtrary, they desired to form the proposed in- him in the talent and industry he had dis-stitution upon a very large foundation, and played. (Loud applause.)they should be delighted to have the sup- Mr. EALES, in returning thanks, -said thatport of all classes of the community. It he would not impute motives to the partiesaugured well for the Society that they had who had opposed the formation of this Asso-had such an excellent meeting. (Cheers.) ciation ; but having attended every meetingMr. F. SALMON, in returning thanks, said which had been held upon the subject, he

that he knew of no feelings which should could bear testimony to the fact that theyenter the bosom of the general practitioner had no invidious object in view but thatwhich ought not to be entertained by every they desired the benefit of the general prac-inaff in the profession. He hoped that this titioner, and the injury of no one. (Cheers.)Association would long continue to flourish, The CHAIRMAN said-The next toast Iand that it would not confine itself to annual have to propose is

" Our Friends in Par-

meetings, but exercise its calling daily. He liament." I will not be so invidious as totrusted that they would teach the ignorant name amongst them one man in preferenceto use caution; that they would instruct the to another. We have many friends in par-mercenary to recollect, that the profession liament, and several of them have been veryconsisted of a mass of individuals, and that active there. But I would recommendno one man could maintain his respectability every gentleman present to secure as manybefore society, except by living as a part of friends in parliament as possible, and tothe great body. - There ought to be no dis- endeavour to remove all misapprehensionstion in the profession, but that of intellect. which exist among them relative to the pro-The moment that principle was recognised, fession. Several with whom I have spokenthey would become a great as well as a do not understand our rights. Each of ususeful body. (Cheers.) in his sphere, therefore, should talk themThe CHAIRMAN proposed as the next toast, over to good sense, and the duty of exer-

‘‘The British Medical Schools." He trusted cising justice towards us. (Cheers.) Ex-that they would never forget their alma planation is all that is required. There hasmater, or alma szmtres. (Appluse.) been laid before parliament the draaght of a

Mr. PILCHE.R, in returning thanks, ob- charter for a London University, and I con-sen ed that it was on general practitioners fessthat I was somewhat displeased whenthat the medical schools were dependant for it came out. But, on reconsideration, I find

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that it is merely a charter to grant certain from the chair. (Mr. CLARK.—" No,no;degrees or privileges connected with sur- that was not my intention.") He (thegery, medicine, midwifery, and pharmacy ; chairman) could not but respect the motivesand so far it is very well. It is necessary, of Mr. Clarke. He merely wished that nohowever, that we should watch any ulterior misunderstanding should go forth on theproceedings respecting it in parliament; and subject. He (Mr. C.) and the whole of thewhen this Association is formed, I do hope company might be assured that the Com.that a committee will be appointed amongst mittee had well considered the toasts. Butus for that purpose. I allude more par- he (the Chairman) had said that Mr. Clarketicularly to the establishment of a central had furnished evidence of the propriety ofboard of examination. (Loud cheers.) the course adopted, for he had first men.Mr. CLARKE rose and said,-It had been tioned the name of one gentleman, and then

considered right, by one or two of the of another; but all names were omitted,stewads, that he should return thanks for that there might not appear to be anythingthe honour conferred, in the recent toast, invidious in a selection. For instance, theon members of the medical profession in names of Mr. Hume and Dr. Baldwin mightParliament. The chairman had not deemed have been mentioned. They all knew theit right to allude to particular persons in talent, the unwearied industry, and the timegiving the toast, but all must remember the which Mr. Warburton had devoted tounwearied industry, the talent, and the in- medical subjects in parliament. (Cheers.)defatigable zeal, with which Mr. Warburton They all knew the powerful assistance, thehad endeavoured to serve the profession. attention, the ability, and the industry(Chee1’s,) He might also mention the name evinced by Mr. Wakley, (reiterated applause),of Mr. Wakley (great cheering, with one or and he (the Chairman) would never shrinktwo faint hisses instantly droeuned in reiterated from declaring the truth. He would haveplaudits.) who, he (Mr. C.) had no doubt, been delighted to see Mr. Wakley presentwas desirous of avoiding the appearance of this evening, (applause), or any other gen-every thing like party spirit, or he would tleman who had shown such a feeling on be-probably have been present this evening to half of the interests of the profession. Itassist in the festivity. (Cheers.) He (Mr. C.) was simply to prevent an invidious feelingmentioned this because he had heard one or that no names were mentioned in connectiontwo gentlemen receive the name of Mr. with the toast. Dr. Johnson’s name wouldWakley vxnfavourably. (Cries of 11 No, no.") not have been coupled with the "medicalIt mnst be remembered that in the struggle press" if he had not been present. (Applause.)which lately took place’in this borough, Mr. EVANS proposed « The health of Mr.within a stone’s throw of the house in Leedham."which they were now assembled, Mr. Wak- Mr. LEEDHAM acknowledged the compli-ley was the only person connected with the ment, and proposed The health of Mr.press, who noticed those proceedings which Castle."bade fair to crush the members of this Mr. CASTLE briefly returned thanks.institution. Having been instrumental in The CHAIRMAN, in conclusion, proposedforwarding to Mr. Wakley the proceedings " The Provincial Medical Association."of that meeting, he (Mr. C.) found him as Though that association had got the start ofwarmly desirous of supporting the general the present assembly, yet he hoped that thepractitioners against the intrusion of the Metropolitan Association would soon outvieself-supporting dispensary system into the them in every useful labour. They wouldmetropolis, as he was determinedly opposed be most happy to correspond and act in uniontQ every other injury and insult which had with them. (Cheers.)

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been directed against them. It must also The toast having been drunk, the CHAIR-’be recollected, that Mr. Wakley carried the MAN retired, when Mr. LEEDHAM was called toBill for the remuneration of Medical Wit- occupy the vacant seat, and the convivialitynesses at Coroner’s Inquests through the of the evening was kept up to a late hour. InHouse of Commons, by his sole exertions. the course of the evening, several songs an(}Mr. Warburton and Mr. Wakley had always glees were excellently sung by Messrs.shown a preference for general practitioners Broadhurt, Fitzwilliam, Chapman,and Hud-of medicine; and Mr. Wakley was himself son. One of them, on homoeopathy, creatededucated, and had practised, as a member of particular amusement.that body. Under these circumstances hethought that their names might have beenmentioned in connection with the toast.

(Cheers.)The CHAIRMAN observed that he thought

Mr. Clarke had afforded evidence that those who prepared the toasts acted with perfectpropriety in the course they had pursued,and he deemed it to be hardly correct topropose an amendment to a toast given