324 THE NAVAL ASSISTANT-SURGEONS AND THE ADMIRALTY.

rate. The junior fellows may rest assured that if future selec-tions are made from those who most and personally canvass forthe honour, they will one day repent of it. The men of mark,of talent, of position, will refrain from ever entering such an

arena, and the consequence will be that the Medical Society ofLondon will have to lament the suicidal entarnishment of its

own long-worn honour.

IF the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord HighAdmiral could but have been present at the great meeting ofthe Medical Students of this metropolis on Friday last, wethink they would have seen, in the crowded attendance, theenthusiastic harmony of sentiment, the resolute determinationto spurn all association with a service in which nothing is

offered to the medical profession but degradation and insult, I

that final argument which seems to have been hitherto want-ing to make an impression upon bigotry and routine.We do not know that any representative from the Admiralty

was present; we therefore invite the serious attention of the

Lords, naval and civil, to the report of the proceedings pub-lished in this number of our journal. They will there find,admirably expressed, all the 1’easons, unanswered and unan-swerable, which have been urged, times without number, inand out of Parliament, in favour of the right claimed by theNaval Assistant-Surgeons to be raised from association with

midshipmen to the ward-room rank befitting their age, educa-tion, and profession. In thus urging a claim so pertinaciouslyresisted, the Medical Students have done wisely to reproducethese reasons. It is well, on every occasion, to make goodyour case. It is true, indeed, that argument has long beenexhausted. At the Admiralty it has been admitted that it isno longer a matter of argument; it is one of sheer obstinacy. Onenaval lord, in particular, has been heard to exclaim, in the ener-getic terms supposed to be characteristic of crusty old admirals,11 That he would resign rather than be beaten by those d-ddoctors !" We mention this anecdote, because we think thetime is now come when the sad alternative must be decided.

The country and the navy have the case now fairly before them.A certain naval lord at the Admiralty, or surgeons on boardtlte fleet. The naval lord says the country and the navy shallnot have both. Now, it is not for us to exaggerate the im-

portance of our own calling; people at home, -when sick or

wounded, mostly think the services of the doctor very de-sirable. We do not doubt that the crews of our ships, officersand men, will be equally anxious to have fjcM?: medical andsurgical aid at hand; and there are even some people who be-lieve that the success of our naval expeditions, and the honourof the British navy, depend, in some measure, upon the pre-servation of the health of the sailors. On the other hand, wedare to indulge the hope that, were all the naval lords to

resign their offices, the navy would not be very much the

worse; our ships would still float, and

"The flag that’s braved a thousand yearsThe battle and the breeze,"

would not be struck or tarnished.

But if elderly admirals be impenetrable to reason, they maybe made sensible of the fact that they are public servants. It

only remains for the public and Parliament to arrange this

matter. The public and Parliament have, indeed, declaredtheir convictions that right is on the side of the medical pro-

fession. Let them now carry out their convictions. Let m

heed be given to the coxcombical assertion that the Admiraltyis not to be "dictated to" by a body of young men. It is not

a question of dictation, but of common sense and right, and o:the public good. Let it be remembered that no " dictation’

can compel a young surgeon to enter the naval service.We feel, however, satisfied that this great public question

has now arrived at such a position, that Parliament will

authoritatively interfere. That it has attained this position isdue to the admirable spirit and resolute bearing of the medicalstudents. Their conduct at this juncture has earned for themthe approbation and sympathy of the whole body of the pro.fession, and we feel assureri that the result will prove that

they have also rendered good service to the navy and to thecountry. We are happy to observe, that Colonel BOLDERO,that truest friend of the navy in this matter, has given noticeof a motion for a committee to inquire into the state of theMedical Department, both in the army and navy. The truth

will thus be made palpable to the House of Commons.It only remains for us to urge the importance of following

up the movement with vigour, by sending up petitions fromevery hospital, every medical school, and every medical prac-titioner and student throughout the land.

IN spite of all the interested clamour raised by other " de-partments," and taken up by ignorance and prejudice, againstthe Medical Department of our Army, we think it will nowbe palpable to every reasonable being, who will take thetrouble to peruse the evidence of Dr. ANDREW SMITH before

the Committee of Inquiry, that the personnel of no departmentof the Army has proved itself equal in efficiency to the MedicalStaff. All testimony concurs to prove that the ?/MM—the

surgeons-as individuals, are inferior to none as public servants.All testimony, further, conclusively proves that the short-

comings of the Medical Department are attributable to thatcircumstance upon which we have always insisted-namely,that there was no such thing as an independent and responsi-ble Medical Department at all. The best-devised measures of

the Director-General have been systematically frustrated bythe senseless obstructions interposed by the Ordnance, theWar-office, and the Commissariat. It would be passing strangeindeed, if a body of men, and almost the only body of men inthe public service, who entered upon their duties after amplestudy and special qualification, should have been found wantingin zeal or capacity.We have never ceased to challenge, on behalf of our brethren

in the Army, a public inquiry. We heartily congratulatethem and the profession at large upon the result.

NAVAL ASSISTANT-SURGEONS.

GREAT MEETING OF MEDICAL STUDENTS.

Ox Friday evening, the 16th inst., a large meeting of themedical students of the metropolis was held in St. Martin’sHall. Representatives from the provincial schools were

present. The large hall, capable of holding from three to fourthousand persons, was nearly full. The greatest enthusiasmand cordiality prevailed throughout the meeting.The chair was taken by Mr. Joi-i-N BRADY, M.P., who was

supported by a great number of the leading practitioners of themetropolis. The object of the meeting was to take steps forthe immediate amelioration of the condition of naval assistant-surgeons. Mr. Brady, on taking the chair, was loudly cheered.

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The Chairman called upon the Secretary to read the corre- as they had begun, and that this might be only the commence-spondence, when Mr. 11W Lt,AF.n, the hon. secretary, read letters ment of an agitation which would prove that the rights offrom the following hospitals and medical schools, expressing medical men were not to be trampled upon with impunity.their entire concurrence in the object of the meeting, and pro- (Loud cheers.)mising their hearty co-operation: the Dorset Hospital; Royal Mr. HUSBAND, of the Middlesex Hospital, rose to move theInfirmary, Edinburgh; Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital; first resolution, and said, that the assistant-surgeon in theSouth Devon and East Cornwall Hospital; Liverpool Royal navy had for years been treated in a manner as degrading asInfirmary; Northern and Southern Hospital, Liverpool; City it was derogatory, and alike inconsistent with his position, age,of Dublin Hospital; Northern Infirmary, Cork; Canterbury rank, and education. Here was a man of the highest educa-Hospital ; Newcastle Infirmary; Sidney College, Birmingham; tion and attainments, condemned to the "cockpit," and theMedical Hall, Aberdeen. society of boys from twelve to sixteen years of age, of whoseThe CHAIRMAN, who was received with much cheering, said idle hours he was the sport and ridicule. (Hear, hear.) As a

that he never recollected being placed in a situation so difficult gentleman, he was denied association with his equals, and,as he was at that moment, for until a few hours previous he holding the commission of an officer, he was held up to thedid not know that the honour of presiding at that important laughter and contempt of his subordinates. (Hear, hear.)meeting was to be conferred upon him; and when he saw such Nominally the assistant-surgeon ranked higher than the navala large body of gentlemen present who were renowned for their instructor, the carpenter, or engineer; but actually this wasprofound knowledge of their profession, he regretted that some not the case, for they were each allowed cabins, whilst the manone more competent than himself had not been called upon to of superior rank, of superior education, he who had spent manypreside. But the difficulty of his position was diminished, years of his life in the attainment of professional knowledge,when he considered the goodness of the cause which had who had passed examinations of the highest order, and wasbrought them together. He might say he was proud of such an supposed to continue the prosecution of his medical studies asassemblage, and for his part he would give them the utmost well as to attend carefully and make reports of the cases undersupport in his power. (Cheers.) Indeed, it behoved every his care, was denied the accommodation afforded to the car-man who wished to see the honour and integrity of his profes- penter and boatswain, both his inferiors in every respect.sion vindicated to assist them in their present undertaking. (Cheers.) A few years ago, when they asked the favour of a(Hear, hear.) The professed object of the meeting that night separate cabin, they were told that there was no room for thewas to consider the injustice to which our brethren were construction of one. Since that, however, three had been con-subject in the naval service; but that was not all they had to structed, and each given to inferior officers, in preference tocomplain of-there were many other grievances in the profes- the assistant-surgeons, and all this in distinct contravention ofsion generally, and although that profession had greatly im- orders in Council, and votes of the House of Commons. (Shame.)proved in the last twenty years, yet notwithstanding the rapid He might mention that in 1805 an order in Council had beenadvance of medical science, their social position had not been issued providing that a naval assistant-surgeonship should beraised one step, and they found themselves in the same assimilated to the same office in the army. In 1839 this hadposition they were years ago. (Hear, hear.) And why never been carried out, and the attention of the House of Com-was this ?-simply because the Government had neglected mons was drawn to it. In 1850, on a motion made by Captainand refused to give them that support and encourage- Boldero, a vote was made in Parliament that the assistant-ment which they deserved, and which they considered as their surgeon should be provided with a cabin; yet, notwithstandingdue. (Hear, hear.) And when measures were brought in by the order in Council, notwithstanding the vote in Parliament,himself and others, they were invariably lost through the and notwithstanding a representation made to the Admiralty,Government not giving them their support, or actually opposing they had not scrupled to continue in their course, and theirthem. Would young men submit to such treatment? He brethren in the navy were still subject to those harsh andwas sure they would not. (Cheers.) Yet he considered a arbitrary regulations which they were now resolved to havegreat part of their present degraded position was owing to the redressed. (Cheers.) The Admiralty were at that momentdivided and disunited state of the profession, (hear, hear,) and appointing firsts and second-year’s students. to dresserships inthe Government were the first to take advantage of it. Com- the navy, to supply the deficiency of assistant-surgeons, and.pare their profession to that of the law, for instance, and see thus gentlemen who were practically unacquainted with theirwhat a difference there was between them. The members of profession were entrusted with the lives of sailors on board herthe law were bound together by the strongest ties; and the Majesty’s ships of war. The lives of our brave men fightingconsequence was they were irresistible in the House of Com- for their country were deemed of no more importance than to.mons, and could attain the highest offices in the country. He be placed under the care of men totally unfitted for their task.might mention, as a well-known fact, that the attorney- and Was such an iniquity ever before heard of ? (Loud cheers.) Hesolicitor-general received between them nearly £20,000 for the believed that there were no candidates for assistant-surgeon-signing of patents alone. But there was nothing of the sort t ships; but were the Admiralty to place the profession in a properin the medical profession-no office was open to a medical position on board ship, he was sure there would be plenty ofman; and no complaint from them would be listened to, for volunteers, without descending to such a mean subterfuge tothe Government well knew they were disunited, and did not replace qualified men by unqualified. (Hear, hear.) When

scruple to take advantage of it. (Cries of " Shame.") Another this subject was brought so prominently forward, he was con-cause of their present position was the continual disagree- vinced the country would support them, and make the causement between the great body of practitioners and the various their own. (Hear.) He might be told that this was not thecorporate bodies in the profession. (Hear, hear.) There were time to agitate the question; he might be told that it was notno less than twenty-two of these bodies in connexion with it, a patriotic feeling to show in time of war: but he would answerand when any measure of medical reform was submitted to that the oppression under which they laboured, bad enough inParliament, one or other of these stalked in and prevented time of peace, was worse at the present time; that they weresuch measures being carried out. This he had found out by not there to ask a favour, but to demand a right which hadexperience, and he believed it to be invariably the case. He unjustly been withheld; and that the Admiralty alone werecalled upon those present, and the profession generally, to responsible for the inefficient supply of medical aid by whichreform themselves, and to reform their corporate bodies, and the naval service suffered. (Cheers.) He trusted they wouldthen, and not till then, could they hope for permanent benefit. continue united, as they were then, and they would prove(Cheers.) He wished to draw their attention to the Vaccine that in this movement they were both upholding the dignityInstitution as a good example of the way in which medical of their profession and the interests of the country at large.affairs were regulated: the head of the Vaccine Institution (Cheers.) He concluded by moving the following resolution:was a military man,--what an anomaly was this! (Cheers.) "1. That this meeting, in common with the nation at large,Was ever a medical man known to regulate military affairs? views with deep and unfeigned regret the ill-success which hasThe registrar-general was a military man; and X300 was paid attended the many efforts made by members of Parliament andto medical men, and £1200 to men not in the profession, for the public press to ameliorate the condition of the naval assis-the regulation of a strictly medical institution. These were tant-surgeons. It anticipates, with anxiety and alarm, the un-one or two instances which formed only a portion of the sys- necessary loss of life which would ensue, should an action occurtem that they were that night met to crush. (Cheers.) He while the navy is so inefficiently supplied with surgical aid,hoped and trusted that they would not stop until they had and enters its earnest protest against regulations, which arecrushed it entirely. And if the present race of medical men derogatory to the medical profession, and detrimental to thewere disunited, he hoped that that meeting proved that the efficiency of the naval service." (Loud cheers.)next generation would be more firmly bound together to pro- Dr. HILLYARD, of University College, was sure that this reso-tect their interests. (Cheers.) He hoped they would continue lution contained sentiments which be approved of by all.

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It gave him much pleasure to see such a large meeting; it was he did not consider they could be too stringent. He pro-a sure proof of the unity of purpose which animated them, and posed :that they all had the success of their undertaking at heart. "2. That this meeting expresses its opinion, that the present(Hear, hear.) The Admiralty were now reaping the reward o Admiralty regulations are such as to exclude efficient memberstheir injustice to the assistant-surgeons; for now when we of the medical profession from the naval service, and pledgesmight be considered as upon the eve of important events, and itself to adopt the most earnest and energetic measures to ob-actions likely to occur, they were unable to obtain adequate tain redress of the existing grievances; and is firmly convinced,medical aid, not from any fault of the profession itself, but as a that in the meantime few, if any, medical students will acceptconsequence of their long-continued oppression. (Hear, hear.) an appointment in the navy." (Cheers.)At a time like the present, when we were engaged in a great Mr. WILSON, of Westminster Hospital, seconded the reso-war, they could not command a medical staff equal to a time of tion. He had not expected to see so many gentlemen present,peace. ile believed there were at present 200 vacancies for but as it was he could but augur favourably of their object, fromassistant-surgeons in the navy, and as there were no candidates, the unanimity which then prevailed. (Hear, hear.) He thankedthe Government proposed to engage gentlemen legally and the gentlemen on the platform for their attendance that even-absolutely unqualified for the task imposed upon them. (Hear, ing; he believed their presence and support would do much tohear.) They had applied to men in their second, and even forward the object in view. (Cheers.) He thought he mighttheir first year of study-men who had never dressed a wound thank the press in behalf of the body of students for the sup-or applied a bandage. Such men as these were to fill up the port they had given them. (Hear, hear.) He believed thatgap in the naval medical service. (Cries of " Shame 1") A pro- every paper in the united kingdom was in their favour, andceeding like that he had mentioned-at any time gross enough even Puncla himself had given them a lift. (Hear, hear.) It- at a time like the present was abominable. (Cheers.) He pleased him much to see the favourable commencement of theirneed not pause to tell them the cause of all this. They well undertaking, and he trusted that all would lead to a successfulknew the grievances to which their brethren were subjected; issue. (Hear, hear.)it was hardly any inducement to a gentleman to know that, in Mr. BEAUMONT, of Hull, supported this resolution. Hethe words of Punch, "he would be moderately paid, and have hoped it would meet with no opposition, for it really ex-

pretty good accommodation in the cockpit." (Laughter.) By pressed their sentiments most accurately. He consideredsuch behaviour the Admiralty were not likely either to enlist that unanimity was essential to their success; he trustedgentlemen in their service, or to maintain the honour and that all would work together, heart and hand, and for his partdignity of the navy. He hoped better things would follow he could assure them that they had the sympathy and supportthat demonstration, and that they would not cease their efforts of the students of Hull.till they had attained their object. (Cheers.) He was happy Dr. LEVER, of Guy’s Hospital, assured the meeting that he didto second that resolution. not come with the intention of speaking, but merely as a spec-The CHAIRMAN put the resolution to the meeting, and it was tator. He was rejoiced to see such a numerous and influential

at once carried unanimously, amid great applause. meeting assembled to vindicate their own honour. (Hear, hear.)Mr. RAMSDALE, of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, said he need It was an assemblage he was proud of. (Cheers.) He could

hardly deduce any arguments in favour of the movement, for confidently assure them, that if they were united, they mustthe last two gentlemen who had spoken had left him nothing eventually succeed. (Cheers.) In fact, medical men did not

to say on that head. The greatest anomaly existed in the navy: know their own power; if they only used their power theythe Admiralty regulations stated that the assistant-surgeon had a ready way of getting over a difficulty. (Hear, hear.) Heshould rank with the first lieutenant; yet, while the one officer knew to what indignities the naval assistant-surgeons weremessed in the ward-room, the other ate, drank, and slept in subjected; for he had seen midshipmen wilfully throw the inkthe " cockpit," which never saw the light of the sun. (Hear, over the paper on which the surgeon was reporting hishear.) And, again, what was the difference in their education ? cases; and even had known them deliberately shy bottles atWhy, the assistant-surgeon had had a good classical and general their heads. (Shame.) He assured them that he would assist’education, and had passed the strictest examination; whilst them in every way in his power in their meritorious undertak-the other left school at twelve or thirteen years of age, and ing. (Loud cheers. )was only kept in the cockpit for four years till he could pass The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously.an examination for a mate, which would at once remove him Mr. NASON, of Guy’s Hospital, said, that as the resolutionfrom it; so that the man, or rather bov, who’was only expected which he intended to propose was based upon a circular issued’to know the rudiments of English, and was then under tuition, by the Admiralty, he would read that circular to them as it’was classed with, and in some respects fared better than, the appeared in THE LANCET, and afterwards comment upon it.gentleman-the scholar, who had already passed many years This gentleman then read from THE LANCET as follows:-of his life in the acquirement of professional knowledge. T’er- " NAVAL MEDICAL OFFICERS. —The following official noticehaps many gentlemen there did not know what kind of a place has just been sent by the Admiralty to all the hospitals ?-a cockpit was for a gentleman; but he could assure them that Medical students are required as dressers for service on theit was nothing short of a species of purgatory. (Cheers.) In home or Baltic stations, subject to the following regulations, orthe army the assistant-surgeon messed with the officers; whilst, such others as the Lords of the Admiralty, from time to time,in the event of a vessel taking in troops, the army surgeon may find it necessary to direct:would mess with the officers, whilst the naval assistant-surgeon, 1st.—That medical students, between the ages of eighteenwho had perhaps been his fellow-student at college or the and twenty-two, be entered for temporary service of home orhospital, was condemned to the dungeon below, and the society Baltic stations; the period of service to extend from about 1stof noisy boys. (Hear, hear.) The naval instructor, too, who April to the 31st of October.has to teach the child-companion of the surgeon, is also placed 2nd.-That they shall produce the following testimonials asin a superior rank, as well as the engineer. He did not wish to their character and education :-Certificates signed by theto detract from these officers, but he should like to know by professors and lecturers on medicine and surgery; of theirwhat right they were put over the heads of better-educated being of good moral character, of sound health, and capablemen ? He begged leave to differ from the observation of the of performing the duties of a hospital dresser: of their havingchairman, that this was the beginning of their movement; he attended one course of lectures on Anatomy, one on Surgery,hoped it would prove to be the consummation of their object. one on Theory and Practice of Medicine, one in Chemistry and.(Cheers.) He hoped that from that night the emancipation of Materia Medica : to be of six months’ duration.their brethren might be daterl, and that better things were in 3rd.—That they have been engaged at least six months instore for them. (Cheers.) One word more as to their griev- compounding and dispensing medicines.ances. When an officer saved one life on any occasion, he was 4th.-That they have attended the practice of a Hospital,amply rewarded; but in the case of assistant-surgeons, what Poor-house, or Dispensary, for six months.reward did they receive for the numberless lives they saved 5th.—Candidate swill be required to undergo an examinationboth in war and peace? None whatever; on the contrary, at the Admiralty as to their professional acquirements; suchthey were subjected to the greatest indignities. (Cries of examination to be in accordance with the preceding rudi-" Shame !") The resolution he was about to propose to the mentary scale of education.meeting had been slightly modified from the original one drawn 6th.-If found qualified, they will be admitted into the ser-up by the gentlemen of the Middlesex Hospital who, it was vice for the before-mentioned period; and in order that theywell known, had the honour of being the first to commence may have the opportunity of resuming their studies duringthis movement. (Cheers.) Those gentleman had considered the winter, they will be discharged from it at one of the prin-that a more stringent resolution was necessary, and this one cipal sea-ports in this country about September or October.had been drawn up to secure unanimity, though, for his part, 7th.—Their pay shall be at the rate of six shillings per day

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with rations. Their rank to be equal but subordinate to that he was unable, through pure ignorance, to give assistance.of the acting assistant-surgeon. (Cheers.) He considered the conduct of Government had been8th.-They will be required to join the midshipmen’s mess, marked by the grossest injustice to assistant-surgeons, and he

paying monthly, as supernumeraries, their share of the ex- would give them every assistance he could in furtherance ofpenses; in default of payment, their arrears will be deducted the object for which they were contending. (Loud cheers.)from their pay when discharged. Dr. PAVEY entirely concurred in the object of the meeting.

9th.—Finally, should they be able to obtain certificates of He thought that the medical students were entitled to thegood conduct from the captains and surgeons of the ship or thanks of the whole profession. (Cheers.) He considered thatships in which they have served, on being discharged they will to thrust gentlemen into the cockpit was an insult to thebe allowed a gratuity of .625." whole profession, and as much concerned those present as theirAfter reading this with much satirical emphasis, he asked if it brethren on ship-board. (Hear, hear.) As a lecturer, he wouldwas not a most nefarious proceeding on the part of the Govern- assist them all he could, and he cordially hoped they would.ment? They would see that the Government required first- attain their desired end.

and second-year’s men to supply the place of surgeons. They This resolution was also unanimously adopted.

knew what a first-year’s man’s acquirements were; his general Mr. ORD, of St. Thomas Hospital, proposed the next resp-

occupation seemed to be to follow a surgeon round the wards lution. I3e said that as students of medicine had made rapidfrom bed to bed, trying in vain to get a peep at the patient

advances during the last few years, it was the greater injusticebetween the number of heads which surrounded him. (Hear, to subject gentlemen who had been years in the acquirementhear.) Such a course on the part of the Admiralty required no

of professional knowledge to regulations whiel-i ivere fifty yearscomment; it spoke for itself. It was a sufficient proof that no behind the times, and which were considered unjust even atqualified men offered themselves. But, instead of redressing

the time they were made. (Cheers.) He thought he mightthe grievances of those oppressed, instead of trying to make safely say that no one there present had any intention of

the service worthy of an educated gentleman, they resorted to erlterrng the navy in its present state, and that all who refuseda mean subterfuge, nothing less, ° supply the deficiency of to do so, as a part of the profession, were maintaining the dig-medical aid caused i their own unjust regulations. (Hear, nity of the whole. (H ear, hear.) It was scandalous that many

hear. ) Was it worthy the Government of Great Britain to resort lives should be sacrificed and more put in danger merely tohear.) Was it worthy the Government of Great Britain to resort . should. be sacrified and more put

to tr ckery to obtain illegal and unqualified help when good please the whims of a few eccentric individuals. He then

men were to be had if proper means were adopted? Was it thanked the gentlemen of the Middlesex Hospital for com-not a cruel thing to send these ignorant men-men who in mencing this movement. (Cheers.) ) Nothing could be moresome cases had never handled a bandage—to dress and heal unanimous than the opinion of those present, and from thatthe wounds of our brave sailors fighting in the cause of their- unity, which was strength, he augured favourably of theircountry,-the cause of liberty against oppression. (Cheers.) effort. He then moved- Their meetings had been denominated a " strike ;-" it mattered 4. That this meeting, being deeply impressed with thenot to him what name was bestowed upon it; it was a noble tirgency of the crisis, and desirous of offering to the countrystrike (Cheers)-a strike he believed they were all proud to those services which it is entitled to claim, resolves that a,

belong to. (Cheers.) This subject affected the welfare of every deputation wait upon the Board of Admiralty respectfully toman in the service. It was the duty of the country to send out lay before them these resolutions, and to solicit that the grrev-medical men competent to attend to the diseases and wounds of ances complained of may be redressed. , was convinced thattheir defenders. He hoped the country would uphold them Mr. THOMAS, of Charmg-cross Hospital, was convinced thattoo. He called upon them all to sacrifice private advantages an undertaking so well begun must have as successfal a termi-for the public good. (Cheers.) What must be the feelings of nation. waiting for medical must sympathize with deprived offamilies, who had relatives on ships-of-war, when they knew trymen waiting for medical assistance, and almost deprived ofthat those dear to them would have no competent assistance in it through a caprice on the part of the Admiralty. He hoped.their hour of need? (Hear, hear.) He thought they must have that this movement would induce the Board to retrace theirthe best wishes of the nation with them, and a cause so conse- steps, and remove an injustice. (Hear.) He trusted that everycrated must prove successful. He moved- student in the United Kingdom would sign the paper which

would be sent to him, and so remove the shadow of a doubt,"3. That the acceptance of the appointments proposed to if any remained, that they unanimously refuse to accept anystudents by the Admiralty must tend to postpone reform, by appointment in the navy. (Hear, hear.) In these sentiments

providing substitutes for the want of qualified men, which has he represented the opinion of every man in the school to whichbeen produced by the evils of the present system; and that he belongedthis meeting therefore strongly deprecates this proposal, and Dr. WILSON, of St. George’s Hospital, assured them he cameearnestly calls upon the students of the United Kingdom to not to speak, but as a guest; but when he heard the eloquentsacrifice, on public grounds, any private advantages which it addresses of medical students, he could not sit still, but feltmay seem to offer." (Clieers.) obliged to give vent to his feelings. He did not address them

Mr. DOWN, of the London Hospital, seconded it. He warned as a professor; he was as much a student as any of them, (loudthe students against being led away by any gratuitous offers of cheers ;) and when he stood there surrounded by the youth ofthe Admiralty, however bright they might appear ; for he was the profession he felt forty years younger. (Cheers.) He neverconfident that if they did, they would be betrayed and subjected recollected being so gratified as he was that night. He hadto the same indignities as they then complained of. (Hear, talked to students, he had talked to professors, he had talkedhear. ) to all classes of medical men, but he felt that this was the first

Mr. CRITCHETT rose to support this resolution. He was glad time that he had ever spoken to the united profession. (Cheers.)to see this movement arise from the students themselves. It When he saw before him, united heart and hand in one cause,gave him pleasure to see a spirit of unity prevail amongst the students and professors, surgeons and apothecaries, (they needjunior members of a profession, the elder members of which not be ashamed of the name,) and every denomination of medi-were so divided. (Cheers.) The Admiralty, instead of helping cal men, he felt that a cause so supported could not fail.us, as they ought to do, had taken an opposite course; but (Cheers.) He hoped that was not to be the end of this agita-such he was sure would tend to weaken themselves (hear); tion; he wished to see it carried out till crowned by a success-and instead of raising the position of surgeons, and striving to ful issue. They might consider that they were not only helpingobtain the best of the profession for their officers, through naval assistant-surgeons, but they were there to vindicate thetheir own acts they are placed in a situation of difficulty, and cause of the profession. (Cheers.) It was shameful to see thethen patch up the matter in the most dishonourable manner neglect with which the profession was treated. Even in the(Cheers.) Yet one would have supposed that personal feelings present great struggle in which the country was engaged, healone would have prevented them doing this, if they had only felt that the hero of the war was a surgeon--that surgeon wasconsidered that some of their own families would perhaps be Thompson, of the 44th Regiment. (Loud cheers.) That meet-subjected to the tender mercies of these Government dressers. ing must do good to the whole profession; he saw that theyHe could not tell what the feelings of a member of the Govern- would not need much assistance, for everything showed thatment would be who had lost a relative, and had to reflect that the students knew when and how to help themselves. (Cheers.)perhaps he had died through neglect caused by a measure to They must attain their object if united, and let that night be-which he was a party. (Hear, hear.) None of them would the beginning of a new era in which the profession were to beenvy the feelings of one of those men who had gone out un- firmly bound together. (Cheers.) The resolution they hadqualified for his task, when, being called to a wounded man, heard expressed admirably the sentiments which they allhe found his knowledge was unequal to the exigency of the entertained. He did not think that this proceeding could becase, and that his patient’s life was slowly ebbing out, whilst deemed factious, for in his opinion medical men would yield

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to none in patriotism. (Cheers.) He would advise them whentheir deputation went to the Admiralty not to be met by tech-nical objections. They (the Admiralty) would very probablybegin to explain the impossibility of building cabins; but theywere to say they did not understand the stowage of a ship-of-war, but to point out that since the assistant-surgeons hadcomplained of their grievances they had contrived to buildcabins for officers inferior in rank, and, without they couldcontrive better accommodation, they must respectfully declinethe honour of serving under them. (Cheers.) They would bemet and bowed into the presence of the Lords of the Admiralty;it was for them to take care that they were not bowed outagain without some definite answer. (Hear, hear.) He waswith them heart and hand, and his best wishes were for theirsuccess. (Cheers.)This resolution was carried unanimously.Mr. HoLmzES, of St. George’s Hospital, proposed a resolution

to the effect-" 5. That an address, together with a copy of the resolutions

of this meeting, be presented to the Councils of the RoyalColleges of Physicians and Surgeons of London, Edinburgh,and Dublin, and to the Societies of Apothecaries of Londonand Dublin."Mr. GASCOIGNE, of St. Mary’s, seconded this resolution.The Chairman was proceeding to put it to the meeting, when

Dr. E. CRISP rose in the body of the hall, but was assailed byhisses and cries of " Chair !" " Order !" but after going on theplatform, he obtained permission to speak, and he assured thestudents they would not be proud of the manner in which theyhad received him, for it was far from his intention to offer anyopposition to the resolution before the meeting. He wished tosay a word or two regarding their corporate bodies; andalthough he approved of the substance of the resolution, hemerely wished to warn them against trusting too implicitly totheir aid. (Hear, hear.) He wished to tell them what thePresident of the Dublin College had said, when asked aboutthis measure-" that he would advise them to take what theycould get." When such advice as this came from those whose

duty it was to protect their interests, they might well doubtwhether they would lend them any real aid in carrying outtheir project. Everything in their profession went by favour;even the lectureships to the various hospitals were obtained byinterest and not bv merit. (Cheers.The resolution was unanimously adopted.Mr. DuFFELL, of King’s College, moved-"6. That petitions from the students of the medical schools

of England, Scotland, and Ireland, expressive of the said

grievances, be placed in the hands of the members of the Houseof Commons, to be brought under the notice of Parliament."

This was seconded by Mr. HEFWORTH, of Manchester; sup-ported by Dr. GOOLDEN, of St. Thomas’s; and carried unani-mously.Mr. MiLLARD proposed, and Mr. NASON seconded, that the

I

committee formed be permanent. Agreed to.Mr. HANXWELL, of Guy’s, proposed, and Mr. ALLEN, of St.

Bartholomew’s, seconded, a vote of thanks to the Chairman,which was received with loud cheers, and the vast assemblageseparated.

THE NAVAL MEDICAL SERVICE.MEETING OF MEDICAL STUDENTS AT LIVERPOOL.

AT a meeting of the students of the Liverpool Royal In-firmary .Medical School, held on Wednesday, March 14th,after hearing a circular read from the sub-committee of deputiesfrom the various metropolitan hospitals,

It was proposed by Mr. CAMPION, seconded by Mr. MAC-KINLAY, and carried unanimously-

"Thttt this meeting fully agrees with the objects of the oneheld in London with regard to the condition of the assistant-

surgeons of the navy, and pledges itself to use its utmostefforts to carry out the purpose for which the meeting washeld. "

It was proposed by Mr. FRYER, seconded by Mr. KERMAN,and carried unanimously-

’’ That, in accordance with the preceding resolution, thestudents present be requested to attach their names to the fol-lowing statement :-‘ The following medical students of theLiverpool Royal Infirmary School of Medicine refuse to enterthe naval service under the existing Admiralty regulations.’ "

It was proposed by Mr. GLOVER, seconded by Mr. KELLY,and carried unanimously-" That a copy of the above resolutions be forwarded for pub-

lication to THE LANCET, Medical Times and Gazette, and theMedical Association JournaL." It was proposed by Mr. BRIDE, seconded by Mr. FLINN,and carried unanimously-

’’ That a vote of thanks be given to Mr. Fletcher for theable manner in which he has occupied the chair."

F. D. FLETCHER, Chairman.R. FRYER, Hon. Sec.F. D. FLETCHER, Chairman.R. FRYER, Hon. Sec.

THE MANCHESTER MEDICAL SCHOOLS.MEETING OF STUDENTS.

A MEETING of the Manchester medical students, of bothschools, was held in the Lecture Theatre, Chatham-street, onThursday the 15th instant, when the following resolutionswere carried unanimously :-

1st. That, as the medical journals still continue to be re-moved from the Infirmary library, the students would wishthat the board would frame some fresh rule, in order that thepapers may be replaced, and the time allowed for the studentsto read them be altered.

2nd. That the students having paid large fees to the institu-tion, are dissatisfied with the manner in which the clinical

instruction is conducted, and with the great loss of time sus-tained by them in consequence of the irregular attendance ofthe surgeons, which is as injurious to the students as it is to theinterests of the charity.

3rd. That the board be requested to convey the result of theirdeliberations to the secretaries.

4th. That these resolutions be published in all the localpapers.

E. H. PITMAN, Chairman.E. H. PITMAN, Chairman.

Correspondence.

ABUSES AT THE MANCHESTER ROYALINFIRMARY.

"Audi alteram partem."

To the Editor of THE LANCET.

SiR,-There have lately appeared in the Manchester Exa-miner and Times two letters with regard to the attendance ofthe medical officers of this institution, of a nature so startling,that, till I referred to the record kept at this hospital, I couldhardly credit their correctness. I quote the statistics whichappeared in the first.

The second letter states that a case was in the house for aperiod of eight weeks, during which, time the patient saw thesurgeon, under whose care (?) he was supposed to be placed,only once.

But, Sir, if the non-attendance of the surgeons was the onlygrievance of which we had to complain, we might indeed beconsidered fortunate; but of the incapacity of some of ourteachers I shall probably address you on a future occasion.

In addition to the large fees we pay for medical and surgicalpractice, as well as fees for clinical lectures, each student pays£1 1s. to the library, and the medical journals are subscribedfor with a view to benefit the medical officers and students; butthese have lately been taken away, and that in direct oppo-sition to the rules placed in the room, one of which (and it ismarked under) states that on no account shall the periodicalsbe removed till the succeeding numbers have been received.

I have thus, Sir, without any comment, endeavoured totouch upon one or two of the most important abuses whichexist at this large hospital. If I had gone into detail, I shouldhave had to produce a document as voluminous as the Parlia-mentary Blue Books.