55

a word or two to Mr. Travers inour next number. As to theinfluence of Corporate bodies,it is of the very essence ofsuch bodies to sacrifice publicinterests to their own privatebenefit; and it is notoriousthat a large proportion of theinstitutions for public educationin this Kingdom are witheringunder the management of Corpo-rations, in which the controllingpower is vested. We shall dis-sect some of the speeches nextweek.

ST. THOMAS’S AND GUY’S

HOSPITALS, ANNIVERSA-RY DINNER.

ON Thursday last the practi-tioners who have been educatedat St. Thomas’s and Guv’s Hos-pitals, and the gentlemen nowattending those institutions, dinedtogether at the Freemasons’ Ta-

vern. Mr. Travers presided, andwas supported on his right handby Sir Astley Cooper, and on theleft by Dr. Cholmeley. At seveno’clock about one hundred and

fifty gentlemen sat down to an

excellent dinner. Most of the

distinguished members of the pro-fession connected with these insti-tutions were present. Drs. Ba-

hington and Bright were absent,in consequence of a domestic ca-

lamity ; Drs. Williams, Scott, andElliotson declined attending for a

reason, which was the subject ofsome observations in the courseof the proceedings at the dinner.

As soon as the cloth was re-moved Messrs. Broarlhul"1St, Leete,Terrail, Fitzwiiliams, &c. saii- 0- thegrace of the Wyckamists. The

solo, " Sit nomen tuum, Domine,benedictum," was given in a veryeflectivemanner, by Master Smith.

The CHAIRMAN gave ,the

King," with three times three,which was drunk with enthusiasm.-Air, God save the King.

The CHAIRMAN next gave," the Duke of York and the

Army."—Glee, How merrily welive: that soldiers be.

The CHAIRMAN gave, " theDuke of Ctarence and the Navy."-Air, Rule Briiannia.The CHAIRMAN said, the next

toast he should give was com-prised in two words, to the pointof which no observations of hiscould add any force, he meant," Old England." The toast wasdrunk with applause. Glee, Here’sa health to Old England.The CHAIRMAN, in proposing

the next toast, spoke to the follow-ing effect:—I will take the liberty,gentlemen, of making one or twoobservations by way of prefaceto the toast which I shall nexthave the honour of proposing to

you. I believe, gentlemen, youwill agree with me, that there isno country in Europe—I mightsay in the world, in which themedical profession is held in high-er estimation than in our own.

Many reasons might be assignedfor this circumstance ; and 1 will,with your permission, mentiontwo or three. The first is. thatthe means of med:cal educationare provided for by institutions,like those which we are this daymet to celebrate ; and that thiseducation is required or exacted

by other institutions, namely, thechartered or incorporated bodieswhich compel an examination inthe several branches oi medicine,surgerv, and pharmacy. Ano-

56

their and a very, important reasonis, that education cannot be hadfor nothing in this country ; andthat the education required forour profession is both elaborateand expensive. These circum-stances determine persons, who

have a certain stake in the coun-

try, with respect to propert3 andrespectability, to bring up theirsons to the medical profession.They know that both honour andprofit will be the certain remune-ration of the time andfalents ex-pended in the profession of sur-

gery. This secures us from em-

pirical pretenders; and, likewiserenders it necessary that everyman should devote himself withzeal and ardour to his profession.Another circumstance, contribut-ing to the high character ofthe profession‘ in this country,is its union with science. In

proportion as the medical arthas become more intimately con-nected with scientific pursuits,,and as its improvement has beencommensurate with the advance-ment of science, a high degreeof education has become neces-

sary, and every member of our

profession, in all its branches, is

inspired with a degree of enthu-siasm which in no profession hasbeen more intensely felt, or moreuniversally dilfused. This cir-cumstance has contributed most

essentially to raise the characterof the profession, and secure it

against the unfounded pretensionsof empiricism. Another circum-stance is the more than ordinaryshare of eminent men who havecontributed in this country toshed a lustre on their profession.I need not remind you of thenames of Harvey, Sydenham,Cheselden, and itr more modern

times the Hunters, Sharpe, Pott,the late Dr. George Fordyce, andthe still later and ever to- be la-mented Dr. Baillie. Names likethese have indeed shed a lustreon medicine and surgery ; andthe consequences of their splend-id exertions have been, not onlythat our profession has been ciil.tivated with greater ardour andsuccess, but that it is esteemed insociety, and better respected inEngland than in any other couu-try in Europe. I see around me

many gentlemen with whom Ihave for years been in habits ofintimacy, and who are in the full

enjoyment of a well earned andextensive reputation. I see also

many junior members of the

profession who have not yet becomepractitioners to whom a similar

prospect is open, though they donot yet know what may be theirfuture lot in life. I will take the

present opportunity of encourag-ing such gentlemen by assuringthem that it is impossible theyshould fail of their object, if theyfeel that unquenchable ardourwhich must be felt to attain emi-nence in any profession, and per-severe in devoting themselves to

study. By such devotion and

perseverance, they will not onlyrealize all their expectations, buttheir success will probably exceedthe anticipations of their mostsanguine friends, as well as theirown. Having made these few

observations, Gentlemen, I be,,leave to propose-,, Success to

the-scientific cultivation of Medi-cine and Surgery all over theworld."-The toast was drunkwith applause.The CHAIRMAN next gave the

" College of Physicians."Dr. CHOLMELEY in rising to re

57

turn thanks, observed, that afterthe remarks which had been justmade by Mr. Travers, which ap-plied to the College of Physicians,as well as to other corporate in- !stitutions, it was unnecessary forhim to say much. It was the

great object of the College, to

protect those who were best quali-fied by their education to givecharacter and respectability to theprofession ; and it was their earn-est wish to prevent those who hadnot adequate qualifications, fromexercising the profession. If theyhad not succeeded in that object,he could assure them it was notfrom want of inclination, but fromwant of power.The CHAIRMAN next gave " the

Royal College of Surgeons."Sir ASTLEY CoOPER returned

thanks for the honour which hadjust been conferred on the bodyof which he was a member. I

join most cordially, said Sir Ast-

ley, in the wish for its prosperity,and I hope and trust that the

College will continue to deservewell of their country by opening theirmuseum to the public with thesame liberality which they havehitherto displayed, by continuinga course of lectures, which cannotfail to be highly useful to all thepractitioners settled in London,and by a careflll and strict ex-amination of the gentlemen whoappear before them. I can myselfbear testimony to the ability anddiligence of many of the gentle-men, who are preparing them-selves most admirably for theirprofession,. by the study of itsdifferent branches, and especiallyby the study of anatomy, whichcan alone lay a solid foundationfor their future prosperity, andenable them to practice their pro-

fession scientincallv and well_Gentlemen, I beg leave to drinkall your healths. (Loud -applause.)-

The CHAIRMAN next gave," the Worshipful Company of

,Apothecaries."Mr. GAITSKELL rose to return

thanks. As a member of the

worshipful company, it had de-volved on him to return thanksfor the honour which had beencOllfel’rect....upon them. He wasnot in the habit of speaking inpublic, and he wanted words toexpress the strong feelings of gra-titude, which He was sure wouldbe entertained by the gentlemenon whom they had just conferredthis testimony of their approba-tion. They had paid a complimentto a branch of the profession,which was necessary to the com-pletion of the whole circle ofmedicine ; for though surgerymaintained a higher rank, phar-.macy must be admitted to be

equally useful. The worshipfulcompany were de-sirotis of promot-ing not merely the improvementof what might be termed themechanical part of pharmacy ; butthey were anxious to give a sci-entific character to the art, andadvance, as far as possible, theprofessional knowledge of thosewho’.devoted themselves to it. Asa proof of their anxiety to effectthis object, he begged to observe,that they had appointed ProfessorBrande to give lectures to pupilsat the Hah gratuitously in themateria medica, pharmacy, andchemistry....(Applause.)The CHAIRMAN said, that the

specific object of their meeting onthat day was undoubtedly to

commemorate the institution ofthe hospitals of St. Thomas’s andGuy’s. They had, however, allo-

58

ther, and a higher motive, whichwas the general advancement ofmedical science. He hoped, there-fore, it would not be consideredinconsistent if, before he gaveSt. Thomas’s and Guy’s Hospi-tals, he proposed, prosperity to

the Metropolitan and ProvincialHospitals. The toast was drankwith applause.

Master Smith sang,. " fdle’re a

noddin"With much sweetness, andwas loudly applauded.The CHAIRMAN then spoke to

the following effect. The toastwhich I have now to propose will, II doubt not, be received withacclamations. The munificentinstitutions of St. Thomas’s andGuy’s are splendid mnnuments ofthe charitable zeal of our ances-tors. The first was founded byone of our princes ; the secondestablishment was designed andcompleted by a single individual,who by a life of privation and ex-ertion, accumulated a princelyfortune for this sole purpose, andso bestowed it. These institutions

ought to be held in great venera-tion by us, independently of thegood which immediately emanatesfrom them, for it was owing to theroyal foundations of St. Bartholo-mew’s and St. Thomas’s, thatmedicine was first recognised as

a separate profession to whichindividuals exclusivelv devotedthemselves. Before that time itwas in the hands of priests, monks,and friars; but by the applicationof the minds of individuals to thissole object, it was soon strippedof the craft and mystery witli_which the priests had envelopedit, and medicine is indebted forher emancipation to the same

blessed restoration which liberatedthe whole civilized world from

thraldom. I heg leave, gentIemen, to propose to you St. Tho-mas’s and Guy’s Hospitals. Thetoast was drunk with enthusiasticapplause.

Mr. Fitzwilliams sang a medico-comic song, which was vehemently

applauded. A stanza, alluding tothe scarcity of subjects in the fol-lowing facetious vein,

Though subjects be so scarce,I’d scarce be one myself Sir.- Tol de rol, de rol.

appeared to give particular sa-

tisfaction. It was rapturouslyencored, as they say in the ptay-bills.

The CHAIRMAN.-Althoughwe are honoured with the com-

pany of the Senior Physician of

Guy’s Hospital, I regret to statethat the physicians of St. Tho-mas’s Hospital are not present.It is my duty, gentlemen, as Chair-man, to state to you, that the ab-sence of those gentlemen arisesfrom no want of courtesy to theindividuals assembled. Neitherdoes it arise from want of invita-tion on the part of the Stewards.The reason which they allege,gentlemen, is that they do not

participate in the business of

teaching. On this point, I must

say that I differ from them ; be--

I cause, in the practice of the hos-pital, which forms an essential

part of the business of teaching,they do most undoubtedly take apart. However, so it is: I regrettheir absence, because it breaks inupon the unanimity of the meet-ing : I regret their absence, be-cause they are gentlemen of high.education, members of the ENg-lish Universities, men of undoubt-ed talent, and unquestionableskill in their profession. I amsorry that any trivial point of eti-

59

quette should interfere with the

unanimity which ought to exist,as to the objects of the meeting;and detract, in so far as their ab-sence is calculated to detract,from its importance and weight.I trust that I shall not be con-sidered pedantic by this assembly.if I add-

pudet hæc opprobria nobisEt dici poruisse, et non potuisse

refelli.

Dr. CHOLMELEY, in returningthanks on behalf of the physi-cians of Guys, adverted to thedomestic calamity which had oc-casioned the absence of Dr. Ba-

bington, as well as of Dr. Bright,Dr. Babington’s son-in-law.The Chairman next gave The

Surgeons of SL Thomas’s and

Guy’s Hospitals."--This toast wasfollowed by three distinct roundsof applause.

Mr. GREEN rose to returnthanks on the part of his colleaguesfor ’the honour which had justbeen conferred upon them. He

regretted that the task had notfallen into abler hands ; he couldonly beg them to accept theheartfelt thanks of his colleaguesand himself. In so doing, hecould not help alluding to a

circumstance that had recentlyoccurred,-he alluded to theloss of two most valuable col-

leagues, by the resignation ofMr. Forster and Mr. Lucas.He was satisfied that no indivi-duals could have discharged theimportant duties of the office withmore zeal, attention, and huma-nity, than the Gentlemen to whomhe alluded. Improvements had,indeed, taken place in education,which would certainly make thosewho came hereafter more capable,or, he would rather bay, more dis-

tinguished in the offices theymight fill. It was to be recol-lected, however, that even a giantcould see further when placedupon a giant’s shoulders—(a laugh.)The difficulties which professionalmen had to contend with in the

discharge of their duties, it was

unnecessary to say, were exceed-

ingly great. There were, how-ever, some agreeable offices con-

nected with it, and none more sothan that of communicating in-formation to those who were tobecome members of the profes-sion. He trusted he need not saythat the Surgeons were always ac-cessible, and always desirous of

communicating what they knew tothe students.---(Applause.)-If atany time, in the hurry of business,they might seem to neglect them,he was sure that nothing was fur-ther from their wishes; for theymight rest assured that it was

their anxious endeavour to makeSt. Thomas’s and Guy’s Hospital,what they were entitled to be, thefirst school for practical informa-tion in Surgery, which existed in

Europe.-(Loud and continuedapplause.)

Mr. Fitzwilliams gave a comicsong.The CHAIRMAN in alluding to

the present state of the school ofmedicine and surgery at St. Tho-

mas’s and Guy’s, said he should ab-stain from entering into details onthat subject. The public would dulyappreciate the merits of every man,and by the public judgment, a

professional man must stand or

fall, whether lie would or not.The business of teaching was oneof great labour and responsibility,and should be followed by highrewards. The character of hos-pitals depended essentially on the

60

character of the teachers engagedin them, and the success of medi-cal and surgical practice on thedoctrines inculcated in the schools.In every point of view the dutiesof public teachers were of the

highest importance, and at no

hospital, he believed, were thoseduties more ably and efficientlydischarged than at St. Thomas’sand Guy’s. He begged leave,therefore,[to propose the professorsin the school of medicine, surgery,and the branches of natural phi-losophyat St. Thomas’s and Guy’sHospitals. The toast was drunkwith applause.

Dr. BLUNDELL said, that the

duty of returning thanks on behalfthe professors having unexpected-ly devolved on him, he felt consi-derable embarrassment,andhe wasconscious that he should have

great occasion for their indulgence.For a reception so friendly, so

cordial, so grateful to the feelingsof the professors, and accompaniedby those expressions of enthusiasm Iand sincerity which characterisedthe first days of our youth, he wasat a loss in what terms to expresshis gratitude, except by requestingthem in the language of sincerity

. to accept his hearty thanks. Hefelt most sensible, as all his col-

leagues ought to do, for the honourwhich had been conferred uponthem, and he- trusted that this

gratifying testimony of their ap-probation would stimulate themto future exertion, which mightrender that approbation, not mere-ly the free oflering of their goodwill, but in part also the meed ofmerit. The professors were placedin a situation of great responsibi-lity, in which they had great diffi-culties to encounter ; but the applause of such a body of men as

he had now the honour of address-ing ; comprehending so much efthe rank and talent of the profes-sion, both established and rising;consisting, as it did, of so manymen of vigorous and enlightenedunderstandings, all banded toge-ther for the purpose of promotingthe welfare of their invaluable in-stitutions, could not fail to operateas an encouragement to the pro-fessors, to excite their energies,and recruit their streirgth. Therewere some persons who thoughtthat the star which had so longshed its splendour on the unitedHospitalswas losing its ascendancy,and that the sun of medicine wasfast sinking into the western hem-isphere to be soon plunged forever into the interminable empireof darkness. Let the proceedingsof that evening convince such per-sons of their error. The enthusi-.asm and industry which prevailedamong the pupils ; the zeal andactivity of the officers, and the in-tegrity and good managementwhich characterised the generalgovernment of the institutions, allproved their internal stabilityThey stood firm and immoveable,like the pyramids of .old, and liketheir prototypes of Egypt,- hedoubted not they -would sur-

vive the wreck of time, and smileamidst surrounding desolation.He could enlarge further on thissubject, but he perceived that thegenius of festivity and good cheerpresided over the festival. He

begged leave to drink all theirhealths, and trusted he should al-ways find them as jocund, as goodhumoured, as united, as pleased,and as communicative of pleasureas he found them on the presentoccasion (applause).

Dr. Blundell shortly after left

61

the Hall. As he passed alongthe passage between the side-tables, he extended an arm on

each side, in a very urbaue and

graceful manner, and shook handswith all the students who availedthemselves of the proffered cour-tesy. -

Mr. GREEN rose to propose a

toast. There were some feelings,he observed, so delightful to thehuman breast, that whenever anyoccasion occurred, which was

calculated to call them forth, theycould not fail to feel the highestgratification. He was sure theywould agree with him in thinkingthat’there never was an occasionbetter calculated than the present,to excite those delightful - feel-ings. He was satisfied that he

only expressed the sense of the

meeting, in observing, that the

.’ unanimity which had marked theirproceedings, was mainly owing tothe exertions of their worthyChairman. By the urbanity of’his manners, and the franknessand cordiality which had distin-

guished his conduct, he had notonly contributed to the pleasure ofthe evening, but he had essentiallypromoted the more important ob-jects of the meeting. On the lat-ter point it might not be improperto say one or two words. Theywere met there not for the purposeof eating and drinking, althoughthat was certainly a very neces-

sary part of their proceedings-(a laugh)-but for the more im-

portaut object-of promoting una-nimity among the members of theprofession, and particularly thosewho had been educated at St.Thomas’s and Guy’s--for the pur-pose of cementing or renewingearly friendships, formed at thatperiod of life when the heart was

least capable of being influencedby sordid, or interested motives.There were lights as well as shadesin life, and youth was the periodof our brightest and gayest hours.Here the Learned Gentleman en-

tered into an analysis of the sen-timents of the heart, in which we

profess our inability to follow him,or rather to collect the precise scopeand meaning of his observations.He spoke of some persons whomerely assumed the garb of friend-ship, and threw a polish or varnishover their general conduct; underwhich it was scarcely possible todetect their true character. Thesepersons, he observed, would giveyou a hearty squeeze of the hand,and were extremely liberal of theirprotestations of regard and attacli--ment, which they put on like theirdress clothes. These personswere like " your most obedient,"" my dear sir," not at home,’‘ very glad to see you,’ and theother polite lies of polished life:The Learned Gentleman proceed-ed to contrast these persons withothers, whom he described as

glowing with all the generous andgladsome feelings of boy-hood,when the mind was occupied withfew thoughts beyond the pursuitsof a butterfly, or the flying of akite. After a varietv of observa-tions of this kind, he concluciedby proposing the health of Mr.Travers, the Chairman.-The toastwas drunk with great applause.The Chairman returned thanks.

He complimented his learnedfriend, Mr. Green, on the acute-ness he had displayed in detect-ing indications of character, and onthe extraordinary eloquence withwhich h° had unfolded his views onthat subject. He felt the value ofhis learned friend’s approbation,

62

though he was sensible that noexertions of his (Mr. Travers’s)had entitled him to so liberal ameed of praise. Laudari à lau-duto viro was the most gratifyingtribute which could be received.He begged leave to wish longlife, health, and prosperity to allpresent.

Master Smith sang " Home,sweet home," in a very charmingstyle, and was warmly applauded.The CHAIRMAN next gave

" the Demonstrators in anatomy atSt. Thomas’s and Guy’s Hospitals,Mr. Bransby Cooper, and Mr.South."-The toast was drankwith applause.

Mr. SOUTH begged leave, tbrhiscolleague and himself, to return

their best thanks, for the kindmanner in which their healths hadbeen drunk. It would be pre-sumptuous in him to attempt toadd any thing to the excellent ob-servations which they had alreadyheard. He would only assure

them that they had endeavouredto do their duty to the best oftheir ability, and if they had failedit was not for the want of inclina-tion, but for want of capacity.

Mr. Broadhurst sang " Scotswha hac with Wallace bled," veryeffectively, and was encored.

Mr. COLMAN observed, that asone of the Members of the Com-mittee who first proposed the An-niversary Dinner of these Hospi-rials he trusted his claim would beallowed, on the principle of se-

niorlty, to propose the health ofa distinguished individual, whohad shortly before left the room,and who was justly regarded, notonly in this country, but on theContinent, as one of the abiest

Surgeons in Europe. Theywould at once - perceive that

ha alluded to Sir Astley Coop-er (applause). He had watchedthe progress of that distinguishedindividual from the earliest periodof his career. Uniting, as he did,the most amiable manners withtalenfsof the highest order, no manhad, in his earlier years coniributedmore to the social pleasures ofall who had the happiness of

knowing him, but though no manwas more convivial after dinner,and in the evening, he was alwaysto be found paying the most activeand devoted attention to his pro.fessional duties in the morning.He had the greatest pleasure it)proposing the health of a man,who had shed a lustre on the pro.fession to which he belonged, andin that pleasure he doubted notthat all who heard him would fullyparticipate.The toast was drunk with en-

thusiastic applause.The CHAIRMAN proposed the

healths of Messrs. Lucas andForster, late surgeons of Guy’sHospital.The toast was received mitli

applause.Some other appropriate toasts

were drunk, and the convivialityof the company was kept up tilla late hour.We would suggest to the pro-

prietor of the Freemasons’ Tav-ern, when he next provides a din-ner for the members of our pro-fession, to remember that we are

bound, by virtue of our calling, totake cugnizatice of’ ail noxious po-tions, and that we cannot be sup-posed to have a less regard for ourown stomachs than forthose of our

patients. Mr. Jukes’s evacuatingsyringe, we really think, might bebeneficially employed after a doseof Tavern wine.