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Mr. BAINBRIDGE said, that hitherto no

public notice had been taken by any medicalinstitution of the labours of Mr. Wakley, incarrying through both houses of the Legisla-ture the important Bill for remuneratingmedical witnesses at coroners’ courts-

(hear, hear)—though it was;due to that gen-tleman, on this occasion, that some referenceshould be made to the measure. Perhapsno single statute, directly affecting the me-dical profession, had been of so much im-portance to it. (Hear, hear.) Taking the country throughout, many thousands of

pounds per annum would be received by themedical profession through the operation ofthat enactment. He had himself received agreat number of fees under it. Few personsknew the anxiety attendant on carrying ameasure through the Legislature. He be-lieved that Mr. Wakley had laboured nightand day in effecting the object to which healluded, and he thought that the presentmeeting was called upon to move a vote ofthanks to Mr. Wakley, for his exertions onthe subject.Mr. E. EVANS seconded the resolution.The CHAIRMAN believed that the Bill was

now perfect. A statute had recently beenenacted, which completed its value. For-

merly, payment was referred to the localauthorities, and its enforcement might haveproved expensive if resisted. Mr. Wakley,however, had obtained the insertion of aclause in the Coroner’s Bill, making it im-perative on the coroner to pay the fee, eitherbefore or immediately after the medical wit-ness had given his evidence. This was atime well suited for passing a vote of thanksto Mr. Wakley.The resolution was then carried by accla-

mation.Mr. WHITM0RE thought that Mr. Wakley

ought to be apprised of the fact that medi-cal men were not now called upon to giveevidence at inquests once, where they wereformerly summoned fifty times.*Votes of thanks were then successively

passed to the Chairman and Council, andthe meeting terminated.

THE DINNER.The great majority of the gentlemen pre-

sent then adjourned to the large room, andpartook of an excellent dinner, Dr. WEB-STER again presiding.The cloth having been removed, the

″ Queen;’ and the usual loyal toasts weredrunk.The CHAIRMAN then rose and said, that,

as lovers of our profession, and well-

* If Mr. WHITMORE, will refer to page490 of the volume of THE LANCET which hasjust been completed, he will there find Mr.WAKLEY’S opinion on the proper remedy forthis neglect on the part of the coroner.

wishers of the noble science in which theywere engaged, " Prosperity to the BritishMedical Association," demanded priority inthe list of the professional toasts. (Loudapplause.) As was this day (the Chairmancontinued) announced in the Report of ourCouncil, we are going on most prosper-ously, and increasing in number at everymeeting. I consider it as a most importantstep to have thus organised ourselves in

eight or nine months,-for I onlydate theInstitution as having been organised sinceJanuary last,-and to have rallied around ussuch a numerous and intellectual assemblyas I now see before me. (Cheers.) At thesame time I feel assured,that as our objectsbecome known, we shall increase in num-bers, in strength, and in estimation. Andhere some explanation may not be irrele-vant respecting the constitution of yourAssociation. It owes its origin to accidentrather than design. The injuries and in-dignities which the Poor Law AmendmentAct had heaped on the profession, andwhich, I regret to say, increase rather thandiminish, drew together many general prac-titioners ; and, in considering how thesegrievances could be remedied, others pre-sented themselves, which it was evidentthat union and resolution were essential toremove. It was therefore resolved to forman Association of General Practitioners, asone section of the profession, leaving it tothe other departments to pursue their ownplans, or to follow our example. But thisgave origin to misunderstandings, which wehad no idea of creating, and I fear that nota few wilful misstatements were made asto our objects. We were represented as

wishing to overturn all order and distinc-tions in the profession ; but so far fromthis being our object, our earnest wish isto establish order, method, simplicity, andgood government, out of the confusionwhich at present prevails in our ranks,and in the laws which govern the profes-sion. We were said to be exclusive, and tointend not to meet physicians and surgeonsin consultation, with other such ridiculouscharges. Having no such foolish views inprospect, but each possessing the mens con-scia recti, we enlarged our plan, and open-ed the Association to every legally qualifiedmember of the profession; and we havesince proposed a corresponding alterationin the election of the Council. Our objectsare union and harmony in the profession,

and we wish to draw inta one focus all itsliberal members, whether physicians, sur.

, geons, or general practitioners. (Claeers.)It is true, that we shall not attract mem-

bers by a false eclat at our meetings. Wepublish no 11 Transactions," and we havenot yet taken up scientific questions, be-cause most, if not all, of us already belongto societies where that is done; but we

consider that, by reforming our governing

64

institutions, we are laying the very best one class of practitioners to examination;foundations for the advancement of medi- but it has increased tenfold the evil that itcal science. (Cheet’s.) This Association was meant to suppress, by creating shoalswas not founded merely to create a holiday, of prescribing, practising, and visiting che-or to eat a dinner. No ; its objects are of a mists, who are wholly ignorant of medicine.more useful nature, though recreation is es- This state of things is unparalleled in anysential to all men, and a good English dinner other civilised country. Indeed, so long asserves very well to bring friends together. graduates of medicine, members of colleges,.We wish to see our profession regenerated, and medical students are compelled to be ex-- to have its interests placed on a firm and amined and licensed by a trading Company,liberal basis,-to increase its respectability; the impress of trade will be stamped onits honourin public estimation ;and its utility their foreheads. But I trust that we areto our fellow creatures. Why have we not near the termination of all this. Circum.

long since attained these objects ’! Why are stances are daily coming to light and noto-we so far behind the other professions in riety, in proof that none but a responsiblepublic regard? Why are we respected as scientific body should be entrusted with theindividuals, but neglected as a body ? It is fearful powers possessed by the Apotheca-because there has hitherto been no union ries’ Company. However, I leave the wor-among us, no unity of purpose. (dear, hear.) shipful Examiners in the hands of the talentedWe have resembled a rope of sand, which physician who has lately been prescribing forcan be broken by every wind that blows, them, Dr.Elliotson-(great applu2cse)-and towhether from Pall Mall East, or Lincolns’- the tender mercies of the medical press, andInn Fields, 131ackfriars, or Somerset House. the retributive effect of their own deeds.

(Loud applause.) These may be considered ( Much applause.) It is very painful to per-as the cardinal points from whence come the ceive not only a want of union in the profes-winds that chiefly attect us at present, dis- sion, but that the medical corporationsunited as we are. But why has there been themselves act as antagonising forces, eachsuch a lamentable want of union among us? having its own separate interests to pro-One cause I consider has been the root of mote, while they all neglect those of theall the evil. We have legally nothing what- great body of the profession. The monopo-ever to do with the management of our own lists regard their legal privileges only asaffairs. We have no voice in framing our liereditary stepping-stones to personal for-laws, or in electing our rulers. We are, in tune, and the means of family advancement fact, in a debased and degraded state in this —(applause)—prostituting science to privaterespect, and few have, until lately, felt purposes, even to the extent, in some of ourinterested in that from which it has been the Universities, of creating professional chairspolicy of both the Colleges to exclude nearly for particular individuals, whether worthythe entire profession. The College of Phy- to fill them or not, because they are needysicians permits only the Fellows to legis- men, allowing, also, the purchase and salelate, whereby three-fourths of the practising of professorships, like oxen in a market-

physicians in London are shut out from all place, while examiners ha, e been retainedshare in the government of their own col- at certain of the colleges merely that theylege. This is bad enough for a scientific might receive an annuity, though confess-body, in times when the members of every edly unfit to perform their duties. We

petty trading corporation elect their own must deeply lament such narrow and short-rulers. But this is liberality personified, in sighted policy ; narrow, because selfishlycomparison with the laws of the College of seeking the welfare of their own corpora.Surgeons, by which twenty-one self-elected tions,—short-sighted, because laying theCouncillors assume to themselves the right foundation of their own decay. (Cheers.)to legislate for 10,000 or 12,000 members, Such institutions may require some allow-who have contributed largely to its revenues, ances on their behalf, for they may havewithout having the slightest control in its been adapted to the times in which theygovernment, or over its funds. (Applause.) were created, and have since acquiredWith the laws of the Apothecaries’ Com- sacredness in the eyes of their guardians,pauy as a trading body we have no concern, who may abhor changes in them which arebut as a body which administers the Act of calculated to suit the intelligence of the pre-1815, we have unfortunately too much to do. sent day. But, for ourselves, we would pro-On a former occasion I said that they were pose remedies for their decrepitude, and, by’unfit to be entrusted with legal powers over uniting the present heterogenous nmterialsthe profession. I speak not of them indi- of our profession, raise a structure whichisvidually, but as a body, and I also said that calculated to last for ages. With this view

they had shown much greater alacrity in we propose the establishment of a NATIONALprosecuting graduates and members of the FACULTY OF MEDICINE—(much applause)-colleges than the ignorant and incompetent. to be elected by the legally qualified prac-(Hear, hear.) ) I award to the ″ Company" titioners of the empire,-for convenience, athe credit of good intentions, and I allow TRIPARTITE FACU LTY,-that is, one -for eachthat the Act has done good by subjecting of the three great capitals of England, Ire.

65

land, and Scotland, their objects, their laws,and their regulations, being in every respectthe same, and the ruling body being re-

elected periodically by the profession.Such a body would readily listen to all well-founded complaints of the profession ; andtheir suggestions and remedies would beapplied by it as circumstances might require.(Cheers.) I will not now enter into further

.details upon this point. From the National

′Faculty, a National Board of Health mightbe appointed, to constitute a Medical Policeof the country, and regulate many matterswhich are now neglected, or very imper-fectly attended to. The public healthwould embrace several heads; medical at-tendance on the poor ; coroner’s inquests;the quarantine laws; inquiries into epide-mics ; the abatement of nuisances; the in-

vestigation of certain accidents ; the sale ofpoisons and quack medicines ; medicalevidence in trials for murder ; the regulationof hospitals; medical education; mad-houses ; prisons; public museums and libra-ries connected with medicine ; chemists anddruggists; the registration of births anddeaths; the institution of a benevolent orpension fund ; and many other matters whichwould necessarily be brought before the pro-fession through their representatives in the

Faculty. But we need not at present dis-cuss these various subjects, but should stre-nuously turn our attention to that single re-medy which will, in time, cut them off; theattainment of ONE FACULTY, which all canunderstand and join in soliciting fromParliament. (Loud cheers.) Petitions shouldhe sent from all parts of the empire prayingfor this. If we ask for many things at once,we shall not obtain them all, and we shalldistract the senators by the variety. I have

said, that the establishment of ONE FACULTYwill supersede all our evils, at leastall the minor ones ; but I would except theall-important poor-law question, because itaffects the lives of tens of thousands of

suffering pauper fellow-creatures. Thismust be made a separate question, respectingwhich we cannot do better than to unite ourefforts with those of the Provincial MedicalAssociation, which was first in the tield;medical men in the country having sufferedfirst and most from the operation of the newlaw. Though the British and the ProvincialAssociations are different in their generalobjects and constitution, yet, on the Poor-law medical clauses, there can be but oneopinion amon- humane men. (Chters.) Fromthe Poor Law Committee of the ProvincialAssociation have emanated two Reports,containing a mass of information which mustbe referred to as the best that is extant onthis subject. We are this day favoured withthe company of one of the gentleman whowas most active in collecting this evidence,and drawing up the reports to which I allude;I mean Mr. Ceely, of Aylesbury, and but for

particular engagements we should also havehad that of his intelligent coadjutor, Mr.Rumsey. (Cheers.) In conclusion, allowme to say a word in recommendation of ourBenevolent Fund. Too many of the membersof the profession require aid ; too many or-phans of medical men are unprovided for ;too many widows of professional men areleft destitute. After the eloquent appeal inthe behalf of this fund, in the Report of theCouncil, I need only say that subscriptionswill bethankfully received by our Secretaryfrom any gentleman who may be disposed toassist it. I have great pleasure in proposing″ Prosperity to the British Medical Asso-ciation." (Loud cheering)

The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the next toast,″The periodical Medical Press,’’ said, feei.’in proposing this toabt, that I am indeedincompetent to do justice to the subject.All that we have, or may possess, of medicalreform, is mainly owing to the periodicalmedical press. (Cheers.) I do not meanthat medical reform will be attained withoutexertion, aye, and vigorous, active, perse-vering exertion, on our own parts. But Iam quite sure that we must not allow thepress to work alone. We must aid its efforts-looking to the press as the great medium ofcommunication between reformers in distantparts nf the kingdom, and in distant regionsof the globe, and as the means of collectingand concentrating information which we

could never otherwise obtain. A retrc:-

spective glance will at once convince us ofthe value of the weekly and quarterlymedical press to the liberal cause. Lessthan 20 years since, the reform of abuses i’!our medical institutions was not even

dreamt of, far less contemplated. fifteen.years back the first weekly medical journalwas started, THE LANCIT—(applause),—andseveral others have followed its appearance.I need not trace, step by step, the progressand advantages of the independent medicalpress, as most of the gentlemen who arepresent must be fully cognisant of them.But what a change has taken place in publicopinion on many questions which it has dis-cussed ! What abuses have been exposedand remedied by it! What improvementshave been accomplished by its efforts !What excellent measures suggested! Ido not hesitate to declare my conviction,that to the independent portion of the me-dical press we owe the origin, the existence,aye, and we shall owe the success, of me-dical reform. (Loud applause. ) But notonly as an engine of reform do we owe to ita debtof gratitude, but themedical periodicalpress must be looked upon as a vast store-house of important facts. Single ideas, iso-lated cases, minor discoveries, might notappear to their authors to be suffieientlyimportant to form separate publications, andwould, probably, be wholly lost to science

66

but for the periodical journals which have rejoice to hear this anticipation welcomelybeen the instruments, v: ithin the last few receiv’ed by so large and influential a meet-years, of procucing a rapid advance in me- ing. Although I sit in a corner, unobserved,dicine by the diffusion of information. I and uninfluenced by those dissensions, mala-

can readily appreciate the laborious and dies to which you have referred, as affectinganxious duties of the gentlemen who are the profession at large, I am not indifferentconnected with the medical periodical to what is passing around me. The divi-press,-the knowledge, the various informa- sions among my medical brethren unques-tion, and the discernment which is necessary tionably originate in a quality of human na-to distinguish truth from error; the talents, ture. We envy not the success of the lawyer,the unwearied industry, the highly-intellee- or of the divine, and but for those invi-tual gifts which are requisite in the con- dious distinctions, which have been esta-ductorsof the medical journals. It delights blished, during a considerable period of time,me to add, that the whole medical press of amongst medical men, we should not havethe kingdom is on our side, on the side of imbibed, as we have done, almost from in.justice and liberality in the profession (loud fancy, those feelings which have occasionedapplause), with the exception of a homoeo- all the dissensions which are prevalentpathic fraction of it which is unworthy to be amongst us. (Hear, hear.) Medical men,mentioned. I am proud to think that; we having the same object in view-tlie allevia-number among our members all the known tion of human suffering—trained in the sameeditors of those journals in the metropolis,- institutions, and the same departments ofall the editors who are not ashamed to de- knowledge, have no sooner finished theclare their names. (Renezced cheers.) With happy period of education, than they begingreat pleasure I give you as a toast "The to oppose each other, too often with rancour,English periodical medical press." We and continue their enmities through the resthave not the presence of those gentlemen of life. The dearest companions of youthamongst them whom we anticipated, except- often become, in after life, the most invete-ing Dr. RYAN, whose name, therefore, I rate of foes, simply in consequence of themay mention on this occasion. (The toast example of those invidious distinctions whichhaving been drank with great applause), they have seen-fostered in our public insti-

Dr. RYAN regretted that his colleagues of tutions. (Hear, hear.) The period is ad-the press were absent. He agreed with their vancing, perhaps more rapidly than we anti-worthy Chairman, that had it not been for cipate, when our unity will be established.that press, the question of medical reform A new body has been organised, under thewould not have been in its present attitude. sanction of Government, which is intended toThis Association he had, from its commence- constitute the germ of an university in Lon-ment, taken deep interest in. The medical don; and if that institution conduct its affairswas the worst treated of any profession in well, it may exert a most important influencethe country, whether the oppressors were on the future welfare of the profession. Be-

the Colleges of Physicians or Surgeons, the ing independent of the Colleges of Physi.Apothecaries’ Company, or the Poor Law cians and Surgeons, and the Apothecaries’Commissioners. Mr. Wakley, both in his Company, it may act with such judgmentliterary character and in the House of Com- and temper as may induce the Governmentmons, the able advocate of medical reform, to sanction the principles of medical reformDr. Johnson, Mr. Farr, and others, he was to their fullest extent. (Heat-, hear.) The

quite sure, would seek to promote the wel- best institutions will tend to corruption,fare of the institution. (Cheers.) as the Chairman has himself well intimated,The CHAIRIIiAN proposed as the next toast, though organised at the beginning with

″ The CHAIRMAN proposed as the next toast, good intentions, and afterwards preservedScience’’ The company were favoured with with the most religious care ; new states

the presence company were favoured with of society may affect their utility, and

the presence of Professor Grant, Dr. Mar- endanger their purity, and quite unfit themshall Hall, Mr. Wilson, Dr. Granville, Dr. for the present period. (Hear, hear.) BatRyan, Mr. Hilles, Mr. Grainger, and many they hesitate to reform themselves. Theother able professors. (Drunk with applause.) accumulated proofs of themselves. Theother able professors. Drunk with applause accumulated proofs of ages show that self.

Professor GRANT rose, and said, I think elected bodies will not remedy their ownthat it is an unfortunate accident which has abuses. The evil must be discovered anddevolved upon me the duty of returning amended by those who can survey theirthanks, because, perhaps, of all the teachers constitution without partiality. Such ob-who are connected with this valuable Asso- servers and correcters exist, I believe, inciation, and who are, at the same time, me- the assembly collected in this room. Butdical men, I alone, though a member of the I have almost wandered from the toast,-profession, am neither a teacher nor a pro- " The Professors and Teachers of Medicalfessor of medicine. But I hope that the hum- Science,"-of all bodies in the professionble department of science which is intrusted perhaps the most important to the risingto my care will, ultimately, become abranch generation. From the spirit of liberalityof medical education. (Loud applauae.) I which distinguishes the present age,-a

67

liberality which has even entered into the as President, or simply as a member of thehighest departments of the State, so that the Council, he should always gladly renderGovernment itself has become distinguished every service in his power to the Association.for the liberality of its sentiments-(hear, (Hear, hear.) After a few introductoryhear),-there never was a more advantageous remarks, he proposed as the next toast, ″ Theperiod for the establishment of such an As- Father of Medical Reform," which wassociation as this. There are now teachers drunk with great enthusiasm.and professors of medicine; indeed, I can hardly perceive the distinction,-I know of Dr. HARRISON returned thanks in an elo-

none in Loudon,—none through the whole q"ent speech, which our limits will notnone in Loudon,-none through the whole quent speech, which our hmits will notkingdom. We have from sixteen to twenty

allow us to repeat. In the course of his

medical schools in this metropolis, all la- remarks he pointed out the tyrannical con-

bouring in their vocation, and medical duct of the College of Physicians, and theschools exist throughout the kingdom, all determination of the College to resist justinterested in the aeducation n medical Measures of Reform. He concluded byyouths,-a topic of enthusiastic interest; Proposing″ The Health of the Vice-Presi-and I am delighted to see that so large a , d en and Council."

body of the teachers of the metropolis has Dr. MARSHALL HALL, in acknowledgingjoined this Association. There are many the toast said, I hope I may say for all myreasons for such individuals not joining brethren what I may for myself, that Iyour Association. Many of them are con- am most devoted to the medical profession.nected so intimately with the chartered It happens that I am a "physician;" manybodies and corporations, that they must of you do not adopt that name, but I trust.sacrifice, perhaps, not only themselves, but that we all view each other as brethren,those who are dependaut on them, by coun- having but one object in view, the generaltenancing the bold position which you have good of all. (Applause.) Entertaining noassumed. (Hear, hear.) Considering our- petty animosities. which are only worthy toselves as free to obey the dictates of reason, be despised, if I were at the top of thewe ought to lose no opportunity of dis- profession to-morrow, I would say, as I dotinctly pointing out the defects of the medi- to-day, that I view all my brethren as mem-cal institutions of the country. If you bers of one body. (Cheers.) I acknowledgemerely surmise that there may possibly be no distinctions but those of merit. Theimperfections in our institutions, or perhaps man who pursues the medical career withmake a great deal of noise, and declaim credit, truth, justice, and honour, is myloudly without specifically stating not only brother, and if one man will labour in ittheir defects but also the best remedy for more than another let him have his reward.those defects, the Association will dwindle I am myself a stanch advocate for Medicalinto insignificance. (Applause.) Although Reform. It is now the fifth part of a centuryI have so little connexion with the toast, since I adopted this principle, of which, Iyet I have great pleasure in performing the am still an unflinching advocate. (Cheers.),duty of returning thanks for the honour I do not happen to be the nephew of, orconferred on the professors and teachers of connected with, any of the great men, normedicine ; but before I resume my seat, have I sought their favours. I believe I neverallow me to say that such an Association is made a bow to one of them in my life. I am

calculated to restore to its members many content with my station, which has been theold aud excellent feelings We have here work of my own industry, and I trast that companions who have sat beside us in our every man who expends great pains, labour,classes and our societies, and mingled with every man who expends great pains, labour,classes and our societies, and mingled with and unwearied industry in the profession,us in many of those early and pleasurable will henceforth take that station in societyassociations which are nearest to the heart. which ought to result from them. societyI recognise with delight on this occasion which ought to result from them. Hear, hear.)

one of my own early associates. Your Pre- sident, who has been complimented so The CHAIRMAN next proposed, ″ Thejustly to day—(loud applause),-was one of health of the visitors."the earliest of my companions during my Dr. GRANVILLE, in returning thanks, con-medical studies at Edinburgh. I rejoice to gratulated the company upon the changesfind him occupying his present important which had at last been brought about, evenand dignified station: We owe much to in the College of Physicians. A professorhim for his labours on behalf of this Insti- of midwifery was now allowed to become atution, and I trust that his example will be fellow of the College, and even to sit at thefollowed by all those who may succeed Board. Let the British Association steadilyhim. I have great pleasure in proposing pursue its avowed objects, and he had no- the health of onr distinguished President, doubt that it would ultimately obtain suc-Dr. Webster. (Great applause.) cess for medical reform. In order, however,.

to secure just laws in the profession, uni-The CHAIRMAN, acknowledged the toast formity of medical examinations must be

n appropriate terms, observing, that whether adopted. Why should there be gradations

68

in diplomas for practice? The human framewas one, and the maladies which afflicted all its parts were guided by a similarity ofprinciple. As Nature knew of no grada-tions, neither should the profession. Heconcluded by proposing ″ The health ofthe Stewards."

Mr. WIIITMORE briefly returned thanks.

Mr. HILLES said, that the present state ofmedical affairs urgently demanded reform.Patience might cease to be a virtue; and,in fact, that change had almost now arrivedin the profession. The Legislature had notyet done justice to its members. On thecontrary, it had allowed new burdens to beimpo6ed on them by the Poor Law Amend-ment Act. It was a very mistaken notionin politics to suppose, that the saving of athousand pounds per aunum, was always ameasure of economy. On the one hand,.buildings were reared for the promotion ofthe arts, and, on the other, measures weretaken to depress science. Such a state of

things was beyond endurance. (Hear, hear.)He concluded by proposing, " The healthof the Officers of the Association."Mr. E. EVANS briefly returned thanks.

Mr. ROWE (of Chigwell), in proposing I" The health of the Honorary Secretaryand Honorary Solicitor," condemned, in se-vere terms, the conduct of the Poor LawCommissioners. The mischief, however,was all chargeable against the professionitself. He illustrated his views by advert-ing to the evidence of medical men in theEpping Union, and concluded by a refer-ence to the exertions of Mr. Wakley in be-half of the profession.Mr. DAVID DAVIES, the Honorary Solici-

tor, briefly returned thanks, and shortlyafterwards the worthy Chairman withdrew,and the meeting separated.

The enjoyments of the evening were

agreeably promoted by an excelleut dinner,good wines, and pleasant music from thevoices of Messrs. Foster, Pyne, Ransford,Ford, and other performers. -

The room of meeting was crowded to ex-cess, and apologies for non-attendance wereread from Mr. Liston, Mr. Wardrop, Mr.Grainger, Mr. Rumsey, Dr. James John-

son, Mr. Salmon, Mr. Pilcher, Mr. Farr,Dr. Mollison, Mr. Castle, Mr. Parsons, andmany other gentlemen, on account of indis-position, or indispensable professional en-gagements. -

THE LANCET.

London, Saturday, October 7, 1837.

IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE.

THE matters on which we last week ad.dressed our friends, the medical students,who have recently arrived in London, to

prosecute their studies in the hospitals and

dissecting-rooms of the metropolis, involvequestions which are so deeply important tothose gentlemen, that we again call their at-tention to the subject, rather, however, forthe purpose of exciting an interest in whatwe have already said, than to add new

admonitions to the old. The medical prac.titioner is, as a secondary agent, a dispenserof life and death to the community. How

great is his responsibility ! How precious tohim the season of youth, the period of pre-

paration for the duties of his almost divine

appointment !Disappointed men, scoffers, sceptics, and

corporators in medical Colleges and Halls,seem to be the only characters who wouldhinder the student from an assiduous pur-suit of medicine as a science. The inte-

rested opposition of the latter we have

explained too recently to render a fresh

exposure of it necessary now. The former

represent the simple powers of nature asall-sufficient for the relief of the sick. Ig-norance appropriately backs the absurditiesof such disputants. Very many disastersof the human frame are subservient only toart, and the duration of all may be abridgedby the exercise of medical skill. Take, for

example, an injury in the region of the

neck, where some important vessel has been

divided ; the sufferer, prostrate, helpless,’ bleeding, exhausted. An instant more, and

he will be a corpse. Who shall rescue the

man from the jaws of death but the practi-tioner, prompt and energetic in his actions,who is thoroughly familiarised with surgi.cal anatomy? Who can subsequently con-duct the patient to a cure, but the expe.rienced student of medicine ? The moment