77

difference between them. In the first in-stance we know its cause, in the second wedo not; but the material lesion is the samein both.

If, Gentlemen, the facts we collect andthe experiments we perform, go to confirm

my conjecture, that every modification ofthe blood is represented by one or more

organic changes, it will become necessarywithout delay to revise the existing medicaldoctrines, and establish a new therapeuticalcode. Time will show.

THE

SECOND ANNIVERSARY MEETINGOF THE

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION;Held Sept. 28, 1838.

THE second Anniversary of the aboveAssociation was held at the Bridge HouseHotel, Southwark, on Friday, the 28th nlt.The members met for business shortly after3 o’clock. Dr. WEBSTER, the President,took the Chair.The CHAIRMAN congratulated the meeting

on the success which had attended the Asso-ciation from the earliest period of its forma-tion, but especially during the past year.It appeared to him that societies were much Imore precocious than the human species.This Association, though only two years Iold, might be said to have arrived at man-hood. It was of great importance to anysociety to have reached its second anniver-

sary ; the last had been a very busy year,and he trusted that some good had beendone to the commonwealth of medicine.(Applause.) The next would be a stillbusier year, for they were not of the do-less,but of the do-more school. (Laughter andcheel’s,) He trusted that past exertionswould be taken as a pledge of future efforts.They were now fairly before the world, andtwo parties were closely watching their ope-rations ; the eyes of their friends were uponthem, and their expectations were high asto the beneficial result of their labours; theeyes of their enemies were upon them watch-ing for their failure. But he had no fearwhatever as to the result. He would notenter into detail regarding the operations ofthe Association during the past year ; theywould be found embodied in the Report ofthe Council.The CHAIRMAN then announced the result

of the Ballot for the Council during theensuing year.C. R. HARRISSON, Esq., honorary secretary,

read the Report. It commenced with the

language of sincere congratulation. If doubts

even existed in the minds of any rationalthinker as to the necessity and utility ofthis Society, those doubts must have beendispelled by the success which had alreadycrowned its efforts. Whether its steadynumerical increase were viewed, its suc-cessful exertions in the cause of the pro-fession and of suffering humanity connectedwith the Poor-Law question, the stepswhich it had taken, and was about to take,to promote the great object of medicalreform, the numerous other matters whichhad been brought under its notice, and theappeals made to it by individuals, by asso-ciations, and by medical bodies, from all

,parts of the country, all tended to show thatit had acquired a moral strength whichcould scarcely have been anticipated by itsmost sanguine friends at its formation.Since the last anniversary the members hadbeen steadily increasing, 68 gentlemen hav-ing joined the Association in the course ofthe year. A majority of those gentlemenhad voluntarily come forward in the differentcounties of England to lend their aid in

raising the standard of national medicalreform, in regenerating the profession, in

rescuing it from its political trammels, andfrom its present degraded position. Inseveral places prospects had opened of

County Branch Associations being formed.One had already been instituted at Stroud,in Gloucestershire, over which Dr. Wilmotvery ably presided. It had presented twopetitions to Parliament, one against thePoor-Law system, and the other on the sub-ject of empiricism. Several interestingextracts from the Report of this BranchAssociation were then given. An active

correspondence had been carried on by theParent Society throughout the united king-dom on a variety of subjects. In mostcases the first communications were made tothe Council, not by it, showing the confi-dence placed in it. In many instances

appeals had been made for the advice andopinion of the Council, in others for its

protection. A communication had been

opened with the practitioners of Plymouthon the subject of a rational Faculty ofMedicine. A friendly correspondence hadtaken place with the Leeds Medical Societyon the subject of quackery, a NationalFaculty of Medicine, and on life assurancefees. An interesting intercourse was keptup with the Glasgow Medical Association,which already numbered upwards of 80members. In order to strengthen the bondsof unity between the Associations it was

proposed to elect their President a corre-sponding member, with a seat at theCouncil, and their Secretary an ordinarycorresponding member of the Association.About the same period a communicationwas opened with the Association by Dr.Maunsell, who had lately been in London asa deputy from the Royal College of Sur-

78

geons in Ireland. In that communication consented to undertake the duty of oratorhe (Dr. M.) said that it appeared to him on the present occasion. The Council hadthat the objects of the College with regard hitherto been so fully occupied with sub.to medical reform, were, in many respects, jects which required their more immediateidentical with those sought by the British consideration, that the benevolent fund hadMedical Association. The Report then not received that attention which the causeentered into several details regarding the of charity ought ever to claim. Manyappli.course pursued by the Council on the Poor- cations for aid had lately been made to theLaw question, but as we have lately pub- Council, and the subject was now recom.lished their Report on that subject we omit mended to general notice. Though noany further notice of it. Medical reform direct application had been made to thewas the next topic adverted to in the Re- wealthier members of the profession, in seve-port. At the last anniversary a petition to ral instances voluntary contributions hadParliament was adopted and numerously been given, and among others the Councilsigned, praying for a national measure of had great pleasure in announcing that Sirmedical reform and the establishment of a Astley Cooper, with his characteristic gene-Tripartite Faculty of Medicine ; or, in other rosity, had forwarded a donation of £10words, of one National Faculty, with a through the President. A Benevolent Com.branch in each capital of the united kingdom. mittee had been appointed to investigateIt was proposed that this faculty should be all cases which presented themselves, so thatbased upon a true representative system; real objects of charity might be distinguish-that it should include every legally quali- ed from the undeserving. The idea offied practitioner in the three kingdoms; that forming a general and medical life assurancethey should at stated periods be able to elect society had occurred to the Council as aa certain number of representatives who plan of effecting union, and of otherwiseshould form a Council or Senate, to be benefitting the profession, but it was thoughtentrusted with full powers to regulate and better to abandon the scheme till a moredetermine all matters concerning the educa- favourable opportunity. The Abolition oftion and government of the profession. The Imprisonment for Debt Bill being inciden-Report then referred to the interview which tally of considerable importance to thea deputation from the Council had had with medical profession, the subject had beenLord John Russell, the particulars of which brought before the Council. The intendedwere published in THE LANCET of the 16th provisions of the Bill would have renderedof June last. Encouraged by the result of the recovery of debts of medical men fromthe interview with his Lordship and expect- certain classes of their patients very diffi-ing soon to have the medical evidence on cult, if not impossible. By the advice ofthe Scotch and Irish Colleges and Univer- the law Lords a petition had been presentedsities in their hands, the Council intended to the House, and the obnoxious clausesimmediately to turn their serious and deli- were altered before the Bill finally passed.berate attention to the details of a National Attention had been paid to the CopyrightFaculty of Medicine. When they had Bill while it was before Parliament, but thematured such a plan of medical government measure was, for the present, withdrawn.as might appear to be necessary, they would In conclusion, the Report strenuously re-submit it to the profession and the public, commended union, energy, and exertion, inand invite free discussion and the opinion of the great cause of medical reform.their medical brethren thereon. In the Dr. Rows, of Chigwell, in rising to pro-mean time the Council respectfully invited pose the first resolution, regretted, exceed-suggestionsand active co-operation on this ingly, that that duty had not devolved upongreat question. Some time since a Com- a more influential member of the Associationmittee of the Council was appointed to con- than himself. He trusted, however, thatsider the almost innumerable evils of empi- what he failed in influence he should com-ricism, and to devise remedies for their sup- pensate by sincerity. He had heard, withpression. Circumstances had prevented a great pleasure, the admirable Report whichreport being yet made; an effectual cure, the Council had just presented. He wouldhowever, could not be expected until the not advert to every topic introduced into it,whole profession was properly regulated because that would occupy too much time ;and ri.-litfiilly governed. In order to give but having witnessed the excellent arrange-increased interest to the proceedings of the ments made by the Poor-Law Committee,anniversary meetings the Council had deem- and having seen the beneficial results whiched it proper to institute an annual oration had occurred from their exertions, he feltto be delivered by a member of the Associa- that he should be guilty of an actof injusticetion on some subject to be chosen by the if he did not express his warmest approba-Council, connected with the politics or tion of their conduct. Much, however, yetscience of medicine. The subject fixed remained to be effected on that importantupon for this year, as most appropriate to the subject. He congratulated the meetingapproaching labours of the Association, was upon the nattering prospects of the Associa-that of medical reform. Dr. Granville had tion. He was proud to see it occupying so

79

important a position. He was sure thatwhen its objects were more extensivelyknown, medical men throughout the empirewould become convinced of trip absolute ne-

cessity of such an institution, jealously towatch over their interests, (Cheers.) Hehad much pleasure in moving-

" That the Report of the Council be re-

ceived and adopted."Mr. LEESON briefly seconded the resolu-

tion, which was put and agreed to.Mr. HOWELL said, that it was his duty to

give some account of the financial conditionof the Association. They were not in debt,on the contrary, they had a small balance inhand. He thought that a matter of gtatula-tiou, inasmuch as all societies had to meeton their commencement many incidental ex-

penses. He hoped that after the splendidexample set by Sir Astley Cooper—(cheers)-those members of the profession who hadit in their power to subscribe to the benevo-lent fund, would do so liberally.

Dr. MARSHALL HALL rose to move—" That Sir Aatley Paston Cooper be elect-

ed a Honorary Member of this Associa-tion."

.

He considered that Sir Astley Cooper hadthe best head and the best heart of any mem-ber of the profession. (Cheers,) Sir AstleyCooper had also set them a bright examplein the progress he had made through life bythe mere exertion of talent and of industry.When lie was a young man he did the most,and now that he was an old man he workedthe hardest, in promoting the interests of theprofession. (Cheers.) Let it be rememberedthat Sir Astley was the first gentleman pro-posed as a honorary member of the Associa-tion.

Mr. HOWELL considered it a distinguish-ed honour to have the privilege of second.ing the resolution. Looking back to his

pupilage, he could not but remember thekindness which he had exnerienced fromSir Astley Cooper in common with everypupil coming under his notice. Duringhis (Mr. H’s) professional career, it hadfallen to his lot to witness the exertions of

many medical men, and he had, therefore,had an opportunity of judging of their sin-cerity, and the conclusion to which he hadarrived, was similar to that which Dr. Mar-shall Hall had stated as his own conviction.

(Cheers.)The CHAIRMAN, in submitting the resolu-

tion for adoption, bore testimony to theeminent service rendered to the professionby Sir Astley Cooper, by the evidence whichhe gave during the late Poor-Law investiga-tion.The resolution was then put, and carried

by acclamation.Mr. DAVIDSON moved,-" That Professor Maunsell be elected a

Corresponding Member of this Associa-tion."

lie was well acquainted with Dr. --NlaLiti-sell, and was sure that he would prove auseful member of the Association.

Mr. EALFS briefly seconded the reso-

lution. .

The CHAIRMAN said that perhaps it wouldbe interesting to state that he had had a con-siderable correspondence with Dr. Maunsell.He had received a letter from him yesterdayupon the subject of medical reform. Inthat letter the Doctor stated that he waspersuaded there was no difference betweenthem, except that which was produced by alittle misrepresentation. If by one facultyit were meant to centralise the profession inLondon, he (Dr. M.) should, as long as hecontinued an Irishman, thoroughly resist it-(cheers)-but if it were intended to formthree centres, one in the capital of each

kingdom, with an occasional parliament ofdelegates, it would meet with his warm andhearty concurrence. (Applause,)The resolution was then put and agreed to.Dr. GRANVILLE moved,-" That the President and Secretary, for

the time being, of the Glasgow Medical As-sociation, be elected Corresponding Mem-beis of this Association, and that the Pre-sident have the privilege of attending allmeetings of the Council."Mr. HERRING seconded the resolution,

which was put and agreed to.Dr. M’EWAN would read the next resolti.

tion without making any comment upon it.It wab to the effect—

" That a Committee be appointed to ar-range and consider the details of a NationalFaculty of Medicine, with a view to the in-troduction into Parliament of a Bill forMedical Reform and the Suppression ofQuackery."

Mr. JAMES, in seconding the motion, saidit was needless for him to enlarge upon it.Every gentleman must be satisfied of thegreat utility which must attend such a mea-sure.

Mr. HOWELL took the liberty of risingupon that occasion because there might besome difference of opinion among the mem-bers of the Association on the subject ofthe resolution just now read. The nomi-nation ought to be with the Council. Hethought that it would be a violation of thelaws of the Association for the members ge-nerallv to nominate such a Committee. TheCommittee, when properly appointed, oughtnot to consist of four or even a dozen gentle-men, but it should be composed of the wholeof the Council.The CHAIRMAN assured Mr. Howell that

he (Mr. H.) was wrong in his constructionof the laws. This was not to be a Commit-tee of the Council, but of the Association.The resolution gave the Committee powerto add to their numbers. If it so happenedthat the gentlemen chosen were not on theCouncil, they could, if they pleased, add the

80

Council to the Committee. He thought thatwould obviate the difficulty felt by Mr.Howell.The resolution having been put and car-

ried,-Mr. HoopER rose and said that he thought

the whole of the Council ought to be in-cluded in the Committee. It was one of themost important features of the whole Asso-ciation,-it was, in fact, the Reform Bill ofthe profession. (Hear, hear.)

Dr. GRANT thought that the resolutionought to pass in its present indefinite shape,without even naming the Committee. Theremust arise for its consideration points of ex-treme delicacy.

Mr. BAINBRIDGE said that not being a

member of the Council the duty had fallenupon him of moving,-"That the thanks of the meeting be given

to the President, Vice-Presidents, and othermembers of the Council, for their zealousand active exertions during the past year."

It was exceedingly gratifying to him tohave the opportunity of proposing that re-solution, aware, as he was, of the greatexertions of the members of the Councilduring the past year, and of the eminentservice which they had rendered to the

Association, and to the profession at large.Mr. LLOYD briefly seconded the resolu-

tion, which was put by Mr. Bainbridge, andcarried by acclamation.The CHAIRMAN briefly acknowledged the

compliment.Dr. GRANVILLE then delivered an able

oration on behalf of medical reform. Thetopics discussed were the following:—Whatis there to reform? How far has reformhitherto proceeded ? What yet remains tobe done to accomplish total reform? 1 It oc-

cupied an hour in delivery,and several partswere loudly cheered. At its conclusion,Dr. MARSHALL HALL moved that the ora-

tion be adopted by the Association, and thatit be placed in the hands of the Council,with full power to determine on the bestmode of its publication. The resolutionalso included a vote of thanks to Dr. Gran-ville.The resolution having been seconded, was

carried by acclamation.Dr. GRANVILLE expressed his gratification I,

at finding that the sentiments which he had Iexpressed had met with the approbation ofthe Association.

THE DINNER.

The business having thus terminated, a

considerable number of the members of theAssociation partook of an excellent dinner,at which Professor GRANT presided, beingsupported on the right by the President ofthe Association, Dr. Webster, and on the leftby Dr. Granville.

The cloth having been removed, and theusual loyal toasts drank with enthusiasm,the CHAIRMAN proposed ’,The Army andNavy," which was drank with three timesthree.The CHAIRMAN said that the last toast i-e-

ferred to the great bulwarks of the empire;he had now to propose a toast which hadmore especial reference to the profession,He could not conceive anything more gra.tifying to a man than to have it in his powerto restore to health a hero on whose skilldepended the fate of a campaign, or to re.

store to his country a patriot under whosefostering care she accomplished mightyachievements in science and in art. Themedical officers of the Army and Navy con.stituted so large a portion of the medicalprofession, that he was sure the toast whichhe was about to propose vvould be consider-ed one of paramount importance. He wouldtherefore give" The Medical Officers of theArmy and Navy." (Cheers.Mr. PARSONS briefly acknowledged the

toast.The CHAIRMAN next proposed, "The Bri-

tish Medical Association and its Branches."(Cheers.) This was the second anniversaryof the Association. If they had cause forcongratulation on the first anniversary, theyhad double cause for congratulation on thepresent occasion. The report of the Coun-cil read that day showed the increasingprosperity of the Association. The exist-ence of the Association was now prettywell known to the profession at large ; itsinfluence had extended far and wide throughthe provinces of England, Ireland, and Scot-land. The profession were perfectly awareof the existence of a large, influential, andrespectable body of medicai practitionersassembled in the metropolis of England towatch over, and thoroughly scrutinise every-thing which related to their interests. Theyhad reason to congratulate themselves onthe effect which had already been producedby it. What consoiation it must have af-forded to the minds of their brethren labour-ing in the remote provinces of the empire.(Cheers.) Those who had hitherto groanedunder a load of grievances which they darednot to utter, now saw a guardian angelstretching over them the wing of its protec-tion. (Applause.) Though he had not beenthat active and zealous member of the Coun-cil which he could have wished, yet he hadhad the pleasure of hearing communicationsfrom individuals and from bodies of practi-tioners, which convinced him of the import-ant task which the Council had undertaken.There were practitioners engaged in one ofthe most enlightened and noble professions,- one which rendered the greatest benefit tomankind, labouring under circumstances themost adverse, under mental torture the mostsevere, who had ventured to disclose their

peculiar position to the Council oftheasso-

81

ciation. The Council had had to weigh in end—that they scarcely knew what preli-the balance of their own reason, complaints minary education a man had passed through,which had poured into them from all quar- or what status a medical man occupied inters, and some of which showed to what a civilised society, (Hear, hear,) It was quitedegree of excitement the parties had been obvious that the evil could be remedied by araised by the conduct with which they had uniformity of education. If after being thushad to contend. (Hear, hear.) Those parties educated a man found it to his advantage towere unable themselves to remedy the evils pursue one particular department of the pro-of which they complained, but they looked fession, by all means let him do so. But itto the Association as possessing influence was extremely inconvenient that there shouldsutficient to enable it to convey comfort into be different curricula of education in differenttheir retirement. (Cheers.) The Council had schools, and in different parts of the kingdom.had another difficult task. They had receiv- For instance, if a young man studying on theed communications indicating powerful other side of the Tweed, after he had com-causes of dissatisfaction, but which appear- mitted the whole Pharmacopoeia to memory,ed to be implied rather than expressed. He and had qualified himself for practice, thoughtbelieved that the parties dared not fully it expedient to cross to this side of the bor-state their grievances, lest by their obtaining der, to succeed a relative or a friend, heaccess to the public pi-ilits, their oppressors found himself a tyro in medical science,-should crush them. (Hear, hear.) The in- neither the names nor the composition of thefluence of the Association had been seen in drugs,-the instruments he employed, werethe regulations established, and the move- the same. Again, there were sub-divi-ments made by the great corporate bodies, sions in the existing corporate bodies, which(Applause.) Who did not know that there were extremely injurious. Previous to thehad been complaints of abuses and corrup- existence of this Association the cur.

tions pervading the profession in all its de- ricula for the degree of surgeon varied in

partments for a long time past, which,when each of the three kingdoms. Active steps,they came isolated were unregarded by those however, he understood, were now beingpowerful bodies. But now that an iufluen- taken by the respective colleges to establishtial body of medical practitioners had met uniformity of education. Thus the corpora-together for the purpose of judiciously, tions had found it necessary to reform them-

calmly, and reasonably pushing forward the selves before any external force compelledgreat engine of medical reform, self-move- them to introduce changes to which theyments had begun to manifest themselves in were inimical. Thus he thought the mem—

those corporations. The task the Associa- bers of the Association had reason to con-tion had undertaken was one requiring her- gratulate themselves upon the influenceculean strength, as well as moral courage, which they had exerted, though they hadand unsubduable perseverance. Bodies in- only been in existence during so short avested with royal charters would long defy time. Their influence would unqnestion-associations which had not the same power- ably increase, as they advanced, until theyful protective shield to assist them in their were in a condition to exact reform, whereoperations. Let them, however, not be self-reformation was refused. The necessitydaunted by the difficulties attendant upon which gave rise to the Association was the ex-carrying reform into the interior of these istence of abuses in corporations which defiedbodies. The dropping of water on a stone the power of a single individual to remedy,made an indentation, not by its force, but by but which might be corrected by the influ-the repetition of its beats. (Applause,) j No ence of a large body of the profession. It

great operation would be effected by one was the object of all corporations, especiallysingle effort, upon which they bent all their all self-elected juntas, to exclude, as far asforce. Let them not resemble the tiger or possible, the masses from any union or co-

the lion, which, if it failed in its spring of operation in carrying on their affairs.striking down its victim, skulked cowardly (Cheers.) There were different degrees ofto its cave. They must keep in mind that abuses in the diflerent corporations whichrepeated discomfitures ought only to increase required reform. One of the corporationstheir courage, ought in reality but to lead most obviously in need of reformation wasthem to double their exertions. Dr. Grant the College of Physicians ill this great me-then made some remarks on reforming the tropolis. When he looked at the constitu-corporate bodies. The public press, to which tion of the corresponding body in Scotland,they were so much indebted for its advocacy he found no provision for restricting the fel-of reform, had shown them that in every lowship to the graduates of the notoriouslycorporation there were vast and extensive most inefficient medical schools in existencefields open for improvement. Such were the -Oxford and Cambridge. On the contrary,incongruities and inconsistencies in the pre- they freely admitted to the fellowship gra-sent division of the medical profession,- duates of the Universities of Glasgow, St.one being called a doctor, another a surgeon, Andrew’s, Utrecht, Paris, and other Britishanother a chemist, another a general practi- and foreign schools. On perusing the list

tioner, and so forth-names almost without of the College of Physicians at Edinburgh,

82

they would find that a large portion of the Before he sat down he might mention, asFellows consisted of graduates of foreign another cause of congratulation, that single-universities, especially of Germany, and handed they had done a great deal in ex.

France. He thought that such was most tending a knowledge of the abuses whichliberal conduct on their part, compared with existed in the profession; but correspondingthe proceedings of the College of Physicians bodies had now been organised in ditrerentin London. The most eminent men in the parts of the kingdom, and seeing the neces-profession were necessarily excluded from sity of co-operation, whenever a great under.the fellowship of the College,—the brightest taking was commenced, their professionalluminaries that ever graced the profession brethren in the country had submitted thecould not demand an examination for the result of their deliberations to the inspec-fellowship unless they had taken out their tion and judgment of this Board. He woulddiplomas at Oxford or Cambridge. As the now, then, propose " The British Medicalgreat body of medical practitioners in the Association and its Branches." The toast

metropolis had not graduated at those Uni- was drank with enthusiastic cheering.versities, but at others where more exten- The CHAIRMAN said, that the next toastsive courses of education were given, they he had to propose was " The Independentwere necessarily excluded, unless by mere Medical Press." It was impossible in allgood will they gained admission. Here was organised bodies of this kind to convey thean abuse degrading to the profession in the full force of the sentiments which they indi-estimation of all sensible men. (Gift’s.) vidually felt throughout the communityThe objects sought by the Association were unless they had the press in operation,such as every noble-minded man must ap- The liberal principles which guided thisprove of, and no arguments need be em- Association had been such as to meet the

ployed in attaining them, but those which approbation of some of the members of thewere dictated by common reason-common liberal press, who had warmly taken up thesense. It had been said that that part of subjects which had engaged their attention,the New Poor-Law Act relative to the medi- and had diffused a knowledge of them tocal attendance on the sick poor, had been the remotest parts of the kingdom. Butthe accidental cause of the origin of this that was not all, they had advocated theAssociation. He was, however, inclined questions, had supported them by a greatto differ from the President (Dr. Webster) variety of cogent arguments, and had thusin the view which he took of this question, aroiised medical men in distant parts of theAll men had a certain point to which they country to a sense of the wrongs undermight be brought by oppression, before they which the profession laboured. They hadbegan to quiver, and vibrate, and re-act; but also been the means of publishing a varietywhen that point was arrived at, it was a ne- of documents, which otherwise would notcessary part of the constitution of human have seen the light. Whenever an impres-nature that reaction should take place. In sion was to be made upon a large body ofhis opinion, the abuses, the corruptions, and men the independent press was the firstthe irregularities introduced into all parts engine employed. A free medical pressof the profession, had brought large bodies was of equal importance to the profession.of professional men to the sticking pitch He had, therefore, great pleasure in pro-before the final blow was inflicted by the posting 11 The Independent Medical Press."New Poor-Law Amendment Act, but when (Loud cheers.)that blow was inflicted they felt that it was The CHAIRMAN said, that the next toastno longer right, or consistent with common was one which he gave with peculiar plea-sense, to sit passive beneath their grievances. sure, and which he was sure would be re-So many valuable observations had been ceived with equal delight by all the mem-made in the course of the day, by the Presi- bers of the Association. Those who haddent at the former meeting, through the re- witnessed the career of the Association fromport of the Council, and by the eloquent its commencement must have seen that thereoration delivered by Dr. Granville, that he had been one mind, which had regulatedwould not longer occupy the attention of and almost governed the proceedings. For-the company. He admired the calm, deli- tunately it was a mind richly stored with aberate, and dignified deportment which had knowledge of all the important subjectsmarked every stage of the proceedings of taken up by the Association. It was athe Association. He well knew the en- beautiful feature in this Association, thatgines which had been employed against it, they laboured not for themselves but for thethe machinery which had been put in mo- profession at large. The members of thetion to try to crush it, or to damp its ener- Association were those least likely to begies; but, notwithstanding the irritation to benefitted by the result of their labours.which it had been exposed, it had not had They had seen one gentleman, however,recourse to means similar to those employed notwithstanding his distance and his avoca-against it ; on the contrary, it had pursued tions, unceasine; in his endeavours to in-that wise and favourable course which spire animation into their proceedings. Notwould safely lead it to the goal. (Cheers.) a document had emanated from the Associa-

83

tion which had not been carefully scrutinis- (Dr. Webster) saw no difficulty in a

ed, or actually composed, by their learned union of medical men to produce a NationalPresident. He would, therefore, propose, Faculty of Medicine that should regulate" the President of the British Medical Asso- the whole course of education, the prelimi-ciation." (Long continued cheers.) nary attainments, and the practice of the

Dr. WEBSTER, on rising to return thanks, whole profession in Great Briatin and Ire-said, that if he did not feel overwhelmed by land. (Cheer.4.) The object in proposingthe cordial manner in which the last toast that a Committee should be appointed withhad been drank, he should not be endowed a view to bring a bill into Parliament was,with the feelings of a man. He must con- that a certain number of individuals shouldfess that he felt great interest in the success take into consideration the wants of the pro-of the Association, but what could he have fession; that they should arrange and con-done without the aid of the Council? Any sider the details of a National Faculty ofability which he had, or any knowledge of Medicine ; that having done so, they shouldthe affairs of the profession,in a political point submit their proposition through the medicalof view, should be at the command of the As- press, and through circulars, to the wholesociation. Theymight have a more talented profession; that they should invite discus-President, but they could not have one who sion, and hear the different opinions ; thathad the interest of the profession more at having done so and reduced them, as far asheart. The great object of the Association, possible, into shape, then their delegatesand, indeed, he would give it as their watch- should meet from all parts of the kingdom,word, was, " The interests of the public." to settle what? To settle a general measure(Loud applause.) The interests of the public of medical education to be submitted to Par-were so inseparably connected with the in- liament. They had heard a great deal ofterests of the profession, that they must go the influence of medical corporations. Lordtogether. (Hear, hear.) When they consi- John Russell had intimated to them that alldered how many gentlemen were daily en- the powers of the corporations would begaged in attending to the public health, they arrayed against them. What was themust at once perceive that medical reform answer? That if the principle applied towas required in a most extraordinary degree. general and municipal reform was carriedThey had heard in the eloquent oration out as it regarded the medical professionwhich had been delivered, that there were they would be satisfied. There ought to benineteen different medical corporations but one Pharmacopoeia, one course of medi-granting degrees, or licences, to practise, cal education, and power should be givensome of greater, some of lesser, and some of to put down quackery in all departments,no value at all—(laughter)—some were op- even the quackery of the corporations, theposed to others,-some required four years regular quackery of collegiate dignitaries.study, some five, and some two. Could it A charge had been made against the Asso-be supposed that they were living in a land ciation, and repeated from time to time, thatof common sense ? After two years of me- it did nothing for science ; that nothing wasdical study a licence might be obtained at talked of but abuses. He would put for-Apothecaries’ Hall, and without any exami- ward a bold challenge to those who madenation as to his surgical capabilities or sur- the charge; he would engage to producegical knowledge, the individual might be out of the Association six members who hadlet loose to practise as an apothecary. In done as much or more for the science andIreland five years study was required, and practice of medicine as any six gentlemenin Edinburgh four years. It would appear belonging to any other society in London.that a. different value was put upon human It was ridiculous to assert that science andlife in the three kingdoms. In Ireland, a desire for reform could not exist in thewhere it was most prolific, it seemed to be same person. Their worthy Chairman wasconsidered most valuable; but in England a living instance to the contrary. (Cheers.)it was regarded as of no value at all. Were Who had more thoroughly devoted himselfthe public interests served by the quackery to science than Professor Grant? Who hadwhich no one corporation had removed, or been more forward in the cause of medicalendeavoured to put down, a grievance reform than Professor Grant? By reformingwhich affected not only the public health, the profession they would promote the causebut the medical profession? Were the pub- of science in an eminent degree; theylie interests served by the mass of prescrib- would remove the trammels which the cor-ing chemists and druggists which existed in porations had placed upon it. Who perse-thIS kingdom to an extent unparalleled in cuted Harvey, the discoverer of the circula-any country in the world? (Loud cheers.) tion of the blood?—The College of Physi-He fully coincided in the sentiment advanc- cians. Who persecuted Armstrong?—theed by their excellent Chairman, that the College of Physicians. Who, persecutedmembers of this Association derived no Grainger and Bennett?-The Council of thepersonal benefit from their labours. Did it College of Surgeons. Whom did the Apo-not rather produce a contrary effect? Let thecaries’ Company prosecute-the quack ?them, however, be up and doing. He the chemist? By no means-the accom-

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plished physician. (Loud cheers.) Anothercharge brought against the Association-lia- dly worth refuting, but they had nothingthey wished to conceal-was, that theywished to put down all divisions or subdi-visiuns in the profession, such as physicians,surgeons, &c. Such a thing had never

entered into their heads in connection withany scheme of medical reform. Therewould always be consulting surgeons andconsulting physicians ; in other words, therewould be consulting practitioners, but hewished to see no distinctions except thosewhich depended on merit, science, skill,and attention. He was quite sure that noother distinctions ought to be regarded.The great object which they had in viewwas union, the cultivation of mutual respect,and the removal of all prejudices. Hismotto for the Association would be uzzitas,societvtis stabilitas. (Loud cheers.)Mr. HILLES, in proposing °° The health of

their respected Chairman," bore testimonyto the anxiety which he had always mani-fested to promote the best interests of theprofession.The CHAIRMAN, on rising to acknowledge

the compliment, was loudly cheered. Hethought that it would have had a muchgreater effect on the profession at largeif some one more prominent in practice thanhimself had taken the chair on that occa-sion. (Cries of " no," and loud applause.)The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the next toast,

said, that in obtaining the objects which theAssociation had in view, it would have greatdifficulties to encounter. There were’suchthings as charters, and they conferred greatpowers. They could make no impression onthese pieces of parchment ; they were given ’,under royal authority, and nothing but thatauthority could change them. All things,’however, seemed to combine to push onthe great cause of medical reform. Therewere united with them the most distinguish-ed men in the kingdom, who would use theirbest energies to promote the cause of theAssociation. One of their greatest advocateshad been Mr. Wakley, who commenced, I

single-handed, 15 years ago. It was a fact Iunique in English literature, that a weeklypublication, without being subservient tosume great institution, should have continuedso long in exisience. He admired the con-sistency with which, for fifteen years, Mr.Wakley had advocated medical reform. Inconclusion, he begged to propose "The healthof Mr. Wakley, ard other Parliamentaryfriends," among whom Mr. Warburton hadtaken a prominent part in all affairs con-nected with the profession. (Loud and con-tinued cheers.)The CHAIRMAN next proposed the health of

Dr. Granville, " the orator of the day,"which was drank with loud applause, andbriefly acknowledged by Dr. Granville.

The CHAIRMAN then proposed " The VicePresidents and Council of the British Medi.cal Association." (Loud cheers.)

Dr. MARSHALL HALL said that it had, nn-expectedly, devolved upon him to returnthanks, and he did so heartily for the man.ner in which the toast had been received.It could not be denied that a part of the pro-fession had been suffering under the most

unjust oppression. Could it be denied thatscenes had been enacted such as he hadwitnessed the other day? He saw a mereman place his foot upon the neck of a lion ;the lion had lost the consciousness of beinga lion ; it had been treated harshly ; it hadbeen subdued in infancy. Had it been con.scions of its strength, it would have revengedthe insult. Such was the state of the medi-cal profession. The iron heel of oppressionhad been placed on the neck of those whowere unconscious of the strength which theypossessed. Ought such a state of things tocontinue? The medical world was beset bypoisonous weeds, and et this Associationhad been condemned because it had plantedamidst them a tree, the leaves and branchesof which would heal their maladies. (Cheers.; ;The CHAIRMAN then proposed « The Trea.

surer, the Auditors and the Trustees."Mr. EVANS briefly returned thanks.The CHAIRMAN’S next toast was-" The

health of the Honorary Secretaries and theHonorary Solicitor," which was drank withloud applause, on the subsidence of whichthey respectively returned thanks.The CHAIRMAN expressed a hope, that in

retiring they would separate from each otherwith a determination to pursue the cause inwhich they were embarked. He sincerelyhoped that as the objects which they soughtwere consistent with reason, justice, andcommon sense, they would follow them

up with energy. He trusted that the Asso-ciation was not destined for perpetual ex-

istence, but that the required reforms wouldbe effected, and then the necessity for theexistence of the Association would cease.Whether physicians, surgeons, or apothe-caries, he hoped that they would not beengaged like the corporations, in abusingeach other, but that they would be united intheir one great object, the preservationof the best interests of the medical profes.sion and of the public health. (Cheers.) Heconcluded by proposing ’- The health of theStewards."Mr. DAVIDSON briefly returned thanks,

after which the Chairman retired, followedby a considerable part of the company.The conviviality of the evening was mate.

rially contributed to by Messrs. J. Young,Morgan, Young and Hudson, who sangseveral glees and songs.