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CONTINUED CORRUPTION IN THE DUBLIN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.
909 conducted tal in public, each of the surgeons putting were four two questions, which were the following :1. Suppose a penetrating wound of the candidates. The answers were given in under cover, with mottos :palm of the hand required your attention, lst DivisioN. The principles of treat- that it had bled considerably at the time, ment in surgical diseases.—Questions. 1. The and a ligature was applied, and that at the relations of the femoral artery. What part end of six or eight days hemorrhage came of the vessel is preferable for the applica- on, what would you do ? 2. Describe the symptoms and treatment tion of a ligature ? State the reasons for its being so. What are the steps of the of oedema of the glottis. ttie symptoms of dislocation operation, and the cautions to be used in its of 3.theDescribe head of the femur into the obturator performance ? 2. How would you treat a simple fracture foramen. 4. The symptoms of dislocation of the of both hones of the leg? How would you treat a compound fracture of the same same bone into the ischiatic foramen. 5. What parts would you cut through, bones ? Describe, particularly, the position of the limb, and the mode of applying the and what avoid, in the operation of tying the subclavian artery in the first part of its several parts of the apparatus. 3. Describe the symptoms of retention of course ? 6. Givethe relations of the prostate gland, urine, as arising from enlarged prostate, and what you divide before you come to it and the treatment. What is to be expected in the operation of lithotomy, cutting from if the bladder be not relieved ? 4. Describe the coverings of an oblique the perineum inwards. After these questions had been answered inguinal hernia, and the relative position of the vessels and the epigastric artery to the by the respective candidates, the committee retired, but shortly afterwards again enneck of the sac. tered the theatre, when Dr. THOMSON an2nd DIVISION. The performance of those nounced, that after the most impartial exoperations which are likely to be required amination of the papers, and a full consideof the house-surgeon. (This and the third ration of all the proceedings, the Committee division were conducted in the clinical had decided on electing Mr. HODGSON, of theatre before a large assemblage of stti- Halifax, to the vacant office. The announcedents and practitioners. The questions, the ment was received with cheers. Our rewere reasons for the operations, &c., written porter adds, that " wishing to ascertain down, and a number of them were put into how far the statements were correct which a hat, when one was drawn by each candi- are sometimes urged respecting the nerdate. The operations were performed by vousness of candidates at public examinathe gentlemen successively, only one can- tions, he inquired of the gentlemen who dinate being present at a time.) submitted their acquirements to the ordeal 1. Removal of first and second phalanges on the present occasion, what degree of of the finger. anxiety they experienced ; when he found 2. Amputation of the finger, with a por- that two of them were not at all alarmed, tion of the metacarpal bone. and that two did not experience more per3. Application of a ligature after amputa- turbation than they considered they might tion below the knee. have felt, had they been subjected to the 3rd DIVISION.—Actual application of ap- same tests in private." paratus, &c. 1. Name the instruments required in am-
office. The examination-was in the
following
manner.
now
There
’
of the leg. 2. Show the mode of
putation
CONTINUED CORRUPTION IN THE reducing luxation of the humerus, when dislocated into the DUBLIN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. axilla downwards and forwards. 3. What arethe appearances of such dis-
location ?
To the Editor of THE LANCET. 4. The application of bandages required in fracture of the clavicle. SIR, — The period rapidly approaches The medical committee of the hospital which will terminate the hopes and fears conducted these examinations. The suc- that have so long beset the several parties cessful candidate was to have been named in the medical world, according as they are last Monday, the final examinations having friends or foes to that expected renovation taken place on the previous Saturday. On of our institutions, which is to abolish all Monday, however, it was found that two of monopolies, and introduce an order of things the candidates were considered to be, in which is calculated to promote science, and every respect, equal in the scale of merit, secure the interests of the medical profesand it was deemed necessary that those two sion. All eyes are directed to Mr. Warburgentlemen should submit to a viva-voce ex- ton. Meantime intellects of every caliber, amination by the surgical staff of the hospi- pens of all degrees of power (and why not
910 are in active bperation; while THE turns or dismisses officere. Witness the LANCET, with a liberality and a regard to Eontmued exclusion of some, and the recent general interests, beyond all praise, affords dismissal of others, who had the courage to every facility to free and fair discussion. It show any symptoms of independence. Witis devoutly hoped that all this may eventu- ness the appointment of Mr. Harrison, as ate in a measure of genuine and general professor, where he lectures in the school ; reform, one which will sweep away all as censor, where he examines his own pupils abuses, and enact such wholesome regula- for license (reporting to the College on the
mine),
, tions (uniform for the three kingdoms,
ferring equal privileges in all) sure adequate knowledge in
con-
shall enthe practitioner, honourable conduct and protection in the exercise of his profession, and guarantee to superior acquirements those offices of honour and emolument which are so basely prostituted to faction or nepotism. As regards other medical institutions, great are the difficulties that will oppose the intention of the Legislature; but it should be remembered at this important moment, that in the ease of the Irish College of Surgeons, there is a field which is perfectly open for the most extensive experiment in medical reform. It is a new institution, which has grown up in our own times, in which there are no ancient abuses or privileges made sacred by the touch of time. It presents no vested rights; its corruptions, though they may be intense in degree, are but the jobs of yesterday. Here, too, a very strong and respectable body loudly - demand reform. In fact, this body forms the majority ofthe College, if you deduct the present possessors and the gaping expectants of office, who (with a staff of unthinking retainers, men of no minds, who merely continue the habits of submission which they contracted during the servitude of their apprenticeship) alone constitute the faction. Even of this medley crew, the expectants will, without doubt, swell the number of reformers, when they perceive which way the wind blows, and that they can no longer hope to rise by the corrupt and factious steps by which their jobbing superiors have so easily obtained distinction. Thus the Irish College of Surgeons will _ be found most pliable, and present but little obstacle to the most thorough and searching as
and effective condition of the and as secretary, where he publishes the results of his valuable threefold labours. Witness Mr. White as president, and Mr. Jacob as vice. Doubtless in this selection the College wished to mark their high sense of the consistent political integrity of the one, and the pure oath-regarding morality of the other, as well as the general eloquence and profound scientific attainments of both. 3. Professorships, old, new, or subdivided (a scheme to increase patronage, and present an imposing appearance in puffs), are filled up according to that system which has hitherto worked so well; viz, as soon as a chair is declared vacant, the faction forthwith most industriously pass a number of by-laws, no matter how gross, impolitic, or inconsistent, which ensure the return of the favourite of corruption. It is of little eonsequence though he be a beardless boy, and is opposed by a gentleman of vast experience and practice ; he must be elected, especially if he come from the manufactory in Park-street, whence have been drafted in latter times no less than six professorial pedagogues. This, to be sure, is buta trifle, but it serves to show what a consenting organization exists between these sympathetic Siamese twins of corruption. There are now three vacancies doubtless two, at least, will be filled up with scions from the same prolific establishment. 4. College funds, are disposed of with the same rigid economy, the same scrupulous regard to general interests, as heretofore: for
excellent
school) ;
instance, two recent extraordinary expenditures, viz., one of 1801., to the curator, for
ridiculus mus, gestation of ten reform. years, he was at length safely delivered of The faction, too, deserve no mercy; for in the shape ofthe first number of the Muin opposition to justice, and to public opi- seum Catalogue; a work which, be it renion specially directed towards them, in the membered, by the performance of his paid very teeth of repeated warnings, their con- service he would have completed years back. duct has been, and still is, marked with as This was characterized by the learned mover ,great, if not greater depravity, than in the of the vote, as the most perfect, most claspalmy days of rampant toryism; jobbing sical, and most marvellous production of ,and corruption are perhaps more rife than modern times; an opinion in which I regret ever; intrigue and petty party malice are to state, THE LANCET, in a review of it, had the sad ignorance and want of taste by no still in full operation. 1. The infamous blackball still outrage- means to coincide. And, secondly, 1001. to ously deprives the majority of the profession Messrs. Jacob and Harrison, in order to of their just and legal rights, Mr. Cusack’s watch his Majesty’s Government, and preexclusive declaration being still unrepealed, vent their having the audacity to grant a .and superseding by-law, charter, and every charter to the University of London, a matter which is likely to prove injurious to thing else. 2. The same
factious conspiracy stili
re-
his
birth of marvellous
extraordinary
which, after
a
a
their private school, commonly
misnamed
911 that of the College. To what an admirable I paralleled exertions pf the faction in the cause of reform, t is to be feared, howpitch of perfection has the College advanced, ever, that the impatience of the Legislaof vulgar provinwhen it enables a couple interfere with and prevent what the ture to browbeat will adventurers prime cial minister pf the first nation in the universe! has been commenced and continued under such very very favourable auspicps. What Alas for Lord Melbourne! 5. Business is still transacted after the a pity! 7. The same tender regard is paid, as old fashion, and to meet old objects. The College is variously and injudiciously heretofore, to general interests and measures ’
.
and money is granted on the pledged, of documents. garbled in the reading;
faith of
generalutility ;
never is-prc-jtidice or parallowed for a moment to divert the current of calm deliberative justice. dents are discovered, insisted on, and eworn to, to meet every occasion; order, deco. Witness the treatment of two gentlemen, at a very recent meeting of rum, and fairplay, which prevail in all other, even the most unlearned meetings, arehere the College. One of them moved for a comstill shamefully violated and utterly disre- mittee to consider what means might be garded. It would be invidious, and indeed devised to render the subjects of compadifficult, to select a single instance. rative anatomy, purchased by College funds 6. Reform is still in the same ill odour, from the Zoological Gardens, more availand as hateful a thing as ever. Never did able as sources of information to the memjuggling fiends more fully break the word of bers of the College. By the present arpromise to the hope, than did the concours rangements, all opportunity of information the curator and professors of and by-law reform committees, both of is which,—after giving such dreadful note of anatomy, who also, as they purchase with .preparation, after keeping the College on Collegemoney, drive all competitors from the tiptoe of expectation for nearly a year, All the value the members of the - have, alas for the instability of human College derive, consists in the few prepara. hopes’. departed this life, each giving birth, tions that result to the museum, which with all the agonizing throes of a dying could probably be purchased cheaper, if mother, to a luckless report. One, mother- all the attending expenses be taken into ed by a Mr. Evanson, whose celebrity has consideration. This, however, being a not yet I fear extended beyond a very small, measure of general advantage and liberal was but select circle of course, recommends a indignantly scouted premium of 501. for the best essay on the by a meeting prepared to scout anyconcours. It is not difficult to foresee how thing, so that the private huxtering of Mr. this job will terminate, but it has the ad- Jacob continues triumphant. The other vantage, as he, poor thing, thinks, of reforming member tendered, in the usual cushioning the question for another twelve form, a notice of motion to found a chair of months, and throws overboard all inten- comparative anatomy and zoology, calculattion, in spite of promises ad infinitum, of ed for the members and licentiates of the the conconrs experiment, although no less College. The tendency of such a motion than five opportunities have already offered. being to establish something of value and The other, calved by the redoubted James interest to the profession, beyond the miserCusack, is content with recommending able and contemptible elementary school to limits in its first (and, it is prophesied, its which the selfish cupidity of the professors last) report to the College, to take no cogni- confines all the exertions and funds of the zatice, as heretofore, of apprenticeship bar- College, it was forthwith audaciously ruled gains, and also to adopt certain modifica- by Mr. Vice Sec. Harrison, and Mr. Presitions of the half..yearly examinations; that dent Cholera White, illegal, and actually is, the evils of both are still to be retained, refused as such. A notice of motion, tenfor James Cusack’s words are a law to a dered in regular form, illegal! Such a certain party in the College. Now, the ex- violation of all precedent, custom, and aminations are notoriously a humbug, pre- courtesy, such an exercise of tyrannical im. senting an imposing aspect to the gulli- pudence on the part of Mr. White, forms a ble public, and forcing pupils into contact striking contrast with the dignity, urbanity, with the school and its professors, to be and impartiality of Mr. Read, the late presitampered with and seduced, as has been dent. Such an outrage, even in the Irish , attempted before now; while, on the other College of Surgeons,—and surely no other hand, they are felt as a most tyrannical chairman would dare to act so, at least hardship and inconvenience by students. without being forthwith brought to a knowBy the suggested arrangement about ap- ledge of his duties,-I must confess astoprentices, the whole system will continue in nisled me. I shall be more astonished if full operation, though not appearing on the the member in question, who has hitherto
prece-
tiality
even
both reformers,
confined to
the field.
consideration,
and will still be a source of passed for a gentleman of spirit and inde.. immense revenue to James Cusack, and pendence, quietly submits, without a public this the said James knows right well. Such protest, to the ignorance, the inipertinence, Mr. White. are the splendid results that crown the un- and the illegal proceedingof
College books,
912 How miserably defective But there is no, end to the facts that go to hanging, &c.* innate depravity of the fac- must that inquiry be, when the highest tion continues unabated, and that even at authority and chief director of a court is this, the eleventh hour, they are without a obliged to consult so imperfect a document, single redeeming feature in their case. De- before he can proceed with, and continue lenda est Carthago. I am, Sir, your obedient an examination, which may put the life of a fellow being in jeopardy, and may perservant, chance destroy, what may be dearer to him SILENS. - his reputation !: His medical ignorance Dublin, Feb. 27, 1836. necessarily prevents him from safely, justly, and properly conducting this inquiry. " An objection, deceptive without the merit of plausibility, may be offered against NEW CORPORATIONS.—MEDICAL absolute necessity of appointing medical CORONERS. coroners. These inquiries, important and necessary as they must be admitted, can be WE select the following passages from obtained from a medical witness.’ A coro. the published letter of Mr. ROGERSON to the ner is present at every inquest ; a medical New Corporations, mentioned by us last witness sees very few of them, and at the majority of these few, the assistance of a week at page 888 :— practitioner is, according to the 11 The municipal reform bill has, either present practice, required only on account of directly or indirectly, placed in your power some glaring suspicion, or strong communi. the local administration of justice, and th·. cation, which stupidity itself could not overelection of the officers who preside over its look. Are the great majority of deaths on courts. Of these, the coroner’s court is one inquests are taken, and the causes of of preliminary inquiry, and, viewed in its are unenlightened by medical witrelations to society, occupies a nesses, invariably unattended with suspiand important rauk. ! cious circumstances ? A great number of " sudden deaths, requiring inquests, are susHighly responsible is the execution the trust reposed in you, and fully believing picious, and a medical coroner, who, by the that the day is gone by, when aclherenca to nature of his profession, is best acquainted antiquated customs prevailed over the im- with the causes and appearances of death, is provements and advances of knowledge. I enabled at once to decide on the tritth or falrespectfully address you, that the coroner’s sity of these suspicions, and on the necessity court may be reformed by the application of instituting a right examincation by a mediof that science, which alone can ptfidently A coroner, with a smattering administer justice through the detection of of knowledge, or with a total ignorance of the causes of death. The science is that of medical science, will most certainly commit medicine." errors. One fact is said to be worth a thouand among the number supHaving reviewed the duties of the court, sand reasons, the truth of this last position, I will porting Mr. Rogerson says,otfer the following, related by the late Mr. " Having ascertained the first principles Hunt, which occurred during his eonnnewhich govern the court, the object will be ment in llchester jail :—A peisoner died at to find a class of society who can best reduce eleven o’clock in the and on his morning, these to practice, and carry them fully into an inquest was held by a non-medical body operation. Is a lawyer, whose business coroner, under whose direction a verdict cramps his mind, in the study and perversiou was returned of accidental death. It was of precedents, acts of parliament, judges’ afterwards proved on oath, before the Comversions of them, and in mechanically copy- missioners of Inquiry, that the unfortunate ing forms of law, best qualified to preside man was killed by a blow inflicted by one in such a court ? Decidedly not,—will be of the turulieys, who had chained him by the immediate answer. His professional the neck to the wall for rioting and drunk. learning and habits of life never lead him enness, and was irritated by his abusive to acquire the extensive knowledge of language. An error so egregious as this medical science which is requisite for the cold not occur with a medicat coroner, for execution of these duties of the coroner’s the view of the body required by our laws court. So defective do attorney-coroners * One find themselves on this point, that they are of the coroners for Middlesex in the habit of carying with them to inquests goes beyond this. He carries with him an a small manuscript copy, neatly and closely unabridged copy of " Buchan’s Domestic written, containing a list of the most corn- Medicine," and appeals to it for information, mon poisons, the principal symptoms fol- and correction of the medical witnesses, on doubtful occasions. It was in constant lowing their administration, and a short description of dangerous wounds, and of use at the late inquest on the body of Capt. the appearances of the body from drowning, Mackenzie.
prove, that the
the
medical which which
conspicuous !
of
cal witness.
all
office. The examination-was in the
following
manner.
now
There
’
of the leg. 2. Show the mode of
putation
CONTINUED CORRUPTION IN THE reducing luxation of the humerus, when dislocated into the DUBLIN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. axilla downwards and forwards. 3. What arethe appearances of such dis-
location ?
To the Editor of THE LANCET. 4. The application of bandages required in fracture of the clavicle. SIR, — The period rapidly approaches The medical committee of the hospital which will terminate the hopes and fears conducted these examinations. The suc- that have so long beset the several parties cessful candidate was to have been named in the medical world, according as they are last Monday, the final examinations having friends or foes to that expected renovation taken place on the previous Saturday. On of our institutions, which is to abolish all Monday, however, it was found that two of monopolies, and introduce an order of things the candidates were considered to be, in which is calculated to promote science, and every respect, equal in the scale of merit, secure the interests of the medical profesand it was deemed necessary that those two sion. All eyes are directed to Mr. Warburgentlemen should submit to a viva-voce ex- ton. Meantime intellects of every caliber, amination by the surgical staff of the hospi- pens of all degrees of power (and why not
910 are in active bperation; while THE turns or dismisses officere. Witness the LANCET, with a liberality and a regard to Eontmued exclusion of some, and the recent general interests, beyond all praise, affords dismissal of others, who had the courage to every facility to free and fair discussion. It show any symptoms of independence. Witis devoutly hoped that all this may eventu- ness the appointment of Mr. Harrison, as ate in a measure of genuine and general professor, where he lectures in the school ; reform, one which will sweep away all as censor, where he examines his own pupils abuses, and enact such wholesome regula- for license (reporting to the College on the
mine),
, tions (uniform for the three kingdoms,
ferring equal privileges in all) sure adequate knowledge in
con-
shall enthe practitioner, honourable conduct and protection in the exercise of his profession, and guarantee to superior acquirements those offices of honour and emolument which are so basely prostituted to faction or nepotism. As regards other medical institutions, great are the difficulties that will oppose the intention of the Legislature; but it should be remembered at this important moment, that in the ease of the Irish College of Surgeons, there is a field which is perfectly open for the most extensive experiment in medical reform. It is a new institution, which has grown up in our own times, in which there are no ancient abuses or privileges made sacred by the touch of time. It presents no vested rights; its corruptions, though they may be intense in degree, are but the jobs of yesterday. Here, too, a very strong and respectable body loudly - demand reform. In fact, this body forms the majority ofthe College, if you deduct the present possessors and the gaping expectants of office, who (with a staff of unthinking retainers, men of no minds, who merely continue the habits of submission which they contracted during the servitude of their apprenticeship) alone constitute the faction. Even of this medley crew, the expectants will, without doubt, swell the number of reformers, when they perceive which way the wind blows, and that they can no longer hope to rise by the corrupt and factious steps by which their jobbing superiors have so easily obtained distinction. Thus the Irish College of Surgeons will _ be found most pliable, and present but little obstacle to the most thorough and searching as
and effective condition of the and as secretary, where he publishes the results of his valuable threefold labours. Witness Mr. White as president, and Mr. Jacob as vice. Doubtless in this selection the College wished to mark their high sense of the consistent political integrity of the one, and the pure oath-regarding morality of the other, as well as the general eloquence and profound scientific attainments of both. 3. Professorships, old, new, or subdivided (a scheme to increase patronage, and present an imposing appearance in puffs), are filled up according to that system which has hitherto worked so well; viz, as soon as a chair is declared vacant, the faction forthwith most industriously pass a number of by-laws, no matter how gross, impolitic, or inconsistent, which ensure the return of the favourite of corruption. It is of little eonsequence though he be a beardless boy, and is opposed by a gentleman of vast experience and practice ; he must be elected, especially if he come from the manufactory in Park-street, whence have been drafted in latter times no less than six professorial pedagogues. This, to be sure, is buta trifle, but it serves to show what a consenting organization exists between these sympathetic Siamese twins of corruption. There are now three vacancies doubtless two, at least, will be filled up with scions from the same prolific establishment. 4. College funds, are disposed of with the same rigid economy, the same scrupulous regard to general interests, as heretofore: for
excellent
school) ;
instance, two recent extraordinary expenditures, viz., one of 1801., to the curator, for
ridiculus mus, gestation of ten reform. years, he was at length safely delivered of The faction, too, deserve no mercy; for in the shape ofthe first number of the Muin opposition to justice, and to public opi- seum Catalogue; a work which, be it renion specially directed towards them, in the membered, by the performance of his paid very teeth of repeated warnings, their con- service he would have completed years back. duct has been, and still is, marked with as This was characterized by the learned mover ,great, if not greater depravity, than in the of the vote, as the most perfect, most claspalmy days of rampant toryism; jobbing sical, and most marvellous production of ,and corruption are perhaps more rife than modern times; an opinion in which I regret ever; intrigue and petty party malice are to state, THE LANCET, in a review of it, had the sad ignorance and want of taste by no still in full operation. 1. The infamous blackball still outrage- means to coincide. And, secondly, 1001. to ously deprives the majority of the profession Messrs. Jacob and Harrison, in order to of their just and legal rights, Mr. Cusack’s watch his Majesty’s Government, and preexclusive declaration being still unrepealed, vent their having the audacity to grant a .and superseding by-law, charter, and every charter to the University of London, a matter which is likely to prove injurious to thing else. 2. The same
factious conspiracy stili
re-
his
birth of marvellous
extraordinary
which, after
a
a
their private school, commonly
misnamed
911 that of the College. To what an admirable I paralleled exertions pf the faction in the cause of reform, t is to be feared, howpitch of perfection has the College advanced, ever, that the impatience of the Legislaof vulgar provinwhen it enables a couple interfere with and prevent what the ture to browbeat will adventurers prime cial minister pf the first nation in the universe! has been commenced and continued under such very very favourable auspicps. What Alas for Lord Melbourne! 5. Business is still transacted after the a pity! 7. The same tender regard is paid, as old fashion, and to meet old objects. The College is variously and injudiciously heretofore, to general interests and measures ’
.
and money is granted on the pledged, of documents. garbled in the reading;
faith of
generalutility ;
never is-prc-jtidice or parallowed for a moment to divert the current of calm deliberative justice. dents are discovered, insisted on, and eworn to, to meet every occasion; order, deco. Witness the treatment of two gentlemen, at a very recent meeting of rum, and fairplay, which prevail in all other, even the most unlearned meetings, arehere the College. One of them moved for a comstill shamefully violated and utterly disre- mittee to consider what means might be garded. It would be invidious, and indeed devised to render the subjects of compadifficult, to select a single instance. rative anatomy, purchased by College funds 6. Reform is still in the same ill odour, from the Zoological Gardens, more availand as hateful a thing as ever. Never did able as sources of information to the memjuggling fiends more fully break the word of bers of the College. By the present arpromise to the hope, than did the concours rangements, all opportunity of information the curator and professors of and by-law reform committees, both of is which,—after giving such dreadful note of anatomy, who also, as they purchase with .preparation, after keeping the College on Collegemoney, drive all competitors from the tiptoe of expectation for nearly a year, All the value the members of the - have, alas for the instability of human College derive, consists in the few prepara. hopes’. departed this life, each giving birth, tions that result to the museum, which with all the agonizing throes of a dying could probably be purchased cheaper, if mother, to a luckless report. One, mother- all the attending expenses be taken into ed by a Mr. Evanson, whose celebrity has consideration. This, however, being a not yet I fear extended beyond a very small, measure of general advantage and liberal was but select circle of course, recommends a indignantly scouted premium of 501. for the best essay on the by a meeting prepared to scout anyconcours. It is not difficult to foresee how thing, so that the private huxtering of Mr. this job will terminate, but it has the ad- Jacob continues triumphant. The other vantage, as he, poor thing, thinks, of reforming member tendered, in the usual cushioning the question for another twelve form, a notice of motion to found a chair of months, and throws overboard all inten- comparative anatomy and zoology, calculattion, in spite of promises ad infinitum, of ed for the members and licentiates of the the conconrs experiment, although no less College. The tendency of such a motion than five opportunities have already offered. being to establish something of value and The other, calved by the redoubted James interest to the profession, beyond the miserCusack, is content with recommending able and contemptible elementary school to limits in its first (and, it is prophesied, its which the selfish cupidity of the professors last) report to the College, to take no cogni- confines all the exertions and funds of the zatice, as heretofore, of apprenticeship bar- College, it was forthwith audaciously ruled gains, and also to adopt certain modifica- by Mr. Vice Sec. Harrison, and Mr. Presitions of the half..yearly examinations; that dent Cholera White, illegal, and actually is, the evils of both are still to be retained, refused as such. A notice of motion, tenfor James Cusack’s words are a law to a dered in regular form, illegal! Such a certain party in the College. Now, the ex- violation of all precedent, custom, and aminations are notoriously a humbug, pre- courtesy, such an exercise of tyrannical im. senting an imposing aspect to the gulli- pudence on the part of Mr. White, forms a ble public, and forcing pupils into contact striking contrast with the dignity, urbanity, with the school and its professors, to be and impartiality of Mr. Read, the late presitampered with and seduced, as has been dent. Such an outrage, even in the Irish , attempted before now; while, on the other College of Surgeons,—and surely no other hand, they are felt as a most tyrannical chairman would dare to act so, at least hardship and inconvenience by students. without being forthwith brought to a knowBy the suggested arrangement about ap- ledge of his duties,-I must confess astoprentices, the whole system will continue in nisled me. I shall be more astonished if full operation, though not appearing on the the member in question, who has hitherto
prece-
tiality
even
both reformers,
confined to
the field.
consideration,
and will still be a source of passed for a gentleman of spirit and inde.. immense revenue to James Cusack, and pendence, quietly submits, without a public this the said James knows right well. Such protest, to the ignorance, the inipertinence, Mr. White. are the splendid results that crown the un- and the illegal proceedingof
College books,
912 How miserably defective But there is no, end to the facts that go to hanging, &c.* innate depravity of the fac- must that inquiry be, when the highest tion continues unabated, and that even at authority and chief director of a court is this, the eleventh hour, they are without a obliged to consult so imperfect a document, single redeeming feature in their case. De- before he can proceed with, and continue lenda est Carthago. I am, Sir, your obedient an examination, which may put the life of a fellow being in jeopardy, and may perservant, chance destroy, what may be dearer to him SILENS. - his reputation !: His medical ignorance Dublin, Feb. 27, 1836. necessarily prevents him from safely, justly, and properly conducting this inquiry. " An objection, deceptive without the merit of plausibility, may be offered against NEW CORPORATIONS.—MEDICAL absolute necessity of appointing medical CORONERS. coroners. These inquiries, important and necessary as they must be admitted, can be WE select the following passages from obtained from a medical witness.’ A coro. the published letter of Mr. ROGERSON to the ner is present at every inquest ; a medical New Corporations, mentioned by us last witness sees very few of them, and at the majority of these few, the assistance of a week at page 888 :— practitioner is, according to the 11 The municipal reform bill has, either present practice, required only on account of directly or indirectly, placed in your power some glaring suspicion, or strong communi. the local administration of justice, and th·. cation, which stupidity itself could not overelection of the officers who preside over its look. Are the great majority of deaths on courts. Of these, the coroner’s court is one inquests are taken, and the causes of of preliminary inquiry, and, viewed in its are unenlightened by medical witrelations to society, occupies a nesses, invariably unattended with suspiand important rauk. ! cious circumstances ? A great number of " sudden deaths, requiring inquests, are susHighly responsible is the execution the trust reposed in you, and fully believing picious, and a medical coroner, who, by the that the day is gone by, when aclherenca to nature of his profession, is best acquainted antiquated customs prevailed over the im- with the causes and appearances of death, is provements and advances of knowledge. I enabled at once to decide on the tritth or falrespectfully address you, that the coroner’s sity of these suspicions, and on the necessity court may be reformed by the application of instituting a right examincation by a mediof that science, which alone can ptfidently A coroner, with a smattering administer justice through the detection of of knowledge, or with a total ignorance of the causes of death. The science is that of medical science, will most certainly commit medicine." errors. One fact is said to be worth a thouand among the number supHaving reviewed the duties of the court, sand reasons, the truth of this last position, I will porting Mr. Rogerson says,otfer the following, related by the late Mr. " Having ascertained the first principles Hunt, which occurred during his eonnnewhich govern the court, the object will be ment in llchester jail :—A peisoner died at to find a class of society who can best reduce eleven o’clock in the and on his morning, these to practice, and carry them fully into an inquest was held by a non-medical body operation. Is a lawyer, whose business coroner, under whose direction a verdict cramps his mind, in the study and perversiou was returned of accidental death. It was of precedents, acts of parliament, judges’ afterwards proved on oath, before the Comversions of them, and in mechanically copy- missioners of Inquiry, that the unfortunate ing forms of law, best qualified to preside man was killed by a blow inflicted by one in such a court ? Decidedly not,—will be of the turulieys, who had chained him by the immediate answer. His professional the neck to the wall for rioting and drunk. learning and habits of life never lead him enness, and was irritated by his abusive to acquire the extensive knowledge of language. An error so egregious as this medical science which is requisite for the cold not occur with a medicat coroner, for execution of these duties of the coroner’s the view of the body required by our laws court. So defective do attorney-coroners * One find themselves on this point, that they are of the coroners for Middlesex in the habit of carying with them to inquests goes beyond this. He carries with him an a small manuscript copy, neatly and closely unabridged copy of " Buchan’s Domestic written, containing a list of the most corn- Medicine," and appeals to it for information, mon poisons, the principal symptoms fol- and correction of the medical witnesses, on doubtful occasions. It was in constant lowing their administration, and a short description of dangerous wounds, and of use at the late inquest on the body of Capt. the appearances of the body from drowning, Mackenzie.
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