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THE COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.
79 London University was another instance of independent vitality. Although lodged obscurely and ill-cared for by the State, this University combined in one coherent whole the most distinmen of science, irrespective of political party or religuishedcreed, and conferred degrees of all kinds, excepting in gious theology, of the highest standard of scientific character and corresponding value. (Loud cheers.) Then, again, the College of Physicians had marched onward from Warwick-lane to their edifice in Pall Mall, and he would now couple with that institution the name of one who would long be remembered in the list of accomplished scholars and great physicians-Dr. Watson. Dr. WATSON, who on rising was warmly greeted, said that, speaking as a guest to English surgeons, and representing a large body of physicians of this country, he was struck with the remarkable fact, that with the undoubted unity of our science, there was practically a great distinction between usa division of labour which custom had shown to work well and advantageously to the community. But whether has medicine Had he his life to or surgery arrived nearest to perfection ? Yet the come over again, he would still choose his first love. achievements of surgery are more obvious, its triumphs more conspicuous; there are "fewer shams in surgery than in
ignorant man with impudence may attain eminence in this department of practice, for the credulous public ever believe the simple resources of nature to be marvellous cures. Impostors, therefore, chiefly fasten themselves on physic. It is not so with surgery. To excise a diseased joint, to remove a stone from the bladder, to arrest an aneurism by the ligature or flexion, and so on, are proceedings which speak for themselves. Lastly : therapeutics has not kept pace with physiology and pathology, and this shortcoming is more experienced in medicine than in surgery. On resuming his seat he begged to thank them for the warm reception they had given to the College of Physicians and to
physic." (Great applause.)
A very
his name. Mr. SOLLY, regretting the unavoidable absence of the President, whose qualities of head and heart he extolled, returned thanks for the College of Surgeons. He trusted that the Council will show that they are not drones, or disposed to exclusiveness. He supported Mr. Judd in regretting the present condition of army surgeons. Mr. LE GROS CLARK proposed the " Provincial and Metropolitan Schools of Medicine," remarking on the common bond of sympathy and true interests by which they were united.
(Hear, hear.) Mr. TURNER, of Manchester, acknowledged the Provincial Schools. He thanked those Fellows who had supported him on that day. Although beaten, he was not dismayed ; and in whatever he
write on the subject of the election, they be assured he would never dip his pen in gall. But he would take that opportunity of again suggesting the imperative necessity of reforming many existing rules of the College which cannot much longer remain in force, and especially that obnoxious law whereby three years’ residence in London is now imposed on candidates for the Fellowship as part of their qualification beyond an adequate course of study. This virtually excluded many who would otherwise become candidates, and defeated the extension of the Fellowship, if such was their purpose. For his own part he was a conservative in religion, a conservative in politics, and a conservative in the profession. But what of that ?-conservatism means "salutary change." (Laughter.) There should be only an honourable rivalry between town and country, and he trusted that the provincial schools would, at least, prove nurseries for the London schools, which, in turn, he now proposed. Mr. HILTON, on behalf of the Metropolitan Schools, could only reply for that to which he was attached. Guy’s Hospital was very desirous of contributing to the Fellowship of the College. He wished that the gentlemen present, who were connected with other metropolitan schools, would speak foi
might
(the Fellows) might
themselves.
This proposal not having been responded to, Mr. LAWRENCE " gave the health of the " Chairman." Personal knowledge o: duration enabled Mr. Lawrence to bear testimony many years’ to his professional and administrative capacity, his thorougl knowledge of College business, his great caution, judgment anc foresight, and to his untiring industry for their welfare. The toast was drunk with acclamation. Mr. ARNOTT briefly acknowledged the compliment paid t(
him.
The "Medical Benevolent Institutions of the United King dom," by Mr. Partridge, was responded to by Mr. Critchett. The "Stewarde," acknowledged in appropriate terms b3 Dr. Camps and Mr. Hulme, brought the dinner to a close.
Correspondence. "Audi alteram
partem:’
THE COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. To the Editor of THE LANCET. result of the election of last Thursday has conSiR,-The clusively shown that the Fellows of the College of Surgeons are determined to second you in bringing about a series of changes in the government of the corporation ; and, therefore, whilst the iron is hot, I beg to submit to you and to vour readers a few remarks upon the prospects and mode of effecting that
change.
The Council of the College consists now of the following whom I may class as Conservative and Liberal thus : Conservative. —*Lawrence (life), Swan (life), *Arnott (life), *South (life), *Luke, *Skey, *Hodgsou, *Wormald, Mack-
members,
murdo, *Kiernan, *Partridge, Hilton, Quain, Cock, Solly, and Shaw.
Liberal.-Fergusson, Adams (2), Paget, Lane, Busk, Hancock, Clark, and Curling. It appears, therefore, that the liberal party muster but eight, probably seven (for Mr. Adams’ candidature was on strictly conservative grounds), against fifteen who are all bound by their present emoluments or their hopes to support the existing state of
The four life members are, of course, hopeout the present holders of office, and bringing in on each occasion three liberal candidates, in two years there will be a small, and in three years an overwhelming, majority on the liberal side. That time is of the greatest importance will be evident when we consider the process by which the President and VicePresidents are elected. The election rests nominally with the Council, but in reality the Board of Examiners takes very good care that the offices shall be held by members of their own body in rotation;and hence the absurdity that some of the senior members have been president twice, and even thrice, whilst the last elected (from Mr. Skey downwards) are now only getting their first chance ! The annual election of President will take place in a day or two, when of course Mr. Hodgson will be elected President, and Messrs. Wormald and Kiernan Vice- Presidents; in 1865 (provided there are no casualties by death or non-election next year), Mr. Wormald will be President, and Messrs. Kiernan and Partridge Vice-Presidents ; in 1866, Mr. Kiernan will be President, and Mr. Partridge Vice President; and then will come the tug of war whether the old rule shall be broken through and a vice-president shall be chosen from the other members of Council, or whether the scandal of Mr. Lawrence (who is safe to be alive at that time) being chosen again shall be allowed. By that time, fortunately, as I have shown, the liberal interest will predominate; but it is important that those who come forward should distinctly pledge themselves to upset the existing monopoly, since it is possible that, owing to the inscrutable arrangement by which the re-election of members of Council is determined, some one of the Court of Examiners may be rendered ineligible for the presidency by being ousted from the Council before his turn arrives, and thus the struggle may come a year earlier than expected. I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
things.
less ; but by steadily turning
July ilth. 1861.
F.R.C.S. by Exam.
THE AD EUNDEM DEGREE OF LICENTIATE. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SiR,-In days I have had twenty applications from all parts of the country for printed forms of the memorial, and I doubt not that the movement is yet in embryo ; but as I find some confusion and misapprehension exists in the minds of the profession as to our aim and object, may I trouble you to give insertion to this communication. 1. It is not sought to create any ad eundem licentiates except those who hold registered medical and surgical diplomas. The proposed diploma will not permit its possessor to make use of any academical degree, or to assume the title of Physician. Its posseesor will simply be a general practitioner, holding his licence to practise medicine, surgery, and midwifery from the Royal College of Physicians. two
* Board of Examiners, to which Mr. Hakins belonm member of Council.
though
not
a
ignorant man with impudence may attain eminence in this department of practice, for the credulous public ever believe the simple resources of nature to be marvellous cures. Impostors, therefore, chiefly fasten themselves on physic. It is not so with surgery. To excise a diseased joint, to remove a stone from the bladder, to arrest an aneurism by the ligature or flexion, and so on, are proceedings which speak for themselves. Lastly : therapeutics has not kept pace with physiology and pathology, and this shortcoming is more experienced in medicine than in surgery. On resuming his seat he begged to thank them for the warm reception they had given to the College of Physicians and to
physic." (Great applause.)
A very
his name. Mr. SOLLY, regretting the unavoidable absence of the President, whose qualities of head and heart he extolled, returned thanks for the College of Surgeons. He trusted that the Council will show that they are not drones, or disposed to exclusiveness. He supported Mr. Judd in regretting the present condition of army surgeons. Mr. LE GROS CLARK proposed the " Provincial and Metropolitan Schools of Medicine," remarking on the common bond of sympathy and true interests by which they were united.
(Hear, hear.) Mr. TURNER, of Manchester, acknowledged the Provincial Schools. He thanked those Fellows who had supported him on that day. Although beaten, he was not dismayed ; and in whatever he
write on the subject of the election, they be assured he would never dip his pen in gall. But he would take that opportunity of again suggesting the imperative necessity of reforming many existing rules of the College which cannot much longer remain in force, and especially that obnoxious law whereby three years’ residence in London is now imposed on candidates for the Fellowship as part of their qualification beyond an adequate course of study. This virtually excluded many who would otherwise become candidates, and defeated the extension of the Fellowship, if such was their purpose. For his own part he was a conservative in religion, a conservative in politics, and a conservative in the profession. But what of that ?-conservatism means "salutary change." (Laughter.) There should be only an honourable rivalry between town and country, and he trusted that the provincial schools would, at least, prove nurseries for the London schools, which, in turn, he now proposed. Mr. HILTON, on behalf of the Metropolitan Schools, could only reply for that to which he was attached. Guy’s Hospital was very desirous of contributing to the Fellowship of the College. He wished that the gentlemen present, who were connected with other metropolitan schools, would speak foi
might
(the Fellows) might
themselves.
This proposal not having been responded to, Mr. LAWRENCE " gave the health of the " Chairman." Personal knowledge o: duration enabled Mr. Lawrence to bear testimony many years’ to his professional and administrative capacity, his thorougl knowledge of College business, his great caution, judgment anc foresight, and to his untiring industry for their welfare. The toast was drunk with acclamation. Mr. ARNOTT briefly acknowledged the compliment paid t(
him.
The "Medical Benevolent Institutions of the United King dom," by Mr. Partridge, was responded to by Mr. Critchett. The "Stewarde," acknowledged in appropriate terms b3 Dr. Camps and Mr. Hulme, brought the dinner to a close.
Correspondence. "Audi alteram
partem:’
THE COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. To the Editor of THE LANCET. result of the election of last Thursday has conSiR,-The clusively shown that the Fellows of the College of Surgeons are determined to second you in bringing about a series of changes in the government of the corporation ; and, therefore, whilst the iron is hot, I beg to submit to you and to vour readers a few remarks upon the prospects and mode of effecting that
change.
The Council of the College consists now of the following whom I may class as Conservative and Liberal thus : Conservative. —*Lawrence (life), Swan (life), *Arnott (life), *South (life), *Luke, *Skey, *Hodgsou, *Wormald, Mack-
members,
murdo, *Kiernan, *Partridge, Hilton, Quain, Cock, Solly, and Shaw.
Liberal.-Fergusson, Adams (2), Paget, Lane, Busk, Hancock, Clark, and Curling. It appears, therefore, that the liberal party muster but eight, probably seven (for Mr. Adams’ candidature was on strictly conservative grounds), against fifteen who are all bound by their present emoluments or their hopes to support the existing state of
The four life members are, of course, hopeout the present holders of office, and bringing in on each occasion three liberal candidates, in two years there will be a small, and in three years an overwhelming, majority on the liberal side. That time is of the greatest importance will be evident when we consider the process by which the President and VicePresidents are elected. The election rests nominally with the Council, but in reality the Board of Examiners takes very good care that the offices shall be held by members of their own body in rotation;and hence the absurdity that some of the senior members have been president twice, and even thrice, whilst the last elected (from Mr. Skey downwards) are now only getting their first chance ! The annual election of President will take place in a day or two, when of course Mr. Hodgson will be elected President, and Messrs. Wormald and Kiernan Vice- Presidents; in 1865 (provided there are no casualties by death or non-election next year), Mr. Wormald will be President, and Messrs. Kiernan and Partridge Vice-Presidents ; in 1866, Mr. Kiernan will be President, and Mr. Partridge Vice President; and then will come the tug of war whether the old rule shall be broken through and a vice-president shall be chosen from the other members of Council, or whether the scandal of Mr. Lawrence (who is safe to be alive at that time) being chosen again shall be allowed. By that time, fortunately, as I have shown, the liberal interest will predominate; but it is important that those who come forward should distinctly pledge themselves to upset the existing monopoly, since it is possible that, owing to the inscrutable arrangement by which the re-election of members of Council is determined, some one of the Court of Examiners may be rendered ineligible for the presidency by being ousted from the Council before his turn arrives, and thus the struggle may come a year earlier than expected. I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
things.
less ; but by steadily turning
July ilth. 1861.
F.R.C.S. by Exam.
THE AD EUNDEM DEGREE OF LICENTIATE. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SiR,-In days I have had twenty applications from all parts of the country for printed forms of the memorial, and I doubt not that the movement is yet in embryo ; but as I find some confusion and misapprehension exists in the minds of the profession as to our aim and object, may I trouble you to give insertion to this communication. 1. It is not sought to create any ad eundem licentiates except those who hold registered medical and surgical diplomas. The proposed diploma will not permit its possessor to make use of any academical degree, or to assume the title of Physician. Its posseesor will simply be a general practitioner, holding his licence to practise medicine, surgery, and midwifery from the Royal College of Physicians. two
* Board of Examiners, to which Mr. Hakins belonm member of Council.
though
not
a