- Email: [email protected]
Medical Registration Committee.
296 where it is not carried on under the licence of your society? -The act, as administered, has not succeeded in fully check-
Medical Registration Committee.
ing illegal practice.
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.
Friday, March 3rd,
1848.
MEMBERS PRESENT.
Halford. Mr.Henry Wakley. Sir
Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. Lascelles.
Colonel Mure. Sir R. H. Inglis.
THE LORD ADVOCATE IN THE CHAIR. (Continued from p. 270.)
John
Ridout, Esq., further examined.
Chairnzan. ]-Whether those members are members of the livery or of the yeomanry ?-Whether of the livery or of the yeomanry. 351. How many examiners have you ?-Twelve. 352. What are the privileges belonging to the Society of Apothecaries under their charter, or under the Act of Parliament ?-I know of no other privileges than those that arise from connexion with the corporation, except the privilege of being elected as a member of the court of examiners, to whom is entrusted the immediate administration of the Act of 1815. 350.
353. With
respect
None whatever.
to
practice, what
are
your
370. Has it succeeded considerably in checking it ?-It has, a great degree, but not to the extent it is desirable that it should do so. 371. Neither in London nor in the provinces ?-Neither in London nor in the provinces, till recently, in consequence of the enormous expense which necessarily attends each particular action. 372. You have told the committee that your examiners grant licences; what is required of a candidate who comes before you for examination in respect of previous education? -The act requires that no person shall be admitted to any such examination for a certificate to practise as an apothecary unless he shall have served an apprenticeship of not less than five years to an apothecary, and unless he shall produce testimonials to the satisfaction of the said court of examiners of a sufficient medical education, and of a good moral conduct ; that is the requirement of the Act of 1815. Under that clause which requires a testimonial of sufficient medical education, a latitude has been allowed to the court of examiners to make such requirements as may appear to them just and expedient as regards the course of previous study, on the part of the individual presenting himself for examination. I have in my hand a copy of the regulations which are at this time in force upon the subject, and which must be complied with, on the part of the candidate for a licence to practise. 373. What is the date of those regulations ?-This is dated August, 1846, but I think these regulations are published annually, and in 1847 no alteration took place in the regulations of the court of examiners. 374. Were the regulations previous to those you hold in your hand of much the same character, or was there any considerable alteration made?-The regulation for the study of medical students has been progressively extending from the Act of 1815. In the first instance, the course of study was limited, and the examination was conducted with great forbearance. The time of study has been progressively extended, and the number of subjects required to be studied by the students have been increased, and the exami. nations have altogether taken a wider range, and there has been a progressive increase of strictness. 375. Does your present curriculum include surgery ?-No. 376. Have you any objection to communicate to the committee the regulations which are in force now ?-Certainly to
privileges ?—
354. Have you no exclusive right of practice belonging to body ?-No. 355. Neither in London nor out of London ?-Neither in London nor out of London, so far as I know. 356. Can anybody practise as a general practitioner without the license of the Apothecaries’ Company ?-Not since the Act of 1815, they cannot practise as apothecaries. 357. Nor as general practitioners ?-Certainly not, inasmuch as the functions of the apothecary form an essential part of the functions of the general practitioner. 358. Can the members of the body itself, the yeomanry, and the livery, practise without a licence from the body ?-They require a licence under the Act of 1815. 359. Equally ?-Certainly. 360. Then nobody, whether belonging to your body or not, can practise as an apothecary without receiving your licence ?1
the
-
-They cannot legally. 361. Any other privileges which belong to the members of the corporation are those which arise from an interest in your funds, or the honour belonging to the society either as not. examiners, or wardens, or assistants ?-Exactly so. 362. If anybody practises without a licence from your com[The witness read the same, CM/bKoMS.’—] course or STUDY.-Every candidate whose attendance on pany, what penalties does he incur?-He is subject to the penalties imposed by the Act of 1815. It has been recently lectures commenced on or after the 1st of October, 1835, must ascertained by a case laid before the Attorney and Solicitor- have attended the following lectures and medical practice general, that persons practising without a licence, as it is now during not less than three winter and two summer sessions; called, of the society, are amenable to the law, and may be each winter session to consist of not less than six months, and punished as committing a misdemeanor. The act likewise to commence not sooner than the 1st, nor later than the 15th imposes certain penalties in addition for practising without a of October, and each summer session to extend from the 1st certificate of qualification. of May to the 31st of July:363. In point of fact, do you know whether that act is en"First year.—Wintersession: Chemistry,AnatomyandPhyforced to the extent of inflicting those penalties?-To a very siology, Anatomical Demonstrations, and Materia Medica and
limited extent. Therapeutics; this course may be divided into two parts, one 364. Is it enforced in London and out of London ?-It has of which may be attended in the summer.-Summer session: been enforced in many instances in the provinces, and in Botany and Vegetable Physiology. London likewise. "Second year. -Winter session: Anatomy and Physiology, 365. At whose instance has it been enforced ?-A communi- Anatomical Demonstrations, Dissections, Principles and Praccation has, in the first instance, been made to the society tice of Medicine, and Medical Practice.*-Summer session: respecting persons practising illegally; and, so soon as the Medical Practice,* Forensic Medicine and Practical Chesociety has obtained such evidence as in the opinion of their mistry, and Morbid Anatomy and Clinical Medicine. "Third year.-Winter session: Dissections, Principles and legal advisers would justify a prosecution, a prosecution has been proceeded with. Practice of Medicine, Medical Practice, and Morbid Anatomy 366. Can a prosecution proceed at the instance of any one and Clinical Medicine. but the society itself, or some person authorized by them ?" Midwifery, and the Diseases of Women and Children, two It was supposed, at the time to which I allude, that the courses, in separate sessions, and subsequent to the terminasociety alone could carry on a prosecution; but it is now tion of the first winter session. "Practical Midwifery, at any time after the conclusion of ascertained that any party may carry on a prosecution. I the first course of Midwifery lectures. 367. By a qui tam action ?-Yes. " The above course of study may be extended over a longer 368. Do you know whether, in point of fact, any qui tam have been instituted 1-Not in in number any prosecutions period than three winter and two summer sessions, provided any number; there was one, I think, at Bradford, in York- the lectures and medical practice are attended in the order shire. I hold in my hand a paper, containing a communication prescribed. The court particularly request the attention of made by the society, with reference to the opinion given by the students to the increasing importance of organic chemistry the Attorney and Solicitor-general, and another counsel, as to and structural and physiological botany." the more extended powers which were found at that time to 377.Will you also favour the committee with those that be given by the Act of 1815. were first passed after the Act of 1815, so that the committee 369. Do they find that the Act of 1815, with its power of * Twelve months of the medical practice must be at a recognised hosprosecution, not vested in the society, but extending to the pital, and six months either at a recognised hospital or at a recognised form of a q1lÌ tam action, represses the practice of apothecaries
I dispensary.
297 son of a member might be admitted without being authorized ]J1"actise at all. 399. If he proposed to pmctise, yazc wmild 10equire from him a certfficate of apprenticeship equally ?-Certainly. 401. Suppose a person proposed to come before the examiners, ready to undergo the severest examination with respect to his medical proficiency, and ready to satisfy the Court of Examiners that he had gone through the curriculum required, or a more extensive curriculum, but still unable to show that
may see the two extremes ?-The following is an abstract of the regulations issued by the Court of Examiners on the 31st July, 1815, immediately on the passing of the Act:-"The court announced that the candidate would be expected to possess a competent knowledge of the Latin language, and to produce the testimonials of having attended two courses of on anatomy and physiology; two courses of lectures on the theory and practice of medicine; one course of lectures on chemistry; one course of lectures on materia medica; a certificate of attendance for six months, at least, on the medical practice of some public hospital, infirmary, or dispensary ; and intimation was given that the examination z, would be,—1. In translating parts of the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis and physicians’ prescriptions; 2. In the theory and practice of medicine; 3. In pharmaceutical chemistry; 4. In the Materia Medica." Limited as this curriculum may appear at the present time, compared with what the court have since been able to require, it was all the court felt warranted in demanding for some years after the passing of the Act. In the years 1826,1827,1828, and 1829, additions were made to the course of study; in the year 1830, the regulations of the court underwent a careful revision, and the new and extended curriculum was prefaced by an address to the students, which so clearly announces the principles by which the examiners had been guided in their gradual advance to the great object to which all their efforts had been directed, that any retrospect of the proceedings of the court would be imperfect without it; successive additions were made to the curriculum between the years 1830 and 1835. 383. In what schools do you allow this curriculum to be followed, and the information to be acquired which it prescribes ?—In any British or Irish school, and also in any continental schools from which we can have satisfactory testimonials. 384. Of course you include the schools of Edinburgh, and Glas2’OW. and Dublin!—Yes. 385.—Aberdeen ?-Yes ; and we have had many whose studies have been conducted almost exclusively in Paris. 386. What are your principal schools in England ?—London,
The
to
lectures
he had either served an apprenticeship for five years, or had been an assistant or pupil with an apothecary for five years, independently of an indenture, that person could not be taken upon examination as a candidate for a licence ?-The Court of Examiners would not be permitted to receive him; he would not become eligible. It has been a subject of great regret to the examiners and to the society, but we considered ourselves bound by the terms of the Act of Parliament. 402. Will you be good enough to explain to the committee what you meant by taking as an equivalent for an indenture a certificate that the party has been in a corresponding relation to an apothecary for a period of five years ?-We consider that an apprenticeship places an apprentice in relation to the apothecary as a student to a person who is to direct his studies; and that, in addition to such information as is in his power to give himself, he is authorized and required to let his apprentice attend such medical schools as will afford him the additional information which he requires, although those schools are distant from the residence of the practitioner. 403. Would you consider the requirements of the statute, or of the regulations under it, sufficiently complied with, if a person were apprenticed to a surgeon in Birmingham, but attended lectures in a distant town?-Certainly; if he attended lectures in London even. 404. Or in Edinburgh, during his apprenticeship in Birmingham ?-Or at Edinburgh, during his apprenticeship in
Birmingham.
405. Do you find that the relaxation on that construction of the rules has opened a very wide door for admissions ?-Yes; and it is productive of great practical advantage; inasmuch as in the recess of the schools the student then generally resides with the person to whom he is apprenticed, and acquires considerable information in many important departments of his
Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester,
Newcastle, Sheffield, and York. 387. It appears by the Act of Parliament that you require practice with an apothecary-is apprenticeship required ?Apprenticeship has been unfortunately found to be indis- profession. 406. You mentioned that it was to your own regret and the pensably necessary. 390. What length of apprenticeship do you require !-The regret of the society that the requirements of the statute as Act specifies five years. to apprenticeship were so stringent; will you be good enough 391. In point of fact, do you actually require the whole of to state upon what considerations that feeling of regret is that five years, and a certificate that the apprentice has served’ founded, and in what respect you would wish the requirehis five years under indenture!-That he has been apprenticed ments of the statute to be altered so as to remove any ground for that space of time; but as to the particular way of serving, of complaint!—I think that requiring an apprenticeship from It is inferred that the apprentice is in any individual who has attained his majority is altogether inno inquiry is made. the relation of a pupil to the apothecary, who is to direct his expedient ; and I think the making of apprenticeship comcourse of studies, whether theoretical or practical, in his pulsory has made it less popular, and, in many instances, has judgment, so that they still conform to the regulations of the thrown great impediments in the way of individuals, eminently qualified to become good practitioners, obtaining the society. 392. Do you require a certificate of good behaviour from licence of the society, and therefore a legal qualification to the master ?-Certainly. practise. 408. What course would you propose in order to remedy 393. And pronciency!—No; that is to be tested by the that ground of complaint 1-1 would throw no discredit upon Court of Examiners. 395. Can you in any case admit without a certificate of the the relation of an apprentice, but I would not make it comobligations implied in the indenture being fulfilled ?-Many pulsory. My opinion is, that when the subject is well understudents are admitted to examination without indenture, we stood, freed from the prejudice which exists at the present being satisfied with certificates and testimonials of the rela moment, parents will see that it would be very much to the tion of the student to the practitioner corresponding sub- advantage of their children to be placed at a younger age stantially with the relation of an apprentice to a practitionerthan twenty-one in the relation of an apprentice, or of a under indenture. pupil to a practitioner; and it is indispensable, in my opinion, 396. You do not require apprenticeship absolutely in the that that relation should exist till the medical schools have strict sense of the word ?-Not to be testified by an in- undergone a more efficient organization than exists at present, denture. bringing them more into accordance with the colleges and 397. What is your substitute for that proper apprentice- the old universities. 409. The schools to which you have just referred are those ship ?-A testimonial of the student having acted in the relation of an apprentice to the practitioner for the term ofschools which are not at the seat of a university ?-None of five years; it was considered very early that the indispensablethe medical schools, with very few exceptions of late years, necessity of serving an apprenticeship was an inconvenience,have had any collegiate organization whatever, and such a and might be occasionally an injury; it was thought whethercollegiate organization, in my opinion, should exist for the there might not be even an error in the copying of the Act ofmoral and general control of the students, if an apprenticeParliament, by the substitution of the word " and" for " or;" ship were not required or submitted to. but on reference, it was found that the apprenticeship was (To be continued.) indispensably necessary, and that the testimonial of their: sufficient medical education was required to be in addition to the apprenticeship. MEDICAL BENEVOLENT AssociATioN.—An association has just 398. What you have now said would apply to a person entitled to be admitted into the corporation as a proper been formed in the South of France, department Herault, t member-equally, for instance, as to the son of a member?- provide for the wants of its decayed members. ’
,
.
Medical Registration Committee.
ing illegal practice.
MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.
Friday, March 3rd,
1848.
MEMBERS PRESENT.
Halford. Mr.Henry Wakley. Sir
Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. Lascelles.
Colonel Mure. Sir R. H. Inglis.
THE LORD ADVOCATE IN THE CHAIR. (Continued from p. 270.)
John
Ridout, Esq., further examined.
Chairnzan. ]-Whether those members are members of the livery or of the yeomanry ?-Whether of the livery or of the yeomanry. 351. How many examiners have you ?-Twelve. 352. What are the privileges belonging to the Society of Apothecaries under their charter, or under the Act of Parliament ?-I know of no other privileges than those that arise from connexion with the corporation, except the privilege of being elected as a member of the court of examiners, to whom is entrusted the immediate administration of the Act of 1815. 350.
353. With
respect
None whatever.
to
practice, what
are
your
370. Has it succeeded considerably in checking it ?-It has, a great degree, but not to the extent it is desirable that it should do so. 371. Neither in London nor in the provinces ?-Neither in London nor in the provinces, till recently, in consequence of the enormous expense which necessarily attends each particular action. 372. You have told the committee that your examiners grant licences; what is required of a candidate who comes before you for examination in respect of previous education? -The act requires that no person shall be admitted to any such examination for a certificate to practise as an apothecary unless he shall have served an apprenticeship of not less than five years to an apothecary, and unless he shall produce testimonials to the satisfaction of the said court of examiners of a sufficient medical education, and of a good moral conduct ; that is the requirement of the Act of 1815. Under that clause which requires a testimonial of sufficient medical education, a latitude has been allowed to the court of examiners to make such requirements as may appear to them just and expedient as regards the course of previous study, on the part of the individual presenting himself for examination. I have in my hand a copy of the regulations which are at this time in force upon the subject, and which must be complied with, on the part of the candidate for a licence to practise. 373. What is the date of those regulations ?-This is dated August, 1846, but I think these regulations are published annually, and in 1847 no alteration took place in the regulations of the court of examiners. 374. Were the regulations previous to those you hold in your hand of much the same character, or was there any considerable alteration made?-The regulation for the study of medical students has been progressively extending from the Act of 1815. In the first instance, the course of study was limited, and the examination was conducted with great forbearance. The time of study has been progressively extended, and the number of subjects required to be studied by the students have been increased, and the exami. nations have altogether taken a wider range, and there has been a progressive increase of strictness. 375. Does your present curriculum include surgery ?-No. 376. Have you any objection to communicate to the committee the regulations which are in force now ?-Certainly to
privileges ?—
354. Have you no exclusive right of practice belonging to body ?-No. 355. Neither in London nor out of London ?-Neither in London nor out of London, so far as I know. 356. Can anybody practise as a general practitioner without the license of the Apothecaries’ Company ?-Not since the Act of 1815, they cannot practise as apothecaries. 357. Nor as general practitioners ?-Certainly not, inasmuch as the functions of the apothecary form an essential part of the functions of the general practitioner. 358. Can the members of the body itself, the yeomanry, and the livery, practise without a licence from the body ?-They require a licence under the Act of 1815. 359. Equally ?-Certainly. 360. Then nobody, whether belonging to your body or not, can practise as an apothecary without receiving your licence ?1
the
-
-They cannot legally. 361. Any other privileges which belong to the members of the corporation are those which arise from an interest in your funds, or the honour belonging to the society either as not. examiners, or wardens, or assistants ?-Exactly so. 362. If anybody practises without a licence from your com[The witness read the same, CM/bKoMS.’—] course or STUDY.-Every candidate whose attendance on pany, what penalties does he incur?-He is subject to the penalties imposed by the Act of 1815. It has been recently lectures commenced on or after the 1st of October, 1835, must ascertained by a case laid before the Attorney and Solicitor- have attended the following lectures and medical practice general, that persons practising without a licence, as it is now during not less than three winter and two summer sessions; called, of the society, are amenable to the law, and may be each winter session to consist of not less than six months, and punished as committing a misdemeanor. The act likewise to commence not sooner than the 1st, nor later than the 15th imposes certain penalties in addition for practising without a of October, and each summer session to extend from the 1st certificate of qualification. of May to the 31st of July:363. In point of fact, do you know whether that act is en"First year.—Wintersession: Chemistry,AnatomyandPhyforced to the extent of inflicting those penalties?-To a very siology, Anatomical Demonstrations, and Materia Medica and
limited extent. Therapeutics; this course may be divided into two parts, one 364. Is it enforced in London and out of London ?-It has of which may be attended in the summer.-Summer session: been enforced in many instances in the provinces, and in Botany and Vegetable Physiology. London likewise. "Second year. -Winter session: Anatomy and Physiology, 365. At whose instance has it been enforced ?-A communi- Anatomical Demonstrations, Dissections, Principles and Praccation has, in the first instance, been made to the society tice of Medicine, and Medical Practice.*-Summer session: respecting persons practising illegally; and, so soon as the Medical Practice,* Forensic Medicine and Practical Chesociety has obtained such evidence as in the opinion of their mistry, and Morbid Anatomy and Clinical Medicine. "Third year.-Winter session: Dissections, Principles and legal advisers would justify a prosecution, a prosecution has been proceeded with. Practice of Medicine, Medical Practice, and Morbid Anatomy 366. Can a prosecution proceed at the instance of any one and Clinical Medicine. but the society itself, or some person authorized by them ?" Midwifery, and the Diseases of Women and Children, two It was supposed, at the time to which I allude, that the courses, in separate sessions, and subsequent to the terminasociety alone could carry on a prosecution; but it is now tion of the first winter session. "Practical Midwifery, at any time after the conclusion of ascertained that any party may carry on a prosecution. I the first course of Midwifery lectures. 367. By a qui tam action ?-Yes. " The above course of study may be extended over a longer 368. Do you know whether, in point of fact, any qui tam have been instituted 1-Not in in number any prosecutions period than three winter and two summer sessions, provided any number; there was one, I think, at Bradford, in York- the lectures and medical practice are attended in the order shire. I hold in my hand a paper, containing a communication prescribed. The court particularly request the attention of made by the society, with reference to the opinion given by the students to the increasing importance of organic chemistry the Attorney and Solicitor-general, and another counsel, as to and structural and physiological botany." the more extended powers which were found at that time to 377.Will you also favour the committee with those that be given by the Act of 1815. were first passed after the Act of 1815, so that the committee 369. Do they find that the Act of 1815, with its power of * Twelve months of the medical practice must be at a recognised hosprosecution, not vested in the society, but extending to the pital, and six months either at a recognised hospital or at a recognised form of a q1lÌ tam action, represses the practice of apothecaries
I dispensary.
297 son of a member might be admitted without being authorized ]J1"actise at all. 399. If he proposed to pmctise, yazc wmild 10equire from him a certfficate of apprenticeship equally ?-Certainly. 401. Suppose a person proposed to come before the examiners, ready to undergo the severest examination with respect to his medical proficiency, and ready to satisfy the Court of Examiners that he had gone through the curriculum required, or a more extensive curriculum, but still unable to show that
may see the two extremes ?-The following is an abstract of the regulations issued by the Court of Examiners on the 31st July, 1815, immediately on the passing of the Act:-"The court announced that the candidate would be expected to possess a competent knowledge of the Latin language, and to produce the testimonials of having attended two courses of on anatomy and physiology; two courses of lectures on the theory and practice of medicine; one course of lectures on chemistry; one course of lectures on materia medica; a certificate of attendance for six months, at least, on the medical practice of some public hospital, infirmary, or dispensary ; and intimation was given that the examination z, would be,—1. In translating parts of the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis and physicians’ prescriptions; 2. In the theory and practice of medicine; 3. In pharmaceutical chemistry; 4. In the Materia Medica." Limited as this curriculum may appear at the present time, compared with what the court have since been able to require, it was all the court felt warranted in demanding for some years after the passing of the Act. In the years 1826,1827,1828, and 1829, additions were made to the course of study; in the year 1830, the regulations of the court underwent a careful revision, and the new and extended curriculum was prefaced by an address to the students, which so clearly announces the principles by which the examiners had been guided in their gradual advance to the great object to which all their efforts had been directed, that any retrospect of the proceedings of the court would be imperfect without it; successive additions were made to the curriculum between the years 1830 and 1835. 383. In what schools do you allow this curriculum to be followed, and the information to be acquired which it prescribes ?—In any British or Irish school, and also in any continental schools from which we can have satisfactory testimonials. 384. Of course you include the schools of Edinburgh, and Glas2’OW. and Dublin!—Yes. 385.—Aberdeen ?-Yes ; and we have had many whose studies have been conducted almost exclusively in Paris. 386. What are your principal schools in England ?—London,
The
to
lectures
he had either served an apprenticeship for five years, or had been an assistant or pupil with an apothecary for five years, independently of an indenture, that person could not be taken upon examination as a candidate for a licence ?-The Court of Examiners would not be permitted to receive him; he would not become eligible. It has been a subject of great regret to the examiners and to the society, but we considered ourselves bound by the terms of the Act of Parliament. 402. Will you be good enough to explain to the committee what you meant by taking as an equivalent for an indenture a certificate that the party has been in a corresponding relation to an apothecary for a period of five years ?-We consider that an apprenticeship places an apprentice in relation to the apothecary as a student to a person who is to direct his studies; and that, in addition to such information as is in his power to give himself, he is authorized and required to let his apprentice attend such medical schools as will afford him the additional information which he requires, although those schools are distant from the residence of the practitioner. 403. Would you consider the requirements of the statute, or of the regulations under it, sufficiently complied with, if a person were apprenticed to a surgeon in Birmingham, but attended lectures in a distant town?-Certainly; if he attended lectures in London even. 404. Or in Edinburgh, during his apprenticeship in Birmingham ?-Or at Edinburgh, during his apprenticeship in
Birmingham.
405. Do you find that the relaxation on that construction of the rules has opened a very wide door for admissions ?-Yes; and it is productive of great practical advantage; inasmuch as in the recess of the schools the student then generally resides with the person to whom he is apprenticed, and acquires considerable information in many important departments of his
Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester,
Newcastle, Sheffield, and York. 387. It appears by the Act of Parliament that you require practice with an apothecary-is apprenticeship required ?Apprenticeship has been unfortunately found to be indis- profession. 406. You mentioned that it was to your own regret and the pensably necessary. 390. What length of apprenticeship do you require !-The regret of the society that the requirements of the statute as Act specifies five years. to apprenticeship were so stringent; will you be good enough 391. In point of fact, do you actually require the whole of to state upon what considerations that feeling of regret is that five years, and a certificate that the apprentice has served’ founded, and in what respect you would wish the requirehis five years under indenture!-That he has been apprenticed ments of the statute to be altered so as to remove any ground for that space of time; but as to the particular way of serving, of complaint!—I think that requiring an apprenticeship from It is inferred that the apprentice is in any individual who has attained his majority is altogether inno inquiry is made. the relation of a pupil to the apothecary, who is to direct his expedient ; and I think the making of apprenticeship comcourse of studies, whether theoretical or practical, in his pulsory has made it less popular, and, in many instances, has judgment, so that they still conform to the regulations of the thrown great impediments in the way of individuals, eminently qualified to become good practitioners, obtaining the society. 392. Do you require a certificate of good behaviour from licence of the society, and therefore a legal qualification to the master ?-Certainly. practise. 408. What course would you propose in order to remedy 393. And pronciency!—No; that is to be tested by the that ground of complaint 1-1 would throw no discredit upon Court of Examiners. 395. Can you in any case admit without a certificate of the the relation of an apprentice, but I would not make it comobligations implied in the indenture being fulfilled ?-Many pulsory. My opinion is, that when the subject is well understudents are admitted to examination without indenture, we stood, freed from the prejudice which exists at the present being satisfied with certificates and testimonials of the rela moment, parents will see that it would be very much to the tion of the student to the practitioner corresponding sub- advantage of their children to be placed at a younger age stantially with the relation of an apprentice to a practitionerthan twenty-one in the relation of an apprentice, or of a under indenture. pupil to a practitioner; and it is indispensable, in my opinion, 396. You do not require apprenticeship absolutely in the that that relation should exist till the medical schools have strict sense of the word ?-Not to be testified by an in- undergone a more efficient organization than exists at present, denture. bringing them more into accordance with the colleges and 397. What is your substitute for that proper apprentice- the old universities. 409. The schools to which you have just referred are those ship ?-A testimonial of the student having acted in the relation of an apprentice to the practitioner for the term ofschools which are not at the seat of a university ?-None of five years; it was considered very early that the indispensablethe medical schools, with very few exceptions of late years, necessity of serving an apprenticeship was an inconvenience,have had any collegiate organization whatever, and such a and might be occasionally an injury; it was thought whethercollegiate organization, in my opinion, should exist for the there might not be even an error in the copying of the Act ofmoral and general control of the students, if an apprenticeParliament, by the substitution of the word " and" for " or;" ship were not required or submitted to. but on reference, it was found that the apprenticeship was (To be continued.) indispensably necessary, and that the testimonial of their: sufficient medical education was required to be in addition to the apprenticeship. MEDICAL BENEVOLENT AssociATioN.—An association has just 398. What you have now said would apply to a person entitled to be admitted into the corporation as a proper been formed in the South of France, department Herault, t member-equally, for instance, as to the son of a member?- provide for the wants of its decayed members. ’
,
.