An introductory address delivered in the theatre of the Middlesex Hospital Medical College, October 3, 1870, at the opening of the winter session / by Wm. Cayley.

  • Cayley, W. (William), 1836-1916
Date:
1870
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory address delivered in the theatre of the Middlesex Hospital Medical College, October 3, 1870, at the opening of the winter session / by Wm. Cayley. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    k; ment of gentlemen, and intelligently to appropriate to yourselves and digest your knowledge, in spite of the temptation to sit still and be passively crammed. This concludes the few remarks I had to make upon the nature of your studies, and the means to be used in order to attain proficiency in them. But I think that on an occasion lilce this, it is but right that we should for a moment cease to regard our profession merely as it concerns om’selves as individuals, and our personal interests, but look at it from a higher point of view, and consider what are its proper functions in society, and how those functions are performed. And especially at a time like the present, which is recognized by all to be one of rapid transition, alike by those whose affections, still clinging to the past, cannot view old and well- tried institutions undergoing transformation without some feelings of regret and anxiety, as well as by those, who believing the progress of society, like that of the physical world, to be one of natural evolution, look forwards with more confidence to its successive developments. And doubtless in our ranks both classes are to be met with, for we have a past to look back upon with pride, as well as a future to look forwards to with hope. At a time then, when all established institutions are being severely scrutinized, and only those can hope ultimately to retain then* position which are able to shew that they are really performmg necessary or useful functions in the community. It may be well for its to enquire whether the medical profession, as a whole, does really perfonn what it professes, whether it lowers the rate of mortality, diminishes the total amount of sick- ness, and favours the growth of a robust and healthy population. We should no doubt at once be inclined to answer, “ it is incontestable,” and that therefore our position is secure, and whatever changes may take place, we at least have only to look forward to a more extended field of usefulness, and I think rightly so. But there have not been wanting.
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