Westminster Hospital Medical School : the introductory address (session 1874-75) / by John B. Potter.

  • Potter, John B. (John Baptiste), 1839-1900.
Date:
[1874?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Westminster Hospital Medical School : the introductory address (session 1874-75) / by John B. Potter. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    But supposing you to have fairly made up your mind to this sacrifice of self, and to have determined to apply yourselves to the study of medicine, you may know that in this country at least the highest social dignity you are liable to attain to is a baronetcy, or the empty dignity of a royal appointment; that the terror of having a statue raised to you,— a fear that is said to have haunted many men, and prevented them other¬ wise distinguishing themselves, need not distress you. Of the many great names of the past, but Harvey, Jenner, and Hunter, have been publicly distinguished in this way. The former in his native town, Folkestone, this year, by public subscription; the latter favoured, this year also, with a bust in Leicester Square. The statue of the immortal dis¬ coverer of vaccination still stands in Kensington Gardens, to the admiration and astonishment of the nursemaids of the neigh¬ bourhood. It is a source of satisfaction, however, to feel that, though neglected by the State, they and their work will live hundreds of years after those who are perhaps more highly honoured now shall have passed away and been forgotten. To be honoured professionally, however, is open to you all, and it is rare that honest work remains unrewarded in this way. It is a source of pride to us that of the four seats at the censors board of the College of Physicians, two are at present filled by the senior members of our staff, Dr. Basham and Dr. Fincham. In the family circle, though, it is that the doctor is always welcome, and in this country at least he is looked upon as an intimate friend as well as adviser. A charming American writer, himself a doctor, says of the three great professions, law, physic, and divinity, ‘ The lawyers are the cleverest men, the ministers most learned, and the doctors the most sensible. ... I rather think, though, that they are more agreeable to the common run of people than the men with black coats or the men with green bags. The minister
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