Views on some social subjects / by Sir Dyce Duckworth, bt.

  • Dyce Duckworth
Date:
[1915]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Views on some social subjects / by Sir Dyce Duckworth, bt. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    33/328 (page 29)
    It is not sufficiently realized that our work is for the most part carried on in private life. We have no public platforms, and we, as a body, have always held aloof from the miserable turmoil of politics. No eminent member of our profession in active practice can possibly seek parliamentary suffrages, and no sect or party can claim many of us. When we occa¬ sionally make efforts to promote various sanitary or social betterments, we are apt to be credited, as a body, with seeking undue power and influence over our fellow-men. The executive authorities usually consider it their duty to check such efforts, or, at best, are moved to resort to some inadequate compromise. You may possibly think that, so far, my tone has been somewhat vituperative and perhaps pessimistic, but I have determined to direct attention to some matters which closely concern the profession you have elected to join, and which are seldom referred to. I should not deal fairly with you were I to promise you a smooth and unchequered path either in your pupillary or your professional life. It is no easy matter to secure the humblest diploma in these days, and the future career of each one of you will demand all your energies and devotion if you are to succeed in winning the confidence of your patients, and to earn anything like a worthy reward. Moreover, all your knowledge and skill will not avail you by themselves, for you must add to these the quality of the highest personal character, and, above all, that which