THE unexpected honour you have conferred upon me, in appointing me to deliver your annual oration, could not fail of being highly grateful to my feelings, and would na­turally impel me to the strongest acknowledg­ments, for this distinguished mark of your ap­probation and esteem. But, whilst I avow those feelings which your conduct has awakened; per­mit me also to say, I cannot contemplate this respected assembly without regret, when I con­sider how many gentlemen, better qualified to do justice to the appointment, are now before me. I can, however, confidently assert, that there is no one present, whose wishes for the prosperity of our institution exceed my own. Its present flourishing state, cannot fail of giving pleasure to all who have its welfare at heart; whilst the industry and application of its mem­bers, are the surest pledges of its continuation and increase.

[Page 6] The difficulty of chusing a subject for an oration, did not occur, at the time of my accept­ance of the charge committed to me. Had I been equally sensible of it then, as I am at pre­sent; nothing would have induced me to ac­cede to your wishes, but a thorough convic­tion, that each member owes it to our society, to comply with every resolve in which he may be concerned, to the extent of his abilities. This difficulty in the choice of a subject, arises from the necessity of its being general in its na­ture; and yet, at the same time, so connected with the science of Medicine, as to render it in some measure tributary thereto. From this cause it mostly happens, that a deficiency of matter is made up by a luxuriance of style, and fertility of imagination; which, although they do not tend to the instruction of the au­dience; yet they gratify the mind, by affording a temporary amusement. Under this impressi­on, and without expecting to add much, either to your instruction or amusement; I must beg your indulgence, whilst I take a short view, of the importance and respectability of the SCIENCE OF MEDICINE, as demonstrated by the extent of its researches; and by the univer­sal homage which has ever been paid to it, by all ranks and conditions of men; even by those who, in health, affect to ridicule and despise it.

[Page 7] This ridicule, the offspring generally of little minds, although highly unjust and illiberal, we are not to be surprised at, when we consider, how great an opening is given to it by the un­fortunate disputes and dissentions of the Facul­ty themselves. The interests of the profession are lost, in the disgraceful employment of personal invective, or of malicious and slanderous hints. The errors of individuals are rancorously ren­dered conspicuous to the public eye; and this is often done without any attention to the voice of truth. The unkind constructions, and ill-timed remarks, of fellow-practitioners, cannot fail of being a great source of that degrading light in which Medicine is often held by man­kind. These unhappy jealousies and animosities, frequently prove of the worst consequences to patients. We have seen them carried to their highest pitch amongst ourselves; and, I fear with the most fatal issue to our fellow citizens: for, as these quarrels do not stop here, but extend themselves to the public; a diversity of opinion prevails, which ultimately undermines all con­fidence in the profession; and prevents any ap­plication for advice, until that period has elap­sed, in which alone, the powers of medicine might have proved efficacious. By this disunion, physicians lose the advantages arising from mu­tual communication, and from the confidence which is acquired in their opinions, by the con­currence [Page 8] of each other. Opinions, however, unfortunately, are not regarded according to their intrinsic m [...]rit; but according to the per­son from whom they proceed; and proposals, delivered with openness, are often whispered abroad, and misrepresented to the public, with­out any regard to honour and secresy. These quarrels, sometimes ending in appeals to the public, tend still further to heighten the animos­ity, and widen the breach; and generally in­jure the contending parties, by making them objects of ridicule to the world: Added to this, they discredit the profession, and expose the whole Faculty to contempt. They also may be regarded as one powerful cause of the intro­duction of emperics; who diminish the practice of the regular physician. When so little re­spect for each other, appears to exist amongst members of the same profession; it is scarcely a subject of wonder, if the public should also divest themselves of it; unacquainted as they are, with the many difficulties attendant upon the practice of physic.

In all ages, much wit has been displayed upon our profession: A slight attention, however, will shew, that the ridicule has been employed against physicians, rather than against the art itself. Va­rious mean and unworthy arts have been em­ployed to raise importance, by persons impelled [Page 9] by necessity, excited by vanity, or anxious to conceal their conscious ignorance. An affectation of profound knowledge, or of mystery in every thing relative to the profession; an air of confi­dence in their own skill and abilities; or a solemn and stately demeanour; are some of the arts, which have been used to give celebrity to per­sons, who could not otherwise have attained it. Such are the arts, which have not escaped the penetration of the more judicious; nor eluded the shafts of ridicule and humour. Hence, in most dramatic exhibitions, in which the physician is introduced, he is treated as a pedant and a fool. But it is evident, that here, the manners of par­ticular persons are aimed at; not the profession itself; which, from time immemorial, has been regarded as one of the most useful and beneficial to mankind.

The great Hippocrates has told us, that ‘The art of Physic is the most excellent of all arts; and has also observed, that it is the business of a physician to make new discove­ries in science, or to perfect such as are al­ready made; rather than to spend his time in censuring or depreciating others.’ ^* This dictate, the result of wisdom, justice, and expe­rience, the most illiberal of the profession will [Page 10] not attempt to controvert. The dissentions of physicians are, indeed, the greatest objection which is made to the profession of physic; and may be regarded as the foundation of every other objection. It is that which the illustrious Bacon advances; and even Hippocrates himself, who says, ‘When physicians are so much at variance amongst themselves, about the method of treat­ing acute diseases, that the same method shall be highly extolled by one, and run down by others; physic itself, must of necessity fall into contempt amongst the vulgar; who will con­clude from thence, that physicians themselves have no certain method to pursue, or that there is no such art as that of Medicine.’ ^* This objection has been thus answered by the same great man; ‘That this very disa­greement is a proof of the reality of the art; for if there was no such thing as an Art of Medicine, no system of precepts, or rule of practice for the artist to be directed by; there would not be good and bad physicians, as there are now, but all of them would be alike ignorant and unskilful; and the cure of the sick would depend upon chance alone. But as long as physic remains an art, so long will one artist continue to excel another, as well in the goodness of his hand as head.’ ^†

[Page 11] But, in truth, the utility of Medicine ha [...] never been seriously denied; for every person who suffers pain or sickness▪ will gratefully ac­knowledge, (in words, at least, which cost no­thing) the usefulness of an art from which he obtains relief.

Life, when oppressed with disease, is but a compound of woes. Health adds delight to every enjoyment; and, as the end of medical science is to restore and preserve health, every person is concerned in its improvement. Me­dicine is as important in its object, as it is diffi­cult in its attainment.—It is extensive in its researches; and presupposes an acquaintance with many other sciences: and it demands of those who engage in its pursuit, an enlarged and benevolent mind.

A desire of knowledge, and a spirit of enquiry, are natural to man. These, therefore, should be directed to worthy objects. And what can be more so, than the study and preservation of that most simple, yet most compound and sur­prising work of an Omnipotent Creator! Or, what can tend more effectually to raise our thoughts, to the Divine Author of its existence!

In a subsequent part of this Oration, I shall attempt to demonstrate, still further, the utili­ty [Page 12] of the science of Medicine, by a short view of some of those virtues, which the practice of physic either does, or ought to inspire, in the breast of every member of the profession.

If we take a view of the antiquity of the science of Medicine, it would necessarily appear, to have been coeval with the origin of man; or at least, with the period of his expulsion from that state of felicity, which he is represented to have enjoyed in the garden of Eden. For, as by the curse, which was inflicted on our first parents at the Fall, they were doomed to feel the arrows of af­fliction, and the infirmities of human nature; from that period, attempts must have been made for the cure of diseases, and the relief of acci­dents, which devolved upon them by such a curse. These rude, but well-meant attempts of each person, to relieve the distress of his neighbour, must however have ceased, when some were supposed to have acquired greater skill than others: to these of course, the sick would apply for assistance;—and this, in fact, we must esteem as the origin of the art: A know­ledge of a few simples, probably formed its ut­most extent. I have said above, that the sci­ence of Medicine must have necessarily been co­eval with the origin of man:—I should rather have said, that those fundamental principles, on [Page 13] which the science is founded, existed at that early period of the world, in as full force as at present. We only excel our ancestors by the developement of facts; and by a judicious exclusion of principles, founded in error, and in the belief of preternatural agents and causes; which existed only in the heated imaginations of their authors and their followers. Succeeding generations, it is to be hoped, will improve upon the present; until the highest degree of know­ledge shall be acquired, which is compatible with the imperfect state in which we live.

Medicine seems to have attained to greater perfection, amongst the Greeks than amongst any other nation of antiquity; if we may judge from those writings which have come to hand. We are not, however, absolutely to draw such a conclusion; as, from the great difficulty at that period, of transmitting knowledge to posterity, or even of diffusing it amongst cotemporaries; from the want of some method of rendering that knowledge permanent; which, fortunately we possess in the art of printing; when also we recollect, that a great portion of ancient know­ledge was, by the use of hieroglyphics, almost entirely confined in the hands of their priests; we may be allowed to suppose that Greece alone did not bear away the palm of science. This supposition is strengthened by the probability [Page 14] that the Greeks derived their literary and scien­tific knowledge from the Egyptians; and that they only extended it by the aid of letters.^* Be this however as it may, the Greeks certainly have the merit of having conveyed to the na­tions of Europe, the rudiments of Medicine, and of every other art or science, at that time known—‘Hippocrates, who has been called the great father of Physic, is the first, whose writings have been transmitted to the present day; and we cannot withhold our esteem from him, whether we consider the morality and liberality of his works, or his numerous and acute observations, together with the great order in which they are conveyed. But’ (adds Dr. Denman) ‘if there be any progres­sive power in the human mind, if there be any advantage obtained in the practice of Me­dicine, by the knowledge of the circulation of the blood; or of a more correct anatomy and physiology at large; by the application of chemistry; by a more copious Materia Medica; by the records of experience, or by many collateral arts which Medicine calls in to its aid, we may be allowed to say, that [Page 15] Hippocrates ought not to be considered as the guide of physicians at the present time, or as having limited the perfection or extent of the art; but as an illustrious specimen of an­cient medical knowledge and practice: And if this observation holds good with respect to Hippocrates, it will have more force when applied to all his transcribers and commen­tators.’ ^*

Of the dignity of the profession of Physic, I shall say but little. It has stood the test of time; and cannot receive any addition from my praise. It has always ranked amongst the most liberal of the professions; and on the just­est grounds. To excel in it, requires a larger compass of knowledge than is necessary in any other science. Mathematics, natural history and philosophy, are nearly allied to it: whilst the extensive studies of anatomy, chemistry and botany, are its immediate branches. A knowledge of the dead and living languages, is by many thought indispensable: and to this we may add, that knowledge of the world, of men and manners, which are highly useful to the medical character; and which is naturally acquired, from an extensive intercourse with [Page 16] all ranks of people. Medicine, notwithstanding the extent of knowledge which it presupposes, is a science, concerning which every one under­takes to reason most, and yet of which they pos­sess the least information. Who, that has not made mathematics his study, will presume to argue on the abstruse and difficult calculations of algebra? Yet the more difficult and abstruse science of Medicine is apparently obtained by intuition; as a previous education seems unne­cessary to qualify a person to embrace it at once, in its fullest extent!

The science of Medicine is an ample field for the exercise and display of genius. No profession requires a more comprehensive mind. In the other learned professions, certain laws and sta­tutes exist, to which every question must be re­ferred, and by which it must be determined;—a steady application, and a good memory, are here the chief requisites. Little room is left for the display of genius, where invention can­not add, nor judgment improve; because es­tablished laws, whether right or wrong, must be submitted to. In Medicine, where no es­tablished laws exist, the case is different—Eve­ry man must rest on his own judgment; and it is his business to make a selection of facts, from those theories with which his memory has been loaded in the course of a liberal education. To [Page 17] effect this, the prejudices of youth are to be overcome. This will prove a task of the great­est difficulty; as much candor and patience are essential, to divest our minds of what, in general, takes such forcible possession.

Were I here to take a view of the many vir­tues, which the profession of Physic enforces on its adherents, I should extend this piece far be­yond the usual limits, and encroach too greatly on that time, upon which, I fear, you already think I have too much trespassed. I shall there­fore detain you but a few minutes on this part of my subject.

An extensive field is presented by Medicine, for the exercise of HUMANITY. The numerous opportunities of relieving distress, which a phy­sician enjoys, must, to a benevolent mind, be one of its greatest pleasures. The Faculty have often▪ been reproached with hardness of heart [...] occasioned, it is said, by being so conversant with human misery. I most firmly believe [...] charge to be unjust; not only from an acquaint­ance with many members of the profession, whose enlarged and philanthropic minds are exerted in the daily pursuits of benevolence and virtue; but also from the writings of the most celebrated physicians of all ages; which are, of themselves, sufficient to exonerate their authors from such [Page 18] a reproach. Who, after reading the works of Sydenham, a Haller, Boerhaave, and others; will be hardy enough to charge them with such a failing? A failing, indeed, one of the greatest of which a physician can be guilty! Humanity may in fact be regarded, as the greatest moral qualification of a medical man. It is the ori­ginal foundation of the profession; acted upon, long before it was regarded as a distinct sci­ence. Doubtless, there are many unworthy members of our profession, (as is the case with every other) to whom such a charge will ap­ply.—The loss, however, of one of the greatest incitements for the relief of the sick, is the proper punishment it brings with it.—Habit, it is true, may insure a command of temper, which may be mistaken for insensibility; but too great a share of sensibility, often renders a physician incapable of that steadiness and vigor of action, on which perhaps the life of his patient may greatly depend. Men of the most compassionate tempers, by daily viewing scenes of distress, ac­quire a firmness of mind, which is absolutely requisite in the practice of Physic. They can feel both pity and compassion, without allowing themselves to be enervated and unmanned. Those who are callous to every sentiment of humanity, affect to treat this sympathy with ridicule; by representing it, either as hypocrisy, or as a proof of a weak mind. There can be no doubt that it [Page 19] may be, and often is assumed: But it is easily seen through. Real sympathy, will not permit a physician to act differently, to persons in dif­ferent ranks of life. It is even more careful of shewing itself towards those in better circum­stances; lest an unworthy construction should be put upon it. It is equally unfounded, to sup­pose a compassionate and feeling heart, to be the effect of a weak mind. Universal experience proves the reverse of the proposition; and that rough and blustering manners, are more gene­rally concomitants of a weak understanding; and frequently are assumed to conceal from the world those very infirmities which their posses­sors blame in others.

HUMANITY is that sensibility of heart, which makes us feel for the distresses of our fellow-creatures; and of consequence, incites us most powerfully to their relief. Sympathy produces attention to an hundred circumstances, which may tend to relieve a patient; an attention, be­yond the power of wealth to purchase. It en­gages the confidence and affection of a patient; which often is of the utmost consequence to his recovery. A patient feels the approach of a physician who possesses a compassionate heart, a softness of manners, and, what Shakespear has emphatically called, "the milk of human kind­ness," like that of an angel ministring to his re­lief: [Page 20] Whilst the visit of a man of harsh and brutal manners, makes his heart sink, as at the presence of one who is about to pronounce his sentence of death.

CHARITY, the offspring of Humanity, is ano­ther important virtue, strongly enforced upon its votaries, by the science of Medicine. The physician, more than any other description of men, is most conversant with misery and af­fliction. Happy the man who improves from this view of suffering humanity!—True Charity does not limit her bounty to one class or descrip­tion of men; She regards the whole human race as relatives; and the world as her abode. At the bedside of poverty and sickness, she is most at home; and here, her claims are strong­est upon the profession of Physic: From such a claim, none of its votaries are exempt. They here possess the power of stripping death of half his terrors; and of smoothing the avenues to a­nother world. How high enrolled above the common class of men, does the great, the illus­trious HOWARD appear, when visiting the gloo­my mansions of disease and death; and, like a guardian angel, snatching from destruction the miserable wretch, whose feeble lamp of life, scarce glimmered in its socket; or, when resto­ring to the caresses of an affectionate family, a hapless parent, whose anxious care and steady [Page 21] industry, could not avert the iron hands of ruth­less poverty! Let us view this extraordinary man, (who lived not for himself, but for man­kind) with active benevolence, exposing him­self to the most contagious diseases; unappalled by the rapid strides of death; cheering, by his affability and mildness, the bed of sickness or distress; and, like a good Samaritan, adminis­tring the balm which should ameliorate the suf­ferings of the afflicted! Let us view him ranging through the earth, to offer his devotions at the shrine of humanity; and ultimately snatched from an admiring world, by that inexorable tyrant, whose regions he had so often succes­fully invaded; to be a companion of those hea­venly beings, whose actions he had strove to imitate in his terrestrial abode. Where, in that anxious, awful moment of expiring life, was the sympathising friend, to assuage the agony of corporeal sufferings, or close the eye-lids of this dying saint. Alas! no friend was there! Of the numbers, to whom he had so often min­istered, not one was present, to receive his par­ting breath. That God, however, in whose service he closed his well-spent life, did not for­sake him in the hour of distress, when the mind's eye is fixed upon "that undiscovered coun­try, from whose bourne no traveller returns." The pleasing retrospect of a well-spent life, upheld him in the conflict, and enabled him to [Page 22] raise his hopes with confidence to heaven, whose gates were wide extended to receive him.

I am certain you will pardon me, for occupy­ing a few moments of your time, in reading the following beautiful lines, on thi [...] illustrious character; from the sublime and harmonious pen of Dr. Darwin.

PATIENCE next to the above mentioned vir­tues, is of the greatest necessity to the medical man. It might, indeed, in some points of view, be regarded as a branch of humanity. The ne­cessity for the exercise of this virtue, arises from many and various sources. I have already noticed a very considerable one, in the dissen­tions of the Faculty, and the illiberality, which sometimes prevails amongst them. I shall there­fore here, only mention that, arising from the conduct of patients themselves; together, with the contradictions and disappointments, to which, in the course of his practice, the physi­cian is subjected. The last, more frequently a­rises, from too great strictness in his directions; which, if not absolutely essential to the wel­fare [Page 24] of the patient, had better be avoided; as the almost invariable non-compliance with them, necessarily leads to a concealment of such a de­viation. Hence, he is ignorant of the true state of the sick; and ascribes to the disease, what is probably owing to irregularity in diet; or at­tributes effects to medicines, which were daily thrown into the fire, or out of a window. A physician should certainly be absolute in his go­vernment over his patients: To this, however, few will submit; and indeed, a physician has no just title of complaint, if his advice is not fol­lowed; as he has no right to prevent any one from going out of the world in his own way.

Those afflicted with nervous diseases, contri­bute not a little, to call forth the patience of a physician. Though their fears are groundless, for the most part; yet their sufferings are real; and hence, to treat them with neglect, or indif­ference, is equally cruel and absurd. The dis­orders of the mind demand the tenderest sym­pathy; and the greatest skill is required to avoid neglect and ridicule on the one hand; and too anxious a solicitude on the other.

As you must all be sensible how much the characters of individuals, as well as the peace and happiness of families; may sometimes de­pend upon the exercise of the virtues of discre­tion, [Page 25] honor and secrecy; I shall not enlarge up­on their necessity to a physician. From his pro­fession, many opportunities must occur, of knowing the private transactions, and characters of families—He views mankind under the most disadvantageous circumstances: Oppressed by pain and sickness; leading to peevishness, and impatience; in place of their usual cheerfulness and vigor of mind.

Temperance and sobriety, are essential to the character of the medical man. You will at once accede to the proposition, on my merely stat­ing it. Judgment, discernment, and every re­quisite qualification to the physician; are totally incompatible with a want of these virtues.

The high importance of medical science is obvious, not merely from what has been said; but also, from considering its improvement as in some degree dependant, on the progress of all the other numerous arts and sciences. From these, it borrows many lights; and acquires new aid by their augmentation.

‘The science of Medicine is so extensive; and so limited are our faculties, in attempting to explore the recesses of nature; that our know­ledge on this subject must ever be exceedingly confined. Perfection in this science is not to [Page 26] be hoped for; the labour of ages will enlarge our stock of knowledge; but we shall be forced to confess, that perfection is yet far from our reach. Improvement is, however, undoubtedly in our power. Industry and abilities will never want subjects for employment; nor fail to re­ward those who exert them.’ ^* In our new, and almost unexplored country; very much remains to do, in every department of knowledge. The ample volume of the works of nature is open to our view, and each votary to science, is loudly invited, to a participation of the luxu­riant banquet, which its pages afford. Your industry, and perseverance, Gentlemen, will go far to raise our country, to an equal eminence with the most favoured parts of the globe. New and certain avenues to the temples of honor and of fame, will here be lighted up, by the radiant torch of truth: Let me hope, that many whom I now address; are destined to attain an eminence, as great as Newton, Bacon, Boyle, and all those other illustrious cha­racters, who rank so high in the annals of sci­ence.

It is a subject of regret, that the knowledge of medical science, is so diffused, through vast numbers of volumes, and in different languages, [Page 27] as to preclude a complete view of all its im­provements, except it be acquired at a great expence, and with great labour. In Europe indeed, this is in a great measure obviated, by the numerous periodical publications, of the highest importance; which monthly, nay week­ly, and almost daily issue from the press. Such works are peculiarly acceptable to persons en­gaged in extensive practice; or who are remote from the centre of publication. As yet, our country has been backward in adding to the general stock, by similar attempts. One laud­able example has been set, and the important work is still continued with undiminished ar­dour; and I trust will add, not only to the re­putation, but also to the emolument of its pro­prietors.^*

Permit me, Gentlemen, to extend for a few minutes, this view of a subject so highly inter­esting to us, as fellow-members of the same in­stitution. How grateful must be the recollec­tion of its rapid increase! Scarcely have ten years elapsed, since it first sprung into existence, by the active and well-directed endeavours of a few individuals; and already do we reckon a­mongst its members, most of the respectable and eminent of the profession, throughout the United [Page 28] States. By its junction also with the American Medical Society; it has added the respectability of that institution, to the youthful vigour which animates itself.

I confidently trust, that the zeal which has heretofore been evinced in the advancement of its reputation; will still exist, to carry it yet further on the road to perfection; when you are settled in your professional pursuits at a dis­tance from us.

I must remind you, Gentlemen, that the ob­jects of this society, are more extensive, than I believe is generally imagined. We are not to be limited to the reception, or discussion, of medical facts or papers. We must consider, that the republic of Medicine, which extends its influence throughout the universe; and of which, we are fellow-members; has a just claim upon our ex­ertions. The publication of Transactions and Memoirs, is, if I mistake not, an important part of the intentions of this institution. The carrying into execution this important measure, (in which unfortunately, we have been too neglectful) will evince to the world that science is not confined to the shores of Europe. Hitherto, our exer­tions have been very limited. Let us now endea­vour to render ourselves conspicuous, as a lite­rary and scientific Body. Let each member think [Page 29] that on his individual exertions, depends the honour of the whole; and we soon shall see it rise to an unexampled pitch of celebrity and reputation. Each member has it in his power to enrich the society, by favouring it with ac­curate details, of facts and observations; toge­ther with the histories of diseases, remarkable either in themselves or treatment; with dissec­tions of such morbid bodies as may come under their notice; and the remarks and inferences, occasioned thereby. A judicious selection from these, for publication, could not fail of soon ren­dering us known, abroad and at home. Such a work would doubtless meet with a ready recep­tion; especially, as each member would wish to possess a publication, in the honor of which he found himself so closely interested.

I trust I am not singular, in thus wishing to ad­vance the reputation of our hitherto flourishing Body. How honourable such a step would be, I shall not pause to determine. I sincerely hope, due attention will be given to a subject, from which we may anticipate such beneficial effects. We want only those materials, of which each member is possessed; to erect a structure, whose duration shall extend to the end of time; and whose beneficial influence, shall pervade the universe.

[Page 30] The Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh, which now ranks high as a scientific institution; arose from a beginning, small as our own. Its cele­brity may in part be ascribed to having pursued to a certain degree, the measure above recom­mended; by publishing a judicious selection of the most meritorious theses, which have made their appearance in that University. And shall an in­stitution, founded under the auspices of a school, where a candidate for medical honors, dare not publish any thing, which strikes at the doctrines there promulgated: Shall, I repeat it, such an institution surpass our own? where, under the extended wings of our beloved Alma Mater; freedom of opinion in Medical science, is not only tolerated, but even encouraged! Most of the experimental theses here made public, I will venture to assert, are not surpassed, either in merit or information, by those which are brought forward in the trans-Atlantic seminaries. A selection of the most meritorious, for pub­lication, under your auspices, would not only ex­tend the credit of our society; but would also tend to double the diligence of the students; by the pleasing expectation of such honourable at­tention being paid to their investigations. Gen­tlemen, who come to pursue their medical stu­dies in this place; will be ashamed to leave it, without having it in their power to say, they are members of so valuable an institution; whilst [Page 31] the difficulty of obtaining a membership; will make them exert all their diligence and applica­tion▪ to attain a seat so honorable to themselves.

My wish to see our society on a footing, equally eminent with similar institutions of Europe; in­duces me trespass on your time, by recommend­ing such objects to your attention, as to me ap­pear best calculated, to promote so desirable an end. Seminaries of learning, like governments, have their rise; their acme; their decline, and fall. The schools of Italy gave place to those of Holland, and they in turn have been eclipsed by the superior brilliancy of the Scottish schools. In the death of a Cullen, and the retirement of a Black, a shock has been sustained by the me­dical school of Edinburgh; from which, it will not soon recover. I may be allowed to hope, that the time is not far distant; when the god­dess Hygeia, in conjunction with the genius of Philosophy, shall extend the same of our medical schools; and, continuing to illumine our Pro­fessors, with the unerring torch of truth and wisdom; shall render America the grand empo­rium of science, and the arts; from which the never-cloying streams of knowledge shall pro­ceed; to augment the mass of human happiness; and to communicate their cheering influence to every quarter of the globe.

[Page 32] To extend still further, the reputation of our society; allow me to call to your serious consi­deration, the propriety, of establishing a Library▪ To expatiate on its utility, is unnecessary; as you must all be convinced of it.—It is true, the Medical students who resort to this place, possess extraordinary advantages, in having access to the excellent library belonging to the Pennsyl­vania Hospital; and to the public library of our city.—But, as I conceive the augmentation of the means of information, is the surest mode of increasing, and extending science; I anxious­ly trust, that such a measure will not be long ne­glected. The medical institution^* which I have already noticed; derives not a little of its cele­brity, from the extensive library which it pos­sesses. Such praise-worthy examples, will doubtless meet with that regard, to which they are so justly entitled. It may be objected, that the establishment of a library requires consider­able time and expence. From these very causes there is no time like the present, for carrying it into effect; as we shall the sooner have to boast of its existence. By small beginnings, great ends are frequently accomplished. We cannot walk before we creep; neither can we, without a commencement, hope to attain, what each of you will admit, is highly to be [Page 33] wished for. I am certain that all of you feel disposed, as much as is in your power, to add to the reputation of an institution, from which, I doubt not, you have derived both pleasure and instruction: In no way can this be more likely to occur, than by increasing its sources of infor­mation and improvement. Let me urge you then, Gentlemen, to carry into effect, a mea­sure long contemplated; that you may be ena­bled to say, Our Library was instituted, under your immediate exertions: and, I hope it will rapidly increase; as a testimony of your zeal and desire, of promoting the interests of science and humanity.

I have thus, Gentlemen, brought to a con­clusion, those pages, which I have prepared in compliance with your appointment. If they have failed in affording you either instruction or amusement; I trust you will nevertheless re­ceive them with indulgence, in consideration of your having made so bad an election.—With every wish for your uninterrupted health and prosperity; I now bid you an affectionate adieu.