Page:A Discourse upon the Institution of Medical Schools in America - John Morgan.djvu/56

, to cultivate it with success. As well might a parent take upon himself the private tuition of his son; and to make him master of all the different languages, arts, and sciences, which are generally deemed requisite, previous to his entering upon the higher studies of Law, Physic and Divinity; as that a Physician, engaged in an extensive practice, should undertake to deliver to his apprentices, in a regular manner, the precepts of his art in all its branches. This is as impracticable as it is unreasonable to expect. In spite of himself and his inclination to qualify young men in the profession, they must of necessity be left, for the most part, more to their own ingenuity, and precarious application, than a good man could wish. These are difficulties which he would rejoice to have removed; but they are evils which have hitherto been without a remedy. The fatigue, the greatness of expence, and the want of leisure time, which physicians involved in business cannot command, are bars, which those most willing to perfect students cannot get over,

men, who are limited to the present opportunities of improvement in America, cannot enter upon the stage of action, but with unfavourable prospects, and they must unavoidably be in continual perplexities. For seldom can we hope to see those who from too great forwardness, or too narrow circumstances, engage untimely in the practice of their profession, ever become more than servile imitators