Page:Anon 1830 Remarks on some proposed alterations in the course of medical education.djvu/23

 other move numerous assemblies) to the profound method of the nasal calculus?

Have our reformers produced any satisfactory evidence of defect in the existing course of medical education, or in the examinations at the close of it? Do they wish, by adding literature and science to this course, to convert their proteges into more finished pedants, or more accomplished gentlemen? Is it absolutely essential to the character of a gentleman to be a proficient in Art and Science? Are not men found without any knowledge of Greek and Geometry, whom yet every one that can appreciate them, proclaims at once to be gentlemen? What becomes of the adage, that "nature and society must make the gentleman?" If gentlemanly attributes are now, for the first time, to be an essential condition in obtaining a medical degree, then must there be created a Beau Examinator,—then must there be a Gentleman Professorship, and whether this is to be a Regius or a Town Council Professorship—whether this original and interesting branch of education is to be considered as a Science or an Art, will constitute one of the most knotty points for discussion with which our adversaries can occupy themselves. But if this is to be the tribunal which stamps men to be Gentlemen, then must other men, as well as physicians, place themselves under its control, or submit to the imputation of not being Gentlemen; though, indeed, I should not