Page:Anon 1830 Remarks on some proposed alterations in the course of medical education.djvu/5

 of igniting the ploughshares of philosophical ordeal, and of developing the bump of language by a long probationary listening to harangues on the omnipotent powers of logic, the simple principles of metaphysics, and the sublime mysteries of philology. Nor would it be less unfair to whisper, that a Holy Alliance may be on the eve of commencing a crusade against the freedom of our Faculties, and of suffocating genius by the weight and lumber of its folios. No; we most sincerely and distinctly mean nothing that is personal. It is not to individuals, but to opinions, that we are hostile; and while we concede to our opponents, in the most ample degree, purity of intention, we claim from them the same fairness and liberality in judging of us.

The subject embraces a wide field of interesting and momentous inquiry, but that department of it to which we shall at present confine our attention, is the System of Medical Education at the College of Edinburgh. The question that ought to be discussed here is simply—What course of study is best adapted to form the best medical practitioner, and what are the most eligible and efficient means of ascertaining that he has made a proper use of his opportunities of education, before he be entrusted with the officinal talisman of a diploma?

By many individuals it is broadly asserted, that the present system of this University is totally inadequate for