Page:Introductory Lecture 109 Medical Department University of Pennsylvania Stille.djvu/18

 are threatened with destruction. From such a catastrophe the only salvation is in more thorough knowledge, whereby truth shall be upheld, and error crushed beneath its feet. In our own profession let us feel very sure that error and fraud are not to be put down by the keenest satire or by the most violent invective; on the contrary, it is their nature to thrive upon whatever brings them more into the light of day, even though it be to set them in the pillory of public contempt. Let them go their ways; but let us endeavor so to exalt our own profession by improving it, that they who may hereafter bear the name of physician shall by that very title be recognized as being thoroughly educated; learned that they may know what has been done before them, solidly grounded also in the science of medicine, before attempting to build upon it the superstructure of medical art, and so enriched by knowledge, that when they go out into the world they may feel assured of securing the confidence of society in themselves, and in the art which they practise.

I have spoken of professional aims and duties, but it must not be forgotten that physicians are also men, and that there is something more to be regarded than the success which may be measured by influence, reputation, or even wealth. How much soever of these it may confer, yet, if they do not tend to give us happiness, of what value are they? Therefore, let it be understood that the culture of knowledge for its own sake, and quite independently of any material reward that it may bring, is in itself a happiness so pure and so high that it may well be doubted if there is any richer source of pleasure upon earth. And it is peculiar in this—it is a pleasure that never fails. The appetite may be satiated, the passions may be consumed in their own fire, but the love of knowledge is an appetite which grows by what it feeds on, and a passion that burns forever. It seems to be the only faculty of the human intellect, as distinguished from the human heart, which faith and reason unite in assuring us must be immortal. Whatever, therefore, may be your material fortune in after life, as a consequence of rightly pursuing your studies here, whether eminent or humble in your professional rank, be very sure that you will