Page:Introductory lecture delivered at the Middlesex Hospital, October 1st, 1877 (IA b22447258).pdf/6

6 Hospital, and the Governors trusting in that liberality which had hitherto supported them, decided to extend each wing for a distance of thirty feet towards the street, and there can be no doubt that the ready response which the public gave to their appeal stimulated the Governors to the erection of a Medical School.

It was in April, 1835, that the medical officers drew up an address, stating very fully their reasons for urging the foundation of a Medical School.

The celebrated school in Windmill Street, so closely associated with the name of John Hunter, had just been broken up. New schools of medicine and new hospitals were rising, and the officers connected with this hospital were desirous—I am quoting their own words:—"That the liberal support which the Institution receives from a generous public should be repaid to society by a continual provision of skilful practitioners, made such by a knowledge to be acquired in the Hospital, being convinced that there is an intimate connection between the promotion of its immediate purposes and the extension of that science on which the relief and prevention of disease depend."

To this address, amongst other names, are appended those of Thomas Watson and Charles Bell.

It can be no matter for surprise to learn that, in less than half a year from the date of this appeal, the Medical School was duly opened. What it has accomplished in the past and what it may yet accomplish in the future, it is not for me to speak. Yet these names may suggest to many memories of