Page:Introductory lecture delivered to the class of military surgery in the University of Edinburgh, May 1, 1855 (IA b21916469).pdf/42

41 of the department as the senior medical officer of the Queen's troops employed in the Chinese War. The other was Inspector of Hospitals to the Queen's troops at Chillianwallah and Goojerat, those conflicts in the Punjaub which have given peace to that part of India for many years past. No! Gentlemen, I will not believe that the surgeons of the army are unequal to the conduct of general hospitals.

At the commencement of my last course of lectures, I promised myself numerous interesting communications from my friends serving in the war against Russia, and in this I have not been disappointed. I have lately had a letter from Dr. Hall, the chief of the medical staff in the Crimea—a man who has had both hard work and hard words—a man of much labour and little thanks. It is most gratifying to find him speaking confidently of the improved health and never-failing spirits of the men. From Dr. Deas, the head of the medical department of the Black Sea Fleet, and formerly a pupil of this class, I had lately a most valuable communication. He has conducted the duties of his department with much credit to himself, and with great advantage to the public service, notwithstanding the scarcity of hands in the