Page:The Harveian oration - delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, London, June 29th, 1867 (IA b22315263).pdf/4

2 Scarcely less often have the most enlightened and distinguished of each passing generation been invited to assist at the annual commemoration, and adorn it by their presence; and I trust that I may be permitted on this occasion gratefully to acknowledge the response to this appeal.

I feel that it requires some apology if, for a moment, I postpone the especial topic of the day, in order to revert to certain peculiarities in the circumstances of the present occasion. I wish first to render my sincere thanks to our highly esteemed ex-President, for having done me the honour to appoint me Harveian Orator for this year. It is not possible to allude to him, without giving expression to the high sense we all entertain of the immense advantage enjoyed by this College and the whole profession in having been presided over by a man of such undisputed eminence; and I would not omit to add our cordial satisfaction that the sovereign has crowned with honour his laborious and successful career.

As regards the present unusual combina-