Page:The Harveian oration - delivered at the Royal College of Physicians, October 18th, 1899 (IA b24975941).pdf/7



Two hundred and forty-three years have elapsed since Harvey gave us his estate at Burmarsh in Kent to provide an honorarium for our Librarian and for the endowment of the Harveian Oration.

The first duty of the orator is to commemorate benefactors. Your predecessor, Mr. President, to whom I owe the very great honour of addressing the College as 181st Harveian Orator, often reminded us that every man is a debtor to his profession, and that our Fellows in the hour of their prosperity should remember by gifts and bequests to assist in maintaining the honour and dignity of the College.