Page:The Hunterian Oration for 1850.djvu/12

viii objectionable practice; and for them I also urge the adoption of an improved system of training, which, while perfecting students in the practical knowledge of their art, shall also aim to imbue them with those amenities of literature and a cultivated taste, which give grace and dignity to social life, and should be the distinguishing characteristic of a profession like ours.

Nor should they be regarded as mere elegant superfluities, for although not entering into the formation of the skilful physician or the dexterous surgeon, they are almost necessary to complete the measure of our preparation for enlightened intercourse with the world, to exalt the aim of life above that low and sordid level which limits our aspirations to the pursuit of gain, and presents no object of nobler attainment, than a name for professional skill.

A long and friendly intercourse with a large body of my professional brethren engaged in general