Page:The Hunterian oration, delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons, on the 14th of February, 1846 (electronic resource) (IA b21470492).pdf/15

5 necessary, in order to avoid misconstruction, that the ineeting should, at all events, be held to-day, whatever course inay be determined on for the future.

A short explanation is here necessary.

Heretofore medical men have been contented to cultivate knowledge of their profession, to practise it diligently, and to prosper by minding their own busi- ness. ‘This simple plan does not seem to suit what is called the spirit of the age, which, at all events, is not a quiet spirit. Hence our profession, during the past year, and indeed for a longer period, instead of enjoy- ing the tranquillity so favourable to its successful cul- tivation, and harmonising so well with the nature of its practical iministrations, has been vexed and disturbed by a clamour for what is called medical reform, by noisy meetings, and angry discussions. Hopes and fears were raised to the highest pitch, by the actual in- troduction into the House of Commons of successive projects, intended, no doubt, to improve, but certainly ealculated to change the organisation of the profession, by introducing into its government strange and start- ling novelties. The violent partisans of change seem to have considered that this college would be a serious impediment to their schemes, and they have spared no pains to remoye or lessen the obstacle, not disdaining the unworthy arts of misrepresentation, falsehood, and abuse. Thus they asserted plainly, a twelvemonth ago, that the oration was not then delivered, because the council were afraid to meet the members of the col- lege; and they did not hesitate to state, that the coun- cil would not dare to assemble the members again in �