Page:The Hunterian oration delivered in the theatre of the Royal College of Surgeons in London, on the fourteenth of February, 1833 (IA b21911952).pdf/28

28 We have taken a transient and cursory view of various circumstances, by which the advancement of Anatomy, and Surgery, have, at different periods, been either prevented or promoted; noticing, as we passed, certain individuals, and most particularly Mr. Hunter; to whom the profession of Surgery is especially indebted, for its scientific character, and for the distinguished position in which it now stands, in the estimation of society. In doing which, I may, perhaps, venture to hope, that those gentlemen who have most largely contributed to uphold the dignity, and extend the improvement of Surgery, may not have seen much to disapprove; and that the junior members may have had an opportunity of perceiving, that although good talents, and a natural as well as cultivated taste for the profession, are necessary to their success; a steady and persevering industry, with a determination to emulate the virtues of their predecessors, are no less indispensable ; constituting, as they do, the only sure path to happiness; the only safe road to honorable distinction.

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