5
of Assistants of the Corporation of Surgeons, which affords strong evidence, were any required, of his earnest desire to extend the advantages of medical literature and general knowledge to all who could avail themselves of them*.
One of the last, and perhaps the most interesting link that has connected the great man, whose name and whose labours we are met to-day to celebrate, and the present generation
of Surgeons of England, is broken by the death of Mr. Clift,
whose name, next to its great founder, is more fully iden-
ἃ (ΤῸ THE MASTER, WARDENS, AND COURT OF ASSISTANTS OF THE CORPORATION OF SURGEONS.
- ¢ GENTLEMEN,
“ At this period in which the Surgeons of Great Britain have deservedly acquired the highest reputation in Europe, both by their practice and publications, it appears to be a reflection upon them that the Corporation of Surgeons of London should not be possessed of a public surgical library ;— a circumstance so extraordinary that foreigners can hardly believe it.
“If a custom had been established at the time the Surgeons were incur- porated, that every member should send a copy of his publications to the Com- pany’s library, it would have at present contained the works of many of the best writers in Surgery, which might have proved a valuable collection of instructions for the improvement of the profession.
“ As the smallest beginnings may in the end lead to the greatest acquisitions, I have done myself the honour of presenting to the Company, through your hands, the few observations on Anatomy and Surgery which I have published; and should the other members of that body be induced to follow my example, and by presenting their works establish a library which shall hereafter become both a public benefit and an honour to the Corporation of Surgeons, I shall consider it as one of the happiest events of my life to have been at all instru- mental in such an establishment.
“ T have the honour to be, “ Gentlemen, “ Your most obedient humble Servant,
“JOHN HUNTER.” “ LEICESTER SQUARE,
“ August 14th, 1786.”
[From the collection of Autographs in the possession of Mr. Strong, Librarian of the College. ]
