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I conceive that so long as the general practitioner consents
to subject his professional practice to such degrading conditions, he is unworthy the rank and estimate of a professional man. Medicines should be dispensed at their real,
not their adventitious value. With one voice, this depart-
ment of the whole profession should cry aloud, and claim
their indisputable right to repudiate a practice so vicious,
both as regards their own high claims, and their utility to
others ; and obtain from parliament the title to a remuneration, more consistent with the real services they have rendered, and less derogatory to the repute of the high profession
to which they belong.
Fourthly,—One of the highest incentives to superiority that can animate the human mind, is ambition of distinction above the rank of our fellow-men.
I do not stop to inquire how far this sentiment 1s identified with the excellence, or the weakness of our nature, but it is undeniable that its exercise in every age has led to great deeds, by which the world has profited.
It affords, however, a stimulus to exertion, far less avail- able to the professor of medicine, than to any other of the so-called professions. We have in England no public honours or distinctions.
Inasmuch as our duties are limited to the bedsides of our patients, so are our claims to public gratitude, unacknowledged by the world. For, the mere privacy of our duties should not disqualify us for public reward; and I look forward to the time, when the profession of medicine will stand forth in higher relief; when the award of the public voice, shall grant to it some public memorial or acknowledgment ;
