No.
3135
149
FROM
A. H. L. FRASER, ESQUIRE,
ASST. SECRETARY TO THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER,
Central Provinces,
To
THE PRINCIPAL, NAGPUR SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.
Dated Nagpur, the 6th August 1878.
I am directed by the Chief Commissioner to acknowledge your letter No. 61, dated
10th ultimo, in which you report on the progress and working of the Medical school during
the year 1877-78.
2. At the close of the preceding session 29 pupils remained under instruction ; and 29
more joined the school last June. It is satisfactory to find that sixteen (apparently not
fourteen, as you have it) of the new pupils belong to the Central Provinces.
3. As in past years so in the present year you have to report very unfavourably on the
character and abilities of the pupils. Out of the 58 pupils on the roll 14 have been
already dismissed for misconduct, inattention, or ill health ; and one more has been recom-
mended for dismissal on account of gross misbehaviour. You find that the new pupils admit-
ted in June have been as a whole inferior to the general run of students admitted in former
years ; and you attribute this to the method of selection in force. Under the recent orders
regarding Hospital Assistants new arrangements are being made ; and considering you have
so frequently protested against the pre-collegiate year of training. the Chief Commissioner has
* This office letter No.1376-
38, dated 12th April 1878 to
Sanitary Commissioner.
directed* that a system be tried in which it shall have no part.
The standard of preliminary examination will also be raised, and will
embrace a knowledge of English. The Chief Commissioner trusts
that this change of system may be attended by the improvement which you have led him
to expect.
4. It is satisfaction to find that five Maratha Brahmins are among the newly admitted
pupils. The prejudice against medical pursuits amongst this class though decreasing has not,
however, yet been overcome. The number of pupils belonging to it is still small; and you
mention the instance of a young man who prosecuted his studies in spite of violent opposi-
- t i o n o n t h e p a r t o f h i s r e l a t i v e s a n d f r i e n d s . H e h a s b e e n s u c c e s s f u l i n h i s s t u d i e s a n d h a s
passed out of the school. The Chief Commissioner will be glad to give due weight to his
desire to be employed in this part of the Province.
5. Your opinion of the general conduct of the pupils who have been permitted to re-
main in the school, is satisfactory. They have as a rule been attentive, amenable to discipline
and diligent ; but deficient education stood much in the way of advancement in the case of not
a few. The final examinations, however, were fairly satisfactory; and in some cases, the papers
submitted were creditable. The first in order of merit has already been highly commended
by you ; and on your recommendation the Chief Commissioner appointed him Demonstrator of
Anatomy and Librarian in the school.
6. Generally, then, the school has continued fairly successful. The professors still
receive very high commendation ; and your own supervision has been constant and close. I am
to convey the Chief Commissioner's thanks to you and your staff for your successful labours.
Mr. Morris also notices with satisfaction the interest shown in the school by the Native
gentlemen whom you name as subscribers for the purchase of prizes.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
A. H. L. FRASER,
Asst. Secretary.