The Sun.
London, England, 1858-10-07 00:00:00

THE NETV MEDICAL ACT.

•
On Tuesday evening a preliminary meeting off
the medical profession was held at the Freemasons'
Tavern, to take into consideration the provisions of
the new legislative measure affecting, the medical
body at large. Mr. Ross, of Farringdon-street,
occupied the chair.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings,
drew the attention of the meeting to the provisions
of the act itself. He said that after 30 years of pro-
tracted agitation of medical affairs it was hoped
that some definite measure would have been pro-
duced. He was of opinion that what the profession
should have obtained was representative councils,
protection against illegal practitioners, and an uni-
form standard of education. Any act of Parliament
that did anything at all should embody these pro-
visions. So far as he could read the measure Word
them he could not see anything whatever of that
kind. One question which he considered of the ut-
most importance respecting the interests of the pro-
fession throughout the length and breadth of tho
land was protection against illegal practitioners.
As far as the new act went, it provided them, it wag
true, with a register, which defined their qualifica-
tions to be legal, but as far as regarded putting-
penalties on those who practised illegally, it was
altogether deficient. It would be found in the
working utterly wanting. The " homceopathists,"
the " cronothermalists' ' and all quacks of every
kind who practised throughout the country, and
who did infinite harm, might go on much the same
as before the new act was passed. He intended to
have a better act, and they would keep the agita-
tion alive until two general practitioners are placed
upon the new council, as the act seemed to ignore
the general practitioner on the general council.
When the College of Surgeons had their charter re-
newed, he intended that the franchise of that body
should be extended to the general members. Ho
did not consider the new measure a satisfactory
measure, but thought it good ground to work upon.
He had heard that it was intended to re-
gister the general practitioner as a " surgeon
apothecary," which would be a degradation to
the whole body. The speaker concluded by
trusting that the large body cf general practitioners
would make themselves heard until they obtained
something like the proper
_recognition and repre-
sentation of their interests.

The following resolution was then put to the
meeting and carried unanimously :—" That this
meeting accepts with satisfaction the new Medical.
Act as the basis of a more perfect measure of medi-
cal reform, but views with apprehension the fact
that no due provision is made for the representa-
tion of general practitioners in the general council,"
Several gentlemen addressed the meeting, and it
was unanimously resolved—" That by clause 48 of
the new act her Majesty is empowered to grant a
charter to the Royal College of Surgeons, enabling
the council to institute examinations for the ad-
mission of dentists. This meeting decidedly objects
to the charter being granted for any such special
object. That this meeting is further of opinion
that, in the event of any alteration of the present
charter of the Royal College of Surgeons, the gene-
ral body of members shall have a voice in the ma-
naement of the affairs of their college." iven
Some further details were subsequently
and the meeting came to the conclusion to
hold a
public demonstration on an early day for
othveerprhe-
pose of founding an association to w
interests of the general practitioners in el ery part
of the kingdom. A provisional committee was im-
mediately formed, with Mr. Lobb as secretary, to
carry out that object, and the proceedings termi-
nated by a vote of thanks to the chairman.
A very strong feeling of indignation was expressed
at established medical men being compelled, after
all their costs of diplomas, to pay two guineas for
the new registration list.

, `TAE HEROES OF LUCKNOW AND THE CORPO-
RATION OF LONDON.—It is the intention of Mr. Charles
Reed, at the ensuing Court of Common Council, to propose
for the consideration of the members of the Corporation, the
following interesting motions :—" That the freedom of the
City, with a sword of the value of 100 guineas, be presented
to the Right Hon. Baron Clyde, Commander-in-Chief of
her Majesty's forces in the East Indies, in testimony of the
distinguished services he has rendered to his country ; and
particularly for his decisive operations in Lucknow, which
have resulted in the reduction and occupation of that im-
portant position, the dispersion of the rebel force from their
great rallying point, and the undoubted confirmation of the
ascendancy of the British arms." And—" That the free-
dom of the city, with a sword of the value of one hundred
guineas, be presented to Lieut.-General Sir James Outran),
K.C.8., in testimony of the signal services rendered by him
in suppressing mutiny and rebellion in the East Indies, and
in admiration of his high personal and public character,
exemplified through a long period of military service in the
East, as a brave, skilful, and patriotic soldier."
THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON AS A FARMER.--011
Saturday the Emperor of the French, accompanied by Mar-
shal Canrobert, Generals Ney and Fleury, and sever
.
other officers, went to visit the farms of Bollix, Vtulenay,
Cuperly Suippes, and Jonchery, which have bcen formed
within the last four months by his orders. He expressed
great satisfaction at the rapidity with which
allthe works
had been executed. In addition to the barns and buildings
persons engaged on these
for the accommodation of the
farms, each of the establishments has sheds for 1
ready 00 cows
and 1,200 sheep, and stableinrignafno,r
a2nOdhso_ rse s ; and al
400 cows of the Breton, wiss breeds, more
G
than 3,000 sheep, with a number of English rams, and 30
fine breeding mares, have been collected there. Eve other
similar farms have been planned out, and will be completed
in 1859. The establishment of these farms will be of great
benefit for the country, by transforming land, which hps
been bithert9 wate, into productive pritaertr.