The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-03-16
MEDlcAL CoMMENcxxrNr-pR. Morris AppRsss.


The annual Commeaceme of the Medical Class
OF the New York University took place yesterday at
The University Chapel As is usual upon such occa-
sons, the ceremony Of graduation was imposing.
Chancellor Frelinghuysen presided, aided by Doc
tors Mott Pattinson, and other officers of the Uni
versty who had their seats upon the platform. The
main body of the house was filled with the students
OF the University, while the galleries were overflow
ing with the beauty and fashion of the city, together
with many strangers from abroad.
After the usual preliminary exercises, Chancellor
Frelinghuysen proceeded to admit the medical
class to the degree of "Doctors of Medicine The
class is fifty nine in NUMBER and fine, substantial
set offelows they are. to all outward appearance,
and we doubt not their scientific qualifications will
do them equal credit with appearance.
The most amusing part of all Commencement Is
the mode and manner in which the graduate re-
ceives his diploma from the hands of the Chan
celor, or President, and the peculiar expression of
countenance which he exhibits as he leaves the plat
form with the diploma In his hand. 1t is for this d.
ploma that he has, for many years, pored over the
ancient classics-vexed his soul with the mechanics,
and consumed his midnight oil in all the multiplied
branches Of a course of education And when at
last he reaches this pole star of all his college hopes
and ASPIRATIONS and actually lays his hand upon the
endorsement of his scholarship, he feels queer, or
rather feels glad, and looks queer Conceal his emo
tons he cannot; but it would be undgnifed to smile
and equally incensonant to look solemn, so that in
a violent and desperate effort to obey the classic
maxim,
In medic tutissim,ss ibis,
it is ten to one that he looks very funny. We have
seen host of graduates receive their diplomas, and
never yet failed to notice this circumstance.
After the class had received their diplomas. and
the mellow air from the band of Home, sweet
home. >" had reminded them Of other days and other
scenes, DR.. Mott took the desk and proceeded to
deliver the customary address to the graduating
class. 1t was replete with sound sense, and practi-
cal instruction, and peculiarly adapted to the new
sphere of life into which these young Medicnm
Doctores" are emerging. The following is brief
abstract of the important topics touched upon by
the learned Professor -
The address commenced with the usual congratu-
lations to the class, upon arriving athis
ment OF their public professional career Numerous
practical remarks and cautions were given TO guide
them They were reminded of the high trusts and
responsibilities now about to devove upon them in
the exercise of the medical art And here Professor
Mott called their attention especially to the import
ance OF bedside instruction. and reminded them that
med cal cniques had their origin in this University
and are spreading throughoutthe country. He
also reminded them of the long course of study yet
perfection. Too much confidence in their ability to
discharge their high duties was to be carefully avoid
ed, and becoming modesty 10 be cultivated. They
were advised to adopt the practice OF noting down
their clinical observations, and making clear CON-
ments and observations upon every case that comes
up In the first years OF their practice they would
have abundance of time to devote to the contn-
uance OF their studies in medical science and they
tt,a
ed in the profession had made comparatively but
feeble attainmentsl All new theories, howeverwid,
and revoutionizlng, were to be carefully examined
before rejection, as il is impossible they can ever
overthrow the great landmarks OF nature. Still no
new theories were to be received without invesga-
ton.
In the next place, Dr. Mott called attention to the
to adhere strictly to the old adage Honesty is the
best policy" Adhere strictly to truth. Adept a
frank and manly candor on all occasions, especially
towards brethren OF the profession Avoid all in
trlgues, secret societies. clques, and coteries.-
These are the men, who, although they may keep
within the letter of their diplomas, yet they fight un
der false and piratical colors. They are maign sp
rlts-watchtnl rivals and must be carefully avoided
In the next place the professor adverted TO the SUBJ
ject OF religion, and the great and mOmenrous obi
cations which it especially imposed upon them
Seek the guidance of Providence, and then his pro
the duties of religion, and It's ue in every trying
hour, was very happy and effective. And especial.
ly necessary was II for them to be able to admins.
ter its consultations and its hopes at the bedside of
the dying, the poor, the degraded, and the wretch
ed. No matter what the church or denomina
ton to which they may co. there is still church
and one chapel where all worship, and that is IN
ones own BOSOM Medicine may heal or alleviate
the pains and diseases oil the body, but it requires
the virtues of religion to heal the wounded spirit
Then Dr. Mott gave them his valedctory, and clos.
ed his address. The band struck up Yankee Doodle,
and the audience departed, highly gratiied.