New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-11-15
New-Y ork Academy of Medicine-Anniver
snry Address of DR.. Joseph NJ. Smith.

The Fourth Anniversary of the New ork
Academy of Medicine was celebrated at the
Chapel of the University on Wednesday evening
The Anniversary discourse was delivered by Dr.
JOSEPH NJ. SMITH of this City. The Chapel was
well filed by an audience of ladies', gentlemen
and the members of the Academy,
Rev. Mr.. CHAMBERS offered Prayer.
The President of the Academy, Dr. Isaac
WooD, opened the exercises with few appro.
ornate remarks-introducing the Orator of the
evening.
Dr. SMITH then came forward and spoke for up
uard Of an hour. His discourse consisted OF
historical summary of the actions OF great war
rjors; and beyond the Introductory paragraphs
there was little allusion to medical matters or
medical teaching. The lecturer commenced by
saving that two thousand years had elapsed since
Medicine was recognized distinct profession
Il had sustained a high and honorable position
among the liberal pursuits, and care must con
stantiy be exercised that it be not degraded lIS
claims to the regard OF mankind must pe as eiu"!
ing as the history OF the race. Iii oruet t"'' II
should be protected IRON Innovations, It's ie ,t
bers had found it necessary to invest II win the
prerOgative OF designating those who are entitled
to the ADVANTAGES of regular organization, aho
of determining upon the qualifications OF those
who present their claims to membership IN tue
profession To this end, the New ! ork academy
of Medicine had been established OF "hiCh we
were now assembled to celebrate the Fourth An
niversarv The themes of the Anniversary dis
ronrses of former years had been admirably chosen
and ably treated. The first related to the neces-
sitv of Moral Education in Medical Institutions
the second to the INDUSTRIOUS DEFICIENCIES IN our
nresent systems Of Medical Education, and the
neglect of proper legislation on the subject. In
IL ~; Il abuur1itjps 6ud iOlilpS Ot
Quackcry were exposed and rendered transpa'
rent.
As for himself the present speaker he had
been led 10 select subject which to him seemed
apnropriate to the occasion. Mental science le-
Ultimately belongs to the domain Of Medicine
Our libraries TEEN with volumes upon the SUB
iect of Insanity. The normal phenomena OF the
human mind was topic OF general interest. Inc
development of character in the various profes
sions ofife was striking. 1t was well exempt
fled in the profession OF Arms.
The Soldier is surrounded by circumstances
which afford the greatest variety as well as lnteh
sity OF emotions W ar is a propensity OF human
nature. The same propensity exists in tae io"er
animals The feeling emanatng from this IS de-
nominated courage or bravery. lnthe lower AM.
mails. it is animal or ply steal courage. In man.
the instinct of courage assumes the aspect OF
moral and intellectual faculty. The Dr. here pro-
ceeded to heightened exposition OF the phiIoso-
phv of War bat said nothing OF medicine. lie
edyerted TO llustrious examples Of heroes and
warriors. from julius Caesar to the present age;
and made frequent illusions to incidents IN the
French mpagus-through which we VIII not
follow him The instances cited by the Dr. are
well known to every reader oil HIstory-referrn9
mainly to Napoleon's policy toward his soldiers,
and their love for him; Nelson's victory and
death and the exploits of the Duke Of Wellington
~ w atcrlO0