Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-12-06

SO full of fearful dreams, of ugly sights,
That, as EN- christian, faithful man,
would not spend another such night
though 'twere TO buy world ofhappy days;
So full Of dismal was the time.
RICHARD Ill.
Many years ago, before the facilities
for professional education were as great
in this country as they are at present, !
was pursuing my medical studies at one
of the Universities on the continent OF
Europe. Subjects for dissection were
atthat time obtained with considerable
difficulty from the hospitals on account
of an excited stale of public opinion ON
The subject, similar 10 that which has
since frequently prevailed in different
parts OF the country; consequently, when
ever, after world of trouble, we obtain
ed any bodies for the ampitheatre, we
were compelled to observe the strictcst
secresy among ourselves, and to wa:ch
them wiihthe greatest caution, TO prevent
the discovery of the fact, or an attempt
TO rescue in case of such discovery.
The exhibitors of anatomy, who were
usually young medical men who had re-
ceived their diplomas, but who continu-
ed their connection with the institution
for further prosecution of their studies,
were charged in turn with the duty Of
watching the bodies. 1t happened one
evening that one Of these young gentle.
men, with whom l was intimate at the
time, was appointed TO spend the night
in the exercise Of this unenvIable prerog-
alive. This was particularly annoying
10 him, as he had received an invitation
so ball for that evening and was anx-
ious 10 attend it. may here remark,
en- passanf, that the most unaccountable
prejudice which now prevails in France
and Italy against medical men, and which
particularly lnthe latter country, excludes
them as a class from minging other
wise than professionally with refined So
ciety, did not then exist in the town
where the institution to which belong
ed was situated. The young physi-
clans enjoy ed equal social privileges
with the educated man of any other
profession.
To return. My friend Ian ented his
lill luck in my presence, with free out
pouring of his regret that he had not
sheen able 10 find substitute to take his
place in the dissecling room, and rcmar-
ked in banterlng way that were il not
flor my youth and timidity he should ask
;the favor from me. must confess
had no particular ambition in that way,
but yet felt still less disposed TO be
tainted with an unmanly weakness of
nerve, real or supposed; and accord
lingly volunteered, with most excellent
grace, TO exchange my snug chambers
and comfortable bed for solitary watch
with the dead.
About nine o'clock my friend, after
having dressed himself elaborately for
The expected entertainment, called at my
room to accompany me 10 The amphithea-
tle.
Ii was a cold, cherries autumn even
ing. The atmosphere had all the asper-
ity of winter without its brscing elastici-
". Such as it was il had been for the
last three or iour days-a heavy, steady
rain, interrupted from time TO tiiAe with
gusty showers, accompanied with occa-
sionai thunder, which cheated you into
the belief that the storm was about to
break up, but which gradually sofiencd
down into the same monotonous drip
ping. Of all possible weather it was
precisely that which requires the most
cheerful associations to keep the spirits
in tune. A good fire, a pipe, and room
full! of jolly companions, were the only
possible non-conducio-s TO the gloomy
influence Of outdoor things. | mus,
confess that as stepped into the carriage
with my friend my heart rather failed
me, rejecting upon the unpromising aus
pices under which had volunteered for
SO unenliyening an undertaking.
The disseciing amphitheatre, as is us
ually the case, was situated in the upper
story Of the building. II was only
lighted by skylight from above. there
being no lateral windows. A cheerful
wood fire was burning on the hearth as
we entered. The subjects, which were
five in number, were laying on an ordi-
nary disseciing table. Two placed side
by side constituted the first stratum; two
others were in like manner placed upon
these, and the fifth body upon The last,
forming, as il were, the apex of the pyr-
amid. Drawing up our chairs to the
fire, we remained for some time chatting
upon different topics-I, at least, making
an effort to keep up an animated con.
versa,ion, in order to cheat my compan-
ion out OF the longest possible time be-
fore he left me for the night.
AT length church clock in the neigh.
borhood struck ten, and my friend
springing up, said that he must be of
immediately. Iplead for another hal
hour of his company, urging the impro
priety of his going to large BAH at 81
unreasonable an hour. 1t was of no use
He perceived easily enough that my rea
motive for wishing to detain him was o
more selfish character; and sort o
waggish righteousness was sufficien
incentive on his part, il he had no o:he
to render him callous TO my request