The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-03-11


in classes and each presented by the President with his
diploma.
Professor G. s BEDFORD then forward and deliv-
cred address to them that agreeable duty devovng
upon him. In behalf of his colleagues aud himself he
hearty welcome to the ranks OF profession sacred in its
character and phlanthropc in its object The medical
science of this day he sd) supertructure raised
upon the principles laid down by Ippocrates himself aud
having connection with the transcendental novelties
of sophists and dreamers They the graduates) were
looked as connecting link between the present and
the future The relation pupil and teacher longer
existed They had become equal TO their teachers rs ex
pressed by the words OF the document 1t had been
their ambition to receive This had not been received
without great exerton and sacrihce and he was happy
to that the examinations had been most graft
flying to him and his colleagues and most crcdtabe to
them Che pupils) By the endaon OF the Facul-
y they had been awarded the highest honor the Unyer
sly could afford and were now 10y law ana proiel
the guardians of the health and lives of their fel
low citizens The duties were responsible and fcars
full they had but just entered into contract,
and it for them, hereafter. to show they
had preserved it nyiolable lie would guard them
phatieay against the idea that with their degree they
had obtained all that valuable in medicine If they
wished for fame, reputation they must labor with in
ccssan DEVOTION and not lagaId 1t was necessary
to bring into active operation energy ofthc mind The
profession OF knowledge beneyoence and good
will and battlceids filled with records OF its
glory lie then con'rasted the humble yet heroic Efforts
of the physician amid contagon and disease, with the
more glowing aud dazzling exploits OF the warrior the
public, he continued knew little OF the SACRIFICES which
they underwent in attaining their profession Could
they view them progressing through the dark vista of
sickness. and terminating in the carncl house where.
from amongst the dead they gained their knowledge for
the benefit vi the living they would better appreciate it.
lie combated the idea strangely prevalent that the study
Ct medicine weakened the mind and led to. induced
infdclity. On the contrary, the study of anatomy.
which disclosed the structure Of the wonderful
Of the human body which bore the impress OF God himself
complicated yet peril CT was fun OF evidence OF inn
mite wisdom. and fortified the Christian mind pointed
out the taacies Of ophsts and absurd drcamers and
disposed them to excaim, The finger OF wisdom is, in
decd, here He exiured them to that laudabe ambitions
which should teach them TO aspire 10 honor and dstlnc
tioLas otherwise they would become mere routnists
administering drugs; like petty traders counting their
money mechanically. This not an age for mental
slunber the locomotive in physical science was cmble
NAUTICAL If the strides made in chemistry and physiology
In the practical application to their procession their phi
lanthroIy should embrace the whole human family. and
induce appreciate the labors their brethren
and all professional strife the encounter of mind
and mind should be discountonalced. Reputation
Of slow growth and they should not be dspred if years
OF unrng toll were necessary to attain it, On the sub
ject OF medical consultations he made strong
teal remarks condemnng the practice mot among
the improbable events of te) OF always
ted the system The patient he said entitled to he
grattod in his wish. and really scientific
would be glad of the opportunity of consulting any other
OF standing and reputation and proud to explain the
treatment he had adopted. lie also inculcated the
cessty Of gentemany and ubane demeanor 10 patients
and sympathy with relatives and friends but wthal
promptness and decision in the hour of danger lie
tered into their feelings Of hope and dependency and
encouraged those WHO We're struggling with poverty by
the assurance that of the most eminent had such
difficulties to contend with great field lay before them
for in medicine, in philosophy the aures not all
Dut mucn remained OF 10 tnelr
toisome search after truth He congratulated them on
the prospect of their speedy return home to those friends
who had been anxiouy awaiting the result of this cr
cal event in their lives He could not let the opportunity
pass without tribute to their late instructor, DR.. Ran
dial Sharp Patterson whom nexorae Death had snatched
from among them lamentcd by all. In conclusion those
who had met day after day about part and
connections to be formed They about to perform
their part i'll the great drama Of life Their and
reputation would bring honor to their Alma Mater; she
sent them forth with hope that they would do her ho
nor, and become part of her history.
The address listened to with greet attention and at
its close was much applauded. benedction having
been pronounced the auditory dispersed