Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-02-02
THE MEDICAL COLLEGE.
OPENING EXERCISES OF THE AN
NUAL COURSE HELD THURSDAY.
Add ress by DIR. j. n. Jenno of St. Aibann
Remarks bv President Buck ham
Large Number OF st udcnts Matriculated
The Entrance Examinations,

liminarY examinations, longer term ana
changes in tho curriculum would result in
smaller class than usual, but indications do
not now point that way. No less than l2O
students lave already matricuIated, which
means class of about 200. lnasmuch as
the real work of the term did
not begin until Monday many of last
years. students had not returned, but
there were over 100 in the amphitheatre
Thursday afternoon. The entraace of Presi-
dent Buck ham, Drs. Grinnoil, WOODWARD,
jackson, Wheuler Tnkham, McSweeney,
Briggs, Prime and Burdick, with Hon.
Henry Ballard, was the signal for a round
of applause. President Buckham introduced
DR.. j. n. JENNIE Of st. Adams, who de-
livered the customary opening address.
DIR. JENNE's ADDRESS.
The speaker began with few words ex-
pressive Of friendly interest in the step bis
hearers we're taking in choosing a life voca-
ton and went on to epeak of the induce
ments, rewards, reguir emeuts for success
and causes oil failure In the medical profess
sion.
In order to study and practice medicine
properly we must have the proper respect
Tor it; and in order to have the proper re
spect for it we must believe in it. But it
| will not suffice that the physician be con-
WINGED Of the utility OF the medicine he pre-
scribes, for it i, also advantageous to the
success OF the treatment that the patient
shall share his confidence i'll 1t. Lack Of in
tuitive knowledge, lack of ability, lack OF
| training and culture, lack of application
and lack of tact or professional sagacity are
among the fruitful sources of failure in the
profession. All professions are full OF mis-
fits and while it requires great courage for
one to change his vocation after once
getting settled in it, it would be bet
ter for many to do so, not only
for themselves but for society. Applica-
ton is prerequisite to success in all pro-
| fessional life. In America and III this ago
OF competition it has come to pass that
only tho thorough, conscientious plodders
are found at the front. A certain amount
of tact and bushes, sagacity is as necessary
to the physician as the mariners compass
to the navigator. IL is fact
that the selection OF vocation
or profession is frequently governed
by chance rather than choice. But once
he has selected it the manner in which it is
followed is neither governed nor controlled
by chance, but by the energy and devotion
with which he pursuss il. The young man
who is governed by high moral principles
| in his conduct with his fello wmen and who
has ayailed himself of the best preparation
for his life work that his opportunities at
forded, a ndwho gives treiess attention to
his business is bound to succeed.
1t will not be givon TO many of you to
accumulate great fortunes or to acquire
great fame. The compensation is rath-
er in the influence and position ac-
corded your culture and training and
in the inspiration of Independence
which comes of earning living md q
meritod position in society. The only real
and lasting happiness is in the pursuit of a
worthy object rather than i'll the fact &C
complshed.
The early years OF mans professional
career are years of opportunity and years
of danger. They will serve as fairly cor
rect index to his future possibilities. The
weak hearted and lazy will have fallen out,
but the man with courage, who has, with
enthusiasm and persistence, inteIligently
pursued his way, will be found not to have
failed. You will he called upon TO defend
the profession against the charges
of charlatans and imposters, against
whom it has waSed ceaseIes.
warfare in defencs of its code and its honor.
The history Of civilization is the history oil
medicine. 1t is the barometer of the cul-
ture and intelligence OF a country. In the
progress of tho sciences Of the century that
of medicine has kept the pace. In former
times physicians were content to work with
in the lines which then defined this science,
''to alleviate suffering and to the cure Of
disease" Now, it is, first, the prevention
OF disease end its cure, after that the ale
WAITING of suffering and the correcting o.
deformities.
Not little Of romance may be found il
the life Of a good physician. He is thu
centre Of social life, the spirit Of the fiesta
board, the genial host, the welcomed guest
In the hours of trial hc inspires hope anl
cheer by his abiding faith in the inscrutabls
Him. He is tho confidaut OF lovers the ar
bitrator Of their woes. He is tho autocra
who rules his willing subjects with love
the faithful confdant, the genial friend
Tho personality and habits OF the doctor
his disposition and character, contribute
largely to his success or failure, Faveret
brains and aching bones can have little in
terest in tho boastsd achievements of
braggert doctor. But in the prescncs @
o calm, clear and cultured mind the pa
, tient sufferer takes hope. He feels tina
, the intensified intelligence OF sympathst
, ic doctor will surely aid him. The poten
TALLY OF the DOCTORS powders is intensi
; fled by the inspiring magnetism OF hi
personality; he Is welcomed with faith
blessings follow his departure. He exor-
cises despair aud is tho victor over death
President Buckham added a few words
He referred to some Of the suggestions mad
by DR.. Jenne, and pc nted out tho valu
of some fixed purpose. He believed tina
n enthusiasm and respect for one's profession
4 was necessary to success. The doctor VIII
l thinks he knows erythipg docs not com
: mand tho respect that falls to the one VIII
= Ia modest and always willing to learn
7 mss have changed in this respect. Tn
increasing confidence of the medical pre-
fession in science is a hopeful sign. Presi
dent Buckham said he always felt like con
l. graduating a body of young men becaus
II II OF the opportunities which the future aiforC
:, ed them.
- DR.. Grinnell made announcement of Il!
a examination and lectures, bringing the CT
80 ercisos to close.
J. About fifteen students took the entranc
IT examination to the medical department
a. the u. V. NJ. Saturday before Principal
, ". Landon at the High school building.
:, Tho Plain Truth
4