Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-25

give X practical form. Today, the Schoot
stands on firm ground: its function is
clearly defined. and its good work is
recognized by ALL 1t Is the excellent or
ganization under which 1t has been con-
Quoted. the careful. discriminating selec-
ton of the presidents OF the school and
Its stan OF instructors. and the untiring
watchfulness and supervision that has
been given by the surgeon general or the
navy In the development Of the course.
which have made the present high stand
Ing OF the school possible, and nnally
given 1t an unquestioned and permanent
place as an institution of the naval eS-
ia adjustment: and one contributing meal
culably to the efficiency Of the navy In
vital direction.
Tropical diseases have come to occupy
large place in naval medical experience.
and the naval surgeons sphere of prac-
tice is so frequently placed. in tropical
latitudes that now, more than ever. he
Is called upon to diagnose and treat their
contributions to human suffering. and the
development and scope of this branch OF
medicine has reached such proportions
that too much stress can scarcely be laid
upon the special need that the naval sur
geons be prepared in this important field
Of work
Special Surgical Need.
Again. while It is required that the
naval surgeon be. we'll qualified i'll all
professional branches, the science OF mill
tary and naval surgery represents spe-
cial need. Whenever an armed force OF
sailors or marines is landed. as fire.
quently happens. for they are often the
advance guard and sometimes participate
in permanent occupations. such a force
is subject to all the usual hazards Of op-
eratfons on shore, and 1t is the liability
to such duty which makes 1t necessary
that the naval surgeon shall be posted
with regard to military surgery:
differs
civil and military surgery in certain
notable respects. its distinctive features
being best represented by wounds in
ficted by naval ordnance. by burns and
scaldG. and by other injuries peculiar to
naval life and warfare, as we'll as by the
nature OF the organisation Of the medical
department to meet the emergencies in
cident to war.
tiuct in the vast science OF preventive
medicine that 1t occupies position Of I'M
usual importance among the other courses
found necessary to At the graduate In
civil medicine for the naval service:
should suggest. in this connection. that
the surgeons see to 1t that the enlisted
men are properly instructed in personal
hygiene, so that neglect may not create q
condition which disease will find an easy
prey.
Value Of Medical School.
Nowhere else In this country Is 1t pos
sible to obtain the special training de-
manded by the naval service, which is
given at the Naval Medical School. and
the work Of this institution, therefore. is
a continual and valuable benefit to the
government. The benefit of these courses.
originally intended solely for the instruc-
ton of those just entering the service,
has now been extended to those older
officers who. returning from sea service
or from duty at some isolated station. are
In need Of professional refreshment.
The winter session at this institution Is
concluded and its graduates are about to
leave for active service in various parts
OF the world, with a certificate Of which
they should feel proud.
1t is for them today to look back upon
the benefits they have derived from the
course Of instruction at this institution
during the past six months with a clear
understanding OF its value and to look
forward with a determination to utilize
the training they have received to the
full advantage Of those who come under
their care, and to the end that the per-
sonnet OF the navy may be maintained In
a constant state OF physical efficiency for
sight Of their Obligations as gentlemen.
as officers and as members OF an honor
able profession.
The Grinding Principal.
Let their guiding principle be high and
Der that it Is not the required work, but
voluntary work which a man does that
counts most in his fulhllment Of high
professional standards and makes him a
participant in the general advance to-
ward better things In the concerns Of
life.
The service Is to be congratulated upon
the educational advantages which they
have enjoyed at this school.
Let those be but the beginning of their
studies and in thus urging continued in
dividual and collective endeavor 1t Is with
the wish that they may attain every
success In the careers upon which they
are now entering.
Prof w. g. Thayer Of the Johns Hop
kins University then spoke briefly on the
career Of q naval surgeon and pointed
out the differences In conditions that the
young doctors would have to face from
the routine life Of the practitioner on
shore.
Surgeon Gen. Rixey concluded with a
few words of advice to the prospective
surgeons and wished them success in their
chosen career.
After the benediction by Bishop Harding
ho vii if ahnWn a