Introductory Addresses Delivered at the Medical Schools
Authors: J. Crichton-Browne
Journal: BMJ (1891)

LADIES ANI) GENTLE-MEN, AMy ready acceptance of the lonouring insvitation given to me by the teaching staff of the medical departmenit of the Yorkshire College to deliver an address to students and others at the opening of a new session was followed by an intimation that I was at liberty to choose iniy own subject, and I therefore stand before you to-day in the enjoyment of a glorious freedom wlhich I find almost more embarrassing than the narrowest restrictions could have been.I pause dubiously before venturing forthl on any one of the many excursions suggested by the occasion and the auclien-ce that temnpt me on every side.Bu't the very freedomn accorded to me iniposes oIn me a special obligation, to have regard to the traditions and customs of an occasion like the present, and, bearing in mind the purpose with which in- augural addresses of this kind were originally instituted, I must first say a few words of welcome to tllose who to-day begin or, at several stages of advancement, renew their medical studies, and stand in the vestibule of that profession wllich I lhave myself inhabited with pride and satisfaction for upwards of a quarter of a century.On many platforms this afternoon suchl words of welcome are being spoken.In maniy medical lhalls, for many years past, they have echoed anniually on this day, but repetition can never reduce them to mere empty formalities, or rob them of a deep significance, for they express an emotion which spriings perennial in the humail breast, aiid wvlhichl, like all genuiine emotion, gives vital freslhness to the most threadbare phraseology-an emo- tioII of generous sympathy with youtlh as it buckles on its airmour and prepares itself for tIme battle of life.I trust, therefore, that tlhe students who are assembled here will be- lieve that wlheni, on behalf of their teachers, I greet tlhem on the tlhreslhold of a new session.I participate in some measure in their owni highi hlopes, anld wishl tllem with the uitmost cor(diality all wo()rthy success in the career of anxious and strenuous, but noble, toil upon whiclh they are about to enter.AVe are ofteni told in these days---and truly told-that the medical professioni in this country is overstocked, and that tlhe struggle for existence amongst its members is growing in keeinness and severity; and we should be cautious, therefore, in lholding,, out induceients which may tend to swell the crowd that is pressing into it.But I am speaking now to those wlho have already joiined that crowd and committed tihemselves to a medical career; anid to them I can unhesi- tatingly offer iiiy congratulations on their choice of a calling, wlhichl with all its drawbacks is singularly interesting and attractive, and confers an exceeding great reward-not rank or riches, or vulgar notoriety, but enlightenment and useful- ness, aind the consciousness of good work well done ill the service of nmani-on all whlVo with natural aptitude diligently seek it.But natural aptitude and diligence are alike neces- sary in order that the medical profession, and, indeed, any profession, may be followed withl success; and most of thme failures in life wlich we see around us are due to the lack of onie or other of these; and it is the absence of natural aptitude that is perhaps oftenest at the root of the evil, for dili- gence can scarcely be expected in those who have somehow been set to work for whlich they have neither heart nor talent, I F] 601