Lecture introductory to a course on obstetrics and the diseases of women and children : delievered April 10th, 1848 / by William Harris ; published by the class.

  • Harris, William, 1792-1861.
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Lecture introductory to a course on obstetrics and the diseases of women and children : delievered April 10th, 1848 / by William Harris ; published by the class. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    hence the necessity of a familiar acquaintance with their language, in order to become intimate with their medi- cal literature. And while I contend that a knowledge of the ancient and modern languages is of inestimable value to the learned physician, I have no disposition to depreciate the advantages to be derived from an acquaintance with mathematics, natural philosophy, chemistry, En- glish literature, moral philosophy, or any of the other branches of learning included in a collegiate education. These are all elements of an enlarged and liberal edu- cation, and constitute the appropriate materials for the groundwork of medical philosophy. Although I have no reason for the apprehension, yet it may be that there are some among my audience who have not received the thorough preparatory education which has just been indicated, as of essential value to the medical scholar, and who feel, therefore, discouraged at the threshold of their professional education. To such I would speak encouragingly, and say, that with good talents, close application, and a generous love for our noble and beneficent calling, you have no reason to feel disheartened. But let me enjoin it upon you, im- mediately after you have obtained your medical diplo- ma, and have entered on the practice of your profession, to secure the aid of a private tutor, or study as your taste and circumstances may permit, the classics, mo- dern languages, and such other branches of education as you have heretofore neglected. By this course, you will retrieve past losses, and ultimately secure the ad- vantages of a full academic curriculum. We have in our profession many illustrious examples, in whom such a course of study led to the highest dis- tinction. The late Dr. Joseph Parrish, one of the most respect- able and extensive practitioners of the city of Philadel- 2