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.)

    7/28
    AN INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. Gentlemen: Although I have had some experience as a lecturer, I still find it impossible to enter upon the responsible duties of a course of public instruction, without deep solicitude. And my emotion is heightened, doubtless, by the fact that I am about to engage in the discussion of subjects which, involve the life of woman, and the development of her interesting progeny. We stand in the relation of preceptor and pupil. My duty is to communicate knowledge. Yours is to receive it. We stand, also, I trust, in the relation of mutual friends. The task before me would be irksome indeed, were it not that I expect to be encouraged by the kindly feelings of those around me. I propose to teach you the science of Midwifery, and the treatment of the diseases of women and children; and it is usual, on occasions like the present, to intro- duce to the audience the topics to be embraced in the course, and to recommend them to their favour. But as this is an interesting crisis in our professional concerns, I will venture to leave the routine path, and endeavour to give you enlarged views of your duties and interests, in the great field of medical science which you are about to enter. Crowded as the profession now is, with gentlemen distinguished for their classical, scientific, and literary attainments, no one can hope to do honour to himself or