Charge addressed to the graduates at the medical commencement of the Columbian College, D.C : March 11, 1829 / by James M. Staughton.

  • Staughton, James Martin, 1800-1833.
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Charge addressed to the graduates at the medical commencement of the Columbian College, D.C : March 11, 1829 / by James M. Staughton. 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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    it a solemn duty to warn you. Regarding medicine as a trade, he is supposed to know most of his profession who knows least, of other things. This idea is founded on a very limited view of the extent of Medical Science. Every branch of knowledge is rendered tributary to the exercise of his profession by the enlightened prac- tioner, and I would reject with the utmost disdain any attempt to put limits to a physician's acquirements. To your care is committed the charge of Science in general. The history of the successive ages of man- kind exhibits the fact, that by the medical profession have the sciences uniformly been fostered; under its care have they been cultivated and disseminated, and by the common consent of society it is considered their natural protector. To the poor, be kind, attentive, and compassionate. They are your best patients. A faithful attendance on them will be amply rewarded in this life, and in that which is to come. You will be entrusted by your patients with what they hold most dear, the honour and reputation of their families. You will be continually called to witness scenes of domestic distress—of family difficulties ; and while your ministry will often be effectual in composing differences, and in pouring the oil of consolation on the wounded spirit, never let what transpires pass beyond the sanctuary of your own bosom. Prudence, discretion and secrecy, are virtues of the highest order. In his celebrated oath, Hippocrates required his pupils to swear that they would never reveal any domestic scene they might witness in the course of their practice If you are thus to be trusted, if the veil of private life is thus to be elevated at your approach, have not