A lecture, introductory to the session, 1881-1882, delivered in the Royal College of Surgeons / by Rawdon Macnamara.

  • Macnamara, Rawdon.
Date:
1881
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A lecture, introductory to the session, 1881-1882, delivered in the Royal College of Surgeons / by Rawdon Macnamara. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    unrest yet tranquillized ?—Thirteen years ago I drew attention to the fact that, -whilst grateful for the Anaesthetics then at our command, we still were in search of one the employment of which would be free from all risk ; have we found it'?—Thirteen years ago I stated that operative surgery is threatened with being completely revolutionized as to its results by the Carbolic Acid treatment of Professor Lister ; has Carbohc Acid fulfilled our anticipations ?—The exhaustive statement made within the past few weeks by Dr. Cameron, M.P. for Glasgow, at our Social Science Congress, upon what may be termed the Germ theory of infectious diseases, can leave but little doubt on the minds of all those who, with his aid, have studied the question, that germs are powerful factors in the production and dissemination of dis- ease. Still it cannot be gainsaid but that the distinguished introducer of Antiseptic Surgery is himself in search of means more efficient in combating such germs than those hitherto em- ployed, and in no other way can he more effectually found his right to be yet considered a great Medical Philosopher. No, gentlemen ; that these are mountains we must all acknowledge, but it is only their bases which are yet in view. Their summits are even still enveloped in mists, which call for the warmth emanating from the sun of genius of some one or other of you, in time to come, to disperse. Gird up your loins, therefore, for the task. Be thankful that such is the case. Be thankful that it is reserved for you to complete that which has been so worthily commenced. Be thankful that you have not now to sigh, as had Alexander of old, for other worlds to conquer. Gentlemen, if there be one cry more offensive to my ears than another, it is the parrot-like persistency with which, in all dis- cussions upon medical reform, the '' selfish interests of our medical corporations is harped upon. How it may be elsewhere I know not, but indignantly do I deny that ever did such unworthy considerations for one moment weigh with those who from time to time have had the affairs of this Corporation in their hands. I freely admit that occasionally we may have been guilty of errors of judgment, but never did we permit sordid considerations to influence our action. Successive Councils have administered our affairs; of them it may be said Si monu-