Observations on the present state of medical education : with suggestions for its improvement / by James Syme.

  • Syme, James, 1799-1870.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the present state of medical education : with suggestions for its improvement / by James Syme. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/24 (page 15)
    devote all the talent lie possesses to the subject of his tuition, and cultivate it to the utmost of his power, so as to take a position among fellow-labourers in the same field, that may command respect for the opinions which he expresses. But, in addressing his pupils, he should entirely forget himself, and think only of the wants it is his duty to supply. It is to be feared that all teachers do not pursue this course, and that some of them, making the duties of instruction subservient to the gratification of their own self-esteem, or the in¬ dulgence of peculiar fancies, not only misspend the time of their pupils, but withdraw their attention from the true path that leads to eminence. Having now endeavoured to explain the evils which result from a redundant multiplicity of classes, the present system of examinations, and the erroneous conduct of teachers, I may say a few words with re¬ gard to the means that might be employed for remedy¬ ing these imperfections. In the first place, I think it should be made quite imperative to pass the examina¬ tion for preliminary qualification before commencing the strictly professional course; secondly, I would pro¬ hibit this course from being commenced before a certain age ; thirdly, I would require three or four years’ study in some school or schools possessing a large hospital with ample means for practical anatomy; fourthly, I would require attendance upon all the classes that seemed really necessary; and, fifthly, I would demand from every candidate for a diploma or degree a certifi-