The advantage of this would be, that, if by mutual concessions an understanding could be come to, they could approach the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons as one body, united to obtain a bill for the general benefit of the profession. It was already known that the College of Physicians approved of the measure; he hoped that the College of Surgeons would listen favourably to their requirements; and such unanimity on all sides would greatly enhance the favourable opinion which the Home Secretary was disposed to entertain of the measure; in fact, it had been stated, that if it could be presented to Mr. Walpole under such circumstances, it would be adopted as a Government measure. He would urge the Committee to push forward to such a consummation; and in the hope that, ere long, this long-agitated, and most important measure, would be honourably and satisfactorily arranged by legislative enactment, he would conclude by seconding the nomination of the Committee proposed by Dr. Robertson, to carry out the Draft Bill of the Central Council. (Cheers.)

MR. G. HASTINGS (barrister, London) then entered into a luminous explanation of the measure. He pointed out the necessity of mutual concessions being made by the different bodies; and mentioned that there now seemed an anxious wish on their part to accommodate all differences. He was sorry to say that the Scottish Corporations had intimated their intention to oppose the bill this he regretted, as the obtaining of a reciprocity of privileges by qualified men in the two kingdoms might in this way be for a time delayed: but, as the profession in England had clearly no right to meddle with the affairs of their brethren in Scotland, except with their consent, he advised that the Association should authorise the proposed committee to strike out everything relating to Scotland. (Hear, hear.) He had no doubt that in a short time the profession in Scotland would be organised and speak out: and their voice might be in unison with that of the Provincial Association, and opposed to that of the Scottish Corporations. The Irish Corporations had not as yet objected to the bill; but they might feel the same jealousy as the similar bodies of Scotland. For that and other reasons, it would be safer to erase such clauses as affected Ireland; and thus the measure would be one with which the profession in England was alone concerned. Mr. Hastings stated, that if the profession in England generally united in favour of this bill, the Secretary of State for Home Affairs (whether Mr. Walpole or Sir George Grey) would gladly carry it through: both gentlemen had said so. Sir George Grey had carefully studied, and thoroughly understood the whole subject of medical reform; and he was most desirous to assist the profession in carrying a good measure. As to the feeling in the House of Commons, he had no hesitation in saying that, generally speaking, members were thoroughly sick of the subject (laughter); but, for this very reason, they would gladly pass any measure which was likely to terminate the hitherto endless succession of Medical Reform Bills. He believed that twenty draughts had already been submitted to the legislature: and they had all failed through the disunion of the profession. If this bill met with a similar fate, no fresh attempt was likely to be made for many years.

A MEMBER (whose name we did not ascertain) objected to the constitution of the Council, as being one which did not adequately represent the general practitioners. He trusted that the Committee to be appointed would endeavour to ameliorate the constitution of the Council in this respect.

MR. WALLACE (Mayor of Winchester) did not think that in the account of the negociations described by Mr. Hastings, any notice had been taken of the Society of Apothecaries-a body which had done more than any other to improve the status and education of the profession. They not only insisted on a good acquaintance with medicine, surgery, and midwifery; but now they were requiring a sound previous education from young men entering upon medical studies. For these reasons the Apothecaries' Society ought not to be slighted: they had been great benefactors of the profession and of the public. The 49

VOL. IV.

idea of an "inferiority" pertaining to a general practitioner was not now so much heard of, but still it was sometimes insinuated. The army and navy surgeons were general practitioners: the surgeons of the provincial hospitals of England were mostly all general practitioners: and who would venture to say that among these classes there were not many surgeons as skilful and as scientific as any that the metropolis can boast of? He had been for forty years a surgeon to a provincial hospital, and he was not ashamed to say, that he was also a general practitioner.

MR. STEDMAN (of Guildford) also regretted that there had been no communication between the Council of the Association and the Apothecaries' Society: he thought that a communication should also have been opened up with that great body of associated practitioners known as "the Institute”. This influential combination had been driven by the unyielding obstinacy of the College of Surgeons to agitate for a third incorporation-an incorporation of general practitioners; but the College of Surgeons had now made great concessions, and he thought he might say-although he could not say so officially-that the Institute party, to whom he belonged, was now ready to hold out a helping hand to the Provincial Association, and cooperate with it in carrying such a measure as might appear best calculated to benefit the profession and society. (Cheers.)

MR. HASTINGS begged to be allowed to make a communication which would at once set at rest a misconception which the observations of the last speakers were calculated to originate. The Society of Apothecaries had been communicated with, and that too in the very words which were addressed to the two London Colleges; but the Society had not taken up the subject. The Institute had also been communicated with, but their reply was, that "they. would oppose the bill, as their wish was to have the general practitioners united in a third corporation." The recent and liberal changes in the College of Surgeons had now, in a great measure, conciliated the Institute; but his object in rising was to state to the meeting that the Society of Apothecaries and the Institute had been treated with that respect to which they were entitled. (Applause.)..

MR. BOWLING (of Hammersmith) regretted that in the bill there was no provision for examinations in midwifery. He thought that there were more lives unnecessarily lost in that branch of the profession than in any other. Some stringent statutory regulations were required to ensure to the public proper obstetric education.

The REV. DR. BELL said that though the practice of medicine was no longer his occupation, and though he had assumed a still more sacred calling (cheers), yet he was proud to continue to be a member of this Association, and had always much pleasure in participating with his medical brethren in the advantages of these annual meetings. (Cheers.) Many years ago he had advocated changes not very different from those which were now so likely to be harmoniously carried out. He did not, however, like to trust all the details to any committee; and he would wish to add to the motion a clause directing the proposed Committee to convene a special meeting of the Association to consider their amended edition of the bill.

After some debate it was at last agreed (on the suggestion of Sir Charles Hastings) that the Committee should be instructed to communicate their amended bill to the Central Council, by whom, if the alterations involved great changes, a special meeting of the Association was to be called. This arrangement gave general satisfaction, and terminated a discussion, which at first seemed likely to occupy a long time.

MR. LORD (of Hampstead) eloquently insisted upon the claims which general practitioners had upon society. Their position was not an inferior one : inferiority was the result only of misconduct and ignorance, and these might as easily degrade the pure physician and the pure surgeon as the general practitioner. He feared the representative system had been too much lost

sight of in the bill; but if a good committee were appointed, he pledged himself to be contented with what they did, even though he felt that the Bill might not give all that was required by the profession. (Cheers.)

MR. HUNT (of London) wished to hear the names of the proposed Committee.

The CHAIRMAN (after some discussion) thought that the best course would be to put the original motion; but if Mr. Hunt pressed an amendment, he would of course take the sense of the meeting upon it.

MR. HUNT stated that he did not wish to put his suggestion as an amendment.

The motion of Dr. Robertson was then carried by an overwhelming majority.

MR. PROPERT (of London) moved that the following gentlemen do constitute the Committee to take charge of the bill:-Dr. Robertson, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Walsh (of Worcester), Mr. Bree (of Stowmarket), Mr. Noble, Mr. Bottomley (of Croydon).

MR. NUNNELEY (of Leeds) seconded this motion; which was unanimously carried.

It was then moved and seconded, that Mr. Propert and Mr. Nunneley be added to the committee. Mr. Nunneley's name was added, with his consent; but Mr. Propert having excused himself from acting, in consequence of the great demands upon his time in connexion with the Medical College, the name of Dr. Webster (of Dulwich) was substituted for his.

DR. EDWARDS moved that the thanks of the Association be given to the son of Sir Charles, Mr. Hastings, of London, for his talented and judicious exertions on behalf of the Association in the cause of medical reform. The bill was ably drawn up, and had been most lucidly explained to them. This proposal was received with much enthusiasm, and was unanimously carried: whereupon the chairman thanked Mr. Hastings in the name of the Association.

THE ADDRESS IN MEDICINE was delivered by Dr. M. EASON WILKINSON, of Manchester. The subject chosen was Scrofula.

THE ADDRESS IN SURGERY was delivered by J. T. HESTER, Esq., of Oxford.

It was then determined that the next anniversary should be held at Swansea, and Dr. Whidburn was appointed president. Dr. Radclyffe Hall, of Torquay, was requested to read the address in medicine, and Mr. Prichard, of Bristol, the address in surgery, at the next meeting.

MR. HUSSEY then read a report of cases in the Radcliffe Infirmary.
MR. TOYNBEE read a paper on artificial membrana tympani.

DR. HUTCHINSON (of Derby) read a paper on the pathology of insanity. MR. HAKE (of Leeds) moved, and Mr. PAGE seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr. Hussey and other gentlemen who had made communications. Carried unanimously.

DR. FORBES WINSLOW moved, and Mr. NEWNHAM seconded, a vote of thanks to Dr. Acland for his hospitable reception of the members of the Association in the Radcliffe Library.

DR. CONOLLY moved a vote of thanks to the Vice-Chancellor and the University for their cordial reception of the Association.

The President having vacated the chair, Sir C. HASTINGS moved, and Mr. HUNT seconded, a vote of thanks to the President for the able manner in which he had conducted the proceedings of this anniversary.

DR. OGLE returned thanks. The proceedings of the Association then terminated at 5 P.M.

Many of the members attended a microscopic demonstration, by Professor Quekett, of the Royal College of Surgeons, in the Christ Church Museum.

THE DINNER AT THE TOWN HALL.

A sumptuous banquet took place on Thursday evening at the Town Hall, as a finale to the proceedings. There were 200 present. The Regius Professor of Medicine and President of the Association (Dr. Ogle) was in the chair; and among those near him were the Vice-Chancellor of the University (Dr. Plumptre); Sir Charles Hastings, M.D.; Dr. John Conolly, Dr. Jenks (late President); Sir C. Clarke, Dr. Acland, Dr. Forbes, Mr. Cæsar Hawkins (the President of the College of Surgeons); the ex-President of the College of Surgeons; the Bishop's Chaplain; William Ward, Esq., Mayor of Oxford; Mr. Alderman Spiers, Sheriff of Oxford; the Senior Proctor, the Junior Proctor; Dr. Jackson, etc, etc.

After the cloth was removed, the CHAIRMAN gave in succession "The Queen"; "Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family"; "The Bishop of Oxford and the Clergy"; the "Army and Navy". He next proposed "The Vice-Chancellor and the University Authorities" (cheers). He noticed the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and Proctors as a graceful and honouring compliment to the Association.

The VICE-CHANCELLOR rose, and was loudly cheered. It was a great pleasure to every member of the University in having an opportunity of shewing attention to such an honoured body as this Association, who had reflected honour upon the University in assembling this year at Oxford. It could hardly have been otherwise than that this University, who, always anxious to pay a compliment to those distinguished in literature and science (loud cheers)-and especially to those whose lives were devoted to the physical amelioration and improvement of mankind. The University had had the honour of enrolling among its members three distinguished men, upon whom the honorary degree of D.C.L. was conferred yesterday in the Theatre; and he trusted that the compliment which was paid to those three gentlemen would be considered in some measure as a compliment also to the whole body of the Association (cheers). He had now very great pleasure in proposing that they drink the health of Sir Charles Hastings, M.D., Dr. Forbes, and Dr. John Conolly. (Drunk with great applause.)

SIR CHARLES HASTINGS, M.D., rose to return thanks, and said:-Mr. President, Vice-Chancellor, Proctors, Members, and Friends,-I had yesterday the pleasure, in a comparatively private party, of returning my grateful thanks to the Vice-Chancellor and Proctors of this University for the very distinguished honour that was conferred upon me and upon my two friends, Dr. Forbes, and Dr. Conolly, who I see around me on this occasion. (Cheers.) On the assembling of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association in this ancient and venerated University of Oxford, I need not say that the compliment to which I have referred is one of the most distinguished compliments that can be paid to any person belonging to any profession. (Loud cheers.) I need not say that to be thus complimented is indeed a honour in such a place, where some of the most eminent statesmen, philosophers, and poets, born in this and every age since the University has existed, have received the like distinction; and, gentlemen, I need not say that this honour, received through three individuals, is a most distinguished compliment to the whole Association Sir Charles concluded an eloquent address amid vehement applause.

The CHAIRMAN then gave "The President of the College of Physicians, and the President of the College of Surgeons".

The PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF SURGEONS (Mr. C. Hawkins) returned thanks, and expressed a fervent wish that the present anniversary might prove an earnest that in future the profession would be closely combined, and that, as regarded the College of Surgeons, bygones would be bygones. (Loud cheers).

The CHAIRMAN proposed the "Mayor and Corporation."

The MAYOR briefly expressed the pleasure it afforded him in offering the

city buildings to the Association. He alluded to the importance of the medical profession, and paid a graceful compliment to the President and other resident members of the profession, remarking that they were second to none in the talent and humanity with which they ministered to the "ills that flesh is heir to." (Loud cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of Sir Charles Hastings, M.D., the founder of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association. The toast was received with enthusiasm.

Sir CHARLES HASTINGS said, this was now the twentieth time that he had risen to return thanks for the honour in drinking his health, in connection with the prosperity of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association. It was now twenty years since that great experiment was first tried-since the foundation of this great Association was laid at Worcester. It was now twenty years since in that city some of the members present-but alas! how few remained-met to form an Association for the advancement of medical science and the promotion of peace and harmony in the profession. (Loud cheers.) This was the motto on their banner, and under that banner they had prospered, and he trusted they should continue to prosper. (Cheers.) Many and great objects had engaged their attention. They had battled manfully, and they hitherto had succeeded in that battle; and now they stood in a position more proud than at any preceding anniversary. (Hear, hear, hear. They had received from this University strong and convincing proof that their exertions had been appreciated by the great, the noble, and the good. What greater reward (he said) can the exertions of good men receive, than the meed of praise of those who are capable of estimating those exertions? That we have this reward is patent and conspicuous to us all: had not the Vice-Chancellor dilated upon the importance of this Association? and are we not placed in this proud position because this Association was esteemed for what it had already done, and for what it proposed to do? (Hear, hear, hear.) Let them look at the difficulties which beset medical legislation; let them consider what had been accomplished in that respect. When we met at Worcester the medical corporations were hostile to the physicians in the provinces; but now the President of the College of Physicians, the President of the College of Surgeons, and the Master of the Apothecaries' Company, all come to our meetings, and wish us "God speed." (Great applause.) This is our triumph; let us go on prospering and to prosper. We are 1637 members united in one bond, desirous of advancing the profession, and showing that we love one another. This is true philosophy; this is Christian philanthropy ! (Hear, hear.) We will continue in this good course: the medical corporations will pull together with us in this great and grand work, until we have placed our profession on the highest pinnacle which it is destined to occupy, and which it must occupy in future and better times. (Loud and general applause.) I thank you sincerely for your kindness; and to this great and honourable and flourishing Association, all I can say is, Esto perpetua.

"The health of the President, Dr. Ogle", was then proposed by the President of the College of Surgeons.

Dr. OGLE briefly returned thanks.

Dr. JOHN CONOLLY rose and said: Mr. President and gentlemen, I have to remind you of one of the most brilliant, scientific, and hospitable entertainments ever offered to the members of this Association in any of their meetings. (Cheers.) I am quite sure that every gentleman who had last night an opportunity of being present at the conversazione at the Radcliffe Library (unbounded applause), that every one, on leaving that institution at night must have said to himself, "here at least have I passed one or two of the most intellectual, agreeable, and charming hours of my existence!" He must have felt all the better qualities of his intellect and