October 1, 1857.
Gentlemen,—We are this day assembled to inaugurate the opening of another medical session, an event of the deepest interest to us all. To many of us this day is the anniversary of our first introduction within these walls, and it speaks of the time when, like those who are now beginning their professional career, we entered on the trials of a medical life. It recalls the strange perplexity and misgiving we felt when first we mixed with those who were to be our fellow-students at the hospital, and, some at least, our friends in after life: the difficulties we had to encounter, the temptations we had to resist, the need we found for counsel and assistance. And few persons can come to a meeting like the present, and see so many young men about to enter on a race which they themselves have partially run already, without a sense of deep anxiety and heartfelt interest on their account. They cannot fail to remember that, spite of many advantages and much excellent advice, they wasted precious time which ought to have been devoted to the study of their profession or the moral culture of their minds; that they lost many opportunities of improvement, and neglected many seasons of usefulness to their fellow-creatures; and the thought excites a fervent prayer for the success and moral well-being of those who are now, as they were then, about to commence their career amid the turmoil of this great city.
And if this be true in regard to those who, like many here present, have no direct or personal interest in the welfare of our medical students, how much more must it be the case with us to whose charge these young men are committed during this, the most eventful period of their lives. It is hardly too much to say, that on the associations they form, and the tastes and habits of life they acquire, during the three short years they will pass within the precincts of St. George's Hospital, will depend, in great measure, their success in this world, and possibly their eternal happiness in the next. Our responsibilities then are great and onerous, and I trust I shall be excused if I seize this opportunity of addressing myself to those whom I have now the pleasure of welcoming as my younger professional brethren.
Gentlemen, you have already taken one of the most important steps a man can take—you have chosen your profession, and are about to commence those special studies which are to form the groundwork of your future career in life. Time was when I, too, did the same. I selected the same path and passed through the same portal as you are now about to enter, and I am sure you will bear with me, as one who has already trodden the track you have chosen, if I endeavour to point out the difficulties and dangers whereby it is beset, and offer you such advice and encouragement as experience has taught me to be wholesome and necessary.
And first, as to the nature of your adopted calling, and the motives with which it ought to be pursued. If it be true, that a profession which has for its object the saving of human life and the prevention of human suffering; which calls forth the noblest qualities of the mind, enlarges its