observe the spirit of misrule and confusion with which some of them are actuated, and the attempts that have been made, and are making, in the metropolis, to bring about feelings of hostility between the cultivators of the different branches of medicine, we cannot but feel that this is the time in which the friends of peace and harmony should declare themselves. I hope, therefore, as a Society, we shall never allow any opportunity to escape us of cultivating friendly intercourse, and of exalting, as far as we have the power, those favoured sons of science who have, by their life and conversation, shed a lustre around them, and whose example, reputation, and acquirements, are calculated not only to stimulate their brethren to exertion, but also to raise admiration of our art in the public mind.

But there may be those who, though they allow the scheme of an association for the advancement of medical science in the provinces, to be excellent in itself, do not admit that it can ever be made practically available to the furtherance of science, owing to the dearth of willing labourers to cultivate the new ground, which we are about to lay open. I feel satisfied that no one who can entertain so libellous a doubt, will venture to be present this day; but if there be any one who hesitates as to the probability of the provinces containing able writers, willing to devote themselves to the cause of our science, for the pure love of truth, and for that only, I would beg to call his attention to the publication of the Midland Medical and Surgical Reporter, which commenced in the year 1828, and of which sixteen numbers have been

published. In the prospectus of that Journal, the Editors observe, "In reflecting on the state of medical science, and on the aid which it has derived from the opportunities of observation afforded by congregating the sick in hospitals, it has often struck us with surprise, that so little should be known of the many interesting cases, that must have occurred in provincial hospitals. If, from the establishment of these institutions, faithful records of the valuable cases that have occurred in them had been handed down to us, our present limited knowledge of morbid anatomy, the only correct elucidator of disease, would have been greatly extended. We know well that great difficulties must present themselves in effecting an object so desirable as making public these instructive cases. The daily anxieties and fatigues to which those in general are subject, who have the professional care of these institutions, are such as to leave little time for literary pursuits, and appear to present an almost insurmountable barrier to such an undertaking. It is not, however, to be denied that, by zeal and industry much may be effected."

Such were the anticipations with which the Editors commenced the publication of the Midland Medical and Surgical Reporter, and many were the desponding forebodings with which the undertaking was greeted by some of their friends. But four years' experience in conducting that work, has convinced those who were engaged in it,* that provincial

I gladly avail myself of this opportunity of recording the names of my fellow Editors in this work, and of expressing my gratitude to them for their valuable assistance. They were my friends Dr. Malden, James P. Sheppard, Esq. and John Rayment, Esq. all of Worcester; Dr. Darwall, of Birmingham; and Dr. Burne, of London.

labourers are neither few nor of small value, and the knowledge of this fact was the circumstance which induced them to consider, that the more extended enterprise, on which we are this day entering, was not only feasible, but would almost certainly be crowned with success. It occurred to them that as the establishment of a Journal in the Midland Counties had been well received, and supported beyond their most sanguine expectations, there was no reason why a Society of provincial physicians and surgeons might not be formed, to elicit valuable information, and to communicate it to the public, under the title of Contributions, Memoirs, or Transactions. They were moved to this consideration by contemplating the necessity that, in the yet imperfect state of our science, exists for the further collection of facts, which, in order to be abundant, must be derived from a wide field, and from numerous contributors. But the duties and the cares of life prevent many from paying their mite into the general treasury, except where arrangements are made for exciting industry, and facilitating communication. Association ministers to these ends more effectually than any other means hitherto devised; omnes trahimur et ducimur ad cognitionis et scientiæ cupiditatem; and on this ground the proposition was made, to associate the Provincial Medical Practitioners of England, or, at least, as many as can be brought to rally round a common centre, in a comprehensive co-operating Institution, which, by collecting the results of individual experience, and bringing the energies of many minds to bear on those unsettled points which have

subjected medicine to the imputation of being a conjectural art, may contribute to redeem its character, and to give to its operations more precision and certainty.

I need not here relate how this proposition has been received by the profession at large, how gratifying this reception of it has been to those with whom the scheme originated, how honourable, truly honourable, to those who have agreed zealously to engage in this, what I must call, truly noble undertaking. Your presence here this day, stamps with your approval the general principle which is involved in our Society, and shews that at any rate, the founders of this institution did not make a wrong estimate of the desire, which exists amongst provincial medical practitioners, to advance medical science, and to promote among themselves that harmony and social feeling, which ought ever to characterise a liberal profession.

It has fallen to the lot of the humble individual who is now addressing you, to communicate, either personally or by letter, with a very large proportion of physicians, surgeons, and general practitioners, resident in different provincial towns; and in the course of those communications, there has been but one wish expressed for the prosperity of so promising an institution, and, generally speaking, a desire entertained of being enrolled amongst its members; so that we actually have this day upon our list, 150 candidates for membership.

To attempt to express the feelings of gratitude which I experience towards those numerous friends. who have, in so distinguished a manner, attended

to my applications in behalf of the Association, would be vain. I will only, therefore, declare that the impression made on my mind is such as time will not efface, and that my gratitude is too great for words to express. A committee has for some time been engaged, whose endeavour has been to take advantage of the suggestions made by our numerous correspondents, and the results of their labours have been for some time widely circulated amongst the members of the profession, in a prospectus, which recites the following as the principal objects to which the attention of the Association will be directed.

1st.--Collection of useful information, whether speculative or practical, through original essays, or reports of provincial hospitals, infirmaries, or dispensaries, or of private practice.

2nd. Increase of knowledge of the medical topography of England, through statistical, meteorological, geological, and botanical enquiries.

3rd.-Investigation of the modifications of endemic and epidemic diseases, in different situations, and at various periods, so as to trace, so far as the present imperfect state of the art will permit, their connexions with peculiarities of soil or climate, or with the localities, habits, and occupations of the people.

4th.--Advancement of medico-legal science, through succinct reports, of whatever cases may occur in provincial courts of judicature.

5th.-Maintenance of the honour and respectability of the profession, generally, in the provinces, by promoting friendly intercourse and free communication of its members; and by establishing among