An introductory lecture delivered in the hall of the medical department of the St. Louis University, November 4th, 1845 / by M.L. Linton.

  • Linton, M. L. (Moses L.), 1808-1872.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture delivered in the hall of the medical department of the St. Louis University, November 4th, 1845 / by M.L. Linton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    [14] act or not to act; to do or not to do; that is, there is something, not endowed with the properties, nor subject to the laws of matter, conse- quently, something more than matter; something immaterial. That the action of matter is fated and necessary, is a first truth; that there is a principle in man which renders a portion of his actions free and unne- cessitated, is also £ first truth; a truth upon which, all laws, human and divine are founded : neither Cod norman, would punish or reward for actions which like those of matter are the result of irresistible force. Punishment is decreed for those bad acts which their perpetrators had the power to avoid, rewards for those good acts which might have been left undone. The very existence of virtue and vice depends on the power of choosing, which matter docs not possess. To say that man is but matter, is to say that virtue and vice, right and wrong, are unmeaning terms. I can see no sophistry in this argument. It rests on those first truths, which men have instinctively acted on.in all ages, and are recognized alike by saint, savage and sage ; truths proclaimed by the voice of the people, of God, of philosophy. To destroy them, would be to sink the moral universe to darkness and chaos. .But they are inde- structible, grafted as they are in the constitution of nature, and the phi- losopher as well as the poet and christian can address the Great First Cause; and exclaim, Thou u pwest me in this dark estat« To see the good from ill. And binding nature fast in fate Left free the human will. To return from this digression; I have attempted to point out to the student of medicine, the nature and character of the subjects which are to engage his attention not only during a brief session of lour months, but during his life. I have no arbitrary rules to present, the observance of which is to ensure his success in the career before him. To him who wrould be successful, high and firm resolves are necessary. The student must first of all resolveto succeed. This resolution, this fixed and determin- ned will., will ensure a course of study and conduct, which cannot fail of success ; show me the student that possesses this will—this interior force, and I will prophecy his future usefulness and fame. On the other hand, show me the student with all the advantages ofwealthanda /brew/educa- tion who has it not, and I will predict his downward destiny. The will, the will, is the only sine qua non to professional renown. It was this which raised Velpeaii from ignorance, arid poverty, and obscurity, to the highest pinnacle of fame. The unquenchable resolution burned in his bosom ; no means for obtaining knowledge Mere left unemployed, lie gradually emerges from bis lowly home and wends his Way to the capital of th'c scientific world. Difficulties apparently insurmountable recede before the young and unknown conqueror, lie reaches Paris, his untiring industry is observed; his energy appreciated; the indomitable will works its way j the smile of encouragement beams on him ; the hand