On the public health : being the introductory address delivered at the opening of the Medical Session of the Queen's College, Birmingham / by R.D. Grainger.

  • Grainger, R. D. (Richard Dugard), 1801-1865.
Date:
1855
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the public health : being the introductory address delivered at the opening of the Medical Session of the Queen's College, Birmingham / by R.D. Grainger. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    THE INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS, &c. &c. My Lord and Gentlemen, It is with no ordinary feelings of satisfaction that, owing to the invitation of the Council and of the distinguished Professors of this College, I am permitted to take a part in the proceedings of this day. Amidst the bustle and turmoil of human affairs, there are few occasions which, apart from the supreme concerns of the soul, are calculated to excite such interest as these annual gatherings in our halls of science and learning. There is something specially inspiring in witnessing the assemblage of young men taking the first great step in the actual business of life ; full of ardent zeal, and aspiring to those honours which, whilst they serve to stimulate the student in his career, remain the lasting rewards of academic distinction. But apart from considerations such as these, I cannot, as a native of this our great Midland Capital, remain unmoved on seeing around me in the museums, the libraries, the laboratories of this great Institution, such enduring monuments of the energy, the munificence, and the elevated views of my fellow- townsmen ; first among whom within these walls, I am proud to place the school companion and friend of my earlier days. Though our subsequent fortunes have led us apart from the common path which in our boyish age we trod together, I have never ceased to watch the honorable and distinguished career of him, whom I believe it is no misnomer to designate, as the founder of Queen’s College, and the Queen’s Hospital.* Called upon to open this new Session, each of which is as it were the birthday of science, I am not unmindful that we are honoured, in addition to the members of our profession, with * Professor Sands Cox.