Sources, evils and correctives of professional discontent : an introductory lecture, delivered Nov. 4th, 1845 / by John P Harrison.

  • Harrison, John P. (John Pollard), 1796-1849.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sources, evils and correctives of professional discontent : an introductory lecture, delivered Nov. 4th, 1845 / by John P Harrison. 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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    be made familiar. And with the therapeutical indications, and the means of their fulfilment, which Materia Medica presents, he cannot remain ignorant: assured, as he is, of the essential importance of this species of knowledge to his success as a practitioner. After a conscientious devotement of his best powers to these pursuits for several years, and having success- fully wooed and won medicine, the solemn engagement is ratified and sealed by a crowning act of union, performed in the presence of many witnesses, when he stands up in the dignified attitude of a legally pronounced doctor of medicine. Having thus with patience, and toil, and self-denial of the gaities of life, courted this mistress of his choice, and having received the blandishment of her favor, and been united to her in solemn covenant, think you he is going in boyish impatience to relin- quish the bride of his youth ? Can he put her aside for a stranger, and forego forever all the sweet joys of her loved society ? Another corrective of professional discontent is derived from a determined purpose to make ourselves useful to the community among whom we dwell. The friendship of the public is to be sought most successfully by the physician in the way of his vigorous, punctual attention to the duties of his avocation. By kindness, faithfulness, and assiduity in the dis- charge of his professional obligations he will win upon the good will and secure the abiding patronage of the community. The meteors of quackery may flash and glare a while on the horizon, ^beguiling the unwary and credulous for a time, but the sober light emitted by the calm demeanor, and upright walk of the regular physician will shine on, and diffuse its cheering lustre when the false tires of imposture have gone out in endless night. Perhaps other exhalations, bred of ignorance and presumption, may spring from the fat soil of human credu- lity, but as meteors of the night they shall endure but for a while, and then vanish away. By securing the satisfaction of others towards his course of life, a man will be reconciled to himself. By making ourselves useful we will realize our rela- tive consideration in society, attract honor to the profession, and at the same time fix upon ourselves the best regards of those around us. The reflex action of virtue is never lost. By participating in the good wishes, and generous approval of our fellow-citizens, our own contentment will be promoted, and by devoting oui lives to virtuous industry, the good wishes and generous approval of society will accompany us through all the vicissitudes of our earthly condition. Another correc- tive of discontent in the profession is an earnest; interest in the progress of medical science. It is moqrnfu.1 to reflect how many physicians are totally indifferent to the advancement of the science of medicine, From year to vear they, in reference