An address delivered in the theatre of the Meath Hospital at the opening of the session of 1847-48 / by William Stokes.

  • Stokes, William, 1804-1878.
Date:
1847
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An address delivered in the theatre of the Meath Hospital at the opening of the session of 1847-48 / by William Stokes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    peculiarly dangerous position of the Irish dispensary medical officer,—which, from various circumstances, I believe to be hazardous in the highest degree ; but I wish you to understand your position as men about to enter on an honourable but dangerous profession. The present time is one full of important conside¬ rations for the Medical Profession. For some years past questions of medical reform have been entertained by the Government, and no one can doubt but that reforms or changes of a very comprehensive nature would long ago have been adopted but from difficul¬ ties in Legislation, arising from the conflicting interests of our too numerous medical corporations. Every day increases the demand for measures calculated to promote and preserve the public health ; and the Go¬ vernment has declared its willingness to further and establish those reforms, which will give to all classes, and more especially to the poor, the advantages of cleanliness, pure air, pure water, light, and unadulte¬ rated and wholesome food. A great mass of questions, essentially medical, are thus before the country and the Government, and, therefore, the connexion between the Profession and the State is every day more and more recognised; and the day cannot be far off when the value of the Profession will be better understood, and its honour and independence rendered more secure. If we now look to the condition of the Irish Pro fession we see it engaged in an effort, which must be successful, to vindicate its importance and uphold its dignity. By the amount of remuneration for public service will the Public measure the value of that ser-