A lecture, introductory to the course of lectures in the Medical Institution of Yale College, September 29, 1853 / by Jonathan Knight.

  • Knight, J. (Jonathan), 1789-1864.
Date:
1853
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A lecture, introductory to the course of lectures in the Medical Institution of Yale College, September 29, 1853 / by Jonathan Knight. 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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    point out to you, very briefly, some of the advantages and pleasures which belong to the life of a physician, and of which every one may measurably partake. The first advantage which I mention is, that every physi- cian, properly educated and prepared for his profession, has a definite, assured and acknowledged position in society. As a heritage of his profession he is entitled to associate upon equal terms, with the wise and the good, with men in every station, wherever he may be placed. This is no mean ad- vantage. In addition to the gratification which springs from such associations, the fact that he is of necessity in such a position, stimulates his exertions, encircles him witht he strong- est barriers against sluggishness and vicious indulgences, and helps him forward in his career of usefulness. It requires strong temptations conspiring, with the facile decencus to prevail against one who is surrounded and sustained by the wis- dom and strength of his associates. At the same time the kind of intercourse which he holds with his patients and their fam- ilies, is of the most gratifying kind. Into whatever family he en- ters, he is received as a friend. He is fully confided in by all whose confidence is of any worth. To him are entrusted their cares and trials, their fears and hopes, their infirmities, and it may be their frailties, as well as their bodily diseases, in the full confidence that such trust will not be abused. The feel- ing of trust-worthiness which this produces in his own mind, is a large reward for his labor and anxiety. Another advantage of the medical profession is, that the mind of the physican is not, and if he is any degree faithful to his duties cannot be continually occupied with mere pecuni- ary matters. He has a right to be sure, to look forward to a fair remuneration for his services, and usually receives it; but his mind must be mainly occupied with other and higher in- terests. His duty to his patients, his anxiety for their recov- ery, his careful study of their diseases and of the means of re- lieving them, will engross his best and most diligent thoughts, and he will soon find that there are other books more interest- ing than his day book and ledger. It is a misfortune at-