Introductory address [to the Medical Society] / by the President, Sir Joseph Fayrer.

  • Fayrer, Joseph, Sir, 1824-1907
Date:
[1883.]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Introductory address [to the Medical Society] / by the President, Sir Joseph Fayrer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    1/16
    March \%th, 1883. INTKQDUCTOBY ADDRESS to ZocUJt^ By the President, 1 Sir Joseph Fatrer, K.C.S.I., M.D., F.B.S. Gentlemen,—I think it would hardly be possible for any one who had studied the past history and traditions of this the most ancient medical society in London—now commencing the 111th year of its existence—or who was at all familiar with the long roll of names of distinguished men who, as presidents, have directed its progress until it has attained the high position which it now occupies—to contemplate the prospect of seeing his own name added to that list, without feeling—however much he might be gratified by the distinction—some misgiving as to the wisdom of the choice, and as to his own fitness for an office of such grave responsibility. This indeed is my case, and all I can say, in acknowledging the great honour you have conferred on me, is that, in deference to your wishes, having accepted an office for which personally I feel that I have small claim and less aptitude, I will endeavour to justify your election, and try at least to deserve, if I may not command, success. I cannot call myself altogether a stranger here, for I have received at your hands signal proof that you have not so regarded me ; but am well aware that, coming among you as I did but ten years ago at a comparatively late period of life, I am after all but a junior member, and am sensible that my oppor- tunities of serving the Society—albeit you have permitted me to fill certain of its offices-—have been neither so frequent nor so favorable as I could have wished, though I claim, in common with the oldest members, a thorough appreciation of its utility, a deep interest in, and a sincere desire for, the promotion of its prosperity. It was the first society into which I was admitted when I returned after long absence in the East, and to it my first contribution, in the form of a paper on some subject connected with disease, was made. I shall not readily forget the kindness with which I was received, nor the encouragement I derived from the courteous interest evinced by those to whom I had the privilege of speaking. Let me thank you heartily for all this, and for the confidence you have placed in me. To one, trained and accustomed as I had been during a long pro^