An introductory lecture delivered at the opening of the medical session, in Marischal College and University, Aberdeen, on November 1st, 1852 / by George Ogilvie, M.D.

  • Ogilvie, George, M.D.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture delivered at the opening of the medical session, in Marischal College and University, Aberdeen, on November 1st, 1852 / by George Ogilvie, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    I would put forward this view of the Medical profession, not only as that m which it most sui'ely commends itself to the better feelings of our natiure; but also as that, in which alone I can venture far m the way of eulogy, without the risk of raising expectations which the experience of actual prac- tice might be far from realizing. On many accounts it is de- sirable that the novice ui our profession,—while he cannot form too high an estimate of the nobility and responsibility of his calling,—should not be led to indulge in too sanguine ex- pectations of the sensible fruits he may reap from his practice, or of the esteem it may secure for him fi'om the public at large. There is indeed little,—as has been tzmly remarked,— in the reputation of the Physician which would be desirable to a man of ordinary ambition. It is not a profession suited to one who loves display,—who would live in the mouths of his fellow-men,—who would enjoy a widely extended name and influence. The Physician is but little known beyond his actual sphere of practice, and this must be, from the nature of the case, extremely narrow. However, he may be esteemed and even venerated in the community in which he resides, his worth can rarely be made known heyond it. No man's ser- vices are more valued in private Hfe, no man is more import- ant to famiUes and individuals as such; but he forms no part in the public apparatus of the community,—all its machinery goes on as well withovit him as with him. His duties are performed to individuals, and not to bodies of men. He is obliged, by a sort of physical necessity, to revolve in one single circle, and that of very small extent.* * Dr. Ware's Introductory Lecture on the Character and Duties of a Physician, p. 5.