Page:A Discourse upon the Institution of Medical Schools in America - John Morgan.djvu/63

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knowledge. We cannot then remain untouched with sentiments of compassion; we cannot avoid feeling part of their distress, or forbear to wish that a remedy were found for so great a misfortune.

Nor is this so desirable an object quite beyond our reach. The institution of schools for teaching the several branches of the healing arts must have a very great tendency to effect our wishes. To the full accomplishment of these nothing can contribute more powerfully, than the resolution the trustees of this seminary have taken, to countenance this scheme which I have had the honour of proposing; and their encouragement of such persons as, upon due information, they shall find qualified to take upon them the important offices of professors, in the various branches of Medicine.

Although we may not be in a condition to enter upon every part of this great undertaking immediately, yet we may lay a foundation, which cannot fail of being built upon shortly by those who follow us. Time will perfect what is properly begun. What indeed is all science, but the accumulated observations and discoveries of a succession of many people, framed into a system? When this is once accomplished, every individual may then avail himself of the labours of others, and