Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

procession, holding the prizes in their hands, and an herald proclaiming before them, "These good boys have obtained prizes for going into another class." The honour of this has an effect as powerful, if not more so, than the prizes themselves."

A large collection of toys, bats, balls, pictures, kites, is suspended above the master's head, beaming glory and pleasure upon the school beneath. Mr Lancaster has also, as another incentive, an order of merit. No boys are admitted to this order but those who distinguish themselves by attention to their studies, and by their endeavours to check vice. The distinguishing badge is a silver medal and plated chain hanging from the neck. The superior class has a fixed place in the school; any class that can excel it may eject them from this place, and occupy it themselves. Every member, both of the attacking and defending classes, feels, of course, the most lively interest in the issue of the

contest.

Mr Lancaster punishes by shame rather than pain; varying the means of exciting shame, because, as he justly observes, any mode of punishment long continued loses its effect.

The boys in the school appointed to teach others are called monitors; they are in the proportion of about one monitor to ten boys. So that, for the whole school of 1000 boys, there is only one master; the rest of the teaching is all done by the boys themselves. Besides the teaching monitors, there are general monitors, such as, inspectors of slates, inspectors of absentees, &c. &c.

The improvements which Mr Lancaster has made in education, are, in the cheapness of schools, their activity, their order, and their emulation. The reading, cyphering, and spelling cards, suspended for the successive use of 3 or 400 boys; the employment of sand and slate instead of pen and ink, and particularly of monitors instead of

[ocr errors]

ushers, must, in large seminaries, constitute an immense saving. The introduction of monitors, an extremely important part of the whole scheme, is as great an improvement in schools, as the introduction of noncommissioned officers would be in an army which had before been governed only by captains, majors, and colonels: they add that constant and minute attention to the operations of the mass, without which, the general and occasional superintendance of superiors is wholly useless. An usher hates his task, and is often ashamed of it; a monitor is honoured by it, and therefore loves it: he is placed over those who, if their exertions had been superior, would have been placed over him; his office is the proof of his excellence. Power is new to him; and trust makes him trustworthy, a very common effect of confidence, and exemplified in the most striking manner in Mr Lancaster's school. Nor is the monitor at all detained by teaching to others what he has already learnt at least not unprofitably detained; for, if a boy be at the head of the first spelling class, it is clear that a delay of six or eight weeks in teaching to others what he has already learnt, will perfect him in his new acquirements, and rivet them in his memory. After this, he is made a private in some superior regiment, and his post becomes an object of honour and competition to the lads whom he has taught. He is very wisely allowed to have a common interest with the boys whom he instructs; and to receive a prize equal in value with any prize obtained by any individual among them. In some instances, the monitor teaches and learns at the same time: for, in dictating the sum as in paragraph (C), the monitor is furnished with a key; and therefore, in dictating, only reads what others have written for him; but in so doing, it is plain his attention must be exercised, and his memory impressed as much, if not more, than

those

;

those of any boy in the class; and, whatever good is produced in others by that mode of instruction, must be produced in him in an equal, or superior degree. The extraordinary discipline, progress, and economy of this school, are, therefore, in a great measure, produced by an extraordinary number of noncommissioned officers, serving without pay, and learning while they teach.

There are now, perhaps, one million more of persons who can read and write, than there were before the revolution. Has this increase of knowledge produced any increase of disaffection? If ignorance is useful to a state, to what degree is it useful? or, where has the argument any limit?

The expense of education is not to be mentioned. A boy learns reading, writing and accounts, for fourteen shillings, who would, in hedge-breaking, or picking pockets, cost the county double the money in the same time."

The individuals who instituted, and support the Boys' charity school, certainly deserve well of the public; and may justly claim, what is implored by the Mahometans in their most ardent benedictions, "the prayers of the poor."

I shall finish this paper, by inserting one of the clauses of the fundamental rules, written out by Dr Franklin, on his plan for instituting an academy at Philadelphia, — breathing tenderness and benevolence; it being equally applicable to the managers of the Boys' charity school. "It is hoped, that the (subscribers) will make it their "pleasure, and, in some degree, their "business, to visit the school often; to encourage and countenance the "youth; countenance and assist the "master, and, by all means in their 66 power, advance the usefulness and "reputation of the design: that they "will look on the scholars as, in some 66 measure, their own children, treat "them with familiarity and affection;

"and, when they have behaved well, 66 gone through their studies, and are "to enter the world, they shall zea"lously unite, and make all the inter"est that can be made to promote " and establish them."

I understand, Sir, that a subscription library has lately been formed in Leith: I shall be glad to see from any of your correspondents an account of it; and, as the opinion long since expressed by Green, of

"Novels (receipts to make a whore,")

is applicable to nine-tenths of these productions of the present day, it were to be desired, that such books should not be found in the collection, and banished when observed in any house; the mischief they are productive of is incalculable.

I am, SIR, Yours,

[blocks in formation]

THE

of a Doctor's degree amounts to fifteen guineas. Each candidate must write a dissertation, or at least get one written for him. In the last case, the Professors take no concern in the matter, as in other universities. The candidates go to some physician, who often gains his livelihood by this employment. Among the number of these was formerly Dr John Brown. His son has trod in this respect on the footsteps of his father. Many young physicians write their dissertations themselves, but in English, and get them then translated into Latin.

The candidates for the degree of
Doc-

Doctor go through three trials. The first is carried on by each Professor alone at his own house. The second trial is carried on at the University by two of the Professors. The candidate is then obliged to illustrate a text of Hippocrates, and to determine on a practical case.

The conferring of a Doctor's degree takes place twice a-year. I was an eye-witness of this ceremony: it takes place in the library. The candidates, four and twenty in number, form a semi-circle round a table, on the other side of which the Professors are seated. The latter state to each of the candidates in Latin, some difficulties which have occurred to them on the subject of their respective dissertations. The Professors speak very elegantly without preparation, and Dr Gregory with particular elegance. The Scotch pronunciation of the Latin is very different from the English, which a foreigner unacquainted with it can scarcely understand; the one approaches near to the Italian, the other to the German. After the candidates have replied to the difficulties that have been stated to them, the degree is conferred with the accustomed ceremonies. Then the Professors go round the circle of the new Doctors, shake them by the hand, and wish them success. The Doctors then receive their diplomas subscribed by the whole professors. Among the physicians promoted on this occasion were Dr de Roches of Geneva. He wrote an elegant dissertation on the Medical properties of Luppulus. I cannot here refrain from expressing my wonder, that so few of my countrymen should attend the University of Edinburgh. With a hundred guineas, each of them could easily go through a winter course. How many of our young German physicians are there, who give more for their residence in Paris, where certainly they cannot improve so much in medical science. Most of them indeed appear to have

every other object in view, rather than that of gaining substantial knowledge of their profession. Trifling occupations and society absorb most of their time, in a manner which certainly they will afterwards repent. I remember to have heard this very remark from my friend Dr Kapp at Leipsig, which, during his stay at Pa· ris, he had occasion to make with much indignation. In Edinburgh there prevails a more solid and better tone of Society, and a more genuine zeal for knowledge among the studious youth. They have an opportu nity of enjoying the conversation of the Professors. What particularly augments the ardour for knowledge among the students, is the learned conversations which take place among them. To this belongs

THE MEDICAL SOCIETY.

It was founded in 1737, and in 1778 richly endowed by his Majesty. The constitution of this society is exemplary. It assembles only once aweek, in consequence of which I have been able to attend none of its sittings. The ordinary members are chosen from among the most distinguished medical students. On being elected, they are obliged to pay a fine of five guineas the first year, one the second, and seven shillings the third. With this money the expences of the Society are defrayed. The greater part of these consist in the purchase of select books, or medical and chemical apparatus. This Society possesses also a very considerable library, and a well-supplied cabinet of natural history. Their business consists chiefly in debates, which are introduced by the reading of medical dissertations.

I cannot conclude my account of the University of Edinburgh, without making mention of one of its professors, who, though he does not belong to the medical faculty, cannot be indifferent to physicians. I speak of Mr Dugald Stuart, Professor of

Philosophy.
learned man is extensively known by
his excellent writings. His lectures
are universally sought after, and ea-
sily understood by the hearers. I
know few men whose society is so a-
greeable as that of Mr Stewart. His
moral character is so universally es-
teemed, that the nobility of England
and Scotland are much gratified when
they can entrust their children, who
study in Edinburgh, to the inspection
of this excellent man. Mr Stewart
lives in the highest degree of do-
mestic happiness. Mrs Stewart (sis-
ter to the lady of my admirable friend
Baron Purgstal, in Vienna,) harmo-
nizes in every respect with the cha-
racter and pursuits of her husband.
What happiness, when philosophy is
preached by such apostles!

This valuable and ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS.

This college has no connection with the University, although most of the Professors are members. Those

physicians who wish to be admitted into it, must, when strangers, deposit fifty; when inhabitants, a hundred pounds Sterling. The King's college of physicians forms properly the medical faculty of the capital of Scot. land. It holds its sittings in a splendid apartment. At the time I was in Edinburgh, Dr Wright filled the place of President of this College. This worthy man has long served in the Royal Navy as a physician. He is author of a Treatise on the Medical plants of Jamaica, which is inserted in Dr Simmons's collection of Medical Treatises. Dr Wright is the first who employed the affusion of cold water in fevers*.

*Dr Wright was physician, not in the Navy, but Army. While in Jamaica, in 1768, he used this remedy successfully in five hundred cases of eruptive fever after small pox, and in 1774, in six cases of locked jaw. Lond. Med. Obs, and Inquiries vol, 6. In coming home, he

This college also has no connec-
tion with the University, and compo-
ses properly the chirurgical faculty of
Edinburgh. It is well known that
surgery is greatly cultivated in this
city. To whom are the names of
Benjamin and of John Bell unknown?

Mr Benjamin Bell is a man of a-
greeable manners, and of open hospi-
tality. He has an immense practice
in and about Edinburgh, so that it is
difficult to enjoy his society. The
few leisure hours which this worthy
man enjoys are employed in agricul
ture. Mr Bell has written a work u-
pon
this subject, which is very highly
valued. He has some landed proper-
ty in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh,
which lies in an uncommonly beauti-
ful and romantic situation. The or-
chard belonging to it is well worth
seeing. I spent a very agreeable day
with Mr Benjamin Bell*.

Mr George Bell, one of the sons of
the abovementioned gentlemen, fol-
lows the footsteps of his worthy fa-
ther. He has had the goodness to
give me many marks of his friendship
during my stay in Edinburgh, for
which I now publicly thank him.

Mr John Bell is known, not only
as a distinguished Surgeon, but also
as a great anatomist. He is a man of
much talent and fire. His anatomi-

cal work will be continued by his
brother Charles Bell, of whom ho-
nourable mention has already been

made.

ROYAL INFIRMARY.

This institution owes its establish-
ment to the above-mentioned College
of physicians in Edinburgh. These,
in 1725, set on foot a subscription for
this
which has risen to above
purpose,
20001.

cured himself of a malignant fever by
the same method. London Medical Four-
nal, and Dr Currie's report.

This gentlemen died April 4. 1806.

[merged small][ocr errors]

year

2000. sterling. The supporters of this undertaking chose a committee from among themselves, who took upon them the direction of the Hospital, For the Hospital itself a small house was hired, which opened with the reception of a small number of poor patients. More could not be done for want of funds, as they were possessed of no capital. New contributions however by degrees came in. In the 1736, the Directors of this Hospital presented a petition to his Majesty, that he would declare it a royal institution, and thus allow it to enjoy all these advantages which fall to the share of such establishments, viz. the stability of the institution, the permission to have a seal of their own, to purchase ground, &c. After this petition was granted, the Hospital proceeded with giant strides. They were soon obliged to think of building a house for themselves. In the year 1738, they began with the half of the present house. By degrees they found themselves brought into a condition of being able to complete the whole building. The directors of this establishment had recourse to every method by which they might raise the funds necessary for their benevolent project. Balls and concerts, by which they defrayed the expences, so that the revenue went clear to the establishment, were set on foot for the attainment of this noble end. This good example operated so powerfully, and the zeal to erect the Hospital rose to such a pitch, that even common labourers offered two or three days gratuitous labour for its benefit. The largest contributions which the institution received were from the Hon. George Drummond, and from the Earl of Hopetoun.

Does not the history of this Hospital afford a double proof how institutions thrive which are undertaken on a small scale, and how easy it is to find supporters for them, when they are set on foot in suitable places? Feb. 1809.

At first, the Members of the College of physicians attended the Hospital each a month in turn gratis; but as some inconveniences arose from this arrangement, the Directors have now fixed a perpetual physician, who daily attends the patients that do not belong to the clinical department. This place is at present filled by that excellent physician Dr James Hamilton.

Formerly also, surgeons attended the infirmary, alternately with each ether. From similar causes, they found themselves compelled to chuse four of their number, and to intrust to them the chirurgical department. Each of these attended the Hospital for the space of three months. These four surgeons had a right to chuse as many assistants who alternated like them. But neither did this arrangement succeed. On this account they have hit upon the scheme of fixing two surgeons in the Hospital, who have two assistants. After the expiration of two years, these assistants become ordinary surgeons, and those who were formerly so, are now only employed as consulting surgeons. The two surgeons who go out, have their places supplied by two newly appointed. In this manner every surgeon who is elected, serves in the hospital for six years, two as assistant, two as ordinary, and two as consulting surgeon. But many are not pleased even with this arrangement. Great controversies, in short, have arisen about the constitution of the surgical department in the Edinburgh Infirmary, which have given occasion to many writings, and even to a couple of quarto volumes. What strikes me is, that the last-mentioned arrangement is very good, as in this manner the patients in the Hospital are always attended by young surgeons, who are in general to be preferred to those of a too advanced age. Yet does the period of six years appear to me too short: at least I must wish great joy to the city, in which such a quick exchange never gives occasion to the in

[ocr errors]
« ZurückWeiter »