THE REFORM OF THE MEDICAL CURRICULUM 675 



as a rule, has an effect opposite to that which we desire to 

 produce. 



My proposals, it will be obvious, are far reaching. They in- 

 volve, in London, the reorganisation of the University and the 

 recognition of its Schools as dominant factors. All who are in 

 the inner circle and who understand the working of the machine 

 — or rather its failure to work — are aware that it comprises in- 

 compatible elements and interests : the recognised Schools, the 

 evening schools or Polytechnics, the coaches and their following 

 — the so-called external students. Our plain duty now is to 

 reconstitute it as an effective organisation in which teaching can 

 take place under conditions of maximum efficiency. 



The situation is clearly foreshadowed in the following 

 luminous lines : 



"'Tis a pitiful tale," said the Bellman, whose face 



Had grown longer at every word : 

 " But, now that you've stated the whole of your case, 



More debate would be simply absurd. 



" The rest of my speech " (he explained to his men) 

 "You shall hear when I've leisure to speak it. 



But the Snark is at hand, let me tell you again ! 

 'Tis your glorious duty to seek it ! 



" To seek it with thimbles, to seek it with care ; 



To pursue it with forks and hope ; 

 To threaten its life with a railway share ; 



To charm it with smiles and soap ! 



" For the Snark's a peculiar creature, that won't 



Be caught in a commonplace way. 

 Do all that you know and try all that you don't . 



Not a chance must be wasted to-day I 



" For England expects — I forbear to proceed : 



'Tis a maxim tremendous but trite : 

 And you'd best be unpacking the things that you need 



To rig yourselves out for the fight." 



