the Juribali. 41 
decide upon the positive or comparative merits of a new re- 
medy; and I shall, with great pleasure, submit these two 
medicinal barks, for further proofs and experiments, to the 
learned members of this Society, together with some imperfect 
botanical specimens of the trees from which they are procured ; 
and, being soon to return to British Guiana, shall not fail to 
forward to the Society sufficient supplies* for making the re- 
quisite trials of their virtues, being fully convinced that no 
institution can afford such advantages as the Medico- 
Botanical Society for proving and fully investigating all the 
details which are requisite for the complete development of 
the powers of new remedies, and for deciding on their real or 
imaginary virtues. 
It is only necessary to look at the assemblage at one of the 
general meetings, or at a list of the members of this Society, 
to be convinced of the truth of the remark which I have just 
made. We there behold a phalanx of talent, of the first 
order of botanists, chemists, physiologists, and the votaries 
of general science, combining their powers for the purpose of 
forwarding objects of the most vital importance to our species. 
To all these facilities are added the great paramount advan- 
tage, that many of the learned members, physicians and 
general practitioners, besides an extensive private practice, are 
connected with hospitals where numerous patients are under 
immediate inspection, affording altogether the most adequate 
means of instantly submitting any remedy to the test of clinical 
a 
t might perhaps be considered invidious to designate any 
of the eminent members in support of my assertions, I ma 
however observe that I could mention very many names cal- 
culated to bestow celebrity, and to strengthen the great and 
worthy cause in which this Society is engaged. It is sufficient 
here to mention that the distinguished presidents of the College 
of Physicians, and of the College of Surgeons, are amongst 
the number, as well as many others, scarcely less eminent, 
and, without disparagement, we may say of equal talents. If 
the old adage, borrowed from the Reg be true “in union 
is strength, we can scarcely wish for a better assurance of 
prosperity, and especially whilst the Society has the further 
guarantee of success, from the exertions of so zealous, learned, 
and distinguished a nobleman as presides over it and at present 
guides the helm; who, without professing the Aesculapian art, 
* Lhave been extremely disappointed of these, and numerous other inte- 
resting articles, which were promised to be forwarded from the same quarter, 
during my abode in England, 
G 
