-3 7- APPRENTICESHIP. IT 



CHAPTER II. 



YOUTH AND STUDENT LIFE. 



" Shades of the prison-house begin to close 



Upon the growing boy, 

 But he beholds the light, and whence it flows, 



He sees it in his joy ; 

 The youth, who daily farther from the east 



Must travel, still is nature's priest, 



And by the vision splendid 



Is on his way attended ; 

 At length the man perceives it die away, 

 And fade into the light of common day." 



HAVING quitted school, the time had arrived for final 

 decision as to George's profession. With the approbation 

 of his parents, he selected that of a physician. It is 

 doubtful whether even then he contemplated engaging in 

 practice, but the curriculum of study it insured had great 

 attractions for him. 



About this time a friend recommended to his parents, as 

 the best training for a boy, an apprenticeship in the La- 

 boratory of the Royal Infirmary. This well-meant but 

 injudicious counsel was followed, and in a few weeks more 

 George was bound for four years as apprentice. His friend 

 Dr. M'Culloch, House Surgeon to the Hospital, died almost 



