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preliminary examination on these subjects. The degree of M.D. he 
stated was not merely an evidence of medical knowledge, but a Uni- 
versity honour, implying general knowledge and a good University 
education. Medical students often attempted to do too much within 
a short period, and hence the aversion which some of them displayed 
to the study of Natural Science as taking up too much of the time 
required for other studies. He was satisfied that the study of Natural 
History was a most important means of preparation for the pursuit of 
other departments of medicine, inasmuch as it called forth powers of 
observation and of diagnosis which were eminently required by the 
medical practitioner. The present day, he thought, was one for 
enlarging the acquirements of the physician and not for reducing 
them. There must be something more than a minimum of study for 
one who is to appear with advantage in society. The attention now 
paid by all classes to Natural Science must tend to raise the studies of 
those who enter learned professions. 
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Balfour alluded to a paper in the 
‘ North British Review, in which it is observed :—“‘ We have never 
been able to discover any satisfactory reason why Mineralogy, Geo- 
logy, Botany, and Zoology, should be considered requisite to form a 
physician more than a divine or a lawyer. Nor should it be concealed, 
that in consequence of those branches of science being attached to 
the medical faculty, parents are too frequently prevented from direct- 
ing their youth-head to the study of those important departments of 
knowledge with which every one laying claim to a ‘ liberal education’ 
should be acquainted. Let the patrons of the University remove 
these chairs from the medical faculty, and place them, together with 
Chemistry, in their proper position along with the usual classes in the 
faculty of arts. The demand for attendance on such classes by the 
medical faculty need not be altered, while a new and important ele- 
ment would be introduced in reference to the degree of ‘ Master of 
Arts.” 
Election of Fellows. 
The following gentlemen were balloted for and duly elected :— 
Ordinary Resident Fellows: Robert Daw, Esq., 21, Albany Street ; 
William T. Smith, Esq., 71, Cumberland Street; Thomas James 
Walker, Esq., 31, St. James’s Square; John Ross, Esq., 18, Clare- 
mont Crescent. Non-Resident Fellow: Thomas Barclay, Esq., 
Sheriff-Clerk of Fife. 
