Clinton's introductory discourse. 73 



and filbert are from Pontus ; the apricot from Epire ; the peach from 

 Persia ; the citron from Media ; the pomegranate from Carthage ; the 

 quince from Cathonea ; the plumb from Damascus ; the best pears from 

 Alexandria ; and the olive and fig from Greece.* 



It would certainly not become me to point out the desiderata in 

 medical knowledge. This country was never blessed with a more 

 splendid list of medical names than those which now occupy the walks 

 of this profession ; but I will surely be indulged in soliciting their atten- 

 tion to two subjects intimately connected with the public health, and 

 the happiness of thousands. - 



The consumption is the most destructive disease in the northern 

 states. One ninth of the deaths in New-Haven are occasioned by it. 

 According to the bills of mortality of 1813, out of seven hundred and 

 eighty-six deaths in Boston, one hundred and ninety-three were caused 

 by the consumption ; out of two thousand two hundred and ninety-one 

 deaths in Philadelphia, two hundred and sixteen; and out of two thou- 

 sand two hundred and ninety-nine deaths in New-York, five hundred and 

 sixty-two. Is there no way of preventing or curing this disease? Must, 

 those labouring under pulmonary complaints be invariably driven to 

 southern climes for relief? The physician who discovers an effica- 

 cious remedy for this terrible malady will have his name enrolled 

 among the benefactors of the human race : it now exists the opprobrium 

 medicorum, and sweeps into the grave, with unsparing fury, genius, 

 youth, and beauty — all that can adorn, embellish, and illuminate society.! 



* See Note MM. f See Note NN. 



12 



