of Edinburgh, Session 1881 - 82 . 
339 
Cataract, a Latin version of it having been presented by him as his 
thesis to the Medical Faculty of the University. Though without 
any special predilection for ophthalmology, or indeed for pure 
surgery in any form, he was probably induced to select this subject 
for his thesis from his having for some time studied in Dublin, 
especially under the celebrated oculist Dr. Jacob, of whom frequent 
mention is made in his probationary essay. 
Two circumstances connected with Andrew Wood’s earlier pro- 
fessional days call for notice, because they exercised a marked 
influence on his future career. The first, which belongs to his 
undergraduate period, was his joining the time-honoured students’ 
institution, the Eoyal Medical Society. He did not long remain a 
silent member on its benches, but soon threw himself, with that 
energy which was part of his nature, into the business of the Society, 
both private and public, taking a large share in its debates and 
being a most zealous and valuable business man in its committees. 
He was a member of that sub-committee of three to whom was 
entrusted the final revision and correction of the Catalogue Raisonne 
of the Society’s valuable library, which was published in 1837. 
To the Eoyal Medical Society, Andrew Wood was always ready to 
assign, as many others have had reason to do, that fluency in speak- 
ing and readiness in debate which he afterwards so fully mani- 
fested, nor did he forget the benefit which it conferred upon him in 
giving him the habits of business which he acquired in its finance, 
library, and other committees. The youth was here truly the father 
of the man ; for to those who were associated with him in those days 
of youthful activity, it seemed to be only the necessary development 
of Andrew Wood when he became a leading and influential member 
of the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom and Chair- 
man of its Business Commitee. His fluency on all sorts of 
occasions, whether he spoke after preparation or on the spur of the 
moment, was conspicuous. He spoke as he felt — that is, strongly — 
on every matter on which he had made up his mind ; but perhaps 
there may be permission for the friendly criticism of one who, as 
a life long intimate, knew and valued him, that he not unfrequently 
spoke ore rotundo when a less oratorical style might have sufficed. 
The second circumstance which powerfully influenced Wood’s 
future for good, was his appointment when a young practitioner to 
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