INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
623 
To conclude. I need not repeat what has been stated, for 
it must be obvious, that in this address I have been actuated 
by a desire to excite in the minds of those beginning their 
studies a love of science. Let it not be said, that by your 
apathy you have been instrumental in checking its onward 
progress; and should any of you unfortunately think that it 
is not necessary for you to become conversant with the prin- 
ciples of that division you have chosen, depend upon it 
others will quickly come after you entertaining different 
opinions, and they will soon supplant you in the estimation 
of a discerning public. It should be an object of earnest 
solicitude with every member of this profession, to maintain 
the position given to it next to that of human medicine, for 
great are the benefits accruing to each from association ; and 
this can only be done by a deliberately formed resolution to 
cultivate the powers of the mind, a love of scientific investi- 
gations, and a gentlemanly deportment. 
That you should be both ardent and circumspect in what 
you are now about to do I need not press upon you. Paley 
says, “ Man is a bundle of habits and habits once acquired 
are not so easily got rid of as our old clothes. And if it be, 
as philosophers tell us, that no individual can exist without 
exerting some influence on those around him, how desirable 
is it that in early life we should acquire those habits which shall 
issue in the general good of others? “Earth has not any- 
thing to show more fair,” than a young man sedulously 
intent on the performance of his duties, and actuated by a 
determination to excel. It is yours to choose between a life 
of industry, happiness, and honour, and one of idleness, 
misery, and degradation. Too many I have seen make ship- 
wreck at the very outset of their career. You will do well to 
remember that indecision is unproductive, and delays are 
always dangerous. The present with you is the period of 
improvement; and “if the spring put forth no blossom, in 
summer there will be no beauty, and in autumn no fruit : so 
if youth be trifled away without improvement, manhood will 
be contemptible, and old age miserable.” 
The profession chosen by you, if rightly followed, is one 
that exalts man, and renders him esteemed by the right- 
thinking and the wise, because it contributes to the relief of 
the sufferings of those animals which, although placed lower 
in the scale of creation than man, equally with him constitute 
a part of the great chain, 
“ From which whatever link you strike. 
Tenth or ten-thousandth breaks the chain alike.” 
