EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
423 
We almost fear it will be said that we have commented on 
this subject usque ad nauseam , and that, like “ a thrice-told 
tale,” our remarks have become weak and pointless, and all our 
endeavours will prove futile. But we are really apprehensive 
that as “ like engendereth like,” so this same spirit will, ere 
long, be communicated to the directing body of the profession, 
the Council ; and if so, it were better that the Charter of In- 
corporation had never been obtained ; for the expense and the 
labour attending its procurement will have been all thrown 
away, and our weakness, as a body, made even more manifest 
to the scientific world. 
The Council must necessarily feel the responsibility of the 
position they occupy ; and while they are gratified at the con- 
fidence that has been placed in them, they are anxious so to act 
as to secure the approval of those by whom they are trusted, 
regardless alike of the time required for the performance of their 
duties, and the inconvenience to which they are often put in 
doing them ; not to say anything of the cost which is incurred 
by those living at a distance from town. They know, too, 
that the eyes of the profession, as a body, are on their acts, 
which they are extremely desirous of bringing to a successful 
issue ; but this they cannot hope to achieve, unless they meet 
with co-operation and assistance from without. Coldness, or 
even lukewarmness, therefore, will prove doubly disastrous ; 
and most sincerely do we hope that our fears may not be 
realised. Rather may we have been the humble instruments 
of exciting a spirit of energy and of union amongst us, coupled 
with a unanimous resolution so to act as to attain to that posi- 
tion which must be earnestly desired by all who think rightly. 
We are very solicitous that those who have now the 
direction of affairs should lay the foundation of the building 
so firm, that when in after years it shall be tested by the 
plumb-lime and rule of experience, it may be declared to 
have been “well and duly fixed.” Men holding high and 
responsible offices have it in their power to contribute much 
to the advancement of the art or science with which they are 
connected ; and in proportion as their acts are influenced by 
this determination will be the amount of respect entertained 
