Evidence on medical legislation. 
101 
somewhat recent, but I think, taking it on the whole, that as many 
have come up already as might have been expected; and it has not 
only excited emulation amongst the young, but likewise among the 
older men : we have had many members of long standing who have 
come up for examination for the fellowship. From what passes 
under my own eye among the young men at St. Thomas’s, I think 
I can hardly say generally that they look forward to standing out, 
when they attain the age of twenty-five, for the fellowship, and 
that at an early period of study they look forward to preparing 
themselves for that honour ; but I have met with many instances 
of men who have so determined. I can venture to say quite affirma- 
tively, on the whole, that the institution of the fellowship has 
acted, and will act, as a stimulus to the acquirement of greater 
surgical skill. * * * * 
A Single Faculty . — * * * * I am not favourable to a single 
faculty in the whole profession — certainly not. 
The Registration Bill . — And I would not approve of any system 
of registration which had a tendency to favour or produce a single 
faculty. I should think it would be a great misfortune to the pro- 
fession and the public. * * * * 
***** 
Opinion on Registration , — I myself approve of registration, pro- 
perly framed and under competent authority. I do not think that 
the registration under this bill is a registration such as ought to be 
the standard registration for England, because it does not sufficiently 
inform the public what the qualifications of the persons registered 
are. I have seen the register. My opinion is, that there should 
be a register setting forth in classes the qualifications of the per- 
sons registered. * * * * 
Tendency of the Registration Bill . — I think that the bill which 
is now before us has a tendency to the introduction of a single 
faculty, so it appears to me ; but, more than that, it appears to me 
very likely to diminish very seriously, and very dangerously to 
the public, the education of medical men. As no benefit would 
be derived from a higher qualification on the register, they would 
naturally seek the cheapest schools, and it is very likely to produce 
a rivalry among the schools, for affording medical education at the 
cheapest rate, and in the shortest time, and that must necessarily 
induce a lower professional standard of education. 
Penalties . — * * * * That it would be desirable, by penalty, 
to check practice without qualification, or that it would be more 
expedient to induce, by encouragement, the possession of qualifi- 
cation, is a very difficult question to decide ; but I am disposed 
very much, if it be possible, to make some legal penalty against 
unqualified persons practising. * * * * It is one thing to 
