EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
51 
cause. It would be so if the arguments pro and eon. were 
fairly and impassionately stated, and truth was the only 
object sought; but too frequently the aim is to traduce 
character, while it often stops at no means by which to 
accomplish this malignity. We confess to have no sympathy 
w’ith those who hope to rise by pulling others down ; who 
endeavour to build their reputation upon the ruin of their 
fellows. We would, therefore, that other than controversial 
papers filled our pages ; nor do we intend to give a place to 
them any more than we have already done. Nevertheless, 
if it be shown us that the interests of the profession demand 
their introduction, then it becomes another thing, and it 
ceases to be a personal matter, or ought to do so. Censure 
we know is easy, and a love of finding fault common. 
Perhaps it may be even consonant with our nature ; but it 
is the bad part thereof, and consequently reprehensible. 
This much, we think, will be at any rate conceded — by con- 
troversy union is rarely brought about. This is more generally 
effected by oneness of thought and sentiment leading to 
co-operation. Actuated by the same determination, the 
members of any body cannot fail to be strong. Science 
renders mankind cosmopolites. The insulation of each is 
forgotten, and they are akin. They breathe the same 
atmosphere ; they are influenced by the same principles and 
desires, and their object is the development of some truth 
by which their fellow-men may be benefited. Such prin- 
ciples we would ever wish to see actuating us as a profession ; 
the result we can predict. 
It will always be to us a source of unalloyed satisfaction 
to know that, with all our imperfections, we have been per- 
mitted to be instrumental in advancing, in some small degree, 
our common interests. 
We have felt, and still feel, that we must not stand still. 
We are by no means satisfied that all has been done that is 
called for. We have, however, lived long enough to witness 
marked improvements take place, and we hope to live to 
see still more carried out. And should it be that to 
our course of procedure opposition is made, — and we have 
