EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
27 
it by no harsher term—among us, and by it we are weakened. 
Alone, each may be able to do but little, but by combination 
great things can be achieved. Is the time not yet come that 
efforts are to be made for union? If not, when will it? Are 
we ever to continue indifferent, and even apathetic, as to 
our advancement and standing in society, while all around us 
is progressing? Again and again have suggestions been 
made for co-operation, but they have passed away unacted 
upon, and been forgotten, like an idle tale that has been 
told to uninterested listeners. When shall a different state 
of things obtain amongst us, and one conducive to our com¬ 
mon benefit ? The answer to this question rests with our¬ 
selves as a body. And here again we must be content to 
leave it. But who does not know how greatly our strength 
would be increased by a cordial union existing among us? 
Nor are we wanting now, as was once the case, of a common 
rallying point. We are an incorporated body; we have a 
Charter of rights, at least; and it is for those who can attach 
to their names the initials M.R.C.V.S. to associate themselves 
together in one unbroken phalanx, and, with a firm determi¬ 
nation, maintain the position they have gained inviolate. 
Thus, although surrounded by those who affect to contemn 
our standard, we shall feel ourselves strong and capable of 
performing deeds, from which good resulting, the profession 
as a whole will be benefited, and charlatanism shrink back 
abashed, seeing that we are impenetrable. 
Whilst thus commending union or combination, it should 
not, however, be forgotten that each might accomplish some¬ 
thing. There is a wonderful power for social good in our 
individual acts. And if it be true, as philosophy teaches, 
that a stone thrown into mid-ocean affects the mass of 
waters even to the most distant shores, the actions of a single 
person have a far wider circle of influence than we are 
aware of. Nevertheless, although individual efforts may do 
some good, it must be conceded that, when something like 
organization obtains in a body, a still greater amount may 
be fairly anticipated to result. If “ one touch of nature 
makes all men kin,” surely a community of interests should 
