474 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
We say thus much because we have lying before us several 
lengthened reports of lectures delivered by members of our 
profession at the different societies connected with their 
respective localities, and notices of others. We regret 
that these reports are so lengthy, for on that account, 
and that account only, are they excluded from our pages. 
Gladly would we find room for condensations of them, if their 
authors would undertake to make them for us. We know that 
they are able to do this better than we are, since they 
could readily select those points, or divisions, which are of 
greater interest to the profession than are others. Such an 
act would be attended with a twofold advantage—the pro¬ 
fession would be benefited, and its journal increased in value. 
It may be that we are chargeable with some degree of 
selfishness in making this last observation, but we can bear 
the imputation. 
We fear, however, that these aspirants for fame will from 
many meet with neither commendation nor support. Such 
approve not of the masses being taught; they are afraid of 
knowledge being disseminated among them. This is an 
error, since it is with medicine as with everything else—“a 
little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” We have known 
those who, being unacquainted with the anatomy of parts, 
have performed the most hazardous operations upon ani¬ 
mals, and yet such, when somewhat enlightened, have feared 
to attempt them, and have sought the assistance of those 
who had made anatomy their study. So with medicines. 
What recklessness is often here manifested ! What trashy 
compounds administered, from their nature being unknown ! 
Ignorance is always bold, and rushes in heedless of con¬ 
sequences. These soon show themselves, and thus it is that 
the man of scientific acquirements is in the end sought 
for by the public, and reaps his reward. 
We know of nothing so much calculated to enhance the 
estimation of the profession as this delivery of lectures. 
Moreover, it brings a full recompense. The study of the 
subject awakens thought and research, and the mind be¬ 
comes stored with facts necessary for its elucidation. Then, 
