474 
EDITOllIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
^Twns then Unit the omnific Avorcl went forth, Light be ! 
and light was/^ And scarcely less than this is the moral 
contrast between ignorance and knoAvledge. 
To speak of the advantages derivable from a free dis¬ 
cussion of those subjects that alike affect every member of a 
common profession, Avonld be equally as supererogatory as that 
which we have already dwelt u})on. Indeed, the acceptance 
of the first position involves tin's second head as a sequel, 
since it would be next to an impossibility for an association 
of persons to take place without it. During it facts are 
elicited by Avhicli truth is made manifest, and the stream 
of truth deepens and widens as it progresses, causing fertility 
and luxuriance Avherever it reaches. At first avc may 
-have only the blade, but it will soon be followed by the ear, 
and after that the full corn in the ear, giving food to the 
eater and seed to the soAver; for the diffusion of knowledge 
is twice blessed, it blesses him that giA’es and him that 
takes. 
Now, Avliile it is clear that persons could not possibly 
meet together whose avocation is the same Avithout con¬ 
versing on points of greater or less interest to them, it is 
quite as clear that some system must be adopted so as to 
secure the object in view. First and foremost Avould be 
the reading of essays on a given or chosen subject. Here, 
again, the benefit to be derived is so plain and self-evident 
as to need no argument to enforce it. The amount of in¬ 
formation thus-obtained is immense. The essavist culls from 
* 
every source, collates the opinions of others, and adds those 
of his own experience, thus enlarging the practical Avortli 
of his labours. 
Nor is this all: in tlie debate that subsequently takes place 
the views of the difierent memhers are elicited, matters affect¬ 
ing the general body are brouglit foiward for consideration, 
and novelties in the treatment of disease, or the employment of 
ncAV remedies, communicated, so that in the multitude of 
counsellors it is found there is Avisdom. As to anv difference 
•> 
in opinion that may arise during the discussion, this is to be 
expected, and perhaps it is also desirable, provided always 
that the courtesies of society be maintained, Guizot has said, 
