MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL FACULTY 261 
As regards Linne’s relations to the Medical College, 
an attempt was made to bring the University into closer 
connection. After the war with Prussia had ended in 
1762, many surgeons came back to Uppsala, and 
others took degrees at Greifswald, entitling them to 
practise in Sweden; these latter aroused Linne to 
recommend a further examination of their powers, to 
prevent “ unworthy ” medical men from being 
appointed, from Greifswald, Abo or even Lund. In 
1776, a deputation waited upon the King, at Drottning- 
holm. Linne, then an invalid, was taken in a carriage ; 
and when with uncertain steps he entered the presence 
chamber, carried away by his earnestness and forgetful 
of the laws of ceremony, he broke out with: “ That 
must never be, Your Majesty, it would destroy the 
University and Science. I could never survive such 
a calamity/’ The King, surprised at such an unex¬ 
pected statement, asked Professor J. Sidren what was 
meant, and was briefly informed of the circumstances, 
upon which the King smiled, and went forward to 
Linne, patted him on the shoulder and said, “ That 
shall not happen; go home in peace and quietness.” 
This was the last and perhaps the greatest service Linne 
rendered to the faculty, to which he more than anyone 
else imparted distinction and honour. 
Another medical question which Linne followed 
with great interest and some disquiet, was the dispute 
between the Medical College and the so-called Surgical 
Society, conducted with some asperity in 1750-60. 
Not in Sweden only was there a sharp distinction 
between physicians and surgeons. The operative 
section of medical men was regarded as of inferior 
training. A compromise was finally reached, by which 
expert surgeons should study medicine, and physicians 
should acquire a good amount of surgical insight. 
The Surgical Society’s reputation sank until in 1797 it 
was dissolved. A pupil of Professor Acrel, named 
D. Theel, who applied for a stipend, was supported 
by Linne, but opposed by his colleague Aurivillius, 
