INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
257 
miasma of an infected region, hover over every city and 
penetrate every village, leading thousands astray by hollow 
promises and lying certificates of cure, whilst legitimate 
means are neglected or overlooked, we cannot but desire 
that the strong arm of the law might reach forth and 
banish them from amongst us. 
The only clear course that remains for us, is to enlighten 
public opinion through the agency of properly educated 
and skilful pharmaceutists, disseminated through the coun- 
try, who will take a firm stand in upholding their profession 
from the polluting influence of empyricism, whilst they 
ennoble it by the cultivation of science. 
You, gentlemen, are the future apostles of this great 
work of reform ; on you will devolve in a season, the sup- 
port of that cause, which, as students of Pharmacy, you 
have embraced; and I need hardly urge, therefore, the 
profound influence your present endeavors will exert on 
your future usefulness. Aim at the highest honour this 
College has to bestow — its diploma; — do not proceed 
within grasp of it and retire without making it your pos- 
session, as too many have done ; but by an energetic course 
of study, make it your right, and enjoy the honorable 
satisfaction of feeling that you have deserved it. 
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