INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
15 
have been in attendance, at the same time with others who 
have sought and obtained it, take care lest the contrast be 
attributed to inability, and reflect that those in whom this de- 
ficiency is found, may have attached to their names the stig- 
ma of rejected. This may appear a harsh judgment, and un- 
doubtedly it is so; but recollect that those by whom it is made 
are unacquainted with the cause; they judge from apparent re- 
sults, and however eroneous their decision, it is based upon 
the voluntary assumption of the condition which is thus lia- 
ble to misconstruction. Most assuredly from such, the selec- 
tion of those who are to be installed in Professorships, will 
never be made, nor are they those in whom public confi- 
dence will be placed, or on whom favor and emoluments be 
bestowed. The time is, I trust, not far distant, when public 
opinion, at least, if public law or the requirements of the Col- 
lege do not, require that every candidate for confidence as a 
Pharmaceutist, shall be compelled to prove his attainments 
and exhibit his diploma, as evidence that his professions may 
be relied upon. Trusting to the influence of generous emula- 
tion, and the regard of youth for the approbation of its seniors, 
the College has not as yet thought proper to enforce, by spe- 
cial enactment, the possession of a degree, by all who desire 
to become incorporated with her in membership, nor has she 
insisted that all who attend her lectures shall be compelled 
to apply for her diploma. She has trusted to the value of 
her approbation thus formally expressed, to invite application 
for it; and relying upon this incitement, has ever held the 
character of her certificate above suspicion. In no instance 
that has come to my knowledge, has it been undeservingly 
awarded ; nor has ever the ambition of presenting a long list 
of graduates, tempted her to award it to anjunworthyjapplicant. 
Competition, the motive which might induce in other cases a 
relaxation of requirement, exists not with her; and jealous of 
the character of her recommendation, she holds it only within 
the reach of the deserving. If such be the value of her 
diploma, and such be the disadvantages of wanting it ; if its 
attainment be placed within reach of all but those who are 
