A CASE OF HYSTERICAL CONTRACTION. OF THE FOREARM SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY SUGGESTION
SaratK. Mullick
1898
The Lancet
Once these institutions are established and get into working order I do not fear for their future. The good they will do will secure public recognition and will make it impossible for any Government to refuse whatever sums may be necessary to maintain their efficiency. This question of modern universities for our great cities is one in which all classes may be asked to interest themselves, for all are members of the commonwealth and share in the well-being. But it is a matter which especially
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... ncerns those who live by their own labour, whether of head or hands. This class is much larger than any other and under our democratic constitution is able to control the Government. The one thing necessary is to rouse it to a sense of its needs, and this work of awakening can be effectively carried on by every man who believes what I have said to be true. Our task is to explain the aim and the method of a modern university, to show the people the advantage to them of having near their reach such institutions in which their sons and their daughters may gain the advantages of a splendid practical education, and to urge that, following the example of other civilised Governments, it is the duty of our Government to aid by substantial money grants the formation without further delay of such universities in our principal English cities. I think the establishment of the succession duties affords an additional claim for Government help, as this heavy tax is levied upon those very sources of charitable bequest which the Lord President regards as the only available means for providing more universities. This tax has been so successful and the total amount of revenue now raised is so enormous that it is incredible we should go on spending so much upon the navy which is to protect our trade and so little upon the education which is needed to keep any trade to be protected. Just one parting word to you to whom I am especially speaking to-night, the medical students of Cardiff. You have made choice of a noble profession. See to it that you live nobly, for if you wish to understand goodness or beauty or religion you must, as Schopenhauer says, evolve them in your lives. Time will bring its roses to all of you, but not to all fame or wealth. But if I cannot promise that you will all become medical baronets, or even medical knights, I can assure you that there is no profession in which success most certainly attends attention to business or in which so good an income can be as readily secured. Do not despise the expression "attention to business," for it is just in business qualities so many of us fail, and whatever the sphere in which your talents place you, the common virtues of industry, order, and punctuality will more than anything else determine the relative amount of your success. Bear in mind that success has its dangers and that the " millstone of poverty " (to quote Carlyle) may often be the necessary ballast that keeps our centre of gravity right." No profession is more exposed to the temptation to petty acts of injustice or more in need of the prayer against envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness. We are given to magnify trifles and quarrel over twopenny-halfpenny matters, talking much about ethics and doing things which are truly feminine in their petty meanness. We are prone to cry out against all that exists and to say with Jack Cade, " There shall be in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a penny, the threehooped pot shall have ten hoops, and I will make it felony to drink small beer." This revolutionary spirit, be it well understood, applies only to matters medical, for in general politics we are usually very conservative. The clamour for better pay and greater privileges depends in part upon inability to recognise the true position which we hold in society. That position depends mainly upon the public belief that we are a disinterested profession and that belief rests upon the vast amount of public work we do for nothing. But if we follow the advice of some of our friends and seek to put the market price upon all our services must we not I reckon upon a change upon the part of the public which may not be to our advantage ? Many acts which are full of grace and are accepted gratefully as free gifts become of doubtful value when the value has to be appraised in hard cash. Would not our relations with the public lose their character of friendly intimacy which now distinguishes them and in return for a more strict debit and credit account should we not find ourselves placed upon a purely business footing ? Is it, therefore, certain that we should improve our position by seeking the uttermost farthing of the debt due to us ? In your relations with your colleagues avoid giving offence and if you have any difference strive to make as little noise about the matter as possible. Do not indulge in personal controversies and shun the men who do. "Surely after all The noblest answer unto such Is perfect silence when they brawl." Be honest men and gentlemen. In time to come you will know the joy of wife and child, and with that substantial basis for your happiness you will find pleasure in your work and sufficient human and scientific interest to satisfy you so long as your lives shall last.
doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(01)82279-0
fatcat:tb5irzupsnggvb45bulfyfl4ya