This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt: ...period of education, on the ground that the knowledge obtained by cramming is soon effaced. Unfortunately for this argument, the education of our institutions of learning, of all kinds, is little else than a system of cramming. Those who can cram the fastest, lead off in the honors. There exists in some quarters a prejudice against a home education. Parents on this coast must send their children to the Atlantic States; and parents on the Atlantic send to Europe for the same reason. It is singular logic, that would have a youth educated among a people remote from where he is to dwell. Especially is this remark applicable to a medical education. Every country has its peculiarities of climate and of diseases, the study of which must enter into the proper education of the pupil. It may be well, if time be at command, for a student, after laying the basis at home, to go abroad for a season, and procure a finishing. But when this course is reversed, and the basis laid abroad and the finishing done at home, the young. doctor is like Ephraim of old--a " cake unturned.." It is sometimes said that Medicine is not a science. Technically speaking, this is true; but practically, it is the science of sciences, which subsidizes to its use almost every department of human knowledge. To be well educated in Medicine, involves the widest scope of investigation of which the human mind is capable. It not only amplifies the sphere of intellectual effort, but cultivates the social and moral qualities, and instills deeply in the heart the sentiments of benevolence and philanthropy. The life of a physician has many troubles--many sorrows. It involves the most delicate and painful responsibilities. It exposes to undeserved reproach, and to the basest...