Do you think that there is but little to do in this direction? In the United States alone the census returns inform us that every year not less than 200,000 deaths, or considerably more than one-fourth of the whole number, are due to epidemic diseases.

A careful estimate indicates that if proper means were taken to stamp out epidemics, that at least 100,000 of this sacrificed host could be saved.

Much of the improvement in medicine, especially in therapeutics, is due to the knowledge that many of the diseases are self-limited, and to the observation of the fact that they run their course uninfluenced by medical means.

This study of the history of disease has been of great value, and, giving a standard, it enables us to correct the claimed importance of special agencies, and to estimate at their true value the vaunted cures of exclusive systems. It is through this that we begin to comprehend the power of Nature. And yet, to insist at the present day upon the unaided power of Nature, is to be as much behind the times as to continue in the constant use of disturbing remedies.

Medicine has advanced, and it has given remedies for relief and cure, the values of which have been proven.

And those who seek counsel will turn to him who knows the limits, and who believes in the resources of his art, and uses that art boldly; and not to him who sits down simply to see what nature will do, and tries to throw the cloak of a philosopher over the shortcomings of an ignoramus and sluggard.

The practice of medicine will, doubtless, in the future be more simple, accurate and decided. Yet it will require, on the part of all who engage in the work, more labor, more study, to attain this simplicity, this accuracy, this decision.

With so much broader field before you than your predecessors had, you can readily see the necessity of a more thorough preparatory course than they had. Unless you lay the foundation broad and deep, unless you comprehend the fundamental branches, you will most likely be sad failures in your profession,

or, at least, fail to attain that prominence to which your abilities justly entitle you.

This necessarily leads me to say a few words in regard to the standard of medical colleges. Many have no preliminary requirements; the student is not obliged to pass any examination before admission. Doubtless, it is hoped that he can read common English passably well. He is obliged to attend only two courses of lectures, of about five months each. He is also to furnish the certificate of some physician that he is of good moral character, and that he has studied medicine three years.

It is, however, often the case that the candidate begins the study of medicine at the beginning of one term, and graduates with the highest honors at the close of the next succeeding term. Certainly this is no fault of the student, but what can be said of a school that places its standard so low?

The laws governing medical education were made some time ago, when there was not so much to medicine as there is at present; when the student could master the principles of medicine in a much briefer period of time than now. Yet it is very

doubtful if the student had much of an idea even of what little was taught in this brief period of time.

Although the science of medicine is much more comprehensive than formerly, yet the length of time required to complete a course in medicine was not lengthened in any of the colleges until within a comparatively recent date. In fact, about the beginning of the present century the requirements necessary to become a physician were greater than they are in most of the medical colleges at the present day.

Ten or fifteen years later the standard of medical education was considerably lowered, and in a short time it became so ridiculously low, that in 1847 the American Medical Association was formed, and one of its objects, as set forth in its preamble, "is to elevate the standard of medical education."

Yet the only medical college to respond to the solicitations of the American Medical Association was the oldest one in the country-the University of Pennsylvania-which extended its

session of studies to six months. Not another medical college followed her example, and after six years of struggling with diminished classes, she abolished her advanced position and returned to her former requirements. So you see that about thirty years ago the attendance upon two courses of lectures, of four months each, was all that was necessary to obtain the degree of M. D. Since that time there has been a great improvement in many of the medical colleges. It is true that there has been but little advance made in some of the schools, yet several of them, and those of the best reputation, have increased their term of study, instituted examinations for admission, and adopted the graded course.

In every other country but ours, without, so far as I know, a single exception, where a system of medical education can be said to exist, certain general principles are found embodied in that system-the most important ones being these:

In the first place, the applicant, before being allowed to matriculate as a student of medicine, must pass a preliminary or entrance examination, unless he have a degree from some literary college or similar institution, or have a certificate that he has a fair knowledge of the grammar of his native tongue, of arithmetic, algebra and Latin, and, in most cases, of the clements of physics or natural philosophy.

In the second place, the student is required to devote about nine months each year for four, five, six, or even seven years, to his technical education before he is eligible for examination for the degree in medicine, the studies during this time being carefully graded. The instruction is not only didactic and theoretical in character, but the student is required to do practical work in the laboratories of anatomy, chemistry and pharmacy, while his personal training in medicine and surgery is acquired at the bedside in the hospital wards.

In the third place, the student is required to pass partial examination, at certain intervals, to determine his fitness to pass from one class to the next; and, at the close of his studies, his examination for the degree is conducted with strict impartiality

by men who have no interest either in rejecting or admitting him to practice.

With the two exceptions that the term is six instead of nine months, and the course three years instead of more, I am proud to say that the above are the requirements of Niagara University. This institution, together with a few others in this country, stand as bright beacon-lights in the cause of higher medical education. A few pioneers of this kind have done much to advance medical education in our own beloved land; and, consequently, much for the benefit of its people. Whatever tends to elevate a profession, is an advantage not only to that profession but to all classes.

It may seem to you, young men who are about to engage in the study of medicine, that our requirements are too severe; that you will not be able to pass the ordeal before you. I can safely assure you that if you have fair ability, and I concede you have or you would not have the necessary education to admit you into this college, and are willing to apply yourselves with reasonable diligence during the next three school years, that you will not only pass the faculty and the board of examiners, but you will have what many young men do not have when they graduate -a good knowledge of medicine.

Gentlemen, it is necessary for you to have this knowledge to enable you to pass your examinations, and you will as certainly have it as you study.

A graded course will enable you to accomplish much more than the old method of compelling the beginner to listen to the same lecture as the student who is about to graduate.

In no educational institutions, other than medical colleges, are all classes and grades grouped together, and in no others would such a foolish and unreasonable arrangement be tolerated.

No defense of this system can be made, except that it is the quickest way to get a man's money by giving him the least possible instruction. This system is a relic of the past, and is unworthy the sanction of any respectable school.

It is certain that for a few years the University of Niagara will not have as large classes as she would under a less elevated

and exacting system. Yet she is thoroughly educating her graduates, and thereby conferring a favor not only upon them but also upon the community in which they may live.

It is felt, therefore, that Niagara University, confident of success, may look forward to a most brilliant future for her Medical Department. We would appeal to all-not only her alumni, but to all who are interested in the advancement of the medical profession-to aid us by their active sympathy and co-operation. And with that support we are confident that our efforts will produce results that will be a credit to the University and an honor to her students.

A NEW USE OF THE ALLEN SURGICAL PUMP.

BY WILLIAM WARREN POTTER, M. D., Buffalo, N. Y.

The following case will serve to indicate a somewhat novel way in which the Allen Surgical Pump may be employed with advantage :

On the evening of the fifteenth day of June, 1888, I was called to visit Mrs. X. as a consultant. She was found to be suffering