Volume 1

Memoirs of John Abernethy, F.R.S : with a view of his lectures, writings, and character / by George Macilwain.

  • Macilwain, George, 1797-1882.
Date:
1854
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Memoirs of John Abernethy, F.R.S : with a view of his lectures, writings, and character / by George Macilwain. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    forest with my father, I thought it a very agreeable occupation; but when I found that it included many other things, I soon dis- covered there was a profession I liked much better. Some years had rolled away ; when one afternoon in October, about the year 1816, somewhat to my own surprise, I found myself about two o’clock walking down Holborn Hill, on my way to Mr. Abernethy’s opening lecture at St. Bartholomew’s. Disappointed of being able to foUow the profession I had chosen, looking on the one I was about to adopt with something very much allied to repulsion, considering everything in this world flat and unprofitable, and painfully depressed in spirits, I took my seat at the lecture. When Mr. Abernethy entered, I was pleased with the expression of his countenance. I almost fancied that he could have sympathised with the melancholy with which I felt oppressed. When he commenced, I listened with some attention; as he went on, I began even to feel some pleasure; as he proceeded, I found myself entertained; and before he con-