rather, if truth is so hard of
attainment, how precious are the results which the consent of the wisest
and most experienced among the healers of men agrees in accepting. Think
what folly it is to cast them aside in favor of palpable impositions
stolen from the records of forgotten charlatanism, or of fantastic
speculations spun from the squinting brains of theorists as wild as the
Egyptian astronomer.

"Begin your medical studies, then, by reading the fortieth and the
following four chapters of 'Rasselas.' Your first lesson will teach
you modesty and caution in the pursuit of the most deceptive of all
practical branches of knowledge. Faith will come later, when you learn
how much medical science and art have actually achieved for the relief
of mankind, and how great are the promises it holds out of still larger
triumphs over the enemies of human health and happiness."

After the reading of this paper there was a lively discussion, which we
have no room to report here, and the Society adjourned.

XIV. MISS VINCENT'S STARTLING DISCOVERY.

The sober-minded, sensible, well-instructed Dr. Butts was not a little
exercised in mind by the demands made upon his knowledge by his young
friend, and for the time being his pupil, Miss Lurida Vincent.

"I don't wonder they called her The Terror," he said to himself. "She is
enough to frighten anybody. She has taken down old books from my
shelves that I had almost forgotten the backs of, and as to the medical
journals, I believe the girl could index them from memory. She is in
pursuit of some special point of knowledge, I feel sure, and I cannot
doubt what direction she is working in, but her wonderful way of dealing
with books amazes me."

What marvels those "first scholars" in the classes of our great
universities and colleges are, to be sure! They are not, as a rule,
the most distinguished of their class in the long struggle of life.
The chances are that "the field" will beat "the favorite" over the long
race-course. Others will develop a longer stride and more staying power.
But what fine gifts those "first scholars" have received from nature!
How dull we writers, famous or obscure, are in the acquisition of
knowledge as compared with them! To lead their classmates they must
have quick apprehension, fine memories, thorough control of their
mental faculties, strong will, power of concentration, facility of
expression,--a wonderful equipment of mental faculties. I always