after mere glimpses and intimations, which it
secures for future comparison and study. Remind me when you come
out--for come out you must--of the story of the baker. I will tell it
you then in full. It is a capital instance of the professor's acuteness
and ability. A patient came into the hospital a month ago; his case
puzzled every one; nothing could be done for him, and he was about to be
discharged. The professor saw him, visited him regularly for a
week--watched him--noted every trifling symptom--prescribed for him;--in
vain. The man did not rally--and the professor could not say what ailed
him. One morning the latter came to the patient's bedside, and said,
'You tell me, _mon enfant_, that you have been a porter. Were you never
in any other occupation?' 'Yes,' groaned the poor fellow; 'I drove a
cabriolet for a year or two'---- 'Go on,' said the professor
encouragingly. 'And then,' continued the man, 'and then I was at a
boot-maker's; afterwards at a saddler's--and at last a porter.' 'You
have never worked at any other trade?' 'Never, sir.' 'Think again--be
quite sure.' 'No--never, sir.' Have you never been a baker?' 'Oh yes,
sir--that was twenty years ago--and only for a few months; but I was so
ill at the oven that I was obliged to give it up.' 'That will do, _mon
enfant_--don't tire yourself, try and go to sleep.' In the lecture-room
afterwards, the professor addressed the students thus: 'Gentlemen--once
in the course of my practice, I have met with the case of the porter,
and only once. It is now eighteen years since. The patient was a
baker--and I examined the subject after death. This man will die.' The
lecturer then proceeded to describe minutely and lucidly the seat of the
disease, its nature, and best treatment. He told them what might be done
by way of alleviation, and directed them to look for such and such
appearances after death. The man lingered for a few days, and then
departed. At the _post mortem_, the professor was found to be correct in
every particular. What say you to this by way of memory and quick
intelligence?" The letter went on to speak of the facility of procuring
subjects--as cheap and plentiful, to use M'Linnie's phrase, "as herrings
in England;" of the daily exhibition in the dissecting room of disease
of all kinds, in all stages; of the enthusiastic natures of both
teachers and pupils; of the earnest and inspiring character of hospital
practice; and at last, wound up its flattering hist