en 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 want to
take my hat off to the first scholar of his year.

Dr. Butts felt somewhat in the same way as he contemplated The Terror.
She surprised him so often with her knowledge that he was ready to
receive her without astonishment when she burst in upon him one allay
with a c