Clergymen and Doctors: Curious Facts and Characteristic Sketches. — John Shaqi
Clergymen and Doctors: Curious Facts and Characteristic Sketches.Anonymous
History
Clergymen and Doctors: Curious Facts and Characteristic Sketches.
Anonymous
Clergy; Medicine -- Anecdotes; Medicine -- Humor; Pastoral theology -- Anecdotes; Physicians
It was the custom of the Professors of Edinburgh University, in the
time of this amiable and learned man--as it is partly still--to receive
at their own residences the fees from students intending to attend
their lectures; some old students yet remembering that, when other
material for the class-tickets failed, and sometimes even when it did
not, the necessary formula was written on the back of a playing-card.
While Dr. Gregory was one day at the receipt of fees, he left his room,
in which was a single student, and went into an adjoining apartment for
more admission cards. In this room there was a mirror, in which the
doctor saw the student lift and pocket a portion of a pile of guineas
that lay on the table. Dr. Gregory took no notice of what he had seen
till he was showing the student out; but on the threshold he said, with
a voice marked with deep emotion, "Young man, I saw what you did just
now. Keep the money; I know what distress you must be in. But for God's
sake never do it again; it can never succeed." The remorseful student
sought in vain to persuade the Professor to take back the money: "No,
this must be your punishment, that you must keep it now that you have
taken it." The kind warning was not lost; the student, we are assured,
turned out a good and honest man. At another time Gregory attended a
poor medical student, ill of typhus fever, who offered him the
customary fee of a guinea. The doctor refused it in silence, and with
signs of annoyance and anger at the offer; whereupon the student
hastily said, "I beg your pardon, Dr. Gregory; I did not know your
rule. Dr. A. has always taken a fee." "Oh, he has, has he?" said
Gregory; "then, my young friend, ask him to meet me here in
consultation--and offer me the fee first." The consultation took place,
and the student offered the fee; whereupon the good Gregory broke out:
"Sir, do you mean to insult me? Is there a Professor in this University
who would so far degrade himself, as to take payment from one of his
brotherhood, and a junior?" Dr. A. did not enjoy the little scene that
had been prepared for him; and that very day he returned the fees he
had taken of the sick student.
RUDE TRUTH FOR A QUEEN.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account