We are not lawyers, and therefore have no claim to an opinion, we suppose, on the "right;" but, as regards the general effect of this custom _as now practised_, we are afraid (however advantageous it may be to the trade to obtain gratuitously these bulky contributions to their columns) that doubts may not be unreasonably entertained whether it is of advantage to science, to the character of our periodical literature, or the profession. The publicity which it gives to a man's name, induces men to contribute matter which it would often have been, perhaps, more advantageous to them to have suppressed; and the proprietors, so long as a periodical "pays," are not likely to quarrel with that which they get for nothing but the expense of publication. Mr. Abernethy was very much opposed to the publication of his lectures; but, though not insensible by any means to the occasionally caustic remarks of the press, he does not seem to have been much annoyed by them. The following is an extract from a letter, in which he expresses himself as opposed to the conduct of those who publish lectures without the permission of the authors. We suppress that part, because it involves his opinion of the conduct of individuals. As regards his personal feelings, he says: "Though I have been so long in replying to your letter, I have felt very grateful for the kindness which induced you to take up the cudgels in my behalf. At the same time, I must say that, had I been at your elbow, I should have hinted to you that the object was not worth the trouble you have been so good as to bestow upon it. No one can expect to escape slander and misrepresentation; and these are so commonly bestowed upon all, that they have little or no influence on the minds of persons of character and judgment. "With many thanks and best wishes, "I remain, my dear sir, "Yours very sincerely, "JOHN ABERNETHY." SECTION.