The first of these, after a course of the usual regular scholastic studies, go to the University, where they study anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the different branches of medical education; in which four years are employed. They then go through the hospitals, with professors appointed for the purpose--note down the diseases and their treatment, and submit their notes for revision, to the instructors; this occupies two years: after which they undergo examinations upon the theory and practice of medicine, before being admitted to practice. The medico-surgeons profess both physic and surgery: they go through the same studies as the physician, adding chirurgical pathology, midwifery, clinica medica, and surgical practice; and are subject to examination upon all these branches. The third class, the _cirujanos romancistos_, are literally surgeons who have not studied Latin, and are an inferior class. They are not required to have the same classical education as the others; but must study, and pass examinations in anatomy, physiology, chirurgical pathology, operative surgery, and midwifery. Those belonging to this class of medical practitioners, are forbidden, by a royal edict, from prescribing for inward complaints. Madrid does not want institutions for the alleviation of bodily infirmity; there being no fewer than thirteen hospitals in the capital. The principal of these are, the General Hospital, which is chiefly supported by the receipts of the bull-fights; and the _Hospicio real de San Fernando_, which is also a workhouse, and is supported by imposts upon the entry of goods into the city. There is also an Hospital for Illegitimate Children, which receives about 1200 yearly, nearly one-third of the number being foundlings, and which is supported by the lottery; an Orphan Hospital, which supports about 800 orphans; several smaller orphan hospitals; and two lying-in hospitals. There are also in Madrid, ten different institutions for philanthropic purposes--the succour of the wretched, and the relief of the poor; among these, _El Monte de Piedad_ deserves mention. It is a public establishment, which lends money upon goods, which may be reclaimed at any time during a year, or even longer, in particular cases, upon repayment of the loan _without any interest_.