_Dr. Shiel_ said this was an important meeting, in his opinion; for, if this resolution were passed, it would identify the medical profession with the Editor of the Lancet. If the principle embodied in that resolution went forth to the world, it would be attended with consequences deeply injurious to the profession. He knew neither Mr. Bransby Cooper nor Sir Astley, and therefore he was perfectly impartial. The first question was, how far the medical press was conducted with advantage to medical science and the members of the profession. Now he contended, but with great respect, and disclaiming all personal hostility, that the Lancet had nowise contributed to the progress of medical science or the improvement of the profession--(loud hissing, and some cheers). He trusted that the meeting had not been got up by a few of the friends of Mr. Wakley, and he was sure that that gentleman was too respectable and too dignified in his proper person to need any such attempt--(applause). He trusted that the meeting was before the British public to ascertain how far the Lancet was useful or advantageous to medical science; and he hoped that, however partial the gentlemen present might be to Mr. Wakley, they would be governed in what they should do by the real interests of science--(hear, hear). The question was one of great interest; for it was one that embraced not only the freedom of the press but the advancement of medical science. With respect to the freedom of the press, they lived in a country where the law always maintained that principle. When Mr. Abernethy had applied for an injunction against the Lancet, Lord Eldon said that there could be no doubt that the Lancet was a most useful publication--(applause). He did not know whether that observation had been brought forward at the late trial; but taking the case--what was it? It appeared that the operation was one of peculiar difficulty, as stated upon oath by some of the most experienced surgeons of the day. This operation was laid hold of by the Lancet, and published not as a medical but as a tragical performance, in which all persons without science or knowledge were appealed to, and no opportunity afforded to Mr. Cooper to vindicate himself. Here, then, was a low and pitiful attempt made through the medium of malice and calumny (loud hisses and uproar). Here was a rude and pitiful attempt by malice and calumny (renewed signs of disapprobation). And yet it was contended that this had advanced the medical profession. The evidence on the trial went to shew that the dangers by which the operator had been surrounded were not small, and that there was no just reason to accuse him of unskilfulness in what he did; and was it then to be said, in the face of the British public, that a Meeting had been held at the Freemasons' Tavern to offer praise and reward to the individual whose conduct had, by the verdict of the Jury, been stamped with the accusation of untruth (hear, hear! and hisses)?