He would not deny that there was a degree of talent displayed in the Lancet; but neither could it be denied that it was a public depredator by means of reports surreptitiously obtained; and the title of "literary raven," which had been applied by Sir James Scarlett, appeared to him to truly depict its character (great hisses and uproar). Was it to be contended that any one had a right to come into a private lecture-room, and catch up all he could hear, and then to publish what he had thus surreptitiously and fraudulently obtained (immense uproar and hisses)? As far as the medical interest was concerned, he looked upon the Lancet as one of the most injurious publications that had ever appeared (hisses). All the best writers on the subject had dwelt with peculiar emphasis on the necessity of secrecy among the members of the profession, but the Lancet broke through this good rule, and made public whatever came within its notice; and he had no doubt that if it could get at the cases that occurred in private practice, it would give them without any scruple (uproar). The _Chairman_ begged to remind the speaker that at all events Mr. Wakley had not as yet done so. _Dr. Shiel._--I am arguing on the principle which appears to actuate Mr. Wakley. _Mr. John Elliot_ rose to order. He could not allow Dr. Shiel to be going upon suppositions; the thing that he supposed had never been done. _Dr. Shiel_ was sure that whatever turn might be given to the subject in England, that at all events the conclusions that the Meeting appeared to be coming to would be resisted abroad. The weight of Sir Astley Cooper's name abroad would overpower any such attempt, and, in fact, would render it contemptible; so that any attempt to prop up so low, pitiful, and mean an attack, must inevitably be attended with disgraceful failure (hisses). A gentleman observed, that he was much surprised at what had fallen from Dr. Shiel. He had been induced to suppose that the Lancet possessed talent, as he had heard it praised in so many directions, and he certainly had never heard till that evening that it was only to be found in the hands of the illiterate (hear, hear! and a laugh). He had always understood that it was only destined for the use of students and other members of the profession, and that it was likely to be of great use in reforming the abuses of the medical practice (hear, hear! and cries of "So it will!"). For his own part, he was glad that medical men were occasionally cut up, because when they did what was wrong it was proper that they should be told of it; and when they did what was right, it added a fresh stimulus to their exertions (applause).