in doubtful weather-to call upon the Purser for | see its certain and sudden defeat, may be well readditional clothing for the patient's comfort,-to ask membered by the friends of the real and permafor the manning of a boat-to transfer patients to nent interests of the Navy, when another proposia hospital, or to send them out of the ship in the tion emanates from the Medical Bureau, to overevent of contagion. In these and similar cases, throw a custom sanctioned by all time and expefixed rules are suspended,-an authority exclu- rience. A severer censure cannot be passed upon sively military is exercised-and the general order the author of this first attempt, to disseminate hosand police of the ship are involved. And if, in tility between the Surgeons and the other grades such cases, the Surgeon is to exercise an exclu- of the service, than to record its mortifying failure. sive legitimate control, in carrying out his own The remarks upon the article allowing the Surwishes, then, not only are the rights and duty of geon a store-room, when possible, are ushered in others invaded, but that system and unity of design, with a display of ill-temper, which had better have which are vital to discipline, are lost. The pre- been omitted. There is no ground for the charge vious illustrations sufficiently show the fallacy of of selfish exclusiveness against the Board, which the position assumed, and how entirely the spirit is implied here-neither is it just to reproach all and intention of the proviso to the 5th article have been misunderstood, or misinterpreted.

Captains with the misconduct of a single one.

The Board knew, what appears to be less famiThe querulous remarks concerning the regula- liar to some others, that there are vessels of a tion, which prescribes that requisitions shall receive smaller class, which do not admit of distrust storethe approval of the commander, might be dismissed rooms for each department. The appropriation of without reply. Experience, which is good, and these rooms will be entirely independent of the the wisdom of the department, that knew how to will of a commander. It is believed, that the alarm apply it, which is far better, have already rebuked felt in this particular is unnecessary. Neither. this arrogation. It may not be amiss, however, does there seem to be any good cause to apprehend the subject being introduced, to correct some mis- that ships' stewards and hospital stewards cannot apprehensions which prevail in relation to it. The be obtained as formerly.

greatest of these is the idea that a commander can- It will require something more effectual, than not comprehend the meaning, or value, of a Sur- mere declamation, to show, that methods, which geon's requisition. The reasoning grafted upon have stood the test of long experience, are sudthis idea seems to suppose, that the commander denly to lose their validity. At the same time,

has no right to apply to the Surgeon for informa- the soundest reasons can be given, for not admittion to guide his judgment-that it would be inad-ting any person on board ship, free from strict missible for them to interchange opinions upon the military control, except in peculiar cases, where he state of the funds and the necessities of the ship,that they have no such common interest and motive of action, as the public service-but that they stand to each other, in the relation of mutual personal hostility. And an anecdote is related (harmless enough in itself,) which, if it mean anything in this place, means that Doctor's Latin may be made a cloak for deception. There is no risk of error in saying, that this attempt to build up a factitious consequence upon the use of a dead tongue will find no sympathy in the Medical Corps generally. Knowledge, when duly estimated, does not stoop to such petty ends.

enjoys the position of an officer, and is regarded as acting in a confidential capacity. Such is the course which usage recommends, and established usage is never to be violated, but with great deliberation; for it embodies that which time and experience have approved and partakes, in a military community, of the nature of the common law. It is co-existent with and equally as indestructible as the written statute. Such is the infinite and diversified combination of circumstances in human affairs, that no number or variety of laws could abolish the necessity for regarding usage, which cannot be better designated than as the habit of a But, again, it is to be observed, that the purse and society known to all and approved by rightful authosword go together; and also, that, however important rity. A sneer is uttered at the "broad and philomedicines may be, there are other things which acci- sophie views entertained by the framers of these dent may render, for the time, much more important; rules and regulations," because the Assistant Surbut, when his lawful control over the funds of the geon is still required to make a daily inspection and ship is thus taken away, the responsibility of the com- report of the state of the galley. Yet a Lieumander for her efficiency must immediately cease. tenant attends to the washing and sweeping of the It would not be well to leave this topic, of the decks-and the two offices do not differ materially approval of Medical requisitions, without its appro-in dignity-or, it may be added-in their nature. priate moral. The folly committed here, both in In the performance of this duty, the Assistant the selfishness of the purpose, overlooking the Surgeon is exercising a watchful care over the combined and inseparable advantage of the whole, health of the crew, by securing cleanliness in their in striving for the aggrandizement of one grade, meals. Probably another view of this subject, and the miserable defect of judgment, that failed to equally broad, and much more sound and humane

The discussion of that part of the code of rules, which pertains to the duties of sea officers alone, is characterised, as has been before observed, by a vigorous animadversion upon words and a curious search after faults of construction and unseen obscurities of language-a search less striking for

in its philosophy, may be presented. It is this, | The cause which must be advocated so much, that no officer, be his rank what it may, is discredi- at the expense of the courtesy and harmony of the tably employed, when his efforts are directed to service, becomes, by this very circumstance, of preserve the comfort and health of the crew, and doubtful merit. that there is no labor, however humble, which is not rendered agreeable by a cheerful spirit and sanctified by a high sentiment and principle of duty. With regard to hospitals, the mistaken claim of a Surgeon to the sole and exclusive control over them is easily answered, by saying that public hospitals are military establishments, component its success, than for the unfavorable spirit with parts of military commands; and their inmates are which it is conducted. Of this discussion, no exthe subjects of military authority. They must, tended notice need be taken, for by a reference to therefore, have a military organization and disci- the text, the reader will perceive that the subject pline. If this claim be allowed, the commandant has not fallen into competent hands. "Ne sutor of a station has, within the limits of his command, ultra crepidam" is the admonition which this misan establishment under the charge of an inferior applied effort readily suggests. Profiting by its officer, independent of his orders. The comman- example, it is not designed to offer any comment dant, then, must consult his inferior, the Surgeon, upon that part of the code drawn up by the comif the commander of a foreign man-of-war asks mission of Surgeons, for the government of their for a temporary convenience for his sick. Such a own corps, which relates to Medical duties. But perverted subordination would soon bring the disci- the commission have, in some instances, been bepline of the Navy into most admired disorder and, trayed into the attempt to direct the police of ships probably, fully confirm the "disconnected connec- and the general discipline of the service,—and in tion," (let the phrase mean what it will,) of the such things it would be well to guard against the abstruse head of the Medical Bureau. Without possibility of injury, if space were left. But our dwelling upon the palpable absurdity, of vesting in limits draw to a close, and these errors may be a Surgeon the power to transfer patients from one safely left to be corrected by the timely representaship to another, to discharge them from the ser- tions of others, or the wisdom of the department,— vice, or to admit strangers from a foreign man-of-with perhaps this single caution-that every propowar, all of which, and many other similar details sition to benefit one grade at the expense of anoof Naval duty, enter into the management of a ther, and in violation of the usages of the Navy, hospital,—it must be admitted, that this new claim, whether in the right of command, (p. 1,) or the which wars with the paramount custom of our own convenience of a state-room, (p. 2,) is to be reand of other Naval services, is a most unfriendly ceived with scrupulous mistrust, where its motive attack upon the rights and privileges of sea-offi- is sufficiently defined, by its coming from the grade cers, and particularly of such as have merited, by to be so benefited. But the mention of this com their services, the gratitude of their country. mission leads to another proposition. It is one of An article of chapter 7th, gives to the com- a startling character. The example has been set manding officer a right to inspect the Medical jour- by one grade of the Navy, of making laws for its nal, and to this is attached an undeserved odium. own peculiar government, even in matters affecting Something is said about the delicacy of the men general police and subordination; and the dangeand the censorship of the Captain. But, as the rous doctrine has been put forth, that this grade Captain is informed of the names of the sick and has a separate and distinct interest, apart from the their maladies, by a printed Medical report, sent in general and combined good of the whole. Is this to him daily, by the Surgeon of the ship, this re-example a beneficial one, and is this novel doctrine mark seems to have no application here. The true? If so, let them take full effect, and let the Capjournal of the Medical officer is a public document-tains, Commanders, Lieutenants, Pursers, &c., be one of the official records of the vessel-which, each convened, by commission, to create rules før upon occasion, the commander may find it neces- their own obedience, to secure their own privileges, sary to consult. Without seeking what this occa- and to extend their own ideas of discipline into sion may be, it is difficult to comprehend the mo- other grades, with fearless indifference-or rather, tive for this desired mystery and secrecy,-except to render the cases more precisely alike, with it be a part of the plan to make Medical officers feelings of suspicious hostility towards associate independent of their commanders. Neither is it branches of the Naval service. And when this perceived why the Captain should be charged with has been done, the baneful influence of this fatal a desire to break through the confidence existing precedent can be duly appreciated. But it may between the physician and his patient-or why any be urged that this precedent should go no further. feeling should be ascribed to him, inconsistent with because it was the corps of Medical officers alone, self respect, or a respect for others. that was not personally represented on the Board.

"There is an evil which I have seen under the sunFolly is set in great dignity."

A separate provision in their behalf was, therefore, respectable Surgeons, with few, (but painful,) exto be made. It might be said that the chief of the ceptions, reject them utterly-that they are as Bureau of Medicine, &c., represented his class by little willing as others, to accept the present chief his manuscript-still, it is unhesitatingly conceded, of the Bureau of Medicine, &c., as the Nobis Magthat the case of the Medical Corps was one of nus Apollo of the Medical Corps-that, on the hardship-to be represented, or probably misrepre- contrary, they will join with the Navy generally in sented in writing, by a person practically ignorant echoing the observation of the preacher : of their wants and duties-and if a recommendation from an humble and nameless source would avail anything, it might be respectfully suggested, that this is a sufficient reason for again calling But to what end, it may be asked, is this warfare together the Board and adding to its former mem- to lead-and since a warning, uttered in no kind bers a Surgeon. But let not the Surgeon be se- spirit, has been heard from the other side, it may lected from among those who have already com- not prove amiss to pronounce a friendly caution mitted themselves to angry discussion and violent here. Ill-will begets ill-will-the opposition that opinions-who have ceased to be the true friends is freely offered finds an opponent—and, in this batof the Navy, by becoming the partisans of a set. tle, whether its issue depend upon the strength and But let him rather be chosen from the larger num-influence of members, or the justice of the quarrel, ber of those who have kept aloof from profitless the assailants are the least secure of victory. And and unholy warfare, between brothers of the same yet, granting that the objects so eagerly sought, profession-of those who have imbibed humanity are finally obtained-that rank, no longer regarded from science and ripened learning into wisdom. as a sacred trust, held for the public benefit, be But above all, let him be of the number of those conceded to gratify personal ambition--and an who have gone frequently to sea, and acquainted authority exclusively military be conferred upon themselves, by personal experience, with the wants those who have neither the means, nor the occasion and habits of the Navy. Such as these the Navy to exercise it--what effect will all this have upon will be glad to accept as guides and counsellors- the present condition of the Medical officers. To and there is no dearth of them. In the honorable answer this inquiry, let their present condition be list of Surgeons, there are to be found many names considered. It is the delightful privilege, and even that adorn the register upon which they stand, and blessing, of the Surgeon of a ship-of-war, that he have gained, in the walks of private duty, an hono- moves in a path of duty, where no one has either rable and enviable distinction. Upon the profes- the desire or the capacity to interfere, and that he sional ability of the Naval Surgeons as a class, is thus exempted from a participation in the perany praise that can be offered here, is of dispro-sonal conflicts, jealousies and annoyances, that beset portionate value. The statistics of our public ships, the subject of an ever-present and active military which, during their protracted absences upon the rule. His healing art connects him with indigreat ocean, encounter every variety of climate, viduals of all classes, by the most grateful and enand are visited by every form of disease, bear the dearing ties of kindness and favor. His superior highest testimony to their knowledge and unwea- intellectual endowments, and the dignified indepenried assiduity. In them the sea-officer recognizes, dence of his official position, gain for him a moral through his long wanderings, the instructive com- power, which, if judiciously exerted, is never dispanions of his mind, and the watchful guardians of puted, and which affords him constant opportunihis health, and as such, he acknowledges to them ties to perform the offices of a noble and comprean obligation of deep gratitude and reverent res-hensive charity-the highest enjoyment of a cultipeet. Sentiments like these ought not to be dis-vated mind. And when the influence, growing out turbed by vague and unfounded suspicions. The of these causes, is rightly appreciated, and faithill-will towards the Medical officers of the Navy, fully administered, and when the lofty purposes of with which the sea-officer is charged, has no real existence. Let it be remembered, that it was never known until the foundation of the Medical Bureau, and let it also be re-called that the first incumbent of that office, has managed not only to insult and disgust, without a shadow of provocation, several other grades of the service, but to quarrel with many individuals of his own. It is a matter of reasonable surprise, that such suspicions, coming from such a source, should have been so readily adopted, and the same may be said, too, of those hitherto unheard-of pretensions to rank and command. It is fully believed that the older and more

VOL. IX-58

his benevolent calling are fully comprehended and strictly honored--the Surgeon moves along the ship, among companions whom he has entertained and instructed by his knowledge, and friends whom he has relieved from suffering by his skill, and the ear, that hears him, bears witness to his office. This is a picture drawn from the life, and not from fancy, and this is, or might be, the present condition of every Naval Surgeon. How will this picture be changed when the wishes of the disorganizers are carried out, and the sea-officer meets his Medical companion on board ship, under the impression of the mutual mistru st―jealous conten

the character of American navigators, if they would not gladly lend the Society a willing hand in an undertaking so praiseworthy and useful.

Such charts would be to the science of navigation, what that presenting a series of blank squares, and known in the merchant's counting-house as the "German music chart," is to observations and facts in magnetism and meteorology; they would show at a glance what volumes of written directions could but imperfectly describe. Multiplied observations upon the winds and currents alone of the ocean, would be invaluable in pointing out the shortest routes from port to port.

"As an illustration of the manner in which trifling incidents at sea may be turned to account, and of the value which facts, that singly and alone are worthless, possess when collected in numbers and brought together, the use of the "bottle chart," recently published in the Nautical Magazine, might be mentioned. Forty years ago, it was proposed to navigators to throw bottles overboard often at sea, with a paper in them, stating the time and place of doing it. Up to this time, papers have been collected from about one hundred and fifty bottles thrown in the Atlantic. These patient little navigators have put us in possession of a mass of It is true, every vessel is required by usage and the most valuable information, touching the curlaw to keep a log, in which, whatever occurs on rents of this ocean, almost, if not quite equal in board, relating to the navigation of the vessel itself, importance to all that is contained in all the books should be recorded. But the observations entered that have been written on the subject. The cruises there are so surrounded by irrelevant matter, that, of these bottles, show that the gulf-stream, after practically, they are of but little avail to navigators impinging upon the coasts of England and France, generally. The task of collecting and comparing, is deflected along the shores of Portugal and Spain, even if the log-books were accessible, is an under- and from the coast of Africa back into the Gulf of taking which few would be willing to encounter. Mexico. If a few glass bottles and sea-weeds For several months past, an officer, under direc- thrown at random into the sea, and picked up by tion of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, chance on the shore, could, when brought together, has been diligently engaged in overlooking the log- each with its own story, give us such information, books of the navy, which are kept at the Navy De- what might we not expect from a multitude of navipartment. The object of his search was for facts gators directed by mind and intelligence, and purrelating to the gulf-stream. The books which he suing the same subjects of inquiry? examined, and he examined all at the Navy Department, their proper place of deposit, run through a period of thirty-seven years, and are better kept than log-books generally are. Though every vessel that has sailed from the United States within that time has crossed the gulf-stream twice at least on every cruise, Lieut. Herndon could obtain its limits but in thirty-seven places, and the force and set of its current but in eight. Had each of these vessels, during a small portion of this time, been furnished with a blank chart after the plan proposed, the limits, force and set of this stream might have now been so arranged as to be seen at a glance, and the results of the observations of all, if compared and laid down on one general chart, would have added much to our present knowledge; for to this day, the most of our information of the gulf-stream is in what was said of it by Doctor Franklin.

Though ships may not perhaps give us so faithful an account of the most of the gentler currents of the ocean as bottles do, they would give us on those charts a true record of the limits, the seasons, and the direction of winds, which are of far more importance to the navigator than the currents that cross his way. This is a fruitful field, in which rich harvests are to be gathered by the first laborers who shall enter it, determined in their patience and perseverance.

Two vessels sail together for the same place; one arrives two, three, or even twenty days before the other, according to circumstances. This is called 'luck.' And the master who makes short passages is called a lucky fellow.' But there is less of luck and chance in short passages, than we are generally disposed to allow. Ships at sea are governed by winds, and the winds by laws, as obedient as the planets in their rounds to the order of But, to make us acquainted with the limits, the nature; and one captain habitually makes shorter strength, and the changes of this wonderful ocean passages than another, because he understands the current, would be among the least practical of the operation of those laws better than his competitor; many valuable results to be expected from the in- in other words, he has the benefit of more of those troduction of such charts among navigators. We observations which these blank charts are intended should have better knowledge of the other currents to collect. As important as the results of such of the ocean, their periods and their fluctuations, observations are, they can scarce be said to form a we should have a more correct understanding of written branch of navigation. Except within the many other phenomena, which are now but familiar trades and monsoons, our knowledge as to the best mysteries to the mariner, and it would not be ex- routes for short passages is rather a matter of tra pecting too much, from such a multitude of ob- dition among navigators, modified and improved by servers, such a collection of facts, finally to be led each one, it is true, for his own purposes and acfrom effects up to their causes. cording to his own experience-at all times a dear,