Proposed Alterations in the Medical Curriculum

Abstract

IN a recent number of NATURE, remarks are made in regard to the present Medical Curriculum, more especially in connection with the proposal of Prof. Huxley to alter the Curriculum for medical graduation in the University of Aberdeen. His object is to remove the subjects of Botany and Natural History from that Curriculum, and to put them in the category of a preliminary examination, without any compulsory at endance upon lectures. Such a proposal if carried into effect would tend in no small degree to limit the medical student's acquirements in the biological sciences, as he will not be required to take full scientific courses on these subjects. The tendency of such a system will be to encourage what is commonly called “cram,” inasmuch as there will be no guarantee for methodical practical instruction under a qualified teacher.