Winchester Republican

The New-York American, justly remarking on the improper facility with which degrees are granted by our universities, particularly those of LL. D. (Doctor of Laws,) makes the following remarks, the force of which cannot be denied. The remedy is a matter more difficult of determination: Nat. Intel.

"It is admitted, however, that all this is not so preposterous as a practice that has grown up within a few years in the department of surgery and physic. Formerly the degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred with a sparing hand. it was the fruit of a life of industry and research; of close observation, and of a scientific mind. Now, that degree is put in market as cheap as bull beef in the stall. With a profusion that might light up a blush on the cheeks of the faculty at Aberdeen, every young stripling, who has pre-eminence neither in native genius nor acquired learning, but who has heard a course of medical lectures, and blundered through a thesis propounded by a professor, without general knowledge, or even a day's professional practice, emerges at once into a full fruition of all the classical honors of a Sydenham, a Hunter, and a Cullen. Henceforth he walks side by side with a Rush or a Barton, with M. D. irrevocably attached to his name, and participating in their dignity upon an equal footing. He has ascended the highest elevation which his profession can reach, and may look down with a listless gaze upon those, who, after toiling thirty years, with credit to themselves and usefulness to the public, remain unadorned by those distinctions that are now scattered with profusion upon the heads of their juniors, in this age of improvement.

"The subject is deserving of deep consideration with those who preside over our seats of learning, and especially of those who are of opinion with us, that literary honors should be impartially and sparingly conferred, and be made fellow-travellers only with progressive industry, virtue and learning."