 However, there was no remedy, I was conducted into a large hall, where
I saw about a dozen of grim faces sitting at a long table. One of whom bid me
come forward in such an imperious tone, that I was actually for a minute or two
bereft of my senses. - The first question he put to me was, »Where was you
born?« To which I answered, In Scotland. - »In Scotland (said he) I know that
very well - we have scarce any other countrymen to examine here - you Scotchmen
have overspread us of late as the locusts did Egypt: - I ask you in what part of
Scotland was you born?« - I named the place of my nativity, which he had never
before heard of: He then proceeded to interrogate me about my age, the town
where I served my time, with the term of my apprenticeship; and when I had
informed him that I served three years only, he fell into a violent passion;
swore it was a shame and a scandal to send such raw boys into the world as
surgeons; that it was great presumption in me, and an affront upon the English,
to pretend to sufficient skill in my business, having served so short a time,
when every apprentice in England was bound seven years at least; - that my
friends had done better if they had made me a weaver or shoemaker, but their
pride would have me a gentleman (he supposed) at any rate, and their poverty
could not afford the necessary education. - This exordium did not at all
contribute to the recovery of my spirits, but on the contrary, reduced me to
such a situation that I was scarce able to stand; which being perceived by a
plump gentleman, who sat opposite to me, with a skull before him, he said Mr.
Snarler was too severe upon the young man; and turning towards me, told me, I
need not be afraid, for no body would do me any harm; then bidding me take time
to recollect myself, he examined me touching the operation of the trepan, and
was very well satisfied with my answers. - The next person who questioned me was
a wag, who began by asking me if I had ever seen amputation performed; to which
I replying in the affirmative, he shook his head and said, »What! upon a dead
subject, I suppose? If (continued he) during an engagement at sea, a man should
be brought to you with his head shot off, how would you behave?« - After
