Bitter pill

From the British Medical Journal of 100 years ago, advice to school leavers contemplating studying medicine: "No one will deny that the prizes are great and that those who win them find their way smoothed to wealth, influence, and position. These, however, are but few.

It must not be thought that all men of consulting rank, however successful they may be in science, are successful also as the world counts success. No; to the immense majority who next October commence their professional studies, medicine will prove but a harsh mother, and will give little beyond the necessaries of a simple and frugal life."