The importance of the subject, I humbly anticipate will be sufficient
excuse for the liberty I have taken, in dedicating to you the result of
my experience connected with Coroners’ Inquests.
The instances narrated with reference to apparent delinquencies, in
non-medical Coroners, contained in the following pages, occurred in my
immediate neighbourhood, and may be believed, as resting on the brow of
truth. Yet I most heartily coincide in acknowledging the integrity and
worth, of Gentlemen pursuing vocations, for which they have alone been
amply educated; and it is only when they assume a position, or accept
office to execute duties they are incompetent to perform, as is
frequently observed, that I deem it my duty to wield my pen against such
appointments: not less for the sake of humanity, than for the dignity,
and I might add, the disregarded importance of the medical profession, to
which I have the honor to belong.