Note 9 — Chapter III
Reading edition
It must be remembered, that at the time we are now speaking of, surgeons did not hold that respectable rank in society as they now—that is, most of them—deservedly fill. Not so very many years ago, naval surgeons in particular were very little thought of; and even in the British navy, they were required to perform the office of barber, as well as attend to the bodily ailments of the crew.