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FRANCE. 551
a treatise in French without mistakes of spelling and
to answer questions upon the most important facts in
natural science, physics and chemistry. The period of
studentship for Officiers de Sante likewise extends over
four years. The curriculum is nearly the same as for the
future doctors of medicine except that less stress is laid
upon the theoretical side of studies especially in histology,
physiology and pathological anatomy. The examinations
are of a corresponding character, and are limited to the
main points and principles of subjects.*
The French military doctors were formerly educated at
Strassburg, and attended the lectures of the medical faculty
there. In 1872 a rule was made that the military medical
students should be distributed among 11 medical schools
and should receive instruction there with the other medical
students; but in 1883 in place of this two ecoles pre­
paratoires du service de sante were founded at Bordeaux and
Nancy for the education of doctors for the army. The
students of these schools participate in the teaching given
by the medical faculties at the places mentioned ; they are
obliged to spend five years in study, and are looked after
and helped in their work by older military medical officers
who act as tutors in the various subjects of study. When
they have finished their studies and have obtained the
degree of doctor they are transferred for the completion of
their professional training to the ecole d'application con­
nected with the great military hospital of Val de Grace,
where they serve in the wards for eight months and lay in
a stock of experience in practical medicine.
The system of medical education in France possesses
along with many advantages, among which the excellent
anatomical and clinical training of students must be
especially mentioned, also certain lamentable defects. Thus
it seems strange that, according to the curriculum of study,
the first year of studentship should be devoted entirely to
* Indications sommaires des conditions a remplir pour l'obtention des grades
de docteur en me'de'cine, d' officier.de sante, etc., Paris 1884.