The Adventures of Roderick Random

The Examination at Surgeons’ Hall

The narrator arrives at Surgeons’ Hall for his examination with trembling fear. He encounters Mr. Jackson, who explains he is attempting to obtain his qualification as a backup plan while awaiting news from a romantic attachment. The narrator observes nervous candidates emerging from the examination, who gladly recount their experiences. When called before the examiners, the narrator faces Mr. Snarler, who berates him for his Scottish origins and short apprenticeship of only three years. A kind, corpulent gentleman intervenes and examines him on the trepan operation, appearing satisfied with his answers. A witty examiner then asks increasingly absurd questions about amputating a severed head and treating intestinal wounds, leading to a heated dispute between two examiners over medical authority and reason. The narrator receives his qualification, pays his fees, and leaves nearly penniless with only thirteen-pence halfpenny remaining.

Jackson’s Disguise and Detection

After the examination, Jackson has dramatically transformed his appearance. He now wears an old, disheveled wig, a slouched hat, a black crape neck decoration, and a shabby greatcoat. His white silk stockings have been replaced with black worsted hose, and he has painted wrinkles and a beard on his face to appear older and more respectable. He explains that this disguise was designed to attract respect through the appearance of age. However, during his examination, either his peculiar appearance excited excessive curiosity or his behavior did not match his assumed elderly demeanor. The examiners detect that he is an imposter, and he is led away as a prisoner to be sent to Bridewell. Jackson pleads with the narrator and others to witness his identity as John Jackson, former surgeon’s second mate on the HMS Elizabeth.