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Medical EthicsAuthor(s): Albert OwenSource: Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal (1844-1852), Vol. 14, No. 12 (Jun. 12, 1850), p.334Published by: BMJStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25501311 .

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334 MEDICAL ETHICS.-MR. HOOPER'S WATER-PILLOW.

treatment, had it been commenced on the 1st of

March, the day corresponding with that on which it

was commenced in the other instance, (being the first of the attack,) and before any other treatment had

been resorted to, but you will observe that it was not

until the second day (and late in the day) that the pills were given, and not until electro-galvanism had been

applied many times, and as much nourishment as pos sible had been got down, in the form of strong broth,

&c. " Increased rigidity of the muscles of the lower

jaw and neck" had been noted before the pills were

given; and moreover, you will observe, that the "gal vanism " was " continued" while the pills were given, and " the nourishment administered, as first directed."

I consider, therefore, that the sedative medicine has

had no trial whatever in Mr. Cotton's case, as surely

galvanism, strong broth, and porter, must be regarded as means best calculated to counteract any lasting or

even immediate good effect from the use of the anti

mony or belladonna, Compare the two reports on the

5th of March.

It has long been an opinion with me that tartarized

antimony has never had a fair trial in tetanus, and

this perhaps may be remembered I used to say in my lecture on that disease. The above opinion has

resulted from observation of the remarkable effect of

the medicine on the vascular, nervous, and muscular

systems, when carried far enough, which may be

strictly called sedative, and it appears, therefore, well calculated to fulfil those indications to which the symp toms before death, and the appearances after death, seem to lead.

I trouble you with this hasty note, that you may have an opportunity of making any use of it you may think

best in your next number. I will not forestal the

publication of the interesting case above alluded to, as I judge Mr. Sayle will favour the profession with its

history; but in the interim it may be well to ask those who may have the opportunity, in the absence of any more promising plan, to try whether the hopes resulting from one apparently successful case may be realized in others. The trial must be made immediately, or very soon after the attack-i.e., before the symptoms run

high, and carried to the extent of keeping.up the sedative effect, more or less, without the intermission

which may be produced by the omission of the remedy or the use of counteracting means,

And believe me, yours very faithfully, *

JOHN WHITING. Lynn, May 17, 1850.

MEDICAL ETHICS.

To the Editor of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal.

SIR,-I should be glad to know if any of your readers are acquainted with a code of medical ethics

where the canvassing for private practice or clubs is

supported by the following rules. I have now enjoyed the friendship and intimate acquaintance of many of

the highest of the high in our profession for the space of fifteen years, but as yet I have not succeeded in

obtaining the approbation of such a custom from any one of them; and certainly, as far as my views of

honour and respectability extend, I look upon such a,

traffic with the dignity of our profession as only meriting the reprobation of all upright men. First, as regards

obtaining patients, may I ask, is it usual the moment

it is ascertained a fresh family is about to remove from a distance, we will say of eight miles, to make a pre cipitate attack upon the gentleman's wife, and in so

many words ask her for the patronage of the family upon their arrival in the town ? Or is it customary, and

thought no derogation to the honour and respectability of our profession, if a man has reason to believe that

another's services are more valued than his own, and at an approaching accouchement he will not be engaged to attend, that he should send word that sooner than

not attend, he begs them to accept of his services

gratuitously ? To my way of thinking it makes no

difference if such offers be made either to the rich or

poor, although in these instances they were made to

respectable people, (professional men's families,) and

therefore, perhaps, even more likely to be appreciated as they ought, and I may add, as they were, with

silent contempt and disgust.

Respecting clubs, the information I wish to get is, whether it supports the dignity of the profession, and

evinces a man to be of good education and birth, to

endeavour to supplant the one who may have been the

medical officer to a club for some years, and as a kind

of encouragement to the members to bestow their votes

upon him, to promise the supply of medicines to their

families (who, it must be remembered, constituted no

part of the club,) at Is. 9d. per bottle instead of the

customary 2s. 6d. ? And again, when sneaking about

the country hunting up and canvassing the members of

a club, is it according to the rules of medical elections, or is it considered anything like " bribery," to promise I a " treat" to those who vote for him, and when elected

to regale himself with all those who either may not be

teetotallers, or disgusted with the attempt made to

deprive them of the freedom of election, decline par

ticipating in his liberality at the public-house ?

Anxiously waiting the opinion of your readers, and

with many apologies for thus trespassing upon your

columns, at the same time grieving for the existence of

the necessity of so doing, I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,

ALBERT OWEN.

Aylesbury, May 17, 1850.

MR, HOOPER'S WATER-PILLOW.

To the Editor of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal.

SIR,-As you kindly admitted an appeal from me relative to the distressing gase of Miss Mary Rymer, of

Brighton, I am most happy to inform the kind friends who responded, that through the exertions of some

truly Christian Sisters of Mercy, at Brighton, a suffi cient sum has been raised to purchase an annuity of

m?30 per annum, and I am not without some hope that a further benefit may be obtained from the Governesses'

Institution.

It is truly delightful to see the expansive effect of

Christian benevolence, especially when manifested to

the orphan of a brother medical man.

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