the divisions and condition of the medical profession in dublin. letter ii

5
827 in between these and the Bishop’s Marsh. - pp. 41-43. We have given rather a detailed notice of this work, because we are glad to see a subject of public health zealously pressed on the attention of the inhabitants of Lich. field ; and hope to see other specimens of medical topography from practitioners in every town of the kingdom. Medical men will conduct these inquiries much more satisfactorily than the Poor-Law Commis- sioners. EASTERN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND. EXCERPT of Minute of a Special Meeting of the Council of the Eastern Medical Association of Scotland, held at Dun- dee, the 13th August, 1840. ALEXANDER BELL, Esq., Vice-President, in the chair. The following Resolutions were unani- mously agreed to :- 1st, That the Council has observed with extreme regret, the custom of publishing paragraphs in the newspapers, for some time past, laudatory of the operations and mode of treatment employed by certain prac- titioners in various diseases ; such means of making public their practice being calcu- lated materially to injure the respectability of the Medical Profession. 2nd. That as one of the great objects of the Association is the suppression of quackery in all its forms, the Council would earnestly impress upon all the mem- bers of this Association, the necessity of exerting themselves to discourage and pre- vent such proceedings for the future. At the monthly meeting of the Council on the 5th instant, an unanimous vote of thanks was passed in favour of Richard Carmichael, Esq., President of the Medical Association of Ireland, for his munificent donation, and general exertions to forward the cause of Medical Reform. THE DIVISIONS AND CONDITION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN. LETTER II. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR:—In my former letter (LANCET, page 794) I endeavoured to lay before you a brief history of the medical profession in Dublin, in order that you might understand the relation which the different classes of vvhich it is composed bear to each other. Let me now direct your attention to the parties which represent these differ- ent interests, the objects of each, and the causes which have led to our divi- sions. This is the more necessary to be explained, because the terms by which they have been designated convey a meaning that is contrary to the facts, and which have been purposely applied, in order to render popu- lar the party which is most clamorous and most anxious to direct the reform which all perceive to be inevitable. Hence the " Re- formers," par excellence, are most studiously contrasted with « Anti-Reformers ;" and the organ of the so-called reform party * de- nounces, in no measured terms, all who are not among the initiated, as the " abettors of monopoly," the " supporters of nepotism," and, in short, as the warm advocates of all those " abuses" which it is the object of the said journal’s mostpatriotic and disinterested exertions to correct. In order to expose these fallacies, and to throw a new light upon the position of medical parties, we shall take each class in its order. The physicians of the old school are by far the least numerous as a body, but, from their education, demeanour, and adherence to rules of etiquette, might well be described as the " Ancien Regime" of this revolution- ary era. They have always acknowledged with reluctance the asserted equality of university medical graduates; they have long denied the right of surgeons to practise medicine, and look doubtfully upon the ad- vances of the apothecary. They have one school of medicine, which is only partially under their controul, their authority being shared with the Dublin University ; in the details of education they have, therefore, little interest. Their Professors are not permitted to take any part in their delibera- tions ; their College, therefore, perfectly represents the practising physician. Not being disposed to relax in any great degree the barriers to admission into their body, their numbers are limited ; and in their present policy, it is a question whether they would suffer more from the future general practitioner, than they have already endured from the aggressions of the surgeon ; it is even possible that their aid may be more called upon than formerly; therefore, they seem to hold a neutral position in the con- test going forward. In every thing which is calculated to maintain the rank of the profession they are willing to unite with the surgeon, and object to the unlicensed ag. gressions from which they have suffered so much ; but it is almost a matter of indiffer- ence to them, whether the surgeon hold the position he has taken from them, or the apothecary mount up in his place. , The second, and the more numerous party, * The Dublin Medical Press.

Upload: truonglien

Post on 30-Dec-2016

215 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: THE DIVISIONS AND CONDITION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN. LETTER II

827

in between these and the Bishop’s Marsh.- pp. 41-43.

We have given rather a detailed noticeof this work, because we are glad to see asubject of public health zealously pressedon the attention of the inhabitants of Lich.

field ; and hope to see other specimens ofmedical topography from practitioners in

every town of the kingdom. Medical men

will conduct these inquiries much more

satisfactorily than the Poor-Law Commis-sioners.

EASTERN MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONOF SCOTLAND.

EXCERPT of Minute of a Special Meeting ofthe Council of the Eastern MedicalAssociation of Scotland, held at Dun-dee, the 13th August, 1840.

ALEXANDER BELL, Esq., Vice-President, inthe chair.

The following Resolutions were unani-mously agreed to :-

1st, That the Council has observed withextreme regret, the custom of publishingparagraphs in the newspapers, for sometime past, laudatory of the operations andmode of treatment employed by certain prac-titioners in various diseases ; such means ofmaking public their practice being calcu-lated materially to injure the respectabilityof the Medical Profession.

2nd. That as one of the great objectsof the Association is the suppression of

quackery in all its forms, the Councilwould earnestly impress upon all the mem-bers of this Association, the necessity ofexerting themselves to discourage and pre-vent such proceedings for the future.At the monthly meeting of the Council

on the 5th instant, an unanimous vote ofthanks was passed in favour of Richard

Carmichael, Esq., President of the MedicalAssociation of Ireland, for his munificentdonation, and general exertions to forwardthe cause of Medical Reform.

THE

DIVISIONS AND CONDITIONOF THE

MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN.LETTER II.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.SIR:—In my former letter (LANCET, page

794) I endeavoured to lay before you abrief history of the medical profession inDublin, in order that you might understandthe relation which the different classes ofvvhich it is composed bear to each other.

Let me now direct your attention tothe parties which represent these differ-ent interests, the objects of each, andthe causes which have led to our divi-sions. This is the more necessary to beexplained, because the terms by which theyhave been designated convey a meaning thatis contrary to the facts, and which have beenpurposely applied, in order to render popu-lar the party which is most clamorous andmost anxious to direct the reform which allperceive to be inevitable. Hence the " Re-formers," par excellence, are most studiouslycontrasted with « Anti-Reformers ;" and theorgan of the so-called reform party * de-nounces, in no measured terms, all who arenot among the initiated, as the " abettors ofmonopoly," the " supporters of nepotism,"and, in short, as the warm advocates of allthose " abuses" which it is the object of thesaid journal’s mostpatriotic and disinterestedexertions to correct.

In order to expose these fallacies, and tothrow a new light upon the position ofmedical parties, we shall take each class inits order.The physicians of the old school are by far

the least numerous as a body, but, from theireducation, demeanour, and adherence torules of etiquette, might well be describedas the " Ancien Regime" of this revolution-ary era. They have always acknowledgedwith reluctance the asserted equality ofuniversity medical graduates; they have longdenied the right of surgeons to practisemedicine, and look doubtfully upon the ad-vances of the apothecary. They have oneschool of medicine, which is only partiallyunder their controul, their authority beingshared with the Dublin University ; in thedetails of education they have, therefore,little interest. Their Professors are not

permitted to take any part in their delibera-tions ; their College, therefore, perfectlyrepresents the practising physician. Notbeing disposed to relax in any great degreethe barriers to admission into their body,their numbers are limited ; and in theirpresent policy, it is a question whether theywould suffer more from the future generalpractitioner, than they have already enduredfrom the aggressions of the surgeon ; it iseven possible that their aid may be morecalled upon than formerly; therefore, theyseem to hold a neutral position in the con-test going forward. In every thing whichis calculated to maintain the rank of theprofession they are willing to unite with thesurgeon, and object to the unlicensed ag.gressions from which they have suffered somuch ; but it is almost a matter of indiffer-ence to them, whether the surgeon hold theposition he has taken from them, or theapothecary mount up in his place.

,

The second, and the more numerous party,

* The Dublin Medical Press.

Page 2: THE DIVISIONS AND CONDITION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN. LETTER II

828

are the surgeons; many of whom have medi- on the licentiate doing so; consequently, incal degrees, and with all of whom the unity giving him no protection against the apothe-of medicine and surgery is an axiom. The cary, and not suffering him to protect him.necessity for an uniform education for all self, they committed a capital error. Theycandidates who enter the profession, is ad- educated the licentiate for the higher prac-mitted ; but whether they should be exa- tice alone, and so far met the wishes of themined by one general, or by distinct medical practising surgeon in supporting the posi.boards, is a question at issue. They have tion his profession had attained ; but at the-one school, supported by their College, the same time, for the benefit of the teacher,professors of which are members of that increased their number far beyond what thatbody ; there are also several private schools, practice required : thus giving one of manywhich are in a similar manner represented ; instances of the injury caused by oppositethe details of education, and the changes interests in the same governing body. Inwhich take place in it, are matters of much this respect the physicians present a remark.more importance to them than to the physician. able coatrast. The proper time to provideThere are, therefore, two distinct interests against the difficulty was lost, and it is therepresented in the one College, that of the present object of the surgeon to repair his,practising snrgeon and tLat of the medical error, either by legislation, forcing back theteacher. In past times the former were apothecary from practice, and encouragingconsiderably the majority, but latterly the a class of well-educated " pharmaciens," orinterest is almost exclusively that of the by obtaining a power to dispense as well asteacher ; and the results which flowed from to practise, and thus laying the foundation ,

this change, I shall presently have to refer of a general practitioner, superior to theto. The great evil which the practising present race, and which would be incorpo-surgeon has to complain of, is the intrusion rated with the College.of the apothecary ; and that he is obliged to The third party, the apothecaries, are thoseconfide the compounding of his prescriptions who have every thing to gain and nothingto a rival, who himself practises. That the to lose; they may be said to be unanimous,apothecary should seek an improved educa- and have made every provision to enabletion, is all very well ; but that he should them to claim the same privileges as theprosper at the expense of his neighbour, is London Apothecaries’ Company. They re-quite a different matter; and hence the sur- quire for their candidates a knowledge notgeon and apothecary may be considered as merely of chemistry and pharmacy, but alsothe real antagonists in this great struggle, of anatomy, medicine, and surgery, havingin which, however, the apothecary has one the education of the general practitioner, asgreat advantage in his favour, viz., that he at present exists, obviously in view. Awhile it is impossible to prevent himprac- small number of their body, however, buttising as a surgeon, it is quite possible to not sufficient to make any real diversion ill

prevent the surgeon acting as an apothecary, their favour, are more anxious to seek aneven were he so inclined, which is not gene. equality with the other branches, by raisingrally the case. to the highest the cultivation of pharmaceu.The apothecary acting in a double capa- tics, than to be lowest in the scale of prac-

city, both as a practitioner and a com- titioners; and in this respect they are unitedpounder of his opponent’s prescriptions, is with the surgeon tholding the same views.an anomaly that has altogether unhinged the The great obstacle which they have to con-practice of the profession ; and, without at tend against, is not so much the oppositionall supposing the apothecary to take advan- of their own body as the reluctance of thetage of the many opportunities in this way Legislature to interfere in their favour ; theoffered to him, the knowledge that such is commercial spirit of the English nationin his power is sufficient to excite the live- precludes the hope that the pure apothecaryliest suspicions, to embarrass the prescriber, would be protected from the inroads of theand to give rise to the most groundless druggist on the one side, or even of the green-jealousies. grocer on the other. The encouragement

The obvious policy of the surgeon would given to quackery is a sufficient illustrationhave been to foresee and to meet this diffi- of their disposition to allow every man tocutty. Two modes were open to him ; deal in medicines or merchandise as hein the beginning to have resisted any attempt pleases, and therefore is sufficient to dis-of the apothecary to assume the character courage any but the most sanguine advocatesof a practitioner; and to effect this a simul. of an admitted benefit. In truth, if care-taneous effort on the part of those surgeons fully considered, the whole question mightwho were in public favour was requisite: be reduced to this one point. If the lowestthis they did not, perhaps could not, make. of the three branches of the profession couldThe other alternative was, to secure to the be protected against the unqualified personsrising surgeon the education for, and power vending or compounding drugs in any way,of, dispensing medicine, it would be easy to secure those above them

This they not only did not do, but in their from their interference ; but as this is notnew charter (1828) they placed a restriction very likely to be accomplished, the question.

Page 3: THE DIVISIONS AND CONDITION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN. LETTER II

829

again reverts, Who will educate, and to ever blasted the influence of the party whowhom will belong, the general practitioner? could tolerate such conduct; but corruption

I have now laid before you a faithful had gained too much strength, and the cor-review of the leading interests which intlu- respondent who made this attack in yourence the different branches of the profession ; pages (LANCET, vol. ii., 1830-81, p. 395),and the natural inference would be, that the was not ouly listened to, but treated to anReformers and the Anti-Reformers mean the absolute ovation. He became, in his ownsurgeons and the apothecaries, and their words, the " Prime Minister of the College;"allies. Such, however, is not the fact; the and the acts of that administration form aterms are applicable only to the surgeons most valuable commentary on the new-bornthemselves, who are divided against each zeal of this identical government to lead inother, much to the satisfaction of the apo- the present struggle for reform. No meansthecary. The subject of the dispute would were spared, then, to crush the reformers.not be easily found out, as on all material The very pupils who, in admiration of hispoints there is scarcely a difference between views, requested tliaf Mr. Carmichael wouldthem, and certainly none which could not publish the lecture in which they were puteasily be decided. The value of an iota forward, were marked for vengeance. Onewas once the cause of a most violent theo- victim was sacrificed to their wrath ; anotherlogical controversy ; the medical dispute is hardly excepted ; and a system of tyrannyscarcely worth so much ; but, as in the former was exercised, which prevented any but theirinstance so in the present, the proximity of friends being admitted into their body.the parties seems to increase their repulsion. Mr. Warburton ably exposed this abuse ;It is, therefore, necessary to explain the and if the Irish Section of the medical evi-enigma, and in order to do so, to directyour dence had been published, a more graphicattention to parties as existing in the College illustration could not be given of the eagleof Surgecns. glance with which it was detected, the fatalSome time previously to the appointment grasp with which it was seized, and the

of Mr. Warburton’s Committee, there was a agonised writhings to escape from the in-

strong interest on the subject of reform fliction of his cross-examination. It was

among a few of the members of that body, too dangerous to repeat this system, andbut it was a reform of the body itself ; the other means were called into requisition tointerests of the teacher were more and more effect the same object: the admission-fee wasthe object of attention; but these were not raised, the period of probation was length-the same ; the School, supported by the Col- ened, and every obstacle which could safelylege, was the rival of every other; and while be used was thrown in the way of a mem-it was the object of the private Schools to be ber’s admission.placed on an equality with that of the Col- The balance of parties, which preponde-lege, and to have the College (as in London) rated on the side of the College School, wasthe guardian of all, indifferently, it was i thus retained in its position, and the admi-the policy of the College School to maintain nistration were secured in office, when thethe ascenJalley of their position, pressure from without gave them a salutaryTo effect this, every means were put in warning, that they could not long maintain

force, and abuses gradually sprung up in their course, if the tide of feeling were oncethe constitution of the College, which were directed against them. Associations, coni-altogether altering its character. From posed of the members of other medical cor-having been formerly a fair representation porations, were forming throughout theof the surgical profession of Dublin, it was country ; the College was beset, it had few,becoming more and more a personation of if any, friends; revelations of no very flatteringthe school attached to it. The interests of the character were made before the Parliamen-practitioner were less, those of the schools tary Committee; and the delegates who weremore, the mbjectsof debate; and,accordingly, once sent to advocate its interests, found thatas other interests seemed to clash with the " railway jobbers, soap-boilers, and tallow-College Schools, so was the College itself chandlers,"* received from members of Par-torn by the most violent dissension in the liament a much more gracious attentionattempt to crush the opposition ; and thus, than medical corporators.from having enjoyed a long period of peace Fortunately for the College, the local asso-and prosperity, the College became the con- ciations were too short a time in existencestant scene of warfare, to command much more attention, and theirAs a proof of the spirit in which it was representative seems to have been equally

carried on, I need only instance one fact. otl’ended with his treatment. In this hu-Mr. Carmichael was then, as he is now, the mour the disputants met, shook hands, and,zealous and determined advocate of Reform: like Peachum and Lockit, acknowledgedthe fact of his being so, and at the same time they were both in the wrong. A plan ofof his opening a new medical school under reform was agreed upon, at the head ofauspices most dangerously favourable, was sufficient to expose him to such a torrent of Vide Dr. Maunsell’s letter, "Medicalirivective and scurrility, as would have for Press," vol. i., p. 194.

Page 4: THE DIVISIONS AND CONDITION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN. LETTER II

830

which was to be the College ; it was to be mits should be afforded them to obtain lettersthe great centre of union, which was to re- testimonial ;" in other words, there must begulate the motions of all minor associations; a real examination, but requiring no more.and thus was accomplished a revolution of The College mustered in sufficient strengthfeeling in favour of the said administration, to defeat this, and to prove the sense inwhich once again restored them to the which they understood the resolution uponhighest confidence. Mr. Carmichael, who, which the Correspondence Committee acted.in disgust, had long retired from the College, Still the project was not given up ; and,again came forward, determined to let no April 18, 1839, a very ambiguous Reportprivate feeling interfere with his favourite was again brought up, recommending 11 theobject. All parties in the College were una- incorporation of the whole body of practi-nimous in their desire to co-operate with the tioners into a firm and powerful union," anddifferent classes of medical men, in a cause that the College should pass a series of de-which every one acknowledged to be indis- claratory resolutions; one of which was,pensable; still, however, this sudden change " That the College are prepared to go to thefrom corporate exclusiveness to the most length of seeking a new charter of incorpo.liberal profession!’!, was, to many, quite inex- ration, if the proposed union could not beplicable. Mr. Carmichael, it is true, and satisfactorily effected by any other mode."some of the reformers, gave them their con- Still there was no absolute resolution declar.fidence ; but others preferred to watch the ing that a charter should be sought, to in.

progress of events, prepared to give their corporate the whole body of practitioners insupport to every measure calculated to ad- a firm and powerful College. It was onlyvance a union of the profession, but ready in case of failure that a charter should beat the same time to oppose any attempt to looked for, and that for the purpose of ce-convert this movement to a different object. mentingthe union.Whether such caution was justifiable, the No sooner had this resolution been agreedresult will prove. to, than the Committee determined to try noThe advantage to the College was obvious; mode but one, and set to work to plan the

but what were the Associations to receive? reconstruction of the College altogether,-aThe great benefit set forward was, that, the syllable of which was not divulged to theCollege being their head, their strength College until the 26th of May, and that in awould be concentrated, and a character manner best calculated to keep them in thegiven to their proceedings which must com- dark. There was no report brought up now,mand attention. The Associations would nor was the College formally summoned tohave one medical body at least in their take into consideration the propositionsfavour ready to co-operate in effecting a their Committee had intended to submit atredress of grievances, or, in the words of the the Congress of the Profession: no, theyresolution appointing the Correspondence only condescended to say, 11 that they wouldCommittee (Sept. 8, 1838), to carry this attend at the College on Saturday nextunion into effect, 91 two organise with them a (May 26), at 4 o’clock, to explain the naturesystematic plan of co-operation, for securing and order of the proceedings to be adopted atequal rights and privileges to all properly- the ensuing Congress; and earnestly request-educated and regularly recognised physicians ed that the members of the College wouldand surgeons, and resisting all attempts to take the trouble of meeting them for thatlessen their independence, or diminish the purpose, viz., to hear the nature and orderamount of remuneration to which they are of the proceedings explained ! They wereentitled by their public services." not summoned to deliberate, butto listen. NoIn this alliance to maintain the rights of reason why they were earnestly entreated to

medical men against the injustice of coroners, attend, even for that purpose, was given ;the contempt of judges, and the indifference not a hint of propositions of the most vitalof Parliament, few would have imagined it consequence to the very existence of theto mean a systematic plan to incorporate a College, being about to be proposed to thecertain number of medical gentlemen as profession at large, was dropped. This in-members and licentiates of the College, formation was reserved for members whowithout the trouble of an examination ; yet pleased to attend, and who, it is needlesssuch was the fact. On Dec. 29, 1838, the to add, were completely taken by sur-

Committee made a Report, in which, after a prise.long discussion upon its advantages, they The Congress met, and the Committeeproposed an act of grace to enable the Col- proposed for their approval the very mea-lege " to grant licences, upon a formal exa- sure which the College had scouted before,2nination,l to such graduates of other Col- —" That, at the first formation of the newleges, as may be recommended by a Committee College(!) all persons holding degrees or

to be nominated by the College ;" that is, by diplomas in medicine or surgery from anythe aforesaid administration. After consi- of the Colleges or Universities, who couldderable discussion this was refused, and a produce evidence of irreproachable moralresolution passed instead, " that every faci- and professional character (to be determined,lity which the charter of the College per- ofcoursebyaCommittee)shouldbeenrolled

Page 5: THE DIVISIONS AND CONDITION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN DUBLIN. LETTER II

831

as members, if of five years’ standing; and aslicentiates, if not members, upon payment ofa sum not exceeding 20 guineas." Thesere-solutions were carried by acclamation ; andthen the Committee thought fit to make areport to the College, which it is needless tosay the College refused to adopt. The wholescheme of their reform was now developed,against which fifty-two members and onehundred and forty licentiates (monopolists,of course,) protested. The whole Collegewas roused to a determined and indignantopposition, and the project most miserablyfailed. They were, of course, charged by Ithe Committee with a breach of faith, be-cause they assented to seek for a newcharter, if the union could not be effected byany other mode. But those who made, andnow repeat the charge, passed over the prin-cipal condition. They never tried any othermode, though another is found now to suc-ceed admirably; they never brought beforethe College any evidence that it was neces-sary ; they never even told the College thealteranons required..N 0; out.ontnen’ownresponsibility, in place of asking the assentof the College, they requested the approvalof the Congress, and therefore became ob-noxious to the very charge which they havemade. But, in fact, considering the practicewhich had hitherto prevailed in the College,the mistake of the Committee is easily ex.plained. In themselves they constituted thebody which usually went by the nante of theCollege; they never dreamed that the wholebody of members would have been rousedfrom an apathy into which they had so longbeen sunk ; and hence they very plausibly Ireasoned that they, as the College, could notbe ignorant of what they, as the Committee,perfectly understood.Had the scheme succeeded, the Collegewould have been the sacrifice to expiate allformer misdeeds. The hitherto exclusive,but now liberal administration would, withsome friendly additions, be the Council togovern the profession ; (who could be soungrateful as to reject them after the benefitsthey have conferred?) the influence which

was rapidly on the wane would be increasedin a tenfold degree ; and the reform whichthreatened them with ruin, was to becometheir strongest support. These visions, how-ever, vanished with the failure of the plan ; i Ithe suspicions of the more cautious reform-ers were fully justified, greater distrust wasexcited, and the most favourable prospectof ageneral union of the profession was suc-ceeded, by a discontent and disunion whicheven still paralyses the efforts of all who areanxious for its welfare. A further historyof the movements of the same party sincethis abortive attempt, would throw addi-tional light upon their exertions in favour ofreform ; but having trespassed to so great alength on your indulgence, I shall reserve,with your permission, any comments upon

that to a future opportunity. I remain, Sir,yours very obediently,

MEDICUS.Dublin, August, 1840.

A BONE-SETTER versus A PATIENT.

AT the County Court, York, the followingcause was tried on the 12th inst., beforeMr. HOLTBY, the County Clerk, Nisi Prius:RHODES v. ATKINSON.-The plaintiff lives

at Bishop Monkton, and is a " celebrated "bone-setter. The defendants, a brother andsister, occupy a farm near Ripon. In Aug.1835, Edward Atkinson went to Monkton tofetch the bone-setter to see his son, who hadbeen thrown off a horse, by which a com-pound fracture of a most severe nature hadbeen caused. The leg was bandaged up bythe plaintiff and his son ; in a month the ladwas recovering fast, and on the 17th ofOctober the plaintiff discontinued his visits.For this he sent in a bill for :f15 2s.6d.,which he now sought to recover, charging:f5 for the first operation and his journeythere, and the remainder for bandages andointment. The plaintiff had frequently de-livered in his bill, but had not receivedpayment, as he was always put off withsome excuse. The defendants had nevermade any objection to the items, and hadalways stated that the cure was a very goodone.

Mr. TEMPLE submitted that as the CountyClerk could not nonsuit, a verdict for thedefendant must be returned, as the plaintiffwas not a regular surgeon, holding a diplomafrom the College of Surgeons, nor any legalqualification to practise.Mr. BLANSHARD contended, on the con-

trary, that this argument only referred topersons practising in London, and that evenin that case the statute only demanded apenalty of 95 per month for practising with-out a licence.

After the case had been fully argued, theCounty Clerk decided that it should go tothe Jury.Mr. TEMPLE addressed the Jury for the

defendants. He then called the boy to provethat he had only received three bottles ofmedicine and two boxes of ointment.The Jury found a verdict for the plaintiff-

Damages £10.

QUACK MEDICINES.

WE hear of a druggist, a Mr. Buckman,of Cheltenham, who declines to sell quack-medicines. 11 In certain situations," he saysin his advertisements, "and under peculiarcircumstances, when good medical advicecannot be procured, there may be some ex-cuse for their employment; but in a placelike Cheltenham, where professional talent