Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1824-11-23
MEDICAL.
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
70 the Physicians and People of Ill.,

1t is fully time that something efectu-
al be done for the purpose OF suppress
sing the impirical practice of physic.-
A work in which all have more or less
interest; though one, whose importance
hut few have investigated. 1t is not ca
sy to calculate .he deplofable conse-
auences that result from the irregular
practice of the healing art, an art that has
been reared by the unwearied hand of in
dustry, and adorned by the noble exer
tions of genius. An art, than which none
is more important, none more RESPONSE
Bic and more difficult of requirement.
Connected with the most extensive range
Of literature and science, it requires in
its practical application the soundest
Judgment united to familiar and init
mate acquaintance with its principles.
Yet how few seem properly to appreciate
the character of well qualified phys-
cian? In the early settlement of this
country no inconsiderable share Of the
practice ofphysic, from causes unayoida-
Bile, fell into the hands OF those, who, in
their own cant language, had "turaed
doctors from necessity" The diseases
of that time being mostly Of the simplest
character, the common lot Of the tenn
perate and active, few of these practi-
TONERS who had the advantage of dis
eliminating judgment, probably did near
y as much good as harm, SO long as that
state OF things continued. They at least
obtained some distinction and considera-
ton in society; though it is believed, not
go much on account of their professional
merit, as Of other causes: much indul-
gence being due and generally extended
to the pioneers ola new country. Other
restless spirits, whom Incidence has dis
qualified for labor; and dullness, for
thinking, disdaining the humble sphere
for which nature seems to have intended
them, and encouraged by the success OF
these aforesaid practitioners, with whose
qualifications they ven"re to compare
what they hope huie experiences will
rendof their own, easily prevail on them
selves to believe, that, in turning doctor"
too, they cannot commit a greater crime
than better men have done before them.
The unwarrantable assumption Of these
men having been generally acquiesced
in by the people, they have SO far sue.
ceeded as almost to have riveted them
selves upon society; for it is as true as
notorious, that but too great portion Of
the community are prone to judge erro-
neously Of the qualifications Of, medical
practitioners. From causes which need
not now be investigated, there ex.
lists strong propensity in men to adj
mire what to them seems Incompetent
sible. Aware of this, the adroit impiric
never fails to avail himself of so mis-
chievous q prejudice, by seeming TO pos
sess vast fund Of incomprehensble
knowledge, by certain mysterious airs
and learned expressions, TO be found only
in his ewn vocabulary; and especially
when seated by his patient, by imperti-
nent questions and looking foolishly wise.
He sometimes indeed condescends to
give learned lecture on the case before
him, to the great amusement and admit
ration Of his friends; though to man Of
science, If such an one should hear it, at
once matter of mirth end indignation.
II he happen to blunder upon harmless
prescription, so that his patient RECEIVERS,
On hundred silly tongues are at hand to
blazon forth his matchless success. Fa-
n fal success! Grown bold in the conf
dcnce Of popular favor, he fearlessly re-
lies On his own wild prescriptions in q
case wheEe the advice Of an able ply ;,