Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-09
COMMUNICATION.
For che Staunton Spcctator.

FOR the Stanton Spectator.
= CART. HAarER.-I have noticed in the last
spectator an appeal to the Physicians of Virginia,
over the signature OF Medicus, with some forcible
anu pertinent remarks under your editorial, Iea-
i've 70 the proprsty Of calling State Conven-
zion OF the regular practitioners of Medicine in
Virginia, for the purpose Of taking into consider
alton the best possible way of arresting the evils
OF empiricism, which is alike deplored by our
fellow-ci,izens and the intelligent and humane
physician.
tits, think, time that this ancient and renown-
ed old cOmmonwealth-the mother OF men and Of
States-should arouse from her lethargy and fol.
low in the footsteps of many OF her sister States.
Are we not as much entitled to protection from the
imposions OF the empyric as any other portion of
our Union1 Though mere Tyro as yet i'm the
practice OF physic, have been frequently asked
by the public, why it is that the physician is not
required TO produce some testimonial of his quail
fcatons is the case in the legal profession
The people are stirring the subject, and think it
high time that the members of our profession
should forthwith adopt means for carrying out
their known wishes.
The plan proposed by Medicus think good
one. Each county to form State Convention by
sending two or more delegates. The time sYeci-
ned suppose will answer, as it is now too late
for the next General Assembly ; and Stanton,
think preferable perhaps to any other place, il be-
ing just about the centre Of the State, with its
public charities, well worthy the attention of all
who may attend.
The influence Of quackery i'm our own State
has and is well calculated to dampen the ener-
ges OF the Intelligent and high-mnded ply ST.
clan. OH do we the dark clouds of ignorance,
error, superstition and presumption,gat around
and above US, and the true votares of our art
bowed down for a time with despair.
Time will not allow me TO discuss the causes
and results OF an evil of SO much magnitude.
trust that a better state OF things will sooner
or later arise, when public sentiment will turn a
deaf ear to the boosted success OF the impudent
empyrlc, and look to the brilliant examples of
science, ON, intellect and honesty, with which
our profession is replete.
In whatever direction we turn our eyes we be-
hold the trophies Of these great men to direct us:
and to the medical profession of this common.
wealth and in behalf of her citizens, would saw
arouse arouse! and let these brilliant ,ronbies
not merely excite your admiration, but stimulate
you TO renewed exertions in protecting her con.
stituency and defending our time-honored pro-
fession.
Wo know that the gains of the mercenary and
hard-hearted empyric can in the end be productive
oil no benefit--no satistaction But he is fire.
quently instrumental in destroying the life and
SCATTERING the constitution Of feliow-benp-
Tho intelligent, honest and hgl-minded practi-
toner, who is we'll grounded in the great princi-
pies oil his profession, envies not the man whose
highest pinnacle OF professional emnence is based
upon money = whose loftest aspirations are
bounded by an horizsn of gold. The empyric is
blind to the charm that envelopes the charitable
act or the genial warmth of the poor mans bless
ing. With every generous feeling calous-with
every tender sympathy locked up in his frigid and
narrow-contracted heart, he moves in the crowd
not as dispenser of health and comfort to the
SICK and needy-not the cherished friend of
every homesiead-not harbinger, at whose
approach even the pangs of death are subdued-
put rather as an instrument TO prey upon the very
Vltals OF his unfortunate patient.
In behalf then of the good citizens Of our own
virginia, and in accordance Gas beleve) with
their wishes, ! would say to my medical brethren
Arouse! yea, from the mountains to the sea-shore
Let us not suffer the ignorant and sordd motives
OF the empyric to degrade our magnificent voca-
ton-our noble and admirable mission, which
shrinks from no devotion, and distributes its sue
cess equally among the crowned head and the
poor beggar.
Recolect, gentlemen, that we are destined to
preserve uhimpaired the honor, prolong the glo-
rles and snstan the science, that has long been
dIgnihed and adorned by the profound attain
ments, the soaring integrity, and the high-bred
courtesy Of Cooper, Dupuytren, a Hunter,
Bell, an Edwards, an Eberle, Rush, and Ply
sic! How proud our ob!igation-how animating
the incentive! OLD AUGUSTA.