The Columbian fountain., 1846-04-27
advertisements and Quackery..

TTNDER the above head there appeared an arti-
u Gle in the Columbian Fountain of the ! lth Of
the current month inserted as an advertisement by
order Of enc Dr. Van Patten, IL be continued one
month. The design of the individual who caused
its publication is too evident to require any expla-
nation, and the public will not fail to perceive the
motive. The first paragraph Is designed 10 impress
upon the public mind the idea that the publication
Of testimonial is evidence of lack in professional
ability. and he who pursues that method of intro
ducng himself to the public must be destitute Of the
necessary qualifications for the practice Of his pro
fession. The American Society Of Dental Sur
gerry have passed resolutions disapprovng Of a re-
sort to such means for the purpose Of obtaining no.
toriety." Do its members conform to that resolve
Do they not continue to offer to the public the
names OF individuals, Captains, Esquires, Generals
&c, &C., as testimony OF superior skill How
long is il since the citizens of Washington have
had an example Of it. and who does not know that
reference is easily obtained than certlicatel
For my own part, / am unable to discover the
mighty difference in regard to the evidence Of a
want of skill between the publication Of the test-
monal Of citizen and that of desiring the public
to enquire of citizens, and especially of citizen ply
scians-giving references challenging the universe
to compete with ones self in the performance Of dem.
tai operations. All Of this is very modest quite un-
assuming, and affords ample proof of mans con-
sequence; but let the certificate Of gentleman
with whom the public is familiar be given, and the
individual giving it is at once branded quack
and impostor. Is not consistency jewel, and is
there not such thing as sraining at gnat and
swallowing something more formidable.
The article next attacks me personally. II as
serts that in 1912, was employed by DIR. Dodge
(my present partner) as an assistant in Mechanical
Dentistry. Even if this were true, do not con.
ceve that it would detract any thing from my merit
as Dentist; but the assertion pronounce unqual-
ihedly false. Six years ago, during the absence of
Dr. odge upon journey with his family, he
placed the charge Of his Office in my care, which
exhibits, in degree, his confidence in me at that
period; and having had six years additional expert
| ence, trust am not less worthy of confidence at
the present time.
To the grave charge that was formerly Me-
chanst plead guilty, to which charge many Of the
manufacturing establishments of New England bear
ample testimony there may be witnessed the re-
suits Of my skill in that branch of the arts, and it
Is testimony of which should not be ashamed to
have examined even by those who seek to lower me
in public estimation as Dentist; and those who
know me will best Judge whether have availed my
self Of the knowledge and advantages to be derived
from books experience, observation, &C., upon the
subject.
AS regards the alteration of spelling in the ter
| mlnation OF my name, it is no more than many
others better, perhaps, than my self have done, and
is matter Of purely private concernment
had made up my mind TO let this affair pass un-
noticed, considering Of too despicabe nature to
demand attention. but some Of my friends, in whom
have much confidence, seemed to feel that reply
was in some degree called for and would be ex.
pected by the readers of the Fountain. / have,
therefore, consented to say this much.
| In regard to the individual VIII, caused the pub
llcaon OF the article in question: have not word
to offer. leave him to recline upon the aurels he
may win by the noble act, aud the approval of his
own conscience. But envy no man his elevation
of mind and disposition who "resort to such
undlgmhed means to obtain notoriety and prac-
tce." L. PARMELE.
Washington, April % 1916. april 25-tf