The Columbian fountain., 1846-04-25
/" Advertisements and Quackery."

TTNDER the above head there appeared an srtl-
Gle in the Columbian Fountain Of the lth Of
the current month inserted as an advertisement by
order Of one DR.. Van Palten, 10 be continued one
month. The design Of the individual who caussd
It's publication is too evident TO require any espa-
nation, and' the public will not fail TO perceive ths
motive. The FIRST paragraph Is designed 70 impress
upon the public mind the ilea that the puoiication
OF testimonial is evidence Of lack IN professional
ability. and he who pursues that method OF miro
ducing 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 disappearing Of re-
sort to such means for the purpose OF obtaining no.
toriety" Do its members conform TO that resolve J
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 it since the citizens OF Washington have
had example of it, and who does not know tina,
reference is more easily obtained than certlicatsl
For my own part, am unable 10 discover the
mighty difference in regard TO the epidence of q
want of skill between The publication of the tesii.
monial 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 self in the performances OF dem
tai operations All of this is very modest, quite un-
assuming, and affords ample proof Of a 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 straining at gnat and
swallowing something more formidable.
The article next attacks me personally 1t as
serts that in 1912, was employed by DIR. Dodge
(my present partner) an assistant in Mechanical
Dentistry. Even if this we're true, | do not con-
ceive that it would detact any thing from my merit
as a Dentist; but the assertion pronounce unqual-
i6edly false Six years ago, during the absence Of
DIR. odge upon a journey with his family, he
placed the charge OF his office in my care, which
exhibits, in some 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-
chanlst 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 a 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
mlnatlon OF my name, it is no more than many
others BETTER perhaps, than myself have done, and
Is a matter OF purely private concernment.
had made up my mind to let this affair pass un.
noticed, considering of too despicable 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 who caused the pub
lcatlon of the article in question, have not wore
to offer leave him to recline upon the laurels h.
may win by the noble act and the approval of h
own conscience. But envy no man his elevation
OF mind and disposition who can resort to sucl
undignlhed means to obtain notoriety and prac
tlce. l.. PARMELE.
Washington, April %, 1916. april z5-tf.