The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-06-23
THE PHYSICIAN.

by the death of Calvin Smith, NJ. d., of
Toledo, Ohio.
"Let the physician be a man of education,
of thorough knowledge of medical science; let
him be gentleman in manner, and let him
possess a pure moral character, and he is
qualified for such discharge of his profess
sional duties, as will make him like Luke, the
Evangelist, "the beloved physician" He fills
a noble, God like profession. 1t was once
practiced by the Son of God, who "went
about healing all manner of sickness amongst
the people" 1t is profession to which no
illiterate, ignorant or vile mau should be ad-
mitted. Of the different medical theories or
pathies have nothing now to say, willing for
the occasion to leave them with the divers
ismS Of theology. But this lam ever ready
to affirm. that the miserable enpiric who pre-
sumes to practice his quackery upon the lives
of his fellow men, ought, by law, to be re-
strained from running ut large. OF all our
temporal interests, none can, for one moment,
be compared with those which we entrust to
the physician. In his professional social, and
moral character, human welfare demands that
he should stand above the reach OF just re-
proach.
"The services ohich Physicians perform,
claim for them the esteem and gratitude of
the world. To save life, to remove disease,
to promote health and happiness, are the con-
stant efforts of the Faculty. When the first
symptoms of illness are perceived, our
thoughts, with more than electric speed, fly
to our physician. The mere thought of our
skilful faithful, and kind Doctor, dspels
much of that alarm which the occasion would
prompt. He hastens to our dwelling, and by
timely remedies checks the incipient malady,'
or perhaps, convinces us that without impor-
tant aid from medicine, nature will work her
own recovery from the injury she has receiv-
ed. At another time, all unexpected to us,
acute and threatening disease enters the
peaceful and blessed home eirele-a parent
or a child, some dear one is suddenly attack
ed, and at once, what agitation, what fear of
fatal result, causes every heart to throb, ami
every countenance to mantle with sorrow.
Without delay the family physician is sum
moned-he who never wants second bid
ding-he enters the darkened chamber, eX-
amines with care the case, discovers the char
acter of the disease, and administers counter
acting agencies. Beside the sick one he
watches while danger continueE now quick
ening the languid pulse, now cooling the
fevered brow, and all forgetful Of his own
pillow unvisited, whispers to the patient
words of encouragement. Ere long, the
stricken one walks forth in health, and joy
revisits his home. That life, to many so pre-
cious, has been saved only by the science,
skill, and fidelity of him who ever after is to
that household, 'the beloved physician" Do
YOU say that such is not always the result;
that often the patient dies under medical
treatment? True, but this does not at all
detract from our Indebtedness TO the profess
sion. at is appointed unto man once to die"
At some period, earlier or later all must sleep
in death. The physician ma do all that
science, skill and benevoence can accomplish,
and yet death ensue. The disease may be of
so occult character that its diagnosis shall
be beyond human research. 1t may be so
complex as to battle all pa,ho!ogic analysis.
1t may be of so virulent type, or have made
such progress before treatment commenced,
or such may be the constitutional feebleness
of the subject, that no earthly power can
save him from the grave. Ii may be true in
some cases-I believe it is in many-that the
PHYSICIANS prescriptions and advice are neg
lected, and death is the result Of the obstina-
cy or imprudence of the patent Be the fa-
tai termination the effect OF one cause or
another, it is, in more than ninety-nine cases
in hundred, wrong to impute blame to him,
who, night and day, with deep anxiety and
ceaseless effort, has batted NTH approaching
death, and stfiven to rescue the victim from
its grasp. know of no cruelty and Of no
meanneSS, SURPRISING that Of those who are
forever ready to blame the physician for every
death that occurs under his treatment. II he
be man of professional ambition, if he have
a sensitive and kind heart, he will deeply la
mcnt the death of his patient, without the
promptings of the cold and cruel criticisms
of those who know nothing, and care nothing,
for the matter whereof they affirm.
"Oo you say physicians are paid for their
labors, and therefore, the world is no more III
debted to them than to merchants and me-
chanics, who follow their callngs for the
profits they afford? Ireply that money can
not repay our Indebtedness to medical skill
and achievement. You may, however, be for
a single hour in physical distress, spasms and
excruciating agonies tormenting your trall
body; but your phys ysician hastens to your side,
and administers some quiescent preparation
which at once removes your pains and par
Oxysms, and restores you to health and hap
piness. Will money pay for such cure :
For howmuch would you remain all your life
in such n state?
"Again, your precious child seems ready to
fall prey to violent disease but by the skill
and care of your physician, its life is saved, its
health restored. Will money pay your in
debtedness to him who brought back your
dear one from the gates of death, and placed
il upon your rejoicing bosom? Or, your own
life is in danger-your weeping friends great
ly fear that you will die. Death, it may be,
has for you, fears, just and unspeakable. TO
your agitated soul there may be fearful
looking for of Judgment and retribution.-
But through the efforts Of your physician,
your years are prolonged, your probation con-
tinued. Now, can you balance this preserya.
ton, and salvation it may be, with dollars and
cents The expiring English Queen, in
deepest agony exclaimed, "Alillions Of money
for moment of time !"
"The physician is obliged, often, to disre-
gard his comfort, his health, and his life even,
in ministering to the life, health, and comfort
of Others You wake at midnight--it is
densely dark, and the cold and sweeping
storm howls around your dwelling. Upon the
side walk YOU hear hurried footsteps, or in
the streets the rattlng of carriage wheels. II
is the Doctor, driving in hot haste, to some
abodeof sickness. He had after severe pro.
fessional labor, just laid himself upon his
couch, which the previous night he had moi
visited. Though exhausted and Worn down.
he hestates not for moment, but hastens to