The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-12-25

GRAFTON DELIVERED BEFORE THE MEDICAL AND Chi
hUR0IcAL FACULTY OF MARYLAND, AT THEIR ANNUAL
MEETING IN BALTIMORE. June 3, 1885, by SAMUEL CHEW
NJ D. Professor of the Principles and Practice of Med
icne and of Clinical Medicine, in the University of
Maryland.
The theme of this mastery address is the present
standing Of the Medical Profession compared with
dition and reputation in former times Bearing the
marked impress without the ostenation of scholarship
showing mind replete with the facts professional
professional by which subject might be apty il
ustrated well taste purified in the clear springs
unpouted English, it is to meet with specimen
of greater excellence in the extremely fugitive class of
literature to which this belongs While the well known
ability and extensive learning of the distinguished
author, make valid claim for a enduring
monument it is satisfactory at least to know that they
assduousy, if not extensively, employed in the
advancement of medical science in the University of
Maryland school of medicine surpassed by none
in the country. The small space for analysis or ex-
tract allowed by commercial journal compes post
pone criticism of for the purpose present
ing specimens of the powers of Professor Chew
that line These extracts given likely in
terest the general reader the valuable portions
Grafton being of those which address themselves
especially to the profession To all classes. however,
perusa of the address will afford both interest and
instruction.
SIT would he difficult. suppose to find in the present
day any blinded by the of antiquity as to
the opinion all known medicine is
contained in the tones of Hppocrates and Galen of
Sydenham and Boerhaave 1t is to speak with
spect and reverence of those illustrous philosophers
But We must not forget respect and reverence for
truth. Some of the early writers medicine, some,
indeed, of the earliest of those whose works have
descended to the present time, of extraor-
binary sagacity and yigor of intellect Their con-
trbuton science constitute noble and imperishable
monuments of the power of the human mind struggle
against difficulties, and to make honorable progress in
knowledge under the most unfavorabe circumstances.
But nature cannot be conquered in single campaign.
There are difficulties and obstacles in the pursuit Of
science harder to be surmounted than those which beet
the retreat from Moscow the storming of the Maako
1t is impeachment of the merits of the ancient physi
clans to assert that their modern
passed them in knowledge and in the most glorious at
tribute knowledge the power to do good surpassed
them however, less perhaps by superior abilities than by
superior advantages Of time and posihon The dwarf
to the opposite illustration of Didacus la-'The
dwarf standing the shoulders of giant may see far
Their than the giant himself The progress of medical
science, perhaps than that of any other kind of
knowledge the justice of Bacons aphorism
AR9ndS Seci est Jurentu muadi; and that these pre-
sent times are the ancient times when world is an
Gent and not those which account ancient ordine
rero9rddo by computation backward from ourselves
knowledge like wealth is accumulated more easily and
more rapidly IN proportion to the amount already
quired The genius and industry of the ancents have
aided the moderns to excel them in science"
The only and rational system of medicine must be
toundedon knowledge of Anatomy Physiology Pathol
ogy and extensive and observation of the
effects of remedial agents system resting pnon tbie
basis however imperfect and detective it NAV h IL t
founded rock and must possess all systems des
ttute of such support infinite and uuquestonable ady
tages. Such system can have but little apprehend
from the competition of the Natural Bone-seters the
Thomsonians, the Homeopathic the Hydropahs Spir
iLats the shallow advocates of the other ephemeral
folies that successfully spnging up amuse and
delude for time the adult infants of the community and
then pass away and be forgotten.
The earth hath bubbles, as the water has,
And these eof them"
In an act of Parliament passed in 1911 the third wear
of Henry the Sh's reign, find it commemoraed that
THE science and cunning of physc and surgery
perfect knowledge whereof be requisite both great
ing and ripe experience daily within this realm Of
England exercised by great multitude of ignorant per-
of whom the greater part have no manner of in
sight in the same, in any other kind of learning
also ken letter the book so far forth that
aricers smiths weavers, coachmen, and women,
boldly AID occasionally take upon them great and
things of great difficulty in which they partly sorcery
and witchcra partly apply such medicines unto the dis
be noious and nothing meet therefor to the
high dspeasure of God, great infamy to the Faculty and
the grevous hurt, damage and destruction Of many
kings liege people, most especially of those that
not discern the cunning from the uncunniug."
Let those who indignant athe foles of the present
age cast their eyes the picture here presented and
to applaud the superior wisdom Of antiquity Let
them observe how many absurdes of our day had their
exact and perfect types in the days OF old. We the
artcers busy in medicine then as now; the same
smiths and coachnen; the same women gradu-
aes perhaps graduates, of Female Medical Cole
ges the eracy unacquaintance with letters on
The book: the same wchcraft sOcery and necromancy
the same reckless undertake great and difficult
and the consequent hurt damage and desruc-
ton Of human life The only difference to be observed is
that there mention Of nnitesma pills. and that it
hardly possible the present time and in our coun-
try conceive of legislative body that could venture to
speak of charatans and their craft with such rreveren
freedom. How much the world has gained by such I'M
in pills and such renements and amenities in
legislation, is question for the wise and learned"
O. j. Vanhorn 25 years old, and lying at the
point of death with consumption in New Orleans
infrmary, blew his brains out on Tuesday, the l4th
Not having strength enough to pull the trigger,
being dreadfully emaciated, he had placed silver
spoon across the trigger, through the guard and
pressing both hands against the spoon, brought
down the hammer,