Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-03-13
CRITICISM OF A CLEVE-
LAND LAW BOOK.

Ihe British end Foreign Hcdic0- Chi-
rRrgical RevieU, the ablest and most crit
ical medical and surgical quarterly, of Eng
land. for January 1861, just come to hand,
contains a lengthy review of the Medieo-
Legal Treaties written by ]. J. Elwell,
Esq, of this city. which is richly compli-
mentary to the author Wenoticed, some
time since, another American work had
received the commendation of this journal,
that of Prof Frank II. Hamilton, of New
York, on DislocatiOns and Fractures
When an American book passes the ordeal
of English criticism without being cut to
pieces the reputation of the author and the
position of the work are established
Of Mr.. ElwelPs work the reviewer says:
"Dr. ElWell deserves the thanks of the
medical and legal professions for the very
valuable work he has presented to them.
1t worthily upholds the high character
which has already distinguished transatlan-
tic jurisprudential literature Dr. Elwell
has special qualifications for the undertak-
ing he has so ably completed. In pursu-
ance of his design, the vOlumn before us is
divided into two parts, both manifesting
enlarged experience and extensive research,
and both afording unmistake eble evidence
of the authors anxiety to perfect, as he has
done, vOlumn worthy of the occasion.
America has accomplished great things
both in medicine and law. No contempti-
bic jealousy shall induce us to question her
merits We rejoice that for the progress
of science and the benefit of mankind, her
claims to confidence and respect are well
and substantially founded.
with these general observation, We
proceed to investigate the special claims of
his work. The inherent elementary diff
culties connected with the practice of med
icine and surgery are discussed by Dr.
Elwell with an ability which proves him
to have been highly-informed member of
the profession. the immediate practice of
which he has forsaken When. however,
he seeks, as he does in Chapter Ill, to set
forth what definite knowledge is possible
and essential for the physician and surgeon,
it is to be feared that be endeavors to gov
ern physiological principles by leg Il rules.
In his chapter on Malpractice from Am
putatiOn' an analysis of the various forms
of apparent warrant for so serious an op-
Grafton, is instituted. This is followed
by able observations on Fractures, DislO-
cations and Deformities' wherein these
several subjects are reviewed in a most
masterly manner. The second part of
DR.. ElwelPs work, in which is discussed
the question of Medical Evidence, must be
regarded as a ralHdJle addition to our
judicial literatere. 1t includes the med
ico-legal consideration of insanity, poison
ing. and the several other questions in
which the opinions of experts are available
for the furtherance of justice, and is writ
ten throughout in thoroughly philosOphic
spirit DIR. Els observations on the duties
and responsibilities of medical witnesses,
specially deserve perusal. He offers a
mastery sketch of the principles which
should guide the expert on the discharge Of
his duties"
We can only give these few extracts
from this lengthy review, which quotes
literally from the work. The reviewer
closes by saying. throughout '.Dr. ElwelPs
most learned work. we found close reason
ing and correct law, just criticism and
able opinions. practial exposition of prin- |
ciples in their operation, and careful exam
nation of the relative value of medical /
facts on which scientific judgements not
unfrequently rest"
We do not remember to have seen before
so hearty and complete an enforcement of
any American book by the English as in
this Clcreland Daily Herald.