The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-09

tioner who administered three draughts to
lady, one to warm her, the second to cool her,
and the third to moderate the violent effects OF
Closely now connected with the require
ments Of professional knowledge is an ac-
Quaintance with topics of great and growing
interest, belonging to what is termed social
science. The physician must be the adviser OF
the community In which he lives, on all mat
ters relating to the public health. This subject
was dwelt upon at some length, and the neces-
sity OF cooperation among physicians was
Impressed.
The observance OF liberal code of profess
sional ethics was strongly inculcated. This was
a subject which non-professional persons ala
not perhaps fully understand. He had often
seen n smile accompanying illusions to profess
sional etiquette, and had heard physieians
spoken OF as n genus irritable. But our stans
dard of ethics is only the expression or the
highest deductions OF morality and charity.
We dscountenance the use OF secret remedies
or the patentng of instruments, because we
would have the discoveries that may aid In
tightening and lengthening mans earthly
trials free to all to use. We decline
to recognize as brethren those who
withhold the means Of adding to human
life and happiness We would not trade in that
high thing health. And we feel, too, that all
the ordinary devices Of barter are unworthy
the liberal character of our profession. Not to
attempt to weaken the confidence without
which the mlnistrations of the physician cannot
accomplish their best effect; not to interpose
some reckless suggestion, perhaps antagonist
to the remedies already employed; not TO take
from the hand Of him VINO has watched and
become familiar with the progress OF disease
and OF treatment, the case which he can best
follow to the end-thlS Is part, alSO OF Jne COue
Cf ethics which wisdom and benevolence nave
TO these positive precepts he would add
point or two of negative Importance. Let
them avoid the maelstrom of politics-avoid,
too, the nobler temptation OF the speclaltieS of
natural science. Medicine Is a field ample
enough for the most ambitious intellect. They
could not stray beyond 1t but at the sacrifice OF
attachments essential to their success and
standing in their profession. They could not
be both distinguished naturalists and eminent
physicians And this is the verdict OF the
Nfg,rl NH
respect the man of science, he does not secure
confidence or employment. To be successful,
they must be known only as physicians, only
by steady, lifelong devotion to tEeir art.
such is the assemblage OF active qualities
Which tend to professional position, and Whlch
recommend the yonng physician 10 public no
tice and regard, would have him, said DIR.
Biddle, a man of lively sympathies' ready,
steady friend as well as the skilful adviser of
his patients, the judicious guide in public mat
ters of sanitary concern. In his relations to his
compeers he must be honorable. candid,
straight. forward. Let him bear in mind, too,
that his place in his profession will be finally
determined by the verdict of professional cir
cles. Mere popularity In practice Will not carry
him to the front rank unless those who have
the best means of appreciating his knowledge
and his skill endorse his claims. The profess
sional estimate of a man is usually just one:
il is decisive of his pretenStons to name In the
annals of medicine"
They had then, a two.fod duty before them.
They had their associations with the busy
world around them to establish, and their
struggle in the battle of life to assure. But
Lney nau YET n nlRner uuIy' LOT .Wn'Cu I'LL Iuelr
days would not be long enough. To improve
in knowledge by the study of nature and books,
| something TO the fruits of experience already
! gathered-ths was the lifelong toll which they
must propose to themselves. The knowledge,
! too, which they had already acquired would
| moulder away with rust unless they kept it
! bright by unremitting study, while the power
OF learning would gather strength from con-
! stant use. The Importance of study was dwelt
! upon at considerable length. They had before
| them life of study as well of practical work,
! if they would be of good repute in the career
| which they had chosen. But 1T had been well
| observed that earthly happiness was to be
found in steady, regular work. In lahore QItieS.
| In labor there is peace.
The peroration concluded with the last and
most important point-their relations to the
world to come. Let them be good Virtuous,
religious men. Let them guard watchfully their
self-respect.
ITO their own selves be true,
And 1t must follow, as the night the day,
They could not then be false to any man"