New-York tribune., 1869-03-29
nrnlcAL EDncATLON.

The Medical Recorder of this city says that
the ayidity of the educated classes IN selzng
upon scientific facts is such that they are will
ing to listen to the vilest pretenders who folst
upon otherwise sound understandings all sorts
of special practices and quack nOstrums, but it
confesses they are not to blame, for the medi-
cal faculty has refused to impart the proper
knowledge. 1t says, also, that medical men
have been so accustomed TO treasure up their
legends, and to hand down their watch-words,
as to be oblivious of the changes wrought
around them. In every other department OF
science, the public have been educated to dis
criminate between true and false doctrines; but
in regard to medicine. the faculty stands In the
same relation to the people that lt did a
hundred years ago. 1t is urged. therofore' INA.
tbe peOple should be educated IN the generai
principles lsunlcient to enable them to
Judge between true science and quackery, and
this notwithstanding it has been said that
"a little learning is dangerous thing" for
it is conceded in these days that true
knowledge, upon all subjects. must be good; nor
need it be feared that persons 80 enlightened
will depend upon themselves, and not call upon
physicians when ill. A case is mentioned of
French blacksmith, who showed such aptitude
for surgery that means were supplied for his
education, but when he discovered how many
blood vessels and other organs are contained in
tho human structure, he became frightened Mt
his temerity, and returned to his anvil. The
best way to begin the reform according to our
authority, is by having physiology, elementary
anatomy and hygiene, become part OF the
regular study in our schools aud academies;
nd NV xuau
through the popular lecture system. IL this
should be properly done, there need be no
"fear that tho dignity of our calling will be
"compromised!n Already has this course been
adopted in few schools with great success,
and it is noted that where college students in
their undergraduate fcourse have received
medical instruction they have mot only at
tanned practical knowledge in regard to the
preservation of the Ihealth of tho body and
"mnd but they have become nationally con-
"yinced of the utter absurdity OF all exclusive
"systems, and OF innnitesimal dilutions."
TO all this we agree, and we hope the pro-
posed plan will be put in execution throughout
the length and breadth of our land. In addition
to the advantages named it is to be hoped
that people will learn enough to decide when
doctor is needed. and whether he is fit to be
sent for at all. Whether, again, an educated man
may undertake to prescribe for himself, aiter
having acquired some medical knowledge, the
same us he may pettifog case before a Justice
of the Peace, or partake in the exercise OF a
weekday prayer meeting, will probably depend
upon circumstances, but at present this subject
had better not be discussed. Perhaps the fling
at "infnitesimal dilutions" is little ungener-
GUS on the part of those who formerly carried
ponderous saddle bags, but who now instead
carry small case in the vest pocket, and who
formerly lot out with the lancet rivers Of blood.