The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1869-06-05

more ignorant. The causes conspirinE
to produce this result are doubtless
many. The mystery which has been
attempted to be thrown around Medi-
cine by pretenders, the intricacies of
the science itself, the public indisposl-
ton to investigate it nationally. and the
modesty which prevents dignihed
profession from heraiding before the
populace the developments of their sci
ence, all have much to do in its cnusR-
ton.
But that, doubtless, which is GREAT
est, is in a want OF proper appreheu-
sion of the fact tn at in all Organized ex.
| tStences there is not only a vital resist
ance to morbtdc influence, but a poUer
constantly tending to the relief of NOR
bid action and restoration to health
after disease has become established;
and that this power is often adequate
to successful result unaided by arti.
fetal means. Hence in all such cases
where recoveries follow the admins
tration of so called remedies the non
professional, reasoning after the man
ner of too many within the pales OF the
prOfession-p0St hoe, ergo prOpter noe,
hastily deduce the relation OF cause and
effect where no such connection exists.
1t is also remarkable to observe the
zeal with which those who have them
selves become the subjects OF delusion
endeavOr to bring others under the
same influence.
Perhaps the time will never come
while truth and error travel side by
side, in the progress of events, when
medicine will be relieved OF such para
site growth. II will only be in the
future as In the past, simply successive
changes In the species of the insect.
Failing therefore to find the re-
ward OF our devotion i'll pecu-
mary compensation, in the gratitude
often of our patients, and tall
ing also to find 1t in the appreciation
of true medical science upon the part
of some from whom we would expect
better things, where does 1t reside?
1t Is found in tho satisfaction which
knowledge imparts to its possessor in
self-respect based upon a conviction
of right and in a consciousness of duty
having been faithfully performed,
whether receiving its need of praise or
not. Moreover, there are many pleas
ures by the wayside, as incident to
these. There is a pleasure in observing
morbid phenomena in their varied re.
lations to each other and in tracing
them TO their source, and as a conSe-
quence understandingly directing treat
ment to their relief. Again, even an
intelligent opinion based upon knowl-
edge OF scientific facts often relieves a
patient OF much mental anguish and
consequently becomes source of
pleasure to him who impArts it.
For example when the medical
adviser is consulted on account of
chronic cough, thoracio pain. dys.
pnae copious expec'"ratiOn and other
symptoms OF phthisis, II he find on ap.
plying his ear to the.chest of the appli-
cant no bronchial or cavernous reSpi-
ration, but diminutiOn OF the respira-
tory sounds, no exaggerated vocal reso-
nance MOI femltus, and, on percussion
no dizziness, but perhaps instead, in
creased resona uce-in short none OF the
signs of tuberculosis, but on the contra
ry, those incident to emphysema he can
have the satisfaction of informing his
patient that his disease is not necessa.
rily a fatal one, thus relieving his mind
OF the apprehension of certain death
which had previously haunted him.
Again it is we'll known that function
al and sympathetic disturbances of the
heart are quite as alarming in their
symptoms as structural diseases of the
organ. Yet physical signs clear up all
to the satisfaction of physician and pa
tent. While then the life of the true
physician is eminently one of self
sacrifice and unselt1sh devotion to the
interests of others, it is not without its
pleasures, chief among which is the
satisfaction OF knowing that he lives to
some purpose. Perhaps one of the sad
dest reflections which can harrasS tho
mind OF any one in view OF his APP
preaching end, is that in retrospecting
his life, he realizes that the world is
but little the better or perhaps the
worse for his having lived in it. The
physician who has been in all respects
faithful to his calling, can never have
such approximations. He will have SO
lived
"That when his summons comes 10 join
The innumerable caravan that moves,
To the pale realms of shade whore each
His CHAMBER In the silent halls of death,
He Will go not like the quarry slave at
Ecourged TO his dungeon. but sustained and
By an untalterIng trust. approach his
Like one who wraps the drapery OF his
couch
About him and lies down to pleasant
Dreams"
The following applicants for menu
bership having been reported on IA
vorabIy by the Board OF Censors, were
unanimously elected to mem bership,
viz: Drs. VIM. Hukill, West Liberty,
J. NJ. Bowcock, CIarksburg, VIM. NJ.
Late, Bridgeport.
man of the Committee on Medical
Botany, read lengthy and instructive
report, which, on motion of DR.. Bow
cock. was referred to the Publication
Committee with instructions that it be
printed with the transactions.
On motion, the Society adjourned till
EVENING SESSION.
The Society re.assembled at P. NJ.
DR.. Sharp's report on New Remedies,
was read by DR.. Thayer, Secretary,
which on motion was ordered to be fill
ed. DIR. Stafford OF Parkersburg spoke at
length on the therapeutic uses of Bro
mile of Ammonia and especially as 10
its efficacy in the treatment of acute
rheumatism. On motion of DR.. Hupp
the interesting and satisfactory report
of DR.. Hildreth on climatology, and