New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-30

since the operation may result In profound consu'u
tona disturbances. he should also be thorough phyn
ciau for at any he have to combat with On
inflammation Of some important organ. and II he is in
competent to recognize peritontis. pneumonia, or
other sequent OF his operation the proportion OF cures
that follows bis practice will not be very great Win
the obstetrcian the necessity exists His proper
duty is merely watch ordinary physiological act
but any moment he may be required not only 70 IN
terere mechanically, but also to rely for ultimate sue
cess on thorough knowledge OF the practice OF medi-
cine The physician must OF necessity understand not
only the signs the diseases he is TO treat but also the
nature properties and actions Of the maters medca or
drugs is employ and since he cannot be competent
TO Judge OF the disorders affecting part unless he COM
prohends it's action In health he must explore the secrets
OF physiology. This It's turn requires proper &C
Quaintance with anatomy and both anatomy and phys
ology necessarily obscure without sufficient knowi-
edge OF chemistry The latter. them is the branch on
which the education of the physician should be based
1t is the natural foundation stone. Indeed we may say
that the very existence Of the modern rational system
OF medicine is dependent the advances that have
been made in chemistry.
THE HEALING ART DEPENDENT ON CHEMICAL
SCIENCE
This being the close relation Of chemistry 10 medicine
may be pardOied II devote some space to the con-
deraion Of the history OF the science which 1t Is my
duty to teach and endeavor by showing Its Importance
serves. Here follows an extended review OF tnc
history OF chemistry its relations to medcne begin
From this bie account OF the origin and development
Of chemistry, and Of which many OF you may ask ers
bono we ind that from the beginning TO the end II Is
little more history of the attempts OF the aOiest
physicians OF each period to do something lor ene au
vance of their art Dissatisfied with Its condition ana
craving for its improvement, they have unconsciousy
and naturally called chemistry TO their aid In their az
tempts TO place medicine on more satisfactory OASIS
In the early time Of the Arabans and later In that OF
Paracesus and the atrochemiss these eDde8vors were
S5sny 20 combat disease and relieve human pain
and agony To our own time this still continues to be
this regard can be cited than the discovery appca
ton OF chlOrOform, ether and other anesthecs Grant
ing as we must, all honor to those who devote them
selves branch OF the application OF chemistry 10
medicine, must in justice reserve our highest COM
eudatOns for those who, following In the footsteps OF
Liebig Simon and Lehman, devote their talents and
lives 10 the determination OF the compositions ana
body are submitted during the processes OF life and dis
In this field which promises SO little OF pecuniary
reward TO the aborer nevertheless find hosts Of able
Year after year they adding to our know-
edge the processes In vegetable aud animal life little
by little they disclosing the long hidden secrets OF
organisms and chemistry, which began lis existence
as the humble handmaiden of medicine is rapidly be-
coming the dctaress Of the hypothesis which medi-
cal theories and practice are founded.
such being the present relation Of chemistry TO medi-
cine may we well be ashamed OF the scanty pr0vi-
made in American medical colleges for the cutiya.
ton and advance OF this science. The poverty OF
PHYSICIANS has made us byword and q reproach
among the nations OF Europe. Those nations which In
mOribund nevertheless have the energy TO establish
great and costly laboratories for chemical and physo-
logical investigations connection with their schools
Of medicine, while content 10 accept our know
ledge second hand from those to whom we too often
fail TO render credit for avOrs received In Europe not
only laboratories and apparatus supplied by govern
private endowment but the professor is re,
lieved from all regarding the necessities or
life by salary which for tine country affords an ample
sustenance. Here, the contrary. he must not only
bread but in addition he must furnish his own
laboratory and apparatus Can We wonder that under
these conditions there is SO little result Inc
of M
American medical colleges must TO the thinking
mind be evidence OF the apathy OF American phys-
clans to their interests. While money is freely
gwen to theological, academic, agricultural and technl-
institutions of every kind, not single medical col
lege has yet received the funds which would enable IL
TO perform its work IN proper manner society de-
mands high standard OF its physicians and Furnishes
known to the law. Yet what has society done to aid
either in the advance diffusion of medical knowledge
While every wild scheme idiOtic ism finds numerous
supporters who willing to pledge their purses in It's
behalf medical colleges, with few exceptions have an
uncertain of life, and even the best are tram
meed for the want Of means to do their work properly
II is not there lack OF iberallty IN the CON-
munity nor 1t failure to appreciate tne properly ed
Gated physician IL must be that themselves
fault and the community errs because IL has not
yet been instructed IN matter which Is OF the utmost
Importance TO its own well being and prosperity.
Feeling the necessity OF some action IA TINS matter
OF NewYOrk have established the nucleus of an endow
their ALMA Mater That this may increase ana
be applied manner as TO aid In the advance OF
medical science the wish Of all who have her
welfare heart ana with the aid OF her sons the time
cannot be 1drQlSUtuL when 10
attained proper laboratories for chemical physical
physiological research and instruction opened freely
to ali who have educated as to avail themselves
OF their advantages.
While we await this medicalImilennum, let me urge
upon those commencing their students
the necessity OF obtaining what knowledge they can
not only OF chemistry IN Its general relations 10 med
cine but also In its SPECIAL applications regards the
examn alton and analyses OF the various fluids OF the
body of articles employed food and OF those used
with criminal INTENT These at least have unitarian
value which you cannot afford to neglect. and know
edge of which often decides the failure OF the
physician in his professional life. Finally gentlemen,
exhor you your collegiate and professional fe
TO be dihgent study, faithful attendance. and
earnest your of the artyou have decided
to master aud 10 practice.