Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1875-10-28

1uu s6reh1tn over the puDllc MIND
TAR greater, than possible, by individ-
uai action. Benefits accruing there
from, serve to stimulate them to vet
greater exertions. Medical societies.
, formed in every county in the State
and organized by the tsll corns OF
practitioners, by concert OF action
might influence legislation ana elicit
from the people concurrence in e-s.
cry movement, made for the benefit
Of each and all. Not only this adj
vantage might be gained. but where
invested with the power of super
vision over the general affairs of the
profession they are much more potent
agencies for the correction of exist
inc evils; the distribution of correct
principles; and the promotion Of
that harmony and union that should
characterize our profession as the
noblest of them all.
There is a feeling or impression
among those who do not join us, that
they can contribute but little by their
knowledge or experience. What q
mistaken idea. However circum-
scribed the limits of practice may be,
it may have its rich developments,
it's fundamental truths or principles,
evolved and published, that would
enrich and enlighten the whole med
| ical mind. Scientific knowledge, re-
tanned within the mind of it's pro-
fessor and not impaired to others,
lends assistance to ignorance and re-
tards growth and progress. Like
gold within the bowels of the earth,
so long as hidden from the skillful
hand of the miner, yields up none of
its treasure.
What if the offering, brought to
the common treasury be small? If
it affords any additional light, the in
significance of its value furnishes no
reason for withholding it. The small
rivnlet that traces its unobtrusive
course down the western slope OF the
Allegheny Mountains, and receives
its supply from some little trickling
spring in the crevice of the noun
tain rock, goes to swell the Ohio and
great Mississippi rivers. So with
medical contributions singly and
alone, they add but little to the stock
of medical knowledge; but by COLA
tion and comparison, they furnish
ample data from which numerous and
invaluable practical results may be
deduced. We meet not here to make
any grand display of knowledge or
oratOrical powers, but in the very
lowness of our ignorance. Our dis
cussions are not intended for main
tanning mere pride of opinion, but To
elicit truth; and with that object in
view difference of opinion may be
more or less looked for; and all opin
ions should meet with due considera
ton. To weigh and interpret eXpe-
rience correctly requires careful OBJ
servation, and correct deduction.
The objections urged, by those who
should be active friends with us, must
not deter us from pursuing the even
tenor of our way. They should ex-
cite and stimulate our efforts.
once heard great statesman remark
that agitation" was the great agent
IN every reform. Let us "agitate'
and before many years those who
now oppose will emulate us in zeal
and energy.
The opposition we meet with from
that class Of health destroyers,. styled
empires, ''whOm by their guise just
men they seem" should attract our
special attention. In their senseless
search after panaceas and specifics,
they regard the sacrifice of life as
matter collateral. An nncomprOmis-
ing hostility to all fer rs of quack-
ery-whether it appears in gorgeous
equipagcs, bespangled with gilded
brass or richer gold-whether it Sc
duces the Judgment of the intelligent
by it's bold and insolent appearance
or captivates the eye of the ignorant
hy its splendor and dazzling attrac-
tions, should be cultivated by every
true friend. of medical progress. Its
condemnation and exposure by us to
the educated public will render our
influence greater, our actions strong
er, better, nobler.
In conclusion, during our inter
course with each other here amid our
professional labors, fraternal ap-
probation of each ones individual
capacity should be accredited by all.
Nothing is so disreputable in ply
sician, as the little backbitlng, sian
dering, ignoring, insinnating talk
that sometimes escapes the lips, either
thoughtlessly or Intentionally. The
effect of this is oftentimes to injure
the individual against whom it is
made; but it is generally only tempo
rary. Time will develope facts and
truth will be uppermost and in q de-
gree proportionate to the design will
it reflect on its author. A ''little
leaven leaventh the whole lump and
in our long and rugged journey, kind
acts and kind words will smooth a
life of study, action, toll, duty never
ceasing.