The Dickinson press., 1885-03-14
DOCTORs FURIOUS.
Shall 0 Ply sician Tell the Truth or Not7
Alice Point In Ethics.

Shall Physician Tell the Truth OF Hot7
ANiosP Point in Ethics.
A SENSIBLE HEALT OFFICIAL.
Baltimore, Md.-A decided stir has
been caused here over the question as to
the right of physician to certify to the
merits ola remedy not in the modern
pharmacopmia. DR.. James A. Steuart,
one of the most eminent physicians in
the South and Health Commissioner of
this city, had analysed newly discover
ed article, and certified officially not on
ly to its efficiency but to the fact that
it replaced old time preparations of a
similar character which, analyses had
proved. were adulterated and poisonous.
The Medical and Chirurgical Faculty,
of which he is a member, held that he
had violated the code of medical ethics,
and much public interest was aroused
because of the confidence felt both in
his professional standing and official in
tegrity.
1t was argued that to thus place a
limitation O. the acts of q physician,
and especially of a health officer, was
opposed to the spirit of the age; that
suchreasoning might have been logical
enough when it was to the interest of
rulers or societies to invest themselves
with supernatural halo, but now when
thought should be free and untram-
meled such things savored of barbarism.
1t was the duty ola physician, especial
ly Of a health officer, to condemn pub
licly any remedy which he knew to be
injurious, but it was not right to say
that he should be debarred from testi-
flying to the merits of anything which
he knew to be good. If this were so,
the world would not receive the benefit
of half the discoveries made in art OF
science. Thus the people argued, while
the faculty threatened expulsion and
talked of time-honored customs, ethics,
professional courtesy and traditions.
But the matter soon assumed a new
and surprising phase. Afew days after
wards a certificate appeared in the daily
papers bearing the autograph signatures
of Governor McLane, Attorney-G ener-
al Roberts, Major Latrobe, City Post
master Adreon, chiefs of State and mu-
nicipal departments. Judges and Clerks
gressmen, emphatically endorsing the
action Of the Health Commissioner, and
%concurring in his opinion as to the
efficacy of the remedy, asserting that
they did so from personal experience
with it and practical tests and observa-
tions.
There could be no g~ainsaying such
evidence as this, but, as if to cap the
climax, shortly afterwards there ap-
appeared another certificate with auto
graph signatures of leading practicing
physicians from all parts of the State,
including the physicians Of all the lead
ing hospitals, the physician to the City
Fire department, the Port physician,
vaccine physician and resident physi-
clans of infirmaries, all endorsing the
discovery and stating that it had been
tested by them in hospitals and private
practice for weeks with wonderful cura-
tive effect, and that analysis had shown
no trace Of opiates or poisons, prevalent
in other cough mixtures. They further
stated that they had been induced to take
this step in view of the many hurtful
preparations which contained narcotics
and poisons and of the dangers con
sequent on their use. The remedy in
question is Red Star Cough cure. Such
o conclusive ms wer as this to the mar
row arguments of the few, arrayed pub
lie sentiment on the side of the Health
Commissioner, and it is significant that
DIR. Steuart has since been appointed
to Office by the Mayor for third term
and has had his appointment unanimous
ly confirmed by the City Council.
Owing to the high professional repu'
tation of the gentlemen who endorsed
his action, as we'll as to the enviablt
standing of the owners of the remedy,
The Charles A. Vogeler Company, o.
this city, widespread interest has oil
ready been created in the subject, no,
only here, but in Philadelphia, Wash.
ington and other neighboring cities
The feeling is generally expressed by
professional mon that Red Star Cougl
Cure. on account of its freedom iron
narcotics and poisons, inaugurates
most desirable new departure in medi.
cine. This is the pronounced opinion
of authorities like DR.. Fawcett, who ha'
been for thirty-three years resident ply
sician of the Union Protestant Infirma
ry, in this city, and Prof. John J
Caldwell, NJ. D., member OF medical
societies of Baltimore, New York ano
Brooklyn, and with a long experience
in civil and military hospitals. Both o.
these gentlemen together with 10 les
than fifty other practicing physician
of Maryland. have publicly pu'
themselves on record as to the evi
of narcotic medicines, and thu
consequent value and Importance of the
new discovery referred to. 1t is ccnced
ed that public opinion has completed,
indicated DIR. Steuarti in his action, ant
that in his whole course he was a~ctuatet
simply by an earnest desire to benef
the community at large.
Violin Making,