New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-24

we'll as In the cottage. suggested that he should
assume the title OF Lord Deliverus" But II Is
not believed that this piece OF advice VIII com
mend itself 10 the peer, and 1t is considered
probable that he will prefer TO be known hence
forth as Lord Lister"
Few will be disposed to cavil mt the honors or
this kind that are conferred upon the medical
profession. especially upon those members there
O. who are in attendance upon the crowned
heads OF Europe. They are ntrusted with the
care and maintenance Of the health OF individu-
els whose lives are not only Of national but also
OF international importance-lives upon which
depends IN a great measure the peace or the
world. Such a charge as this is no sinecure, ana
the responsibility is terribly burdensome for II Is
a responsibility that exists not only with re-
gard to the family Of the ustrious patient. but
also toward the nation at large. The slightest
error in judgment, should anything untoward
ensue in consequence Of II, places the unfortu-
nate doctor in such a position in the eyes Of his
fellow -countrymen that the only thing left for
him is to commit suicide. That was the course
adopted by Sir Richard Croft. the physician OF
Princess Charlotte in Great Britain whose death
in childbirth through his alleged mismanage
ment Of the case. had the effect Of bringing
about the accession Of Queen Victoria to the
throne.
NOT THE BEST OF PATIENTS.
In addition to the burden of responsibility. with
the certainty of professional and social ruin in
the event Of any mistake entailing serious conse-
quences 10 the patient, there other draw
backs 10 he taken into consideration in connec-
ton with the medical attendance upon royal per-
sonages The latter are proverbally selfwilled.
opinionated and touchy on the score OF their
health. They do not like to be told that they
are ailng and it is difficult to induce them to
obey directions with regard to diet and similar
precautions They are in the habit Of placing
all the blame on the shoulders Of their physicians
whenever by any chance. through careessness,
glutony neglect they fall sick.
Probably the four patients of sovereign rank
whose health excites the most interest at the
present moment the Emperors Of Russia and
OF Germany. the Pope and Queen Victoria. The
last. an exceedingly stout. apoplectic and very
lnhrm old lady who is now approaching her
eghtieth year. requires the most constant and
unceasing medical attendance. This is furnished
by Sir James Reid Scotchman Of about forty
eight years. who lives at court. while once a fort
night old Sir William Jenner who is the Queens
physician -in-chef quietly visits her either at
Osborne at Windsor his call never by any
chance being recorded in the Court Circular"
lest should convey the impression to the public
mat Her Majesty was in need Of his services
AFTER consultation with Sir James Reid who
may he said TO work In measure under his di
rectons, he returns to London unobtrusively
ana as quietly ne came. Sir James Reid is
very popular not alone with the Queen. but with
I'll her relatives, as well as with the members OF
her household. all OF whom he attends free Of
cost his salary being paid by Her Majesty. who
likewise provides for him board and lodgings In
Whatever royal palace she may happen to be
Staying at the time he being regarded as the
"'ost indspensa bic member Of her suite.
JOHN BROWN AND SIR JAMES
mere has been only one person Of the court
~" "hom Sir James was unable to get along
'a 'nat was the late John Brown, Scotch body
ei'aht and gillie TO Her Majesty. John would
~ near Of having his many ailments attended
~ Ut. Reid. The latter did not, in his opinion. |
ess suihcent experience or age. He insisted |
- ." william Jenner. as the greatest medical |
"F IN the kingdom. was the only doctor |
p'"ie OF diagnosing his case and would not |
' himself 10 the hands Of any one else The |
w,, was mat on several occas ions poor old Sir |
"'" was forced to travel many hundreds Of |
ohce all the way from London TO Flor |
o., merely TO prescribe for this cranky, crotch |
W.. 10y, yci withal honest servant, when he |
pen., SUFFERING from indigestion and dys |
scotch whiskey. w ''''"' '''"'''''
tasr "es' may add, belongs 10 that par |
Dorion Of the royal household which ]