The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-19
The State and the Treatment o1 Disease.

Edltor The Advertiser:
 The science of medicine as 1t exists to- day represents the sum and correlation of truths which investigators and practl- toners have discovered and established though more than 2.000 years of study and practice. From a crude and narrow beginning medicine has grown into a magnificent science. marvellous in the breadth and minuteness of the knowledge 1t embraces, and wonderful in the re- sources it has devised for mitigating pain curing diseases and prolonging life.
 From the beginning, this advance has been steady and perceptible, but at times great epochs of progress have occurred that marked long and notable strides in the conquest of new truths or in the ap- plication of old ones.
 Harveys discovery of the circulation of the blood; Paras suggestion and use of the ligature for the control of hemorr- haze; Jenner's discovery of vaccination; Longs discovery of anaesthesia; Marion Sims's pioneer work and magnificent achievements in gynecology; Virchow's s announcement of the doctrine of cellular pathology; and Listers promulgation of the life-saving principle of antisepuc sur gery constitute some of the most notable of these epochs.
 Whenever claim to the discovery of new truth or treatment is announced, naturally the correctness of the theory upon which it rests and the probable suitability of it's application must be sub
 
 of the medical profession.
 If upon investigation and trial the claim appears well founded. the medical pro fession has never, failed and prooably will never fail to accept and adopt it.
 All new claims should be subjected to close analysis and investigation before being accepted. for in this way only can error and dangerous dogmausm be avoid ed.
 The great dlscoverers of truth men finnn1 a In cIIhT hat claims to the cool and calm Judgment of their colleagues and successors and the verdict in each instance has been im- mortal fame for these princes of the profession.
 They asked no favors or special legis- lation from empires or States. confident that the world would accord them jus tice.
 Osteopathy. a new theory In therapeu- tics. proclaimed by Dr. Still of Kirksvile. Mo. is a new claimant for recognition by the medical profession.
 If It's claims are well founded and scien- utic nothing is more certain than that the system will achieve a permanent place in the treatment of diseases.
 Wisdom dictates, however, that time should be given to submit the claims of osteopathy to the crucial test of thorough investigation and trial before the State dignifes it by giving 1t a place. or so much as naming 1t. in its code.
 False dogmas as to the treatment of disease have been announced. have lived for a brief period amid great clamor of their virtues and then died and been for gotten. Had they been dignifed by States and accorded recognition in their codes such a course would have brought shame and confusion as the just penalty for nasty action.
 The electropoise. fortified as it's claims for wonderful curative power were by honest and well meaning people, is a re cent and notable example of this kind, The law regulating the practice of med icine in this State is at present wholly unsectarlan. and is administered with out prejudice or unfairness to any sect or school of medicine.
 The examination for certificate of qualification embraces the fundamental principles only of the science of medi . cine-principles common to all schools or sects of medicine and therefore the ex- animation Is fair to all
 The State cannot undertake to choose between the different schools of medi- cine. but 1t should erect and maintain a high standard of qualifc cation and apply the same standard to all. Such course could work no hardship, as under the present law members of all schools, in cluding osteopaths. have acquired the right to practice in this State. Let OsteO- pathy therefore stand before the law up- on the same basis as all other schools of medicine.