The independent., 1903-07-09
THE MEDICAL TRUST
Rev. Mr.. Ku.kelmau Discusses the Me-
braska Law Creating . Medical
Monopoly


Editor Independent: Much has been
said and written of late about labor
unions and their unjust and un-Amer-
ican methods. 1t has been loudly pro-
claimed that every employer should
be permitted to engage whomsoever
he pleases, aud men and women should
be protected in their right to work,
without being required to wear un-
ion badge. Our purpose is not to dis
cuss this phase of the question further
than necessary to call attention TO one
of the most unjust and far-reachlng
trusts which curses this and other
states--the medical trust.
1t wields a czar-like power over
this state and, to say the least, is
eqnally as merciless and tyrannical as
labor unions can possibly be. 1t de-
MES to men and women the right to
engage in the practice OF medicine
witho It first procuring diploma from
O ,recoenized medical college, without
any reference to their qualifications
This trust declares such diploma to
be sine qua non, and its absence is a
positive proof Of the lack OF neces-
sary fitness to practice the healing ART.
This, however, is a most unWar-
rarted assumption. AS the history OF
medicine clearly proves. In support
Of this contention let us quote from
eminent physicians. DR.. A. OLeary,
Jefferson Medical College, .Ph;ladel-
phia. says. ''The best things in the
healing art have been done by those
Who never had a diplomatic first
Caesarean section. lithotomy, the use
of chincona, of ether as an anesthetlc,
the treatment If the air passages by
inhalation. the water cure and emedl-
Gated baths, electricity as healing
agent"
Or. Adam Smith says: "After de-
nouncing Paracelsus as quack, the
reg,Ilar, medical profession stole his
quicksilver mercury; after ealing Jen-
ner an impostor, it adopted his dis
covery of vaccination; after clubbing
Harvey a hnmbug, 1t was forced to
swallow his theory Of the circulation
OF the blood 1t has been truthfully
said of the so-called leaders in the
medical profession that they are still
ready with their sneer and cry OF
qnack, charlatan, humbug They are
still ready to persecute, when they
dare If the man suggesting an inn
provement be one of their own num-
b6rs, they ostracize him; if he, be a
layman. they try to have him ar
rested"
Professor Waterhouse says: II am
indeed disgusted with learned quack-
cry that | take some interest iii hon
est humane and strong minded en-
ryricism; for it has done more for our
art, in all ages and countries, than all
our universities since the time OF
Charlemagne."
In view of the above authoritative
testimony we contend that it is possi-
BILE for person to be a successful
physician without having medical
diploma For the state board to re-
fuse an individual a certificate to
practice medicine solely because he
acquired his knowledge outside of a
recognized medical college, is a dis
regard of personal rights. 1t is the
same spirit which so many condemn
in the labor unions.
All freely admit that only those
should be permitted to practice medi-
cine who are competent; but the state
Loard rules that learning acquired
outside of some of their recognized
colleges is not to be recognized A
man may have thorough college
training; may have devoted years to
the study and practice of medicine;
MAY have proven himself thoroughly
competent by actual practice; but The
board says he shall not be permitted
tc practice, neither will We admit
him to an examination, unless he can
present diploma.
We understand the board is acting
under a state law, but that does not
change the injustice. An injustice is
rome the less such because committed
Under the authority of the state, This
law is claim to Re for the protection
of the peo-le, who would otherwise
be imposed upon by quacks and char
latans. The truth. however, is the
people have in no single instance asked
the state to enact this law. The re-
unest has come from a certain class
OF doctors-who were more solicitous
for. their own protection from compe-
tstion than by their solicitude for the