The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-14

tFrom the European Edition of The
 Herald)
 was one of a party Of. ten dining at the house of a friend where I knew I would meet Professor F., who is not only one of the greatest physicians in Paris. but also a most entertaining talk er Soon after dinner we began. to dis cuss the curious problem known as '.the case of conscience" and the famous spe-, cialst told us a story, in which he had played notable part. and which seemed to me so remarkable that I asked his. leave to print it. He consented, so here 1t Is just as he told 1t. That 1t offers wide field for disc6ssion. you will ad- init. After the doctor had gone we stayed until two in the morning debat- ing whether he had done right or wrong on the memorable occasion of which he had spoken to us. frankly confess that I was one of those who approved of his conduct. At the same time admit that the case was peculiar and that much might be said on both sides. ..
 Since I became physician" he be-, gan. "only one case of conscience similar to those of which you have been talking has been brought to my notice. It hap pened at the beginning of my career. The incident was so serious and so unusual that 1t determined once for all my point of view as practitioner. resolved to follow strictly the rule that the great duty of a physician. and the one which takes precedence of all others, is to do the best he can for his patient To this and only to this should the physician give his5 attention. His patient may be rch or poor, but 1t is no concern of his. Hc may be a friend or an enemy. wicked or pious, respectable or an outcast. but. no matter what he is the physician must do his utmost to cure him of his-' dis ease. Y NtsIr .-- 4i ::
 "A patient in the eyes of a physician Is a machine endowed with life. which he is bound to examine and to keep in good working order. to the. best s.of his of his pfofession. Everyone knows this, yet you are all; aware that. conscientious scrpplsg may arise at times. and that. in, this, Way physician may be tempted to neglect his duty. pity the physician who yields to temptation at his patients bedside and who acts according. to his, own notions orN .propriety and justice. NeveEgagain will he know that peace of mind which I have been able to- preserve durings9the thirty-six years of my priVate' and hospital pract3ce.x solely, beeatise eTer sinee thes little moral drama | am about to describe my acts have been governed entirely by, the fight against disease, no matter who my patient was or what the consequenceStmigh be. j., ,,-s.Y' aa5ar -.
 My storyxgoes back to a date which I could not forget, even if, 1t, were not eonnected with this particular event. The drama occurredis during the early part of June, 1861. It was on the 23. os the same month thatFI lost the teacher whom I admired and 1oved most of all-I speak of the great Trousseau, whose memory Is recalled by alI recent scientific discov- cries, great r ind, lofty in character, and so tender to the pupils he loved. I must have been one of his last assisting internes at the hospital. Knowing that was very poor, he was always ready to give me an opportunity to earn some money. Hs
 During the first week in June he sent me word to call at his office. This was the, last time I saw him. His face was pale and emaciated. as it appears in that excellent portrait of him by another of his pupils, my colleague and friend, Pro- lessor Dieulaf foy. That he had not long to live he knew well. Certain marked symptoms showed that he was suffering from cancer of the stomach Yes, he was dying land he knew It. But he was resolved to die in harness. I see before me now lnis keen. clever face on which courage. intelligence and ruffering were stamped, and I fancy that I hear him say. when I inquired about his heaIth;- T shall not be alive in July I was about 10 speak. but, raising his slender whlte hand, he motioned me to be silent. T have asked you to call.' he said, because l want you to attend one of my patients. who Is now at his country house. and Is