The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-05-22
EXPERIENCE OF
DR., LEVY WIDE
Dr.. George Ben Johnston Tells
iii Interview Of Notable Success
Of Bactcriologist.
INTO FURTHER ERRORS
INTO FURTHER
ERRORS
Expresses Opinion That DR..
Stratton Has COMPOUNDED Two
Distinct Things.

The Interview OF Dr. THOMAS u. Stlht-
ton d few days ngo regarding tho dph-
iberia case and his rusc to get the pa
ticnt discharged whom he believed cured,
with tho subsequent letter from hin,
and tho editorial comments thrown by
Tho Times Dispatch, has aroused vide
spread Interest among all citizens and
more especially among physicians, for
the reason that tho accuracy of bacterio-
logical tests have been called into uues-
ton.
Dr. George Ben Johnson granted q
very interesting interview yesterday re-
garding the subject. He was asked if
he objected to expressing mn opinion rel :
ative to Or. Stratton's position In this
matter.
"While am averse to expressing any
opinion that may lead me into con-
troversy or entangle me in one that Is
existing or likely to exist replied or.
Johnston, "still, as practitioner, ana
one intensely interested IN the health
question in Richmond, feel 1t my duty
to express myself in regard TO this par
gtlcular situation. Dr. Stratton Is apph
trently seeking agains to sidetrack the
issue, but. in doing so he unwittingly
gets Unto still further errors. He at
ttempts TO confound two entirely distinct
things, archaeological diagnosis or dipl-
iberia and the clinical recognition anu
treatment of that disease. This Is. or
course in itself absurd. since man
may be very adept In one and know very
little of the other.
"l-nfortunately for DR.. Strattons case,
It SO happens that DIR. Levy has had ex-
tccntional opportunities in each of these
directions AS a bacteriologist. 1t Is UNI
necessary for mo to speak of his ability.
His attachments are recognized not only
By the medical profession OF Richmond
but also throughout the country. IN au-
dition TO this, In 1895. when antitoSin
first attracted the attention Of the medical
profession, DR.. Levy went at once to
New York. and, through his professional
acquaintance there, obtained an appoint
ment at the Willard aPrker Hospital,
where he remained for four months.
During this time he handled hundreds
of cases of diphtheria. In all OF its forms,
and under the direction OF the leading
SPECIALISTS in New York in this disease.
He also had charge during this time OF
tho meteorological examination or these
cases, and these same leaders OF theIr
profession in New York accepted unaucs-
tioningly his word as to when these
cases in the Willard Parker Hosplhi
might safely be released.
Gave Him Entire Charge.
~ knew of these facts, and when DR..
Levy returned to Richmond. 1t was my
custom between the years of 1888 ana 1893;
indeed. as long as he himself would
conseut 10 It, 10 turn over to him for
treatment every case, OF d'phtner'h com
ing IN in my practice, not having hin,
merely in consultation, but giving hin
entire charge of the case This | did
because recognized his exceptional nat
,ral ability and the value of his unusual
training. My course was FUZZY 1nstihed
nv the outcome Of these cases, many
o. them most desperate, but all recover
ing under his skllful mnistration.
Even Mt the time of which speak DIR.
Levy had already given up active prac-
ticc. and he accepted these cases only
after L had spoken OF the unw,iilhehess
which l felt although, like DR.. STRAIT
ton, an older man than DR.. Levy &c
trent these cases myself when | could
call in man whose special work had
placed him In a position to get better
re suits In a class of cases which, lay
outside OF my domain.
"All of this has no direct bearing upor
the real issue at stake In this case, ant
T merely stated the above facts IN orde'
to show that even in adopting his pres
| cnt attitude DR.. Stratton occupies an en-
| tIrcly un1ustinable position But whe'
\ he seeks to belittle the science OIL pac
| teriology as an aid to physicians, the'
| his position Is absurd.
II daily avail myself Of tho valuable
and Indispensable aid which laborator.
work Is capable of giving me. put
never lose sight OF the fact that ne''ne
Tho practitioner nor the bacterloosls
GLAZING that bacterlology is infallible no
ntonded to supplant clinical observation
rhe ractitioner and laboratory MAJ
should work hand in hand, each honcstl
endeavorlng to furnish his part IN reach
I .in.. ,l,o result Viewed In this llEht, ~
Laws class of work Is of lnestimapl
value. hut it cannot take the place, no
,s # intended to take the place. of eie'e
ability o rhoncsty on the part OF the mo-
ability or honesty on the part OF inc me