Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-03-12
PEOPLE
AND THE
DOCTORS

realm of ignorance, uncertainty, and |
doubt. and to place them on a basis |
of knowledge, certainty, and expert |
mental proof. The far reaching re-
suits of the work of the Virchows, |
Pasteurs, the Kochs, and others |
should be sufficient once for all to |
call a halt to all the puerile objec-
tions of the weak-minded, ignorant, |
and self-satisfied who permit them
selves to remain in state of con-
tinued drowsiness, allowing guess
work to take the place Of exact in
vestigation At last the public has
awakened to the necessity of ac-
knowledging that exact science is
more than a hobby. When the fam
ily stands at the grave of relative
who has succumbed to n condition
which could have been prevented, or
which could have been met success
fully, as has been proven by different
action in the selfsame condition in
other people, new idea takes pos
session of them.
should like. however, TO consider
the situation from a more general
point of view. The great organism
of mankind, and similarly that of n
nation, has its activities subdivided
for successful work. In prehistoric
times the cliff dwellers may have ex
changed with his neighbor fruit for
the meat of an animal. Today the
Chinese may exchange his tea for the
electric light of an Edison. Such a
transaction involves a number OF
systems-the mail, transportation
the bank, and kindred institutions.
These systems have developed to
such a magnitude that the individual
easily forgets that they are not OF
any Importance I'm themselves but
only as constituents OF a vast num-
ber of systems the value OF which
consists only in their ability TO carry
out successfully what is intrusted to
them.
Those who concern themselves with
the natural sciences occupy just such
a position as expoDents OF system
especially the medical with all its al
lied branches. These are only a part
in the great machinery. Viewed from
this standpoint we at once can define
more clearly the position OF the gem
eral population 10 those whom they
o. hold responsible for their welfare In
health and disease. We cannot fail
to see that the general population Is
entitled TO EXPECT what Il demands
from the medical profession-the
prevention of disease, the cure OF
affections. when possible, and all
those contributions which are neees-
sary for the best attainable life OF
the race, for other wise the object OF
life more or less is missed. The cor
rect Interpretation OF. the natural
phenomena for the benefit OF the
human race requires a detailed, pro-
longed. and painstaking EFFORT by
people prepared to be able TO under
take these studies. Il involves prac-
tical application of the principles
found and places well fitted out Tor
that purpose. hve thousand horse
power engine cannot be- constructed
by the village blacksmith in his shop.
The proper working place and men
are needed TO meet demands OF SINH
lar character In any field OF human
activity.
In viewing the magnitude OF the
population I'm general TO matters
pertaining 20 their welfare and
health we still are confronted how
ever, with a sad proof OF lack oi
knowledge and it's only exceptional
appreciation Of its duty. The vel
meant contribution OF individuals &c
Institutions OF general usefulness
sometimes create in me a little feel
ling of regret. / admit that We should
4 appreciate the private gifts 10 tht
1 proper medical and kindred lnstitu'
tions inasmuch as the spirit OF th'
contributor Is concerned and ths
1 purpose achieved. The almost IN
lnumerable benefits 10 the population
as a whole and to its single eonstitu
4 Tents which accrue from the proper ae
ltlon toward medical institutions ar'
4 70 obvious that 1 need not dwell upon
them. Each locality should have th'
best possible accommodations for th'
- - .....tf.. ~ raadiefue and