Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-16
COMMITTEE HEARINGS.
Continued from Page Nine)


Fundamentally and scientifically. the
practice of osteopathy is opposed to the
medicine. And, with this as basis. we
declare that those who desire to prac-
tice osteopathy should go before
board composed exclusively of osteo-
paths.
lis it fair they should go before boara
composed of those who practice the art
OF healing in an altogether olnerent
way?
J" But you may ask, is not an exam
ination in pathology and anatomy just
an examination in pathology and anato-
my. whoever takes it? How can it diff
fer?'
1.-The answer is that an examination
from the standpoint of those who prac-
tice medicine does differ from an exami-
nation from the standpoint of those who
practice osteopathy, and it differs most
materially. There is different view
point-a different understanding. Not all
of the questions would be dissimilar, but
unquestionably the great majority would
be.
I'VE seek no argument, no quarrel
Mr. Leigh concluded. Il do not intimate
that osteopaths would not receive fair
treatment under the present board; but
for the reason l have outlined-the simple
reason, gentlemen, that the schools are
fundamentally and scientifically opposed
they come before you today to ask an
examining board of their own Those
honest, cultured, educated men and wo-
men come here asking recognition. Ana
7 am astonished,' ended Mr.. Leigh with
an earnest appeal that swept through the
Senate chamber, that in this 10Th cen
fury members of the old-school medical
fraternity should come here and oppose
the proposition
Dr A. E. Chittenden, a Lewiston os-
teonsth. was the first witness for the
proponents. Speaking as a representative
Of the Maine Osteopathic Association he
said
There are seven splendidly equipped
osteopathic colleges in which the course
10 of four years-nine months each. 1t IS
the exact course which regular pny-
sician takes, save that the principles of
osteopathy are substituted for materla
medica.
For years we have been trying to Sc
,cure the enactment of law which shall
keep out the unqualified and the incom-
netenf: for years we have sought the
same protection that old-school physl-
clans enjoy Is it not plain that with re-
strictions in other states, and none In
this. Maine has become the dumping
ground for the incompetent-for those
who have failed to pass examinations
elsewhere?
1.-The educated, honest. competent os-
teopaths should be protected. So. too,
should the public. which now has no way
Of distinguishing between tho genuine
and the fraudulent.
Then members Of the board began
asking Dr. Chittenden questions, one OF
! the most insstent being that he deflhe
! the distinction between major ana MINOR
/ surgery-the osteopaths being permit
/ ted to practice minor surgery under the
| provisions of the proposed act. he de-
| fined all surgery as minor II not under
! general antiseptics." Several or the
committee insisted upon definition or
the exact border-line; the discussion
grew painfully technical; and Attorney
| Dutton entering it, declared: AT
conference this morning with several
eminent old-school physicians, i asked
them for the detintion-and not one OF
them could give it,
Then how are we to find out?" ask
ed Senator Deering of the committee.
| Let's use a little elemental common
! sense" remarked Senator Gillin. III
none of these eminent authorities can
| give definition, I'll try to give one
myself. IF 1 opened a boil on your
noise, it would be minor surgery; if |
| opened a boil on one of your jugular
veins. it would be major SURGERY!
| cloud and long continued laughter)
Does this act authorize you to prac-
| tice anything that you don't practice
now?" Senator Deering questioned.
| 1T does not" was the reply.
| 80 that you merely wish, with an
! examining board, to practice the same
as you do without an examining board?'
! That's it. precisely" said DR.. Chit
| tenden
There was a sharp discussion between
Sen. Gilin of the committee and Attor-
ney Nichols at the close of the propon-
ents' argument which Mr.. Nichols was
making.
MI -\lCHOlS dulllllleu, upon QueSlloIi ny
/ Sen. Gillin, that the osteopaths wanted
to exclude inefficient men in their prac-
| tce. Sen. Gillin asked what harm 1t
would do If the osteopaths came before
! the regular medical board and be exam
ined for the protection of the public, and
the answer was 'They study from diff
! ferent standpoint entirely"
Are you a practicng osteopath. doc
! tori" asked Judge Percy Deering, a men,
Der of the committee.
NO" replied Mr. Nichols II am just
! a simple lawyer" and this created n
! laugh
! Sen. Gillin asked if there would be any
objection by the osteopaths of putting an
| osteopath on the regular medical board
! and allow him to examine candidates fo-
! admission to the practice of their profess
sion and grant him a certificate.
! Attorney harrington replied if the sig
nature would be all embracing, 1t might
be all right, but pressed for a direct an
swer no one representing the proponents
answered and. the time limit having ex-
pired, the opposition opened with DR..
! Daniel F. Robinson of Bangor, chairman
of the legislative committee of the Maine
Medical Association the first speaker
=