The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-09-29
State medic
I Chief BLASTS
J WHISKY ban
Indiana Law Branded Un-
Just, Insult to Profession,
by DR.. F. w. Cregor.
HIT AS HEALTH MENACE
Bar on Use of Ether Would
Be as Reasonable, Says
indianapolis Man.
HIT AS HEALTH MENACE

tiGtCAttCkSOtIS HtAtn
Indiana's absolute ban upon the
use of whisky as medicine was de-
nounced as unjust, unnecessary
contrary to public policy, a VIOLA
ton of a basic principle, and direct
insult to the medical profession" by
the president of the Indiana State
Medical Association today.
DR.. Frank w. Cregor Of Indian
apolis, head of the association in
annual session at the city hospital,
addressing more than 1000 Indiana
physicians, did not nince words In
condemning what he called dan
gerous situation"
Federal laws permit the use Of
whisky for medicinal purposes, but
the Wright "bone dry" law in Indi-
ana positively forbids its use under
any circumstances.
Embarrassing to Doctors
"Due to those who would yield
principle to political expediency,
the medical profession of Indiana
finds itself in an embarrassing sit
uation as regards the prohibition
law of the State" DIR. Crego- said.
"It is a dangerous situatica when
q law body will enact laws which
say that physician shall not EN-
ploy any remedey when according
to his ability and judgment he con-
siders it best for his patient.
1.-THE law-inaking body may as
well say that the physician may not
employ ether as an anesthetic or
morphine as a narcotic as to say
that he may not employ whisky or
champagne when his Judgment die
tateS it's use.
Can Trust Physicians
"It is not sufficient to say that
much distress and havoc have been
wrought by spirituous liquors. To
take such position, is wholly beside
the question. For the fact remains
that the physician who would
object to stringent regulation
would be in as ridiculous a position
as the legislator who would say,
you shall not do so.'
1.-THE medical profession" cons
tinued DR.. Cregor, "has aided and
abetted the government In the
regulation Of narcotics and may be
depended upon to aid and abet the
regulation of spirituous liquors, but
must resent the mandate that you
shall not as being unjust, un-
necessary, and contrary to public
policy, a violation of a basic
principle, and direct insult to our
honored profession.
LET the regulation be as stringent
as the most enthusiastic would de-
mand, but leave the honored
medical profession free to employ
every agency at its command in
performance of its great public
obligation"
May Pass Resolution
It was regarded probable that DR..
Cregor's sentiments would be incor-
porated in a resolution for adoption
by the State meeting of doctors.
In his address, DR.. Cregor like
wise made plea for more phys.-
clans IN rural communities and
sounded warning against too much
specialization.
although there are $50 more
members of the association than
there were two years ago, there Is
loss of about 100 in the total num-
ber Of physicians in the State" he
said. Medical teaching, he asserted,
has become so highly specialized as
to discourage students.
1.-THE growing tendency to gpe-
cialization without the opportunity
to attain professional perspective,
which can come only by experience,
Is to be deplored," DR.. Cregos de-
clared<
Recent troubles arising in the
state board of health brought the
comment that officers OF the Indi-
ana State Medical Association "had
made no small effort to smooth out
these dissensions until we feel that
we are to congratulate the people
that apparent peace has been estab-
iished.'
Public Is Protected
Speaking of the amendment to
the medical practices act passed by
the 1927 Legislature over the vigor-
Gus opposition of chiropractors, the
association president said
THE first great purpose q: this
law is to protect the public against
incompetent or fraudulent individ-
uals who would exploit it. To this
end the State has set up machinery
whereby it can determine the fitness
4 o. any person seeking the privilege
Of treating the sick.
I'm the future, all persons who
would engage in the solemn occu-
patton of treating the sick first
must satisfy the State that they are
qualified In their knowledge Of the
human body and the diseases which
affect It,"