The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-07-01
THE EARMARKs OF A GOOD DOCTOR

On general ethical principals 1t is clearly the duty of the medical profession everywnere io make 1t easy for a stranger to ma a reputapie physician when there is need or one But owing to poor organization and the lack of leader ship the medical profession fails in this duty to the public in most large communities. Here and there the local medical society n, aintains a central office or information bu- reau where anybody may call or telepnone to ask for the name and office address or re- liable physician or even for specla1s.' ,ns nns plan proves satisfactory in the smaller towns. In the larger cities it is not so satisfactory TOT various reasons-too many physicians 100 wiae an area. However, in some large clues several such bureaus are maintained in dnerent sec
 ions of the city, and this is at least better tnan no service at all. . In the largest cities it is coming to be the custom of the profession to publish ln the locai newspapers, from time to time complete list of member of the local medical society. ot course it does not follow that a doctor is good doctor or even reliable just because he happens to hold membership in medical society, but still if stranger chooses doctor who IS vouched for to his professional standlng by the local academy of medicine or county medical society the chances are that the doctor is okeh.
 Suppose a stranger in town suddenly re. qures medical aid. A casual acquaintance sug- gests Dr John Doe. Doe may be all right or ne may be all wrong. The only way to check on Doe is to look in the county medical society o1 the academy of medicine, and ask whether pr John Doe, of such and such address, is mem Der or physician of good professional stand ing. This may seem excess of precaution' put in some cities quackery and crookery run rampant and little reliance can be placed on the significance of the title of Doctor"
 Legislatures have pefpetrated so many trick laws about the piratical use of this title that 1t doesns mean anything now. The laity at pres ent is in the position as was the lady who hailed the piano tuner as he passed on his way to pay call next door, and had him examine her knee and give his opinion of 1t. The little long black bag is as insignificant as the title Doctor"
 The health officer of Los Angeles issues a bulletin advising people to BEWARE OF The doctor who advertises his methods or "cures."
 The doctor who puts hig sgnboards outside his office.
 The doctor who claims that he can cure seri- ous diseases easily and quickly. The travelling doctor who moves from town to town.
 discovered some new "cure' the other physi- clans do not know about. No great discovery of science is kept secret The alleged health center where barker is kept the block giving free lectures on health.
 When in doubt consult your city health de- partment. That last recommendation may. apply in Los Angeles but the city health department in most towns is not equipped to give such service.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 A Little Lesson in Ways of Health
 Want to tell you what boon your Little Les- son No 25 has proved l have had more relief from the old enemy than had believed possible. am most grateful to you. c. G. K.)
 Answer-The booklet 'The Constipation Habit' is available to any reader who CD says he has the habit. CD incloses dime and (3) a Scent stamped envelope bearing his address, Hypothetical Question Do you believe - yeast is helpful in the treatment of ~. About how long does 1t take to overcome the trouble with this yeast? Is there any possibility of harmful effects. (J. R.)
 Answer-I cannot answer such questions. This is personal health service. If your com pany seeks my opinion of it's preparatoin, 1t will cost you something.
 Cocoa and Chocolate
 Is it true that cocoa and chocolate contain theobromine. 6 poisonous drug practically tden- tical with caffeine which causes nervous ,ir- ritability, sleeplessness ctc2 (L. FL
 Answer-It is true that chocolate and cocoa contain theobromin. but all the rest of if Is absurdly exaggerated. Theobromin has virtually no effect on the cerebrum. or on the nerves, but Is . mild heart stimulant and an active kidney stimulant. It is partly on account of Its stiriu- lation of the kidneys that deem cocoa or choc- olate unsuitable beverages for young children.