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ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL DIPLOMATES OF SCOTLAND.
1576 The further steps in the conservative re-action are clear. The increase in combustion involved in pyrexia disperses the carbonaceous accumulation ; this permits of free renal elimination of uric acid, the blood recovers its solvent power, the arthritic deposits are reabsorbed, and complete convalescence from ills, local and general, is assured. All the steps above referred to with the exception of the first are well known. It requires but the recognition of the blood state termed hyperpyræmia-and in support of this a large amount of independent circumstantial evidence can be adduced-to render the acute gouty paroxysm one of the simplest of the conservative reactions of the organism. Acute gout would still be a disease, but in accordance with the conception recently formulated by Sir Frederick Treves it would be a disease salutary in intent. Furthermore, it would be a disease which more often than not is salutary in effect. I am, Sirs, yours faithfully, FRANCIS HARE. London, W.C., Nov. 20th, 1905. --
ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL DIPLOMATES OF SCOTLAND. To the Editors of THE LANCET. SIRS,-Permit me space in your valuable journal to call the attention of those holding the qualifications of the Royal Colleges of Edinburgh and the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow to the good work the above association is doing. It is a comparatively young society and up to the present has achieved a great success in the following ways: the opening up of appointments to those holding the qualifications in question; the securing of a distinct academic costume ; and again this week a deputation is to attend the a petiRoyal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to present " tion for the alteration of the title of " Licentiate to that of "Member." Is not this a good record of work done? Let me urge upon all who take an interest in these affairs to join us, so as to strengthen our hands and encourage us in our endeavours to promote the welfare of our colleagues. Our able honorary secretary, Dr. David Walsh, 18A, Hanoverstreet, London, W., will gladly forward conditions of
membership.
I am,
Sirs, yours faithfully, ----
CLAUDE ST. AUBYN-FARRER,
London, W., Nov. 20th, 1905.
President.
"RETURN" CASES OF SCARLET FEVER.
THE
ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN SWITZERLAND. (FBOM
OUR
SPECIAL
COMMISSIONER.)
Legislative Struggle at Gurioh.-The Benefit Society of Basle.-Solidarity between the Senior and Junior Practi-
The
tioners.-Establishment of a Minimum Medical Pee.
IN Switzerland during the last few years considerable progress has been accomplished in the work of organising the medical profession. Every canton and nearly all the subdistricts have local medical societies. In the rural parts of the country these societies can barely contrive to meet oftener than twice during the course of the year. In the large towns it of course, easier to meet more frequently. Formerly, and as was the case with the various local medical societies in England, these occasional meetings were held solely for convivial purposes and for the reading and discussion of scientific papers. Of late years, however, a great change has taken place. The medical profession is none the less
is,
devoted to the study of science because it now realises that it is first of all necessary to secure the means of existence. Therefore these various medical organisa. tions commenced to discuss economic questions and during the last three years these have more and more encroached on the time and attention that were formerly devoted to scientific topics; indeed, this is so much the case that in some parts of Switzerland it was thought necessary to duplicate the societies. Thus, the Medical Society of Geneva has created the Association of the Practitioners of the Canton of Geneva and the mission of the latter body is to deal exclusively with economical and ethical questions. So also there is at Ziirich an offshoot from the parent medical organisation called the Young Practitioners’ Society. Scientific papers are occasionally read before this body but the greater part of its time is devoted to the study and discussion of the phases of the great current economic problems that affect the medical profession. At Basle, on the contrary, it was decided that it would not be wise to separate. Some medical men are more anxious to meet for the purpose of discussing economic problems. To many, unfortunately, this is a matter of necessity, as they are the victims of the modern evolution of economic forces. Others, on the contrary,
- Zo the Editors of THE LANCET. to the leading article on the above whose position is not so directly menaced, are more anxious to draw attention to pp. 612-13 of to discuss purely scientific topics. But it is most essential these sections of the medical profession should Nothnagel’s "Practice of Medicine" where, in the article that botheach other and move forward hand in hand. To on scarlatina, it is said that at the New York Hospital for support Scarlatina and Diphtheria there has been no history of con- ’ separate them is to make the one l8se influence over the tagion from a discharged patient (p. 613). Is the routine other, and this tendency has been successfully resisted at disinfection in London similar to that described for New Basle. As an example of the work done there is at Zurich a sect York ? I am, Sirs, yours faithfully, called the Nature Cure Party. It has acquired a certain VOLENS. Nov. 20th, 1905. popularity which, in any case, was sufficient to enable it to introduce in the local legislature a motion in favour of FENWICK v. THE " ACCRINGTON GAZETTE "-On sanctioning the free practice of medicine. A few years ago Nov. 18th and 20th at Manchester, before Mr. Justice Bray there was no organisation capable of fighting such a proposal. and a special jury, the case of Fenwick v. the Acc’l’ington Now, however, the Zurich medical societies launched out on Gazette Co., Limited, was heard. The libel in question the warpath and took so active a part in the political alleged incapacity on the part of the plaintiff. Early in propaganda that when the proposal was submitted from the March he was called to attend upon two children, one of cantonal legislature to the popular vote it was defeated. whom was in bed with a normal temperature but with a rash. The general opinion is that but for the recent organisation This rash was diagnosed by plaintiff as chicken-pox. The of the medical profession as a militant body attending to boy was treated accordingly and recovered. The second its economic interests, this proposition would have been boy was treated for influenza but on March 29th symptoms carried, with the result that anyone, whether qualified or of small-pox arose. Then the medical officer of health not, would have the legal right to practise medicine. At Basle there is a similar odd sect. It is known was communicated with and the two boys, the father, and two other children were removed to the small-pox hospital. as the Adventists of the Seventh Day and originates froro The health committee then decided to prosecute Mr. Fenwick the United States of America. Of the 120 practitioners for not having notified the cases. He thereupon wrote to the at Basle all except four joined the medical organisation. health committee vindicating his diagnosis. The Accrington One of these four served the Adventists and complications Gazette then published an article in which Mr. Fenwick’s of no ordinary character were anticipated when by some letter was spoken of as " a blatant attempt to bluff the lucky inspiration the spirit moved the entire sect to leave health committee." Further, Mr. Fenwick was accused of the canton of Basle. It went to Gland in the canton de trying to hush the matter up and of being so incapable that Vaud. Here there are few inhabitants, fewer medical he did not know the difference between small-pox and practitioners, but there are very good vineyards and some chicken-pox. Mr. Fenwick admitted that he had made a excellent wine. All the members of the Basle Medical mistake and the health committee did not prosecute him. Society have signed a contract by which they pledge themThe defendants withdrew the plea of justification and the selves not to accept less than the minimum fee. This is jury gave a verdict of £1000 for the plaintiff. Judgment fixed at 1 franc, or 1(M., for a consultation at the practitioner’s surgery and 2 francs for a visit at the patient’s home. was given
SIRS,-In reference subject I would like
accordingly.
ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL DIPLOMATES OF SCOTLAND. To the Editors of THE LANCET. SIRS,-Permit me space in your valuable journal to call the attention of those holding the qualifications of the Royal Colleges of Edinburgh and the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow to the good work the above association is doing. It is a comparatively young society and up to the present has achieved a great success in the following ways: the opening up of appointments to those holding the qualifications in question; the securing of a distinct academic costume ; and again this week a deputation is to attend the a petiRoyal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to present " tion for the alteration of the title of " Licentiate to that of "Member." Is not this a good record of work done? Let me urge upon all who take an interest in these affairs to join us, so as to strengthen our hands and encourage us in our endeavours to promote the welfare of our colleagues. Our able honorary secretary, Dr. David Walsh, 18A, Hanoverstreet, London, W., will gladly forward conditions of
membership.
I am,
Sirs, yours faithfully, ----
CLAUDE ST. AUBYN-FARRER,
London, W., Nov. 20th, 1905.
President.
"RETURN" CASES OF SCARLET FEVER.
THE
ORGANISATION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN SWITZERLAND. (FBOM
OUR
SPECIAL
COMMISSIONER.)
Legislative Struggle at Gurioh.-The Benefit Society of Basle.-Solidarity between the Senior and Junior Practi-
The
tioners.-Establishment of a Minimum Medical Pee.
IN Switzerland during the last few years considerable progress has been accomplished in the work of organising the medical profession. Every canton and nearly all the subdistricts have local medical societies. In the rural parts of the country these societies can barely contrive to meet oftener than twice during the course of the year. In the large towns it of course, easier to meet more frequently. Formerly, and as was the case with the various local medical societies in England, these occasional meetings were held solely for convivial purposes and for the reading and discussion of scientific papers. Of late years, however, a great change has taken place. The medical profession is none the less
is,
devoted to the study of science because it now realises that it is first of all necessary to secure the means of existence. Therefore these various medical organisa. tions commenced to discuss economic questions and during the last three years these have more and more encroached on the time and attention that were formerly devoted to scientific topics; indeed, this is so much the case that in some parts of Switzerland it was thought necessary to duplicate the societies. Thus, the Medical Society of Geneva has created the Association of the Practitioners of the Canton of Geneva and the mission of the latter body is to deal exclusively with economical and ethical questions. So also there is at Ziirich an offshoot from the parent medical organisation called the Young Practitioners’ Society. Scientific papers are occasionally read before this body but the greater part of its time is devoted to the study and discussion of the phases of the great current economic problems that affect the medical profession. At Basle, on the contrary, it was decided that it would not be wise to separate. Some medical men are more anxious to meet for the purpose of discussing economic problems. To many, unfortunately, this is a matter of necessity, as they are the victims of the modern evolution of economic forces. Others, on the contrary,
- Zo the Editors of THE LANCET. to the leading article on the above whose position is not so directly menaced, are more anxious to draw attention to pp. 612-13 of to discuss purely scientific topics. But it is most essential these sections of the medical profession should Nothnagel’s "Practice of Medicine" where, in the article that botheach other and move forward hand in hand. To on scarlatina, it is said that at the New York Hospital for support Scarlatina and Diphtheria there has been no history of con- ’ separate them is to make the one l8se influence over the tagion from a discharged patient (p. 613). Is the routine other, and this tendency has been successfully resisted at disinfection in London similar to that described for New Basle. As an example of the work done there is at Zurich a sect York ? I am, Sirs, yours faithfully, called the Nature Cure Party. It has acquired a certain VOLENS. Nov. 20th, 1905. popularity which, in any case, was sufficient to enable it to introduce in the local legislature a motion in favour of FENWICK v. THE " ACCRINGTON GAZETTE "-On sanctioning the free practice of medicine. A few years ago Nov. 18th and 20th at Manchester, before Mr. Justice Bray there was no organisation capable of fighting such a proposal. and a special jury, the case of Fenwick v. the Acc’l’ington Now, however, the Zurich medical societies launched out on Gazette Co., Limited, was heard. The libel in question the warpath and took so active a part in the political alleged incapacity on the part of the plaintiff. Early in propaganda that when the proposal was submitted from the March he was called to attend upon two children, one of cantonal legislature to the popular vote it was defeated. whom was in bed with a normal temperature but with a rash. The general opinion is that but for the recent organisation This rash was diagnosed by plaintiff as chicken-pox. The of the medical profession as a militant body attending to boy was treated accordingly and recovered. The second its economic interests, this proposition would have been boy was treated for influenza but on March 29th symptoms carried, with the result that anyone, whether qualified or of small-pox arose. Then the medical officer of health not, would have the legal right to practise medicine. At Basle there is a similar odd sect. It is known was communicated with and the two boys, the father, and two other children were removed to the small-pox hospital. as the Adventists of the Seventh Day and originates froro The health committee then decided to prosecute Mr. Fenwick the United States of America. Of the 120 practitioners for not having notified the cases. He thereupon wrote to the at Basle all except four joined the medical organisation. health committee vindicating his diagnosis. The Accrington One of these four served the Adventists and complications Gazette then published an article in which Mr. Fenwick’s of no ordinary character were anticipated when by some letter was spoken of as " a blatant attempt to bluff the lucky inspiration the spirit moved the entire sect to leave health committee." Further, Mr. Fenwick was accused of the canton of Basle. It went to Gland in the canton de trying to hush the matter up and of being so incapable that Vaud. Here there are few inhabitants, fewer medical he did not know the difference between small-pox and practitioners, but there are very good vineyards and some chicken-pox. Mr. Fenwick admitted that he had made a excellent wine. All the members of the Basle Medical mistake and the health committee did not prosecute him. Society have signed a contract by which they pledge themThe defendants withdrew the plea of justification and the selves not to accept less than the minimum fee. This is jury gave a verdict of £1000 for the plaintiff. Judgment fixed at 1 franc, or 1(M., for a consultation at the practitioner’s surgery and 2 francs for a visit at the patient’s home. was given
SIRS,-In reference subject I would like
accordingly.