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HERTFORD.
168
Apologies for absence, and approving of the objects of the meeting, were received from Messrs. Sanders and Russell. On the motion of H. WARREN, Esq., seconded by H. HFATumn,
The Petition of the undersigned Physicians of York and the West Riding of Yorkshire, adopted at a special meeting, held at Normanton, on the l7th of October ult., HUMBLY SBTEWETH,— That your petitioners received with the liveliest satisfaction the announcement that a bill had been introduced into your honourable house, under the powerful auspices of her Majesty’s government, for the better regulation of medical practice throughout the United Kingdom. That your petitioners highly approve of those parts of the bill which recognise the preservation of the different classes of medical practitioners, and which at the same time provide uniformity of qualifications, and equality of privileges, amongst all practitioners of the same class in the three kingdoms. They also fully admit the necessity, in any scheme of medical reform, of some central and controlling body, as the proposed 46 Council of Health," for the responsible government and harmonious operation of the several medical establishments. .- That your petitioners concur with that principle of Sir James Graham’s bill, which secures the integrity of existing medical institutions, but does not preclude such future changes in their internal government and organization as may adapt them to the increased intelligence and just requirements of the profession. That believing that the universities of the United Kingdom are fully competent to ascertain the amount of scientific knowledge and professional acquirements of those who are candidates for medical degrees, they pray that you would withdraw that clause of the proposed bill which renders it imperative that all persons who have graduated in medicine in one of the universities of the United Kingdom, should also be examined by a college of physicians, such requirements unnecessarily complicating, without affording greater certainty to the tests of professional competence, diminishing the real value and respectability of the honours conferred by the universities, and involving an undue concession to the several colleges of physicians. That in order to secure the advancement of the professional qualifications of that class of practitioners to which your petitioners belong, they pray that all candidates as physicians for registration, should be required to give satisfactory proof of their having applied themselves to medical studies during at least seven years, and of having attained the age of twenty-seven. That your petitioners approve of all legislative discountenance of illegal practice, but humbly suggest that an inquiry be made into the operation of the laws now enforced against such practice m foreign countries and in the United Kingdom. That your petitioners respectfully pray that you would introduce such other modifications in the details of the proposed measure, more especially with reference to the " Council of Health," which your deliberative wisdom may suggest, and which may realize the reasonable wishes of the practitioners of the United Kingdom, may augment the efficiency of the proposed bill, and secure from ultimate defeat a legislative effort, made with the honest desire of obviating the injurious anomalies of a profession in whose honour and ability are deeply involved the interests of every subject of these realms. And your petitioners will ever .
pray.
H. S. BEMOMBE, President. BEVERLEY R. MORRIS, Secretary.
York, October 23, 1844. *** We should like to receive some account of the practitioners who adopted this most extraordinary petition.-ED. L.
HERTFORD. A MEETING of the medical practitioners residing in the county of Hertford, who object to Sir James Graham’s Medical Reform Bill, was held in the Council-chamber of the Shire-hall, on Friday, the 18th of October, RI[CHARD SHILLITOE, Esq. in the chair; at which resolutions were adopted expressive of the disapprobation of those clauses in the bill which relate to the constitution of the Council of Health, and to the amount of protection
afforded to the qualified practitioner; petition to both houses of parliament,
tions, should be prepared by
a
and it was agreed that a founded on those resolucommittee chosen for that
purpose.
GRAVESEND. A MEETING of the legally-qualified medical practitioners of Gravesend and neighbourhood was held at the Literary Institution, Harmer-street, on the 18th, and by adjournment on the 25th ultimo. The following gentlemen were present :Brs. Hawkins and Sanders, Messrs. Warren, Armstrong, Jones,
Heather, Humpage, Gould, Whitcombe,
and
Ridge.
Esq., Dr. HAWKINS was unanimously called to the chair. H. WARREN, Esq. read the first resolution"That this meeting approves those clauses of the Medical Reform Bill that tend to secure a better education and a more uniform scale of qualification for the profession. He cordially approved of the expressions of the resolution he had just read, and with pleasure moved its adoption by the present meeting. J. J. RIDGE, Esq. seconded the resolution, which was carried
unanimously. J.
HUMPAGE, Esq. moved the second resolution:That this meeting, while it approves those parts of the Bill which seem likely to improve the position of the profession, regards with disapprobation the proposed repeal of the protective clauses of the Apothecaries’ Act, as it will throw open the profession to ignorant and unqualified men." WHITCOMBE, Esq., begged leave cordially to second the "
-
proposition.
H. HEATHER, Esq. moved the third resolution :— " That this meeting is fully convinced that the removal of all restrictions on quackery will introduce into the practice of medicine and surgery a number of ignorant and unskilful pretenders, to the great danger of the lives of the public, and the serious injury of the educated and registered practitioner; and that it is absolutely necessary that some penal check, of easy and inexpensive application, be provided ; and that it is also the firm conviction of this meeting, that the system of inducement suggested by Sir James Graham will not prevent the practice of unqualified persons." J. E. JoNES, Esq. seconded the resolution. ’, Mr. W. SANDERS, Esq. moved the fourth resolution, which was seconded by Mr. J. ARMSTRONG:" That this meeting views with dissatisfaction the proposed. appointment, as members of the Council of Health and Education, of six persons, (unconnected with the profession,) to assist in forming laws for the future regulation and guidance of the profession; and that this meeting feels deep disappointment and regret that there is no provision for the representation in the council of the interests of the numerous and important body of ’
general practitioners."
Mr. J. J. RIDGE moved, and Mr. WHITCOMBE seconded" That a committee be formed to embody these resolutions in
petition to parliament, and that the members be requested to charge of and support the same." Moved by H. WARREN, Esq. and seconded by H. HEATHEn, Esq. :That a report of this meeting be forwarded to THE LANCET, and that the thanks of this meeting be and are hereby given to a
take "
the Editor of T]aE LANCET, for his valuable assistance to the profession on this occasion." The thanks of the meeting were then given to Dr. HAWKINS for his able and courteous conduct in the chair. To the Editor
of
THE LANCET.
Gravesend, Oct. 26, 1844.
SiB,—We are requested forward you a report of the meetings recently held here on the subject of Sir James Graham’s Bill on Medical Reform, and to express a hope that you will give it a place in your valuable journal, and at the same time to to
tender you the sincere and warmest thanks of the meeting for your able advocacy of the interests of the profession. We are, Sir, your obedient servants,
J. E. JONES, } J. ARMSTRONG,
surgeons.
HULL. of the medical gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood was held on Tuesday, October 22nd, in the Boardroom of the Hull General Infirmary, to take into consideration Sir James Graham’s bill for the regulation of the medical profession. About fifty practitioners assembled, comprising not only almost all the medical men of the town, but also members of the profession from various parts of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Dr. ALDERSON, F.R.S., was unanimously called to the chair. Dr. Cooper officiated as Hon. Secretary. After an able address from Dr. Alderson, the following resolutions were proposed an4
A
MEETING
agreed
to :-
It was moved by Dr. HORNER, and seconded by Dr. FiE:LDlNC,— 1. " Being fully convinced of the great importance of a uniform scale of qualification in the respective grades of the pro&S8N&
Apologies for absence, and approving of the objects of the meeting, were received from Messrs. Sanders and Russell. On the motion of H. WARREN, Esq., seconded by H. HFATumn,
The Petition of the undersigned Physicians of York and the West Riding of Yorkshire, adopted at a special meeting, held at Normanton, on the l7th of October ult., HUMBLY SBTEWETH,— That your petitioners received with the liveliest satisfaction the announcement that a bill had been introduced into your honourable house, under the powerful auspices of her Majesty’s government, for the better regulation of medical practice throughout the United Kingdom. That your petitioners highly approve of those parts of the bill which recognise the preservation of the different classes of medical practitioners, and which at the same time provide uniformity of qualifications, and equality of privileges, amongst all practitioners of the same class in the three kingdoms. They also fully admit the necessity, in any scheme of medical reform, of some central and controlling body, as the proposed 46 Council of Health," for the responsible government and harmonious operation of the several medical establishments. .- That your petitioners concur with that principle of Sir James Graham’s bill, which secures the integrity of existing medical institutions, but does not preclude such future changes in their internal government and organization as may adapt them to the increased intelligence and just requirements of the profession. That believing that the universities of the United Kingdom are fully competent to ascertain the amount of scientific knowledge and professional acquirements of those who are candidates for medical degrees, they pray that you would withdraw that clause of the proposed bill which renders it imperative that all persons who have graduated in medicine in one of the universities of the United Kingdom, should also be examined by a college of physicians, such requirements unnecessarily complicating, without affording greater certainty to the tests of professional competence, diminishing the real value and respectability of the honours conferred by the universities, and involving an undue concession to the several colleges of physicians. That in order to secure the advancement of the professional qualifications of that class of practitioners to which your petitioners belong, they pray that all candidates as physicians for registration, should be required to give satisfactory proof of their having applied themselves to medical studies during at least seven years, and of having attained the age of twenty-seven. That your petitioners approve of all legislative discountenance of illegal practice, but humbly suggest that an inquiry be made into the operation of the laws now enforced against such practice m foreign countries and in the United Kingdom. That your petitioners respectfully pray that you would introduce such other modifications in the details of the proposed measure, more especially with reference to the " Council of Health," which your deliberative wisdom may suggest, and which may realize the reasonable wishes of the practitioners of the United Kingdom, may augment the efficiency of the proposed bill, and secure from ultimate defeat a legislative effort, made with the honest desire of obviating the injurious anomalies of a profession in whose honour and ability are deeply involved the interests of every subject of these realms. And your petitioners will ever .
pray.
H. S. BEMOMBE, President. BEVERLEY R. MORRIS, Secretary.
York, October 23, 1844. *** We should like to receive some account of the practitioners who adopted this most extraordinary petition.-ED. L.
HERTFORD. A MEETING of the medical practitioners residing in the county of Hertford, who object to Sir James Graham’s Medical Reform Bill, was held in the Council-chamber of the Shire-hall, on Friday, the 18th of October, RI[CHARD SHILLITOE, Esq. in the chair; at which resolutions were adopted expressive of the disapprobation of those clauses in the bill which relate to the constitution of the Council of Health, and to the amount of protection
afforded to the qualified practitioner; petition to both houses of parliament,
tions, should be prepared by
a
and it was agreed that a founded on those resolucommittee chosen for that
purpose.
GRAVESEND. A MEETING of the legally-qualified medical practitioners of Gravesend and neighbourhood was held at the Literary Institution, Harmer-street, on the 18th, and by adjournment on the 25th ultimo. The following gentlemen were present :Brs. Hawkins and Sanders, Messrs. Warren, Armstrong, Jones,
Heather, Humpage, Gould, Whitcombe,
and
Ridge.
Esq., Dr. HAWKINS was unanimously called to the chair. H. WARREN, Esq. read the first resolution"That this meeting approves those clauses of the Medical Reform Bill that tend to secure a better education and a more uniform scale of qualification for the profession. He cordially approved of the expressions of the resolution he had just read, and with pleasure moved its adoption by the present meeting. J. J. RIDGE, Esq. seconded the resolution, which was carried
unanimously. J.
HUMPAGE, Esq. moved the second resolution:That this meeting, while it approves those parts of the Bill which seem likely to improve the position of the profession, regards with disapprobation the proposed repeal of the protective clauses of the Apothecaries’ Act, as it will throw open the profession to ignorant and unqualified men." WHITCOMBE, Esq., begged leave cordially to second the "
-
proposition.
H. HEATHER, Esq. moved the third resolution :— " That this meeting is fully convinced that the removal of all restrictions on quackery will introduce into the practice of medicine and surgery a number of ignorant and unskilful pretenders, to the great danger of the lives of the public, and the serious injury of the educated and registered practitioner; and that it is absolutely necessary that some penal check, of easy and inexpensive application, be provided ; and that it is also the firm conviction of this meeting, that the system of inducement suggested by Sir James Graham will not prevent the practice of unqualified persons." J. E. JoNES, Esq. seconded the resolution. ’, Mr. W. SANDERS, Esq. moved the fourth resolution, which was seconded by Mr. J. ARMSTRONG:" That this meeting views with dissatisfaction the proposed. appointment, as members of the Council of Health and Education, of six persons, (unconnected with the profession,) to assist in forming laws for the future regulation and guidance of the profession; and that this meeting feels deep disappointment and regret that there is no provision for the representation in the council of the interests of the numerous and important body of ’
general practitioners."
Mr. J. J. RIDGE moved, and Mr. WHITCOMBE seconded" That a committee be formed to embody these resolutions in
petition to parliament, and that the members be requested to charge of and support the same." Moved by H. WARREN, Esq. and seconded by H. HEATHEn, Esq. :That a report of this meeting be forwarded to THE LANCET, and that the thanks of this meeting be and are hereby given to a
take "
the Editor of T]aE LANCET, for his valuable assistance to the profession on this occasion." The thanks of the meeting were then given to Dr. HAWKINS for his able and courteous conduct in the chair. To the Editor
of
THE LANCET.
Gravesend, Oct. 26, 1844.
SiB,—We are requested forward you a report of the meetings recently held here on the subject of Sir James Graham’s Bill on Medical Reform, and to express a hope that you will give it a place in your valuable journal, and at the same time to to
tender you the sincere and warmest thanks of the meeting for your able advocacy of the interests of the profession. We are, Sir, your obedient servants,
J. E. JONES, } J. ARMSTRONG,
surgeons.
HULL. of the medical gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood was held on Tuesday, October 22nd, in the Boardroom of the Hull General Infirmary, to take into consideration Sir James Graham’s bill for the regulation of the medical profession. About fifty practitioners assembled, comprising not only almost all the medical men of the town, but also members of the profession from various parts of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Dr. ALDERSON, F.R.S., was unanimously called to the chair. Dr. Cooper officiated as Hon. Secretary. After an able address from Dr. Alderson, the following resolutions were proposed an4
A
MEETING
agreed
to :-
It was moved by Dr. HORNER, and seconded by Dr. FiE:LDlNC,— 1. " Being fully convinced of the great importance of a uniform scale of qualification in the respective grades of the pro&S8N&