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MEMORIAL OF THE MANCHESTER COMMITTEE.
96 attributed the failure of the first operation in the case related, as well as in others to which he alluded; the
That the examinations required just ofFourthly. the fellows and members be extended to
catheter
had been neglected, the parts allowed to heal and contract, and thus the patient became as bad as ever. In conclusion, he offered some remarks on the usual perinseal operation for opening the urethr,. Be considered that the difficulties-of its performance were greatly enhanced by the situation at which the urethra was usually opened, the opening being made towards the anterior part of the membranous portion of the urethra, which is sometimes completely cut across, so that when the catheter is introduced and passed along the anterior part of the urethra, it comes out through the wound, but the posterior part having nothing to support it, the sides of the canal fall together, close up, and great difficulty is experienced in hitting it with the point of the catheter; this difficulty may be obviated by making the opening in the urethra further back, close to the front of the prostate gland. In performing the operation, the surgeon will be greatly assisted by recollecting that the urethra, passing through Cowper’s ligament, corresponds exactly to the points in the raphe of the perinæum, midway between the posterior root of the scrotum and the anterior margin of the anus; that a knife plunged straight in at this point will reach the membranous portion. After describing the various steps of the operation, he concludes his paper by observing that the catheter employed should be sufficiently large to fill the canal of the urethra, otherwise the portion of the urethra behind the stricture when divided will fall together, and the point of the instrument catch, and thus be prevented entering the bladder.
OF THE ASSOCIATED PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF SHROPSHIRE. {FORWARDED TO US FOR PUBLICATION BY PEPLOE CARTWRIGHT, ESQ.,
MEMORIAL
OSWESTRY.]
on
the admission
medicine, midscience, a know-
wifery, and all those collateral branches of ledge of which is essential to a competent medical and surgical practitioner. Fifthly. That the curriculum of education for the future member of the College be extended to five years, that he be required to adduce proofs of a classical education, and amongst other things, that he be examined in practical anatomy and on the dead body. Sixthly. That no one hereafter be elected a fellow of the College unless he shall previously have been elected a mem-
surgery
ber, and that all the examinations for members and fellows be
alike open both to members and fellows. Seventhly. That in case of proof of any disgraceful. conduct on the part of a member or fellow, the Council be empowered to erase the name of such individual from the lists of the
College. Eighthly. That the examinations herein proposed be carried out by an extension of the present Court of Examiners, or by the formation of a conjoint Medical and Surgical Board, in combination with the College of Physicians, or otherwise. These suggestions, it would not be difficult to your memorialists to show, have emanated originally from men of high standing in the profession, but your memorialists beg more especially to direct your attention to the circumstance of the Council having formerly, on more than one occasion, agreed to the appointment of examiners in midwifery, and that such
examiners would then havebeen appointed had it not been for a defect in the charter: also they beg to observe, that in the evidence given before Parliament in 1834, the conjoint Medical and Surgical Board, herein recommended, received the high sanction and approval of the late Sir Astley Cooper, Bart., Sir B. Brodie, Bart., Messrs. Travers, Lawrence, and Green, and Sir Charles Bell, and at the present crisis, when the Apothecaries’ Company haveexpressed their readiness to dissolve themselves, and that those gentlemen who have untowardly sought a new incorporation of the general practitioners, are willing to be reunited to the College of Surgeons, it appears to your memorialists that a serious responsibility rests upon the Council of the College, (in applying for any alteration of the charter of the College,) not only to seek to reduce the wrongs of its aggrieved members, but also to obtain powers for regulating the education, and superintending and upholding the status, of surgeons in general practice. Your memorialists, in conclusion, with most heartfelt wishes for the prosperity of the College, cannot refrain from expressing a strong opinion that nothing less than the adoption of these suggestions will suffice to put at rest the long-litigated subject of medical reform, or restore that peace and harmony to the profession that is so essential to its well-being.
Vice-Presidents, and Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The Memorial of the Associated Physicians and Surgeons of Shropshire and North Wales, showeth,That your memorialists have always considered, and on several occasions have urgently represented, by petitions to the Legislature, and by memorials to the Home Secretary, (the last of which, presented in June, 1849, received 500 signatures in a few days,) that the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of England, if properly modified, were amply sufficient for all the requirements of the profession -,-and that the institution of a new college of general practitioners would be a great public and professional calamity. Desirous as your memorialists are to see the Royal College of Surgeons maintain that high standard of surgical attainOn hehalf of the memorialist. ments which has made British surgery renowned throughout the world, they cannot bring themselves to think, that an HENRY JOHNSON, M.D., President. extension of its privileges to the surgeon in general practice PEPLOE CARTWRIGHT, M.R.C.S., Secretary. can in any way tend to lessen its dignity or impair its Shrewsbury, Jan. 10, 185 efficiency. On the contrary, your memorialists are of opinion that if provision were obtained in an amended charter for the MEMORIAL OF THE MANCHESTER COMMITTEE. completion of the education of the surgeon in general practice To the Editor of THE LANCET. within the College itself, or by connexion with the College of am directed SIR,—I by the committee to forward you the its exthe of usefulness would be Physicians, sphere greatly to the Council of the Royal tended, and the necessity of a new college of general prac- enclosedofcopy of a Memorial Surgeons, and to request you to insert it in the next titioners would not exist; a consummation highly desirable, College both as regards the interests of the College and the future number of your journal. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, respectability of the profession. GEORGE BOWRING, Hon. Sec. Jan. 12, 1850. Manchester, under such memorialists would Acting conviction, your earnestly impress upon the Council the expediency of obTo t7te President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. taining in an amended charter powers to carry out the folthe in alteration of the constitution of lowing suggestions SIR,—In conformity with a resolution passed by the Manchester Medical Reform Committee, I beg respectfully to College :First. That all who were members of the College antecedent convey, through you, to the Council of the College, the high to the grant of ’the Charter of 1843 be elected to the Fellow- satisfaction they feel at the announcement of an intention on ship in rotation, so soon as they shall have been members the part of its Council to apply to the Crown for an amended twelve years, and subject to the restrictions specified in the charter. In reflecting upon the probable details of such charter, it late resolution of the Council. Secondly. That if necessary, an augmentation be made in has appeared to the Manchester committee, after much the number of the Council and of the Court of Examiners, but anxious deliberation, that a measure which shall embrace the that all who shall hereafter be elected to the Council, OJ following provisions would be generally acceptable to the to the Court of Examiners, be so elected for a limited term profession. First.-That upon the grant of a new charter, all existing, of years only, subject to re-election. College practising midwifery members of the College who have attained, or may hereafter Thirdly. That Fellows of the or residing in the country, or in general practice, be not in attain, a standing of fitteen years, shall, upon the recommendar eligible to the Council, provided they do not charge for thf tion of six fellows, be elected to the fellowship without the medicines they dispense, nor at any time form collectively payment of any fee, provided that the candidate do not openly To the President,
more
than one-third part of such Council.
trade in medicines.
97 Fellows of the College practising mid the Council, but Fellows engaged practice pharmacy shall thereby be disqualified. Thirdly.-That Fellows residing in the provinces shall be eligible to the Council, but that two-thirds, at the least, oj that body, shall be resident in London. Fourthly.—That in the election of the Council, the Fellows shall have the privilege of voting by proxy. Fifthly.—That after the grant of the charter, the admission to the Fellowship shall be by examination only; and ever been admitted a member oj candidate shall have
Secondly.—That
wifery shall be ofeligible to in the
15. All previous acts, and parts cf acts, incojtsistent with the above-mentioned provisions, shall be repealed. 16. The expense incurred by the medical council shall be defrayed from fees paid for registration.
Correspondence. "Audi alteram
partem."
previously
THE ASSURANCE OFFICES AND THE MEDICAL College. Sixthly.—That the Council of the College shall be em PROFESSION. powered by charter to appoint examiners in all the de. To the Editor of THE LANCET. partments of medical and surgical science; and that the board SIR,—Should you consider the publication of the accomso constituted shall be formed independently of, or conjointl) statement would have any beneficial tendency pendthe of of examiners the or tht panying with, Royal College Physicians, University of London. I have the honour to be, your obedienl ing the long agitated question of remuneration for professional services rendered to life assurance companies, perhaps servant. (Signed) W. WATSON BEEVER, Chairman. you would kindly afford it a corner in your valuable journal. Manchester, Jan. 11, 1850. the
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, H. RICHARDSON. HEADS OF A BILL FOR MEDICAL REFORM. On the 30tli of August last I received a letter from the BY JAMES SYlIIE, ESQ., F.R.C.S.E. to the "Scottish Union Assurance Company," reSecretary 1. THERE shall be established a council, to be called the questing me to answer certain queries respecting the health of "Medical Council," and to be charged with regulating the Mr. of -. To this letter I replied in the following education for general medical practice. terms:2. The council shall consist of twelve members of the SIR,—I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of medical profession, appointed by her Majesty, with advice of the 30th inst., with its appended form. You request me to her Majesty’s privy council-six being resident in England, answer certain queries respecting the health of Mr. of three in Scotland, and three in Ireland. I shall be happy to afford you the information you re. 3. The members of the council shall continue in office quire, on receiving the usual fee. I think it right to state, during her Majesty’s pleasure, and in the event of vacancies that in applying for a fee prior to complying with your reoccurring, shall have their places supplied as originally. quest, I am not actuated by any mercenary motive, but simply 4. The council shall choose one of their number for chair"am, Sir, upholding a principle. " Your most obedient sfrva.nt. man, preferring the senior in case of an equality of votes; and shall also appoint a general secretary, with local secreta"H. RICHARDSON." ries for Scotland and Ireland. "The Secretary, Scottish Union Assurance Company." 5. The members of the council shall be remunerated for Up to this time I have received no reply to my communitheir loss of time and travelling expenses; and the secretaries and have consequently advised my patient to insure in cation, shall receive salaries, to be regulated by government. the " Westminster and General Life Assurance Association." 6. The medical council, within a specified period, shall I must here offered himself to pay my fee state, that Mr. determine, (1.) The amount of preliminary study to be re- if I would reply to the queries sent me by the office of his the before commencement of education; own selection. This I declined, quired him that my re(2.) The period of medical study to be required from candi- fusal was not on account of the fee,informing but with a view to compel dates ; (3.) The courses of lectures or other exercises neces- the pertinacious companies to acknowledge the justice of our sary for their education; (4.) The schools of medicine and claims: this explanation induced him to yield to my suggestsurgery to be recognised as affording the necessary qualifica- tions, and he has this day completed an assurance in the tion ; and, (5.) The lowest age at which the licence for general Westminster and General Association. practice should be given. St. Anne’s-street, Salisbury,
Sept. 18, 1349.
--
professional
7. The medical council, within a specified period, shall sanction or constitute in London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, examining boards from the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, the Societies of Apothecaries in London and Dublin, and the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, for bestowing the licence of general practice. S. The examiners shall be appointed by the different bodies on whose part they act, and shall conduct their proceedings in conformity with regulations sanctioned or established by the council. 9. The members of the council shall be empowered to be present at, and also to inspect the records of, examinations for the licence of general practice. 10. The council shall make an equitable arrangement for the division of fees paid for the licence thus conferred, between the different bodies represented in the boards of examiners. 11. The council shall annually publish a list of practitioners qualified under the act, together with those actually engaged in practice previously to its enactment, with a qualification from at least one of the legally recognis d bodies, setting forth the degrees, diplomas, or other honorary distinctions
To the Editor of THE LANCET. you the copy of a letter addressed to the secretary of the Norwich Union Life Office, to which no You would much oblige your readers, answer was returned. by publishing a list of the societies that fee the medical man referred to. Had I been in possession of such a list, the insurance, in the present instance, would have been lost to the above office.—I remain. Sir. vour obedient servant. WALTER B. GILL. Canonbury, Jan. 1850. Islington, Dec. 31, 1849. SIR,—Ihave received from your office a list of queries, respecting the health &c. of Mr. -, of -. From your position you must be well aware of the question that has arisen between some of the insurance-offices and the medical profession—whether the information sought from the latter deserves remuneration. I shall be obliged, therefore, by your informing me whether you pay any fee to the medical referee. I remain. Sir. vour obedient servant. WALTER B. GILL.
SIR,—I enclose
they
may have acquired. 12. All the persons thus registered shall have the free right of practising physic, surgery, and obstetrics, with or without the dispensing of drugs, in any part of her -Nlajesty’s
dominions. 13. The council shall be empowered to erase from the register the names of persons judicially convicted of felonious acts. 14. There shall be penalties exacted by summary process for assumiug without due authority any title contained in the register, and also for engaging in medical or surgical practice
without
a
licence.
To the Editor of THE LANCET.
SIR,—The evasive affectations of the the present day, would be amusing, were the profession. I send you a specimen.
tice
assurance
offices, ill
it not for their
injus-
to
(CONFIDENTIAL.) 4,
Royal Exchange Buildings.
SIR,—Having made a proposal to effect an insurance on my lite, and having made reference to you as to the general and present state of my health, I have to request that you will make answers to the queries annexed, &c.
That the examinations required just ofFourthly. the fellows and members be extended to
catheter
had been neglected, the parts allowed to heal and contract, and thus the patient became as bad as ever. In conclusion, he offered some remarks on the usual perinseal operation for opening the urethr,. Be considered that the difficulties-of its performance were greatly enhanced by the situation at which the urethra was usually opened, the opening being made towards the anterior part of the membranous portion of the urethra, which is sometimes completely cut across, so that when the catheter is introduced and passed along the anterior part of the urethra, it comes out through the wound, but the posterior part having nothing to support it, the sides of the canal fall together, close up, and great difficulty is experienced in hitting it with the point of the catheter; this difficulty may be obviated by making the opening in the urethra further back, close to the front of the prostate gland. In performing the operation, the surgeon will be greatly assisted by recollecting that the urethra, passing through Cowper’s ligament, corresponds exactly to the points in the raphe of the perinæum, midway between the posterior root of the scrotum and the anterior margin of the anus; that a knife plunged straight in at this point will reach the membranous portion. After describing the various steps of the operation, he concludes his paper by observing that the catheter employed should be sufficiently large to fill the canal of the urethra, otherwise the portion of the urethra behind the stricture when divided will fall together, and the point of the instrument catch, and thus be prevented entering the bladder.
OF THE ASSOCIATED PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF SHROPSHIRE. {FORWARDED TO US FOR PUBLICATION BY PEPLOE CARTWRIGHT, ESQ.,
MEMORIAL
OSWESTRY.]
on
the admission
medicine, midscience, a know-
wifery, and all those collateral branches of ledge of which is essential to a competent medical and surgical practitioner. Fifthly. That the curriculum of education for the future member of the College be extended to five years, that he be required to adduce proofs of a classical education, and amongst other things, that he be examined in practical anatomy and on the dead body. Sixthly. That no one hereafter be elected a fellow of the College unless he shall previously have been elected a mem-
surgery
ber, and that all the examinations for members and fellows be
alike open both to members and fellows. Seventhly. That in case of proof of any disgraceful. conduct on the part of a member or fellow, the Council be empowered to erase the name of such individual from the lists of the
College. Eighthly. That the examinations herein proposed be carried out by an extension of the present Court of Examiners, or by the formation of a conjoint Medical and Surgical Board, in combination with the College of Physicians, or otherwise. These suggestions, it would not be difficult to your memorialists to show, have emanated originally from men of high standing in the profession, but your memorialists beg more especially to direct your attention to the circumstance of the Council having formerly, on more than one occasion, agreed to the appointment of examiners in midwifery, and that such
examiners would then havebeen appointed had it not been for a defect in the charter: also they beg to observe, that in the evidence given before Parliament in 1834, the conjoint Medical and Surgical Board, herein recommended, received the high sanction and approval of the late Sir Astley Cooper, Bart., Sir B. Brodie, Bart., Messrs. Travers, Lawrence, and Green, and Sir Charles Bell, and at the present crisis, when the Apothecaries’ Company haveexpressed their readiness to dissolve themselves, and that those gentlemen who have untowardly sought a new incorporation of the general practitioners, are willing to be reunited to the College of Surgeons, it appears to your memorialists that a serious responsibility rests upon the Council of the College, (in applying for any alteration of the charter of the College,) not only to seek to reduce the wrongs of its aggrieved members, but also to obtain powers for regulating the education, and superintending and upholding the status, of surgeons in general practice. Your memorialists, in conclusion, with most heartfelt wishes for the prosperity of the College, cannot refrain from expressing a strong opinion that nothing less than the adoption of these suggestions will suffice to put at rest the long-litigated subject of medical reform, or restore that peace and harmony to the profession that is so essential to its well-being.
Vice-Presidents, and Council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The Memorial of the Associated Physicians and Surgeons of Shropshire and North Wales, showeth,That your memorialists have always considered, and on several occasions have urgently represented, by petitions to the Legislature, and by memorials to the Home Secretary, (the last of which, presented in June, 1849, received 500 signatures in a few days,) that the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of England, if properly modified, were amply sufficient for all the requirements of the profession -,-and that the institution of a new college of general practitioners would be a great public and professional calamity. Desirous as your memorialists are to see the Royal College of Surgeons maintain that high standard of surgical attainOn hehalf of the memorialist. ments which has made British surgery renowned throughout the world, they cannot bring themselves to think, that an HENRY JOHNSON, M.D., President. extension of its privileges to the surgeon in general practice PEPLOE CARTWRIGHT, M.R.C.S., Secretary. can in any way tend to lessen its dignity or impair its Shrewsbury, Jan. 10, 185 efficiency. On the contrary, your memorialists are of opinion that if provision were obtained in an amended charter for the MEMORIAL OF THE MANCHESTER COMMITTEE. completion of the education of the surgeon in general practice To the Editor of THE LANCET. within the College itself, or by connexion with the College of am directed SIR,—I by the committee to forward you the its exthe of usefulness would be Physicians, sphere greatly to the Council of the Royal tended, and the necessity of a new college of general prac- enclosedofcopy of a Memorial Surgeons, and to request you to insert it in the next titioners would not exist; a consummation highly desirable, College both as regards the interests of the College and the future number of your journal. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, respectability of the profession. GEORGE BOWRING, Hon. Sec. Jan. 12, 1850. Manchester, under such memorialists would Acting conviction, your earnestly impress upon the Council the expediency of obTo t7te President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. taining in an amended charter powers to carry out the folthe in alteration of the constitution of lowing suggestions SIR,—In conformity with a resolution passed by the Manchester Medical Reform Committee, I beg respectfully to College :First. That all who were members of the College antecedent convey, through you, to the Council of the College, the high to the grant of ’the Charter of 1843 be elected to the Fellow- satisfaction they feel at the announcement of an intention on ship in rotation, so soon as they shall have been members the part of its Council to apply to the Crown for an amended twelve years, and subject to the restrictions specified in the charter. In reflecting upon the probable details of such charter, it late resolution of the Council. Secondly. That if necessary, an augmentation be made in has appeared to the Manchester committee, after much the number of the Council and of the Court of Examiners, but anxious deliberation, that a measure which shall embrace the that all who shall hereafter be elected to the Council, OJ following provisions would be generally acceptable to the to the Court of Examiners, be so elected for a limited term profession. First.-That upon the grant of a new charter, all existing, of years only, subject to re-election. College practising midwifery members of the College who have attained, or may hereafter Thirdly. That Fellows of the or residing in the country, or in general practice, be not in attain, a standing of fitteen years, shall, upon the recommendar eligible to the Council, provided they do not charge for thf tion of six fellows, be elected to the fellowship without the medicines they dispense, nor at any time form collectively payment of any fee, provided that the candidate do not openly To the President,
more
than one-third part of such Council.
trade in medicines.
97 Fellows of the College practising mid the Council, but Fellows engaged practice pharmacy shall thereby be disqualified. Thirdly.-That Fellows residing in the provinces shall be eligible to the Council, but that two-thirds, at the least, oj that body, shall be resident in London. Fourthly.—That in the election of the Council, the Fellows shall have the privilege of voting by proxy. Fifthly.—That after the grant of the charter, the admission to the Fellowship shall be by examination only; and ever been admitted a member oj candidate shall have
Secondly.—That
wifery shall be ofeligible to in the
15. All previous acts, and parts cf acts, incojtsistent with the above-mentioned provisions, shall be repealed. 16. The expense incurred by the medical council shall be defrayed from fees paid for registration.
Correspondence. "Audi alteram
partem."
previously
THE ASSURANCE OFFICES AND THE MEDICAL College. Sixthly.—That the Council of the College shall be em PROFESSION. powered by charter to appoint examiners in all the de. To the Editor of THE LANCET. partments of medical and surgical science; and that the board SIR,—Should you consider the publication of the accomso constituted shall be formed independently of, or conjointl) statement would have any beneficial tendency pendthe of of examiners the or tht panying with, Royal College Physicians, University of London. I have the honour to be, your obedienl ing the long agitated question of remuneration for professional services rendered to life assurance companies, perhaps servant. (Signed) W. WATSON BEEVER, Chairman. you would kindly afford it a corner in your valuable journal. Manchester, Jan. 11, 1850. the
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, H. RICHARDSON. HEADS OF A BILL FOR MEDICAL REFORM. On the 30tli of August last I received a letter from the BY JAMES SYlIIE, ESQ., F.R.C.S.E. to the "Scottish Union Assurance Company," reSecretary 1. THERE shall be established a council, to be called the questing me to answer certain queries respecting the health of "Medical Council," and to be charged with regulating the Mr. of -. To this letter I replied in the following education for general medical practice. terms:2. The council shall consist of twelve members of the SIR,—I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of medical profession, appointed by her Majesty, with advice of the 30th inst., with its appended form. You request me to her Majesty’s privy council-six being resident in England, answer certain queries respecting the health of Mr. of three in Scotland, and three in Ireland. I shall be happy to afford you the information you re. 3. The members of the council shall continue in office quire, on receiving the usual fee. I think it right to state, during her Majesty’s pleasure, and in the event of vacancies that in applying for a fee prior to complying with your reoccurring, shall have their places supplied as originally. quest, I am not actuated by any mercenary motive, but simply 4. The council shall choose one of their number for chair"am, Sir, upholding a principle. " Your most obedient sfrva.nt. man, preferring the senior in case of an equality of votes; and shall also appoint a general secretary, with local secreta"H. RICHARDSON." ries for Scotland and Ireland. "The Secretary, Scottish Union Assurance Company." 5. The members of the council shall be remunerated for Up to this time I have received no reply to my communitheir loss of time and travelling expenses; and the secretaries and have consequently advised my patient to insure in cation, shall receive salaries, to be regulated by government. the " Westminster and General Life Assurance Association." 6. The medical council, within a specified period, shall I must here offered himself to pay my fee state, that Mr. determine, (1.) The amount of preliminary study to be re- if I would reply to the queries sent me by the office of his the before commencement of education; own selection. This I declined, quired him that my re(2.) The period of medical study to be required from candi- fusal was not on account of the fee,informing but with a view to compel dates ; (3.) The courses of lectures or other exercises neces- the pertinacious companies to acknowledge the justice of our sary for their education; (4.) The schools of medicine and claims: this explanation induced him to yield to my suggestsurgery to be recognised as affording the necessary qualifica- tions, and he has this day completed an assurance in the tion ; and, (5.) The lowest age at which the licence for general Westminster and General Association. practice should be given. St. Anne’s-street, Salisbury,
Sept. 18, 1349.
--
professional
7. The medical council, within a specified period, shall sanction or constitute in London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, examining boards from the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, the Societies of Apothecaries in London and Dublin, and the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, for bestowing the licence of general practice. S. The examiners shall be appointed by the different bodies on whose part they act, and shall conduct their proceedings in conformity with regulations sanctioned or established by the council. 9. The members of the council shall be empowered to be present at, and also to inspect the records of, examinations for the licence of general practice. 10. The council shall make an equitable arrangement for the division of fees paid for the licence thus conferred, between the different bodies represented in the boards of examiners. 11. The council shall annually publish a list of practitioners qualified under the act, together with those actually engaged in practice previously to its enactment, with a qualification from at least one of the legally recognis d bodies, setting forth the degrees, diplomas, or other honorary distinctions
To the Editor of THE LANCET. you the copy of a letter addressed to the secretary of the Norwich Union Life Office, to which no You would much oblige your readers, answer was returned. by publishing a list of the societies that fee the medical man referred to. Had I been in possession of such a list, the insurance, in the present instance, would have been lost to the above office.—I remain. Sir. vour obedient servant. WALTER B. GILL. Canonbury, Jan. 1850. Islington, Dec. 31, 1849. SIR,—Ihave received from your office a list of queries, respecting the health &c. of Mr. -, of -. From your position you must be well aware of the question that has arisen between some of the insurance-offices and the medical profession—whether the information sought from the latter deserves remuneration. I shall be obliged, therefore, by your informing me whether you pay any fee to the medical referee. I remain. Sir. vour obedient servant. WALTER B. GILL.
SIR,—I enclose
they
may have acquired. 12. All the persons thus registered shall have the free right of practising physic, surgery, and obstetrics, with or without the dispensing of drugs, in any part of her -Nlajesty’s
dominions. 13. The council shall be empowered to erase from the register the names of persons judicially convicted of felonious acts. 14. There shall be penalties exacted by summary process for assumiug without due authority any title contained in the register, and also for engaging in medical or surgical practice
without
a
licence.
To the Editor of THE LANCET.
SIR,—The evasive affectations of the the present day, would be amusing, were the profession. I send you a specimen.
tice
assurance
offices, ill
it not for their
injus-
to
(CONFIDENTIAL.) 4,
Royal Exchange Buildings.
SIR,—Having made a proposal to effect an insurance on my lite, and having made reference to you as to the general and present state of my health, I have to request that you will make answers to the queries annexed, &c.