MILDENHALL COUNTY COURT.

136 Since our arrival the temperature has been very variable, but as a general rule has been oppressively hot in the daytime, cool in the evening and at night. In the daytime in the shade for severa] days the thermometer stood at 92° Fahr., and twice

they could

have succeeded in getting it issued to them at Varna, it on at their own expense. In and had been allowed to some degree the absence of other supplies would have thus been counterbalanced, and the men fortified as well by the porter itself as by not spending their surplus pay in the trash dignified by the name of wine. It has given general satisfaction to hear that the brigade of hospital conveyance carts is on its way; it will supply many wants. Prav that it may not be thought too great an innovacustoms. I regret that two divisions only tion on are to be supplied; for, should there be an action, it is not iinlikely that the carts and waggons would be more distributed than has been contemplated, and the value and efficiency of the brigade therefore not fairly tested. At present there is not a single conveyance for the sick here; those ordered to the general-hospital at Varna have to be conveyed by the return commissariat bullock-carts-machines of the most primitiveand cumbrous description. On the occasion of a fractured tibia and fibula at Aledyn, the patient had to be carried on a stretcher, and nine miles over a bad road on a moonless night would have not been exactly what Mr. Pott would have recommended in such a case. However, if a similar accident were to occur to-morrow, no choice would be left but to adopt the same plan of carrying the unfortunate soldier to Varna. It would be much better than conveyance by a bullock-cart. There have been two or three additions to the strength of the division by childbirth. It is strange how well the women of the different corps have borne up against all kinds of exposure. Well for them it is that they have had good health. Those regiments which made arrangements for not permitting any women to accompany them not only acted wisely and with forethought, but, as experience proves, most kindly to the women themselves.

bring

it has reached 102° Fahr. in the shade, falling from 25° to 30° A breeze usually springs up three or an hour after sunset. four hours after sunrise, and continues through the day. When this has been absent, the heat has been most oppressive. With the exception of one or twothunderstorms, the weather has been clear and dry. The sun appears to exert a peculiarly scorching effect on the skin, so much so that men who have exposed themselves to it, whether while bathing, or washing clothes, or otherwise, have been temporarily by blisSores on the lips have been very frequent tered backs, &c. from the same cause, and sometimes on the lower lip, very troublesome to heal, from the numerous sources of irritation to which the ulcerated skin in that part is necessarily exposed. Although there has not been any prevalence of serious disease, there has been no small amount of fever, chiefly of an intermittent type, and of bowel complaints. For some weeks past diarrhoea has prevailed in the regiments of this division, the symptoms, in a few instances, approaching those of Asiatic cholera, but by the timely attention of the regimental surgeons and ordinary remedies, the disease, in the greater number of From the date of leaving cases, has been readily checked. Varna, the commissariat supplies have been most irregular; for days together nothing could be had but the bare ration of bread and meat, both, especially the beef, of an inferior quality; so that it has depended upon the zeal and activity of the commanding officers, often upon accident, whether any farinaceous or vegetable food could be got to mix wi.h the meat, and to make it palatable or nutritious. The people of the country are now bringing onions for sale in abundance, and barley and rye-flour is to be obtained at the mills at a reasonable price. Moreover, during the present month, a ration of coffee and sugar has been added to the meat and bread, to form a morning meal, so that MILDENHALL COUNTY COURT. we may hope to get on better for the future. Beef amongst the JULY 25TH, 1854. natives is scarcely eaten at all, and only by the poorest; the ox and the buffalo are especially the beasts of draught of the country. Its flesh is therefore tough, dry, and by no means MEDICAL ATTENDANCE, ETC., ON SERVANTS. ALDRICH AND HARRIS Versus SEABER. nutritious as compared with what it would be under other cirTHIS was an action for lecovery of £ 11 Os. 6d., the amount cumstances. Lamb, mutton, kid, and poultry of all kinds constitute the ordinary diet amongst the well-fed classes. Their of plaintiff’s bill for attendance on the defendant’s housekeeper, cookery seems to be chiefly after the Italian style, the ap- who had broken her leg. Mr. Partridge appeared for the pearance of the dishes being modified by the necessity of having plaintiffs, and Mr. Salmon for the defendant. Mr. Eagle was the meat divided into small pieces to make up for the absence the presiding judge. of knives and forks, and to enable each convive to take his share JOHN SAKENS. -I was sent for by Mr. Seaber to go to out of the common dish. They are well-cooked and wholesome, Mildenhall for a doctor. He said I was to go for any doctor however, which is the main point. In the Turkish regiments there was in the town. I was to get the parish doctor if I could, each battalion has its large cooking-tent to protect the fires as he was generally reckoned the best doctor. I said, " Who and food from the rain and weather, and a whole company’s is the parish doctor?" Mr. Seaber replied, "Idon’t know who mess is cooked in one large cauldron, just as ours is when a is, but call at the relieving-officer’s, as you must pass his regiment is quartered in barracks. With us in the field the house, and ask him who he is." I called upon the relievingsoldier has small means at his command for cookery, eighteen officer, who told me where to go. I did not askfor ccyz order or twenty small camp-kettles per company of one hundred men for the parish doctor, nor zcas I requested to do so. I told the being all his apparatus, and his fire on the ground, without any relieving-officer Mr. Seaber had sent me to get a doctor to Mrs. Winter, who had broken her leg. protection against weather. The company’s cook has no easy attend task to make good soup in these eighteen pots, and c’est le soupe ’ FREDERICK HILLS HARRIS.-In August last, Sakens came qui fait le sold at. Some cereal, with vegetable and condiment, to me to say I was to go to Mr. Seaber’s to attend his houseought always to be considered essential additions to the kettle keeper, who had broken her leg. He said Mr. Seaber had sent of meat and water. By particular attention to the diet, there him. I attended her from the 23rd of August to the 26th of is no doubt a nominally small force may be kept as effectiveas September. My charges were 10s. 6d. for each attendancea much larger force without such care; and the true effective viz., Is. per mile for a journey, and 3s. for attendance, which state of an army cannot be told by the mere statistical detail includes all medicines, lotions, &c., necessary for the case. I of so many left behind sick in general-hospital, so many in had to travel seven miles and a half into the fen. I also The strength of constitution, the charged three guineas for setting the leg. regimental-hospital, &c. power to resist morbific influences, if they should come, in Cross-examined. -My partner and myself are the parish short, the degree of health of those reported healthy, must be surgeons. There have been always two distinct medical distaken into account. We have not arrived at sufficient precision tricts, which are as distinct now as they were before the to show this by figures. Besides the want, hitherto, of a regular partnership. We each keep separate district report-books for supply of good diet, another evil has been the inferior country the board, as we did before the partnership, by the request of wine which the soldiers have obtained from the canteens of the the Poor-Law Commissioners. I never attended at Mr. Seaber’s sutlers, who are generally Italians or Greeks, of by no means house before. I believe Mr. Pearson, of Ely, is his usual medical a very respectable character. Even a wholesome spirit would attendant. I have also heard of Mr. Robinson’s attendance. be less hurtful. Beer was promised in England, and large I cannot say what passed between Mr. Seaber and myself quantities were sent out, but all that the troops of this division when I first went to his house. When I am sent-for by the have been able to obtain, (other divisions have contrived to be master to attend a servant, I charge the master; I look then to the master for payment in every case. I had a conversation more fortunate,) since leaving England, has been three days’ allowance of one pint per man. Medical officers have recom- with Mr. Seaber on the 5th of September. I complained to mended it, commanding officers applied for it, but even at him I had not sufficient assistance, wanting another nurse. camp Aledyn, eight or nine miles from Varna, where a month He said I had better get some one from the union to attend as nurse. was spent, and though there were ships full in the bay, none I told him I was not attending the case as parish could be got. The cost of transport divided amongst the surgeon. He said I was. I then told him I was not parish regiments would have hardly added any perceptible price to surgeon for that part of the district, and even if I was, I had the porter when issued, if, the commissariat transport failing, no order from the relieving-officer. He said he should not pay

peninsular

disabled,

-

he

,

137 I consequently said I should not continue my attendance, and that he had better apply to some other medical gentleman. This was on the 5th of September. I advised Mr. Seaber to obtain surgical assistance by the 7th, when the case, at latest, ought to be visited again. I mentioned the circumstance, on my return home, to a legal friend, who considered I was bound to continue the case thoughout, having commenced it, or I might render myself liable for damages, supposing the case not to do well afterwards. On the 7th, late in the day, I went to see if any other doctor had been obtained by Mr. Seaber, and finding from him no one had even been applied to to attend the case, I in consequence gave Mr. Seaber to understand that I considered myself both legally and morally responsible; and unless he would give me a written order not to attend the case further, I should resume my duties, and at his expense. He said he should give me no written order, and that I could do as I pleased about it, but that he should not pay me. I then went on to the end of the case. I applied at Christmas to Mr. Seaber for payment of the bill, but he objected to pay. He said he should not pay it except the County Court ordered it. I did not say it was a novel case, and that therefore I should take it into the County Court. Re-examined.-My partner attends one district of the union, and I attend the other. My district does not include Mr. Seaber’s residence. It is usual in the case of a pauper, after an order has been given, to attend such case, and to report it weekly to the board. I did not so report this case. I never attend a parish case without a written or printed order ; if I did so I should not get paid. Mrs. WINTER (defendant’s late housekeeper.)—I was domestic servant to Mr. Seaber in August last. I met with an accident in carrying water; I was then in his service. Cross-examined.-I sent for my master, and asked him to send for the doctor directly. I had X12 a year wages. I am

ance not been continued after finding that Mr. Seaber had not sent for other medical aid. He therefore considered the plaintiffs entitled to their claim for the whole amount, with costs. The verdict, together with his Honour’s foregoing observations, gave rise to expressions of much satisfaction throughout the court, which was very full.

me.

widow. Re-examined.-Mr. Seaber doctor.

THE NEW MEDICAL REFORM BILL. OPINIONS OF THE NORTH WALES BRANCH OF THE PROVINCIAL MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASSOCIATION.

IN consequence of the suggestion of Sir John Forbes, M.D., &c. &c., that the new scheme of a Bill for Regulating the Medical Profession in Great Britain and Ireland should be submitted to the consideration of the North Wales Branch of the Association, a meeting of as many of its members as could conveniently be assembled accordingly took place, for the purpose of discussing its merits; the result of which was, that we, the undersigned members of the Association, and other practitioners, hereby record our united and unanimous opinions

F.R.S.,

on

I

a

This was the

never

said I

was

to pay the

case; and Mr. Salmon, then addressthe part of the defendant, contended that he was not liable, Mr. Seaber only having done that which every master does in a case of illness in his family, and which would be done in few cases if his Honour determined that masters were in all such cases liable to pay. JOHN SEABER (the defendant) examined.-Mrs. Winter lived with me in August last. She broke her leg at that time. She sent for me, and hoped I would send for a doctor. I sent for Sakens, and ordered him to go to Mildenhall for a doctor. I told him to go to the relieving-officer, who would tell him what to do. I never gave Mr. Harris to understand I intended to pay him. He was a stranger to me. After the conversation on the 5th of September, Mr. Harris came six times to my house. He asked me if I was of the same mind as to paying him ? I said I was. He replied it was a new case, and he should like to take it into the County Court. Cross-examined. -When a parish doctor attends a case, I did not know it was necessary that the relieving-officer should give an order. I will not swear that I told Sakens to go for the parish doctor in this case, but I might have done so. I said if I had to pay this bill I should have a lot to pay. I never tried to shift the payment on to Mrs. Winter. Mr. G. R. WILDE, Mildenhall, surgeon.-I have been in practice thirty-six years. I never considered I had a claim on the master when I was sent for to attend a servant, and I never make out a bill against the master in any such case, unless he undertook to pay. Dr. PEARSON, of Ely. -When I am sent for to attend servants, I charge them, although sent for by the master, unless he previously undertakes to pay. It is not a customary or usual practice to do so; and when the servants could not pay, I lost the money. Cross-examined.-I know nothing of this case. I was not sent for on the 5th of September to attend the housekeeper. His HONOUR laid it down as clear law, that if a master sent for a doctor, he was liable to pay for the attendance; and it appeared clear by the evidence of Sakens, that he went to Mr. Harris as from Mr. Seaber, and which in fact the evidence of Mr. Seaber confirms. Not only in law, but injustice, did he consider the defendant liable; for he considered it very hard that medical men should not be paid when they are at the beck and call of any person who may choose to send for their assistance ; and if they refused to go, they became subject to a general outcry throughout the country for their want of humanity and Christian feeling. With respect to Mr. Harris’s attendance after the conversation on the 5th with Mr. Seaber, he should himself have considered it very unfeeling had the attend-

ing the

court

plaintiff’s

on

the

same.

1. That we consider the Bill not only inexpedient and perplexing, but probably injurious, by interfering with the existing medical institutions of the country, which we are fearful it is calculated much to embarrass, and even to subvert. The desirable object would be to place the whole of the universities and colleges upon the same footing-that they should enjoy the same immunities and privileges-be regulated by the same laws, and that supremacy should not be given to one more than another; this course is desirable rather than the framing of new institutions, or changing their governing bodies; and it is with regret we see in this new Bill that the old-established and venerable institution of the Apothecaries’ Company is totally superseded, although it has been the means of raising the status of the profession more than any other institution, but requiring only a new nomenclature to give it that suitable to-the appellation of dignity which it is so justly entitled " The Royal College of Medicine." 2. That if, notwithstanding, it should be deemed expedient, by the majority of the medical fraternity, to establish a new institution, we freely concur with the general preamble of the Bill-viz., "That all properly-educated persons in the medical profession should be put on the same footing throughout the United Kingdom, and be free to practise all the branches of the profession in any and every part thereof." 3. But, passing over all the clauses from 1 to 12, we see no reason for abandoning the hitherto old-established period of the majority of the candidate for the fitness of his examination-viz., I the age of twenty-one, and that he should be restricted to the age of twenty-two, the advantage of an additional year’s delay not being commensurate with the inconvenience or economy of

his

protracted and expensive studies.

4. Clause 23. It is our opinion that the degree of ’’ Doctor in Medicine" should be restricted exclusively to persons who have been long engaged in the practice of their profession-say ten years, and that it should be the invariable igsignia or badge of experience only; and should not be awarded to junior candidates possessing merely rudimental or elementary knowledge, but to those having a through practical acquaintance in private with, and knowledge of, diseases, acquired not practice, but in connexion with a public institution, as honorary surgeon for two or more years to an infirmary or dispensary; and that candidates under those circumstances should not be , subjected to a second examination; but, if insisted upon by the majority of the senatus, then merely a written one should be sufficient, embracing strictly practical subjects; that a thesis should be written, either in Latin or English, (as the choice of the candidate may be,) upon any disease he may think proper to select himself, embracing some novel views from his own practical experience, paying the ordinary fee for the diploma. 5. That the same privilege, of granting the degree of "Doctor,"be also extended to surgery and midwifery-each distinct and several as he may desire, according to the same routine of requirements as already laid down for " Doctor in Medicine," the one choosing for his thesis a surgical disease for his diploma of "Doctor in Surgery," and the other his thesis in midwifery for the " Doctor in Midwifery" degree. 6. We consider an oral, or, in fact, any other examination for any doctor’s degree, whether medicine, surgery, or midwifery, in the case of an established practitioner, as humiliating and vexatious, after havinghad his knowledge previously attested to by a Board of Examiners, according to the regulations laid down by the Medical Council in this Bill, and also those of

only