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MR. TUSON AND MR. DE MORGAN.
399 to bring the matter before this board, to whom Mr. de Morgan ought to have complained in the first instance, or have remained altogether silent. I need not, I am sure, assure the board that I have the greatest respect for the body of governors, who have had sufficient confidence in me to profession. elect me as their officer. It is a position to which I attach the highest value, and which I should be unworthy to hold, if I MR. TUSON AND MR. DE MORGAN. were not prepared to make every effort to retain it. When complaints of this kind are made to a public body, (if they mean anything, and are not a mere waste of the time of the COPY OF MR. TUSON’S DEFENCE they mean that Mr. de Morgan and his friends TO CERTAIN CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST HIM BY MR. CAMFBELL think me unworthy to continue surgeon of the hospital, and DE 11IORGAN, READ BEFORE THE BOARD, JANUARY 13, 1846. tlro1t it is their intention to remove me from my place. If so, Mr. Campbell de Morgan having at length presented him- I must understand under what law of the hospital they are self to this board as my accuser, and exhibited his charges proceeding, what breach of hospital duty they lay to my charge, or how they made it cognizable by this board. I against me, I will now apply myself to answer them. First, I have the honour to be elected for life by the general body of can but observe that, with a fixed determination on his part to governors; and if I am to be removed at all, it must be by bring these matters before the board, it would have been more the in accordance with propriety and good feeling, and that for- that body for some offence which the bye-law of the hospital bearance which a gentleman should always consider to be his subjects to a motion. I have a right to ask these gentlemen what law of the hospital are they now proceeding. Is duty, if he had abstained inthe meantime from strenuously under this board now assuming to act under chapter iii., rule 42, or the his circulation of own to version, endeavouring, by private chapter viii., or both? I have a right to know, before I injure me seriously in the estimation of my friends and neigh- under bours. I think, therefore, I have a right to complain of the answer any charge, the point in which I stand, and the course my opponents are prepared to take. I feel perfectly confident mode in which these proceedings have been conducted. On the 8th of November I received a letter, signed" Mervyn that my connexion with this hospital has been of too long A, Crawford," informing me that a meeting of the medical standing, and my professional and private character too well officers of the hospital had been convened, to take into con- known, to make me shrink from the charges which Mr. de sideration what steps should be taken with regard to a very Morgan has brought againt me, even if they were such as serious report which had been circulated respecting me, and could in any way affect my office as surgeon of this hospital. which, from the relation of colleagues in the hospital, could not The letter signed " C. de Morgan,"dated Dec. 29, 1845, and be allowed to pass unnoticed, without detriment to their cha- addressed to George Cottam, Esq., upon which these anomalous racter as professional men and as gentlemen. The substance proceedings are grounded, contains VoMf charges, which, in of the charge was laid before them by Dr. Crawford, in a docu- fact, amount to one only—viz., "That, having ceased to be anatomical lecturer in May last, I gave cards of admission to ment, of which the accompanying is an accurate copy. The letter goes on to state, " We felt that, in justice to you, two of my house pupils, dated back to the previous March." If I had given these cards in March, when the gentlemen to no observations on the character of the transactions could be whom till the of it was either allowed or they were given became my house pupils, I should have admitted, accuracy impugned and they would have passed regularly on as by yourself. I may further observe that Mr. de Morgan de- been justified, clined being present in this stage of these proceedings. I am pupils in the Anatomical School. With regard to antedating cards, I, and others also, have occasionally done so, and requested by our colleagues to bring Mr. de Morgan’s letter these before you, and to express their hope that you will favour the practice of it is continued to this time. The first question then is, had I still the right to givethe them with an explanation of the circumstances which have led cards in October? The second is, if I had not that right, was to it, in a letter, addressed to them, through Dr. Hawkins. "I remain, Sir, your humble servant, I acting bani) fzc3e in supposing that I possessed it ? If the first of these questions can be answered in the affirmative, there MERVYN A. CRAWFORD." "(Signed) i has been no offence committed against any one, neither against I was at a loss to understand what power any one had to call Mr. de Morgan, as Lecturer on Anatomy, nor against the Colsuch a meeting, or what right the parties, then convened, had lege of Surgeons, nor against the gentlemen ivhowere my to adjudicate on my conduct; but I could hardly suppose that pupils. If the second question can be so answered, I have such a step had been taken without previous concert and acted under a mistaken notion of right ; but I haveyet to hear agreement, and might well imagine that my case would have how that is a crime, or how any one has been injured or imbeen already prejudged before the investigation was com- posed upon by it in the present instance. Mr. de Morgan has menced. I, however, felt that I had done nothing of which I had hisfecs, my pupils have l13,d the benefit of attending his are properly entered to the class at the need to be ashamed, and gavean explanation of my conduct lectures, and in my letter to Dr. Hawkins, which has been read to the College of Surgeons. The first question I shall leave others to board. If Mr. de Morgan had thought it safer to make his answer: I aID. not here to assert my right, but to defend myself complaint in the first instance to the medical staff, instead of from a charge of misconduct. With regard to the second, I addressing himself, as he might have done, to the board, it is say, upon my word as a man, and my honour as a gentleman, only right that he should abide by the course he has taken, I thought I had the full right to give the tickets which I gave. and be bound by the proceedings of those to whom he has But it is said they were antedated: to be sure they were. If committed his cause. These gentlemen thought themselves they had been dated in October, they would have been indeed obliged to adopt the charges of Mr. de Morgan, a result I fully fraudulent, for I had no power to give tickets for October, but anticipated at the time; and after they had added to them I could have given tickets indisputably in March; and in new matter of complaint, arising out of private squabbles March these very gentlemen had a right to tickets at my between some of my pupils and myself, they adopted the hands. Was I, then, altogether wrong in supposing that, with course of laying the whole matter before the treasurers-two regard to them, I could do that act inOctober which in March officers of the whom we have the greatest con- I could clearly have done, but had unfortunately neglected to sideration and regard, but who, neither by nature of their do? But by whose fault has this question arisen? If Mr. de office, nor of any rule or bye-law of the hospital, had the Morgan had acted only with common fairness and courtesy, if slightest authority to interfere in the matter. There, again, I he had not in truth designed first to lead me into error, and might have refused to acquiesce, but I willingly submitted to then charge it as a crime against me, this subject of complaint, their jurisdiction, and have received their expressed opinion, as it appears to me the only one worthy the notice of the There were many upon consideration of the charge, that no further proceedings board, could never have taken place. are advisable under existing circumstances. What then is the students who attended Mr. de Morgan’s class; two of those meaning and object of the present proceedings? Havethey were known to Mr. de Morgan as my house pupils. The other really the interest and advantage of the hospital in view, or students took tickets for his class, but these alone, after notice, are they attempting to force me from my office of surgeon, to refrained from doing so. Had Mr. de Morgan asked them the make room for some one more agreeable to a particular partyreason at an early stage of his lectures, they would have told in the hospital? I ask, is it fair, first to prejudice me by a him I was responsible for their tickets. Had he asked me, I cabal of the medical officers, and then, by the weight of their should have told him they were my pupils in March, when I authority, to endeavour to force the treasurers into prosecuting: was lecturer, and that I conceived I had a right to admit me before the board ; and now that those gentlemen have them, but had neglected to do so. I still possess the same now, and I could lawfully do it 1:0W jÚi’ them. This published their opinion, that no further proceedings are ad-
degree, many of the members of the profession. Let them therefore beware, else the time may come when the profession may find out too late that, credulous as John Bull proverbially is, the most gullible class of all are the members of the medical
visable,
governors),
they
hospital-for
!
’
j
’
.
right
400 would have occasioned an explanation, which Mr. de Morgan took care should never occur, which would indeed havee saved the board this investigation, but which would not have answered the purpose of de Morgan and his friends. It is perfectly clear, from Mr. de Morgan’s own letter," that my error-and I most solemnly assure the board that it was an error of judgment only-consisted in giving tickets, after I had ceased to be lecturer, to gentlemen who were my private pupils before; but tuill any 7toiiozt?-ctl)le and uflective man affirm that this error of judgment can have justified the harsh and bitter hostility which has been exhibited; is this sufficient ground to impeach my honor and moral conduct? Whether the conduct exhibited by Mr. Campbell de Morgan results simply (as he would desire to impress the board) from a wish to uphold the interest of the hospital, or whether it be not mingled with feelings of a more peculiarly selfish character, I will not presume to discuss. He hag, however, thought fit to introduce to the notice of the board matters of an entirely private character between me and my pupils, and which I can but suppose he must have taken especial pains to become acquainted -with for the occasion. [Here follows Mr. Tuson’s explanation of some strictly private matters, which the weekly board refused to entertain in July, 1844, and which were only imported into the question by a gross violation of private rights. The answer of Mr. Tuson was perfectly satisfactory, but we decline to insert it, for the same reason that we thought it improper to insert the charges themselves-namely, that they related to private matters, which, whatever may be the practice at the Middlesex Hospital, have always been held sacred in THE LANCET.-ED.L.]]
desired by the board to acquaint the editor of THE LANCET, that he is the only secretary of the Middlesex Hospital; and that consequently the notice respecting Mr. Tuson in THE LANCET of .January 24th did not emanate from the weekly " board, nor was it in any way authorized by them.’ Extract from the Report of the Committee into the Government and General Middlesex Hospital.
appointed to inquire Management of the March 17, 1847.
committee have the painful duty to report that, after mature and anxious consideration of the subject, it is in their opinion essential to the welfare of the patients in the hospital-to that harmonious action amongst the medical officers by which alone their duties can be most efficiently discharged—and the restoration of the school of medicine and surgery attached to the hospital, that Mr. Tuson, one of the surgeons, should resign his appointment. Your committee hating thus submitted to the court the result of their deliberations, strictly based on the best evidence they could procure, will, upon the adoption of this report, propose, to a special court, resolutions calculated to carry their propositions into practical operation, feeling confident that the improvements they have suggested in the government and general management of the hospital are calculated to extend the usefulness of this ancient institution, to make it a model in its management, and worthy in every respect the generous support it has so long received from the governors and the FRANCIS MAUDE, Chairman public. (Signed) JOHN LABOUCHEBE, J. DEACON, W. HAWES, WM. TOOKE, A. A. GOLDSMID, GEO. VAUGHAN,
7th,
and
lastly,—Your
It is now upwards of nineteen years since I commenced as anatomical teacher, during which period I have had upwards of 700 pupils, and I can affirm with pleasure that I believe few members of the profession who have had so many under their instruction have had so few causes of difference with them. Members of the Committee. As an antagonist, it would be singular if the industry of Mr. Campbell de Morgan could not rake up some one or twoa MR. TUSON’S LETTER REFUSING TO ABIDE BY THE SUGGESTION individuals who might fancy they have been aggrieved. The OF THE COMMITTEE. animus with which these proceedings have been commenced 74, Harley-street, Cavendish-square, March 17th, 1847. and prosecutect on the part of Mr. C. de Morgan, has been GENTLEMENT,—I was wholly unprepared for your communisufficiently developed, and it would be unnecessary for me to cation of Monday evening, and have received it with equal offer a single observation on that point. astonishment and regret. I have nothing to do with his self-complacency, or the I had the honour of being elected surgeon to the Middlesex generous acquittal which he has so fluently pronounced upon Hospital upwards of ten years ago, by a majority of its goverhimself for the course he has pursued. I orly hope thatif Mr. that time I have unremittingly applied my best C. de Morgan shall continue to be one of the medical officers nors ; during to the fulfilment of the duties of that office, with what abilities of this institution for as many years as I have, he wi’ll not be found by its governors less anxious or less diligent than I may success it becomes not me to boast. In justice to myself, howI affirm that no one could more anxiously devote himself venture to affirm I have ever been in endeavouring to promote ever, to the relief of the patients under his care, or strive more conits interests either generally in the hospital, or particularly in have the schools attached to it. What further steps may be taken stantly to promote the interest of the hospital than I in this matter I am unable to judge. When all has been out done. Under these circumstances, conscious that neither want of skill, nor want of attention, can be attributed to me, I must of order, as these proceedings have been in every stage, it is say, with all respect, that your recommendation seems to wear to where shall cease; the semblance of harshness and scarcely possible contemplate irregularity injustice. Therefore I beg but I shall conclude this my anxious defence by asking every leave to decline resigning my affice, notwithstanding any cougovernor present to weigh the case fully before he gives his sequences that may arise from differing with gentlemen holding vote, remembering that 1 have served this hospital for twenty- the high power delegated to you. two years, and it is only in the last four years that even active I am powerfully actuated in this refusal, by the fact that has been able to these as enmity procure charges, petty they my resignation would make room for Mr. Campbell de Morgan, are; and I thank those gentlemen whose kind consideration which was the object sought for in the original attack upon me has hitherto supported me, and towards whom I shall ever in November, 1845. That object has never been yet out of the feel gratitude, when this persecution shall have died away, as minds of that gentleman and his friends, and that object has it must do soon from inanition. been the immediate cause of most of those troubles you were E. W. TusoN. appointed to amend. On the 24th January, 1846, the following notice was pubI have the honour to be, Gentlemen, lished in THE LANCET:Your most obedient servant, "NEWS OF THE WEEK.—Mr. L. D. Morgan, the secretary E. W. TUSON. To the Committee of Governors. of the Middlesex Hospital, has written to us to say that the REFUSAL OF MEDICAL OFFICERS TO MEET MR. TUSON. lecturers at the school at that hospital would be obliged by 1, Lower Seymour-street, Portman-square, May 8th, 1847. our insertion of the following notice :a meeting of the medical officers of the Middlesex SIR,—At of to certain reference transactions with " ’In consequence held on Friday the 7th inst.-present Dr. Crawford, the entrance of pupils by Mr. Tuson, it has been resolved by Hospital, Dr. Seth Thompson, Dr. West, Mr. Arnott, Mr. Shaw, and the lecturers of the Middlesex Hospital School, that no pupil Mr. de Morgan, the following resolution was unanimously of Mr. Tuson will in future be admitted to the school. adopted, and subsequently agreed to by Dr. Hawkins and Dr. "’London, Feb. 14,1846."’ Robert Latham:-"The medical officers feel it their duty to annexed This was followed by the paragraph :inform the treasurers that, after the publicity that has been " THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF THE MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL.—We given to the conduct of Mr. Tuson, by the proceedings of the an
____
"
insert,
at the
request "
’Mr. *
Shedden,
of Mr.
Shedden,
the
following note
:-
Hospital Weekly Board, Feb. 10, 1846. secretary to the Middlesex Hospital, is
’Middlesex
See his letter to Dr.
Crawford,
dated llth November.
recent
special quarterly committee, they
are
compelled
to
decline meeting Mr. Tuson at any time, or under any circumstances."-I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, SETH THOMPSON, Secretary. (Signed) Thomas Hunt, Esq.
401 To the Chairman of the Managing Committee of the Middlesex
Hospital. SIR,—At the request of the medical officers, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following communication. " The weekly board, being informed that the medical officers refuse to meet Mr. Tuson, request that they will communicate the ground of their complaint against him, at the next weekly board." In reply, I have to state
on
the
part
of my
colleagues
and
myself :
1st. That the reasons for the medical officers declining to meet Mr. Tuson, exceptwhen the interests of the patients require it,’ have already been elicited by the inquiries of the committee, appointed by a special general court in May last, and will be found contained in the appendix to their report, submitted to the inspection of the governors. 2nd. That after the publicity given to Mr. Tuson’s conduct, by the proceedings at the special general court, held on the 21st and 22nd of April, and the adoption of a resolution by that of the 28th, "that Mr. Tuson be requested to resign," which was unanimously confirmed by the quarterly court, held on the 6th of May ; the medical officers felt themselves further called upon to signify to the treasurers, that they must decline meeting Mr. Tuson at any time, or under any circumstances. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, SETH THOMPSON-. (Signed) 1, Lower Seymour-street, Portman-square, Aug. 2nd, 1847.
EXTRACTS
FROM
MINUTES, &C.
Special Board, August 6, 1847. The Hon. Capt. Maude, R.N., in the chair; Mr. A. Currie, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Hawes, Sir W. Stirling, Sir Edwin Pearson, Mr. Goldsmicl, Mr. T. W. Percy, Mr. Michael Smith, Capt. Darley, Mr. Bailey. Prayers read by the secretary. The board having been specially summoned, met pursuant to the resolution of the last weekly board, to take into consideration the letter from the medical officers of the 2nd inst., and to determine on such measures, as it may be proper to adopt, in regard to Mr. Tuson. Mr. Tuson requested that Mr. Taylor might attend the board, to take notes of the proceedings in his behalf. "Resolved :-That Mr. Tuson’s application be refused, but that he be informed the secretary will take notes of the proceedings of the board for the benefit of all parties, and that they should be read over at the time in their presence. "Resolved:—That Mr. Tuson be called in, and informed, that the board was prepared to enter upon the inquiry into the charges against him." Mr. Tuson then requested to have the assistance of a friend, to attend the board on his behalf, and Mr. Tuson named as his friend Mr. Todd, as from the firm and representing Messrs. Pain and Hatherly, solicitors, of Marlborough-street. Mr. Tuson stated that Mr. Hatherly was out of town, at the Guildford or Gloucester Assizes. The other medical officers of the hospital, and Mr. Rowden, having been called in, and informed of this request of Mr. Tuson, declined to give evidence under such circumstances, but at the same time expressed their willingness to afford further evidence before Mr. Tuson, and before the board, but not before a professional adviser. Dr. Hawkins statecl, that his conduct had not been swayed by any additional charges or complaints made against ivlr. Tuson, but that as he considered the resolution of the general Court, requiring the resignation of Mr. Tuson, equivalent to an expulsion, he was justified in coming to the resolution contained in the letter of the medical officers to the board, and that he had no further charge or observation to make. Mr. Rowden stated that he had not made any charge against Mr. Tuson at the general meeting, but was ready to produce letters from pupils containing complaints, and stating conduct by which they considered they had been aggrieved. Mr. Arnott and Dr. Crawford having to see the board, and having been admitted, stated that that which Dr. Hawkins had they wished to be considered as only his own individual expression, and that the other medical officers were prepared with further evidence if they called upon them, but that they will only give evidence as to a Court of Honour, and not at all before a professional man. Whereupon the following resolution of the board was communicated to Mr. Tuson. " Resolved, -That Mr. Tuson be called in, and be informed that Dr. Hawkins, Mr. Arnott, Dr. M. Crawford, Mr. Shaw, Dr. Seth Thompson, and Mr. Rowden, having attended the
requested
stated,
and being informed of the desire and acquiescence of the board that Mr. Todd should accompany him as his professional friend (representing the firm of Pain and Hatherly), they had individually declined to make any statement in the presence of a professional gentleman, although they are prepared to do so in Mr. Tuson’s presence, and if the board be considered as a Court of Honour and a private assemblage; and that Mr. Tuson be asked whether he still adheres to his desire to have a professional gentleman to attend him." To this Mr. Tuson returned the following written reply:" Mr. Tuson wishes to be distinctly understood, that he has, in the exercise of the discretion given him by the 3rd article of chapter viii., determined on making his defence through the medium of a friend, and that that friend is Mr. Charles Dod, of 16, Great Marlborough-street, who attends as such
board,
friend.
"(Signed)
E. W. TUSON."
my friend, not as a professional friend in the narrow sense of the term, or as representing Messrs. Pain and Hatherly, or any one but himself ; and I have
"SIR,—Mr.
Dod attends
as
respectfully to submit, that since there are solicitors forming members of your Board, there ought to be no objection to Mr. Dod on account of his calling. "
Your obedient servant, "E. W. TusON." Mr. Tuson was then called in to explain the discrepancy in his statement respecting Mr. Todd and Mr. Dod, and was asked how long he had known Mr. Dod; to which he declined to give any answer. Mr. Tuson was then asked how he reconciled the difference of his letter and his statement that Mr. Todd appeared from Messrs. Pain and Hatherly, who were out of town?—to which he said, " He did not know; perhaps it was his 11 LLrry." " Resolved,—That a statement of the position of the hospital in reference to Mr. Tuson and the other medical officers, be laid before a special court. "Resolved,—That Mr. Bailey, Sir Walter Stirling, Mr. W. Hawes, and Mr. Michael Smith, be appointed a committee to prepare such statement to be submitted to a special court, to be convened as soon as circumstances will admit. " C. A. GOLDSMID, Chairman. (Signed) " Aug’ust 9,1847." H,-ee7zly Board, August 10th, 1847, C. A. C’aldsnzid, Esq.,. in the Chair. That this Board, deeply sensible of the injury to which the patients of this hospital are exposed by the medical officers refusing to meet Mr. Tuson, and having reference to all the circumstances connected with this unfortunate case, and specially considering the circumstances which passed at the last special meeting of this Board, have resolved that Mr. Tuson be suspended from his duties; that this resolution be communicated to him by the secretary; that this resolution be communicated to the medical committee, and that they be requested to make such arrwngemeatts as may be proper to prevent any inconvenience or injurious results from this suspension, and the nextWeekly Board wh::1tarrangements they have reportto made." To this resolution Mr. Tuson forwarded a letter to the board, explaining the facts respecting the apparent discrepancy in his statement in regard to Mr. Dod, and wished to be informed upon what grounds they proposed to suspend him. The followingwas the reply thereto :"Middlesex Hospital, Aug. 17,1847. "SIR,—I am directed by the weekly board to transmit to you a copy of a resolution passed at the last weekly board, and confirmed at this. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, ALEX. SHEDDEN. (Signed) ’That Mr. Tuson be suspended from his duties, and that this resolution be communicated to him by the secretary.’ " P. S. Your letter of yesterday’s date was laid before the weekly board this day." "74, Harley-street, Aug. 17, 1847.
"SIR,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day’s date, communicating to me the resolution passed at the
weekly board last Tuesday,
and confirmed at that held toIn reply to it, I beg to state that I have obtained copies of the minutes of at the special board of the 10th instant, and taken a legal opinion thereon; andI am advised that the weekly board, acting under the rules for the manage-
day.
proceedings
402 ment of the Hospital, chapter iii. Rule an officer who has been elected for life
formity with laws of the
43, can only suspend by proceeding in conthe provisions contained in chapter viii. of the hospital, and that the course pursued by the
weekly boards abovementioned has not been in special conformity with these laws. I regret exceedingly the differences which exist between the other medical officers and myself, but I am resolved never to submit to proceedings which I feel to be unjust, and I shall therefore continue to attend to discharge my duties at the Hospital, and insist on discharging them until I am forcibly prevented from doing so. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, E. W. Tusox. and
To Alexander Shedclen, Esq., Secretary to the
Middlesex Hospital."
Correspondence. "Audi alteram
ON
partem."
THE STATE OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN ENGLAND, AND ON QUACKERY IN THE
MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—Your readers in the provinces will ask, " What do the eminent London practitioners who took part in the reform discussions of last week 2mcccticcclly know of quackery as it affects fifteen out of sixteen thousand of an over-worked, and beggared profession?" Sir, we live to practise, should we be ashamed to say wepractise that we may and that the quack starts in the race at an unfair
struggling, order of the board, held this I beg leave to transmit to you a copy of a resolution passed thereat.-I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, ALEX. SHEDDEN, Secretary. (Signed) "E. W. Tuson, Esq." "
day,
SIR,—In accordance with the
but
live,
why
advantage ? I hope you will read this communication before you refuse to insert it. My object is to show the insanity of wastingtine in arguing as to the better efficiency of this or that remedial measure, while a wholesale robbery is proceeding, the extent of which is very imperfectly appreciated, and which is felt most severely by the many, by the younger amongst us who have passed examinations ofincreased severity, by the majority
Extracted from the minutes of the Weekly Board of the Middlesex Hospital, August 24, 1847. "Ordered,-That the secretary, matron, and nurses, be respectively desired not to receive instructions from Mr. Tuson, ofqts zcizo are destitute of private fortune, and who are left to and that they be desired to remove the card with Mr. Tuson’s contend with a power the rich London surgeon or physician name from the beds of the patients recently under his care. cannot feel or estimate. "That the apothecary be desired not to attend to the Sir, thousands of us throughout the length and breadth of Britain will deplore these distensions among the London proprescriptions of Mr. Tuson. "That the house-surgeon be desired not to attend to in- fession. structions from Mr. Tuson. No men will have so much cause for gratulation over the "That Mr. Shaw and Mr. de Morgan be informed thatthe proposed interference to suppress surgical and other forms of patients recently under Mr. Tuson, are now under their care. quackery as the educated members of the profession resident " That a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the secretary in the north of England, and particularly in the densely to Mr. Tuson." populated seats of the cotton manufacture. "SIR,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your note, It is because I hope, believe, and know that your excellent enclosing an extract from the Minutes of the Weekly Board of journal is extensively read by thousands of influential people the Middlesex Hospital, held this day, ordering that the out of the profession, that I venture to sketch briefly the extent of an evil which I am sure is not appreciated as to its magnisecretary, matron, and nurses, &c. "Irequest that you will express to the gentlemen of the tzade by the profession in the southern and agricultural comeWeekly Board, my regret thatthey have determined on taking tries, and least of all by those resident in the metropolis. this step. I can only regard it as an illegal interference with I fear it is too common for London practitioners of all me in the exercise of ray office of surgeon to the hospital, which classes, more especially physicians and hospital surgeons of I feel to be unjust, and which I am bound to resist by all means rank and position, to estimate quackery (as to its extent and in my power. I beg that you will inform the board that I nature) by the newspapers, or from their own limited contact shall attend to-morrow at the usual hour, and insist on my with it. right to perform my duties there, to the patients under my What is its history with 118? I wish Sir Charles Hastings care; and if interfered with by any one, I shall consider it an knew and felt it as closely as we have done. Does he know, obstruction of me in the exercise of my office of surgeon, and for instance, that in Manchester, (now elevated into a city take such legal steps as I may be advised, to maintain my right. and graced as a bishopric,) a surgical quack died very I havethe honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, amassed at the very least £100,000, some say lately, having E. W. TUSOX." "To A. J. Shedden, Esq. £200,000! His locus standi has been secured by a legitimate practitioner, but the " prestige" of the old man’s fame will not to his successor, evidently because he has been "SIR,—I have received this day a letter from the secretary descend educated neither in a coal-pit nor a cotton-factory. As to his of the Middlesex Hospital, enclosing an order of the Weekly he was in "practice," almost exclusively surgical, Board, by which it is ordered ’that Mr. Shaw and Mr. de predecessor, before the act of 1815. True, but it was his invariable custom be informed under that the Mr. Morgan patients recently ’ to repudiate educated and legitimate practitioners as surely as Tuson, are now under their care.’ He "doctored" alike horses and "I am advised that this is an order that the Weekly Board they repudiated him. has no power to make. I shall, therefore, attend as usual, for "humans,"but preferred the horses. His " surgery" was a the purpose of fulfilling my duty to my patients. I have perfect scene, repulsive, disgusting. Undoubtedly, having no to lose, he was a bold operator, though I never thought it right to inform you of my intention, because I reputation ever took knife in hand, except to thrust it into knew that he consider that in obeying the Weekly Board, you will be a diseased knee-joint. Perhaps a salutary knowledge of things me in the exercise of office of of the my surgeon obstructing called "arteries" caused him to prefer the use of what is liable to such and will render as hospital, yourself proceedings known here as "keening." I have seen many such instances I may be advised to institute to maintain my right. where fungous growths of true hæmatoid character by the I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, repeated application of his vile caustics have been stimulated E. W. TusoN. to increased luxuriance, and others where tumours of a nonTo A. Shaw, Esq., and Campbell de Morgan, Esq." character have for years been subjected to this on Mr. Tuson attended at the hospital Wednesday, August malignant I never but once was and unscientific treatment. painful 25th, and was informed by all the nurses, in the presence of present at his consultations. The case was this, and I mention four witnesses, that they were not to attend to his directions, it to show what was the amount of surgical knowledge of a and that his patients had been placed under Mr. Shaw. Mr. who amassed two hundred thousand pounds of the money man Shedden stated that he had given the instructions to the nurses, of the people, and to show that if they have not sense the Goverreby order of the board. A boy, the son of wealthy ment are bound to teach them. parents, under my care with a malignant mass weighing at A Deputation from the Society of Apothecaries of London least two pounds, and that had obliterated both orbits, had an interview on Monday with the General Board of Health, was taken to him at the request of an old aunt, I consenting at their offices, Whitehall. The deputation consisted of the to accompany him, as a last resource, and to observe what he Deputy-Master, Mr Edward Bean; the Wardens, Mr. N. B. would say. His remark was characteristic—"Nauw, what Ward and Mr. R. C. Griffith; Mr. J. Bacot, and Mr. R. B. fool has ta bin to wi’ this. T’ best thing yo can du is ta tak him home, and let him dee, for, you see, if I were to do anyUpton, Clerk to the Society.
degree, many of the members of the profession. Let them therefore beware, else the time may come when the profession may find out too late that, credulous as John Bull proverbially is, the most gullible class of all are the members of the medical
visable,
governors),
they
hospital-for
!
’
j
’
.
right
400 would have occasioned an explanation, which Mr. de Morgan took care should never occur, which would indeed havee saved the board this investigation, but which would not have answered the purpose of de Morgan and his friends. It is perfectly clear, from Mr. de Morgan’s own letter," that my error-and I most solemnly assure the board that it was an error of judgment only-consisted in giving tickets, after I had ceased to be lecturer, to gentlemen who were my private pupils before; but tuill any 7toiiozt?-ctl)le and uflective man affirm that this error of judgment can have justified the harsh and bitter hostility which has been exhibited; is this sufficient ground to impeach my honor and moral conduct? Whether the conduct exhibited by Mr. Campbell de Morgan results simply (as he would desire to impress the board) from a wish to uphold the interest of the hospital, or whether it be not mingled with feelings of a more peculiarly selfish character, I will not presume to discuss. He hag, however, thought fit to introduce to the notice of the board matters of an entirely private character between me and my pupils, and which I can but suppose he must have taken especial pains to become acquainted -with for the occasion. [Here follows Mr. Tuson’s explanation of some strictly private matters, which the weekly board refused to entertain in July, 1844, and which were only imported into the question by a gross violation of private rights. The answer of Mr. Tuson was perfectly satisfactory, but we decline to insert it, for the same reason that we thought it improper to insert the charges themselves-namely, that they related to private matters, which, whatever may be the practice at the Middlesex Hospital, have always been held sacred in THE LANCET.-ED.L.]]
desired by the board to acquaint the editor of THE LANCET, that he is the only secretary of the Middlesex Hospital; and that consequently the notice respecting Mr. Tuson in THE LANCET of .January 24th did not emanate from the weekly " board, nor was it in any way authorized by them.’ Extract from the Report of the Committee into the Government and General Middlesex Hospital.
appointed to inquire Management of the March 17, 1847.
committee have the painful duty to report that, after mature and anxious consideration of the subject, it is in their opinion essential to the welfare of the patients in the hospital-to that harmonious action amongst the medical officers by which alone their duties can be most efficiently discharged—and the restoration of the school of medicine and surgery attached to the hospital, that Mr. Tuson, one of the surgeons, should resign his appointment. Your committee hating thus submitted to the court the result of their deliberations, strictly based on the best evidence they could procure, will, upon the adoption of this report, propose, to a special court, resolutions calculated to carry their propositions into practical operation, feeling confident that the improvements they have suggested in the government and general management of the hospital are calculated to extend the usefulness of this ancient institution, to make it a model in its management, and worthy in every respect the generous support it has so long received from the governors and the FRANCIS MAUDE, Chairman public. (Signed) JOHN LABOUCHEBE, J. DEACON, W. HAWES, WM. TOOKE, A. A. GOLDSMID, GEO. VAUGHAN,
7th,
and
lastly,—Your
It is now upwards of nineteen years since I commenced as anatomical teacher, during which period I have had upwards of 700 pupils, and I can affirm with pleasure that I believe few members of the profession who have had so many under their instruction have had so few causes of difference with them. Members of the Committee. As an antagonist, it would be singular if the industry of Mr. Campbell de Morgan could not rake up some one or twoa MR. TUSON’S LETTER REFUSING TO ABIDE BY THE SUGGESTION individuals who might fancy they have been aggrieved. The OF THE COMMITTEE. animus with which these proceedings have been commenced 74, Harley-street, Cavendish-square, March 17th, 1847. and prosecutect on the part of Mr. C. de Morgan, has been GENTLEMENT,—I was wholly unprepared for your communisufficiently developed, and it would be unnecessary for me to cation of Monday evening, and have received it with equal offer a single observation on that point. astonishment and regret. I have nothing to do with his self-complacency, or the I had the honour of being elected surgeon to the Middlesex generous acquittal which he has so fluently pronounced upon Hospital upwards of ten years ago, by a majority of its goverhimself for the course he has pursued. I orly hope thatif Mr. that time I have unremittingly applied my best C. de Morgan shall continue to be one of the medical officers nors ; during to the fulfilment of the duties of that office, with what abilities of this institution for as many years as I have, he wi’ll not be found by its governors less anxious or less diligent than I may success it becomes not me to boast. In justice to myself, howI affirm that no one could more anxiously devote himself venture to affirm I have ever been in endeavouring to promote ever, to the relief of the patients under his care, or strive more conits interests either generally in the hospital, or particularly in have the schools attached to it. What further steps may be taken stantly to promote the interest of the hospital than I in this matter I am unable to judge. When all has been out done. Under these circumstances, conscious that neither want of skill, nor want of attention, can be attributed to me, I must of order, as these proceedings have been in every stage, it is say, with all respect, that your recommendation seems to wear to where shall cease; the semblance of harshness and scarcely possible contemplate irregularity injustice. Therefore I beg but I shall conclude this my anxious defence by asking every leave to decline resigning my affice, notwithstanding any cougovernor present to weigh the case fully before he gives his sequences that may arise from differing with gentlemen holding vote, remembering that 1 have served this hospital for twenty- the high power delegated to you. two years, and it is only in the last four years that even active I am powerfully actuated in this refusal, by the fact that has been able to these as enmity procure charges, petty they my resignation would make room for Mr. Campbell de Morgan, are; and I thank those gentlemen whose kind consideration which was the object sought for in the original attack upon me has hitherto supported me, and towards whom I shall ever in November, 1845. That object has never been yet out of the feel gratitude, when this persecution shall have died away, as minds of that gentleman and his friends, and that object has it must do soon from inanition. been the immediate cause of most of those troubles you were E. W. TusoN. appointed to amend. On the 24th January, 1846, the following notice was pubI have the honour to be, Gentlemen, lished in THE LANCET:Your most obedient servant, "NEWS OF THE WEEK.—Mr. L. D. Morgan, the secretary E. W. TUSON. To the Committee of Governors. of the Middlesex Hospital, has written to us to say that the REFUSAL OF MEDICAL OFFICERS TO MEET MR. TUSON. lecturers at the school at that hospital would be obliged by 1, Lower Seymour-street, Portman-square, May 8th, 1847. our insertion of the following notice :a meeting of the medical officers of the Middlesex SIR,—At of to certain reference transactions with " ’In consequence held on Friday the 7th inst.-present Dr. Crawford, the entrance of pupils by Mr. Tuson, it has been resolved by Hospital, Dr. Seth Thompson, Dr. West, Mr. Arnott, Mr. Shaw, and the lecturers of the Middlesex Hospital School, that no pupil Mr. de Morgan, the following resolution was unanimously of Mr. Tuson will in future be admitted to the school. adopted, and subsequently agreed to by Dr. Hawkins and Dr. "’London, Feb. 14,1846."’ Robert Latham:-"The medical officers feel it their duty to annexed This was followed by the paragraph :inform the treasurers that, after the publicity that has been " THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF THE MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL.—We given to the conduct of Mr. Tuson, by the proceedings of the an
____
"
insert,
at the
request "
’Mr. *
Shedden,
of Mr.
Shedden,
the
following note
:-
Hospital Weekly Board, Feb. 10, 1846. secretary to the Middlesex Hospital, is
’Middlesex
See his letter to Dr.
Crawford,
dated llth November.
recent
special quarterly committee, they
are
compelled
to
decline meeting Mr. Tuson at any time, or under any circumstances."-I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, SETH THOMPSON, Secretary. (Signed) Thomas Hunt, Esq.
401 To the Chairman of the Managing Committee of the Middlesex
Hospital. SIR,—At the request of the medical officers, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following communication. " The weekly board, being informed that the medical officers refuse to meet Mr. Tuson, request that they will communicate the ground of their complaint against him, at the next weekly board." In reply, I have to state
on
the
part
of my
colleagues
and
myself :
1st. That the reasons for the medical officers declining to meet Mr. Tuson, exceptwhen the interests of the patients require it,’ have already been elicited by the inquiries of the committee, appointed by a special general court in May last, and will be found contained in the appendix to their report, submitted to the inspection of the governors. 2nd. That after the publicity given to Mr. Tuson’s conduct, by the proceedings at the special general court, held on the 21st and 22nd of April, and the adoption of a resolution by that of the 28th, "that Mr. Tuson be requested to resign," which was unanimously confirmed by the quarterly court, held on the 6th of May ; the medical officers felt themselves further called upon to signify to the treasurers, that they must decline meeting Mr. Tuson at any time, or under any circumstances. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, SETH THOMPSON-. (Signed) 1, Lower Seymour-street, Portman-square, Aug. 2nd, 1847.
EXTRACTS
FROM
MINUTES, &C.
Special Board, August 6, 1847. The Hon. Capt. Maude, R.N., in the chair; Mr. A. Currie, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Hawes, Sir W. Stirling, Sir Edwin Pearson, Mr. Goldsmicl, Mr. T. W. Percy, Mr. Michael Smith, Capt. Darley, Mr. Bailey. Prayers read by the secretary. The board having been specially summoned, met pursuant to the resolution of the last weekly board, to take into consideration the letter from the medical officers of the 2nd inst., and to determine on such measures, as it may be proper to adopt, in regard to Mr. Tuson. Mr. Tuson requested that Mr. Taylor might attend the board, to take notes of the proceedings in his behalf. "Resolved :-That Mr. Tuson’s application be refused, but that he be informed the secretary will take notes of the proceedings of the board for the benefit of all parties, and that they should be read over at the time in their presence. "Resolved:—That Mr. Tuson be called in, and informed, that the board was prepared to enter upon the inquiry into the charges against him." Mr. Tuson then requested to have the assistance of a friend, to attend the board on his behalf, and Mr. Tuson named as his friend Mr. Todd, as from the firm and representing Messrs. Pain and Hatherly, solicitors, of Marlborough-street. Mr. Tuson stated that Mr. Hatherly was out of town, at the Guildford or Gloucester Assizes. The other medical officers of the hospital, and Mr. Rowden, having been called in, and informed of this request of Mr. Tuson, declined to give evidence under such circumstances, but at the same time expressed their willingness to afford further evidence before Mr. Tuson, and before the board, but not before a professional adviser. Dr. Hawkins statecl, that his conduct had not been swayed by any additional charges or complaints made against ivlr. Tuson, but that as he considered the resolution of the general Court, requiring the resignation of Mr. Tuson, equivalent to an expulsion, he was justified in coming to the resolution contained in the letter of the medical officers to the board, and that he had no further charge or observation to make. Mr. Rowden stated that he had not made any charge against Mr. Tuson at the general meeting, but was ready to produce letters from pupils containing complaints, and stating conduct by which they considered they had been aggrieved. Mr. Arnott and Dr. Crawford having to see the board, and having been admitted, stated that that which Dr. Hawkins had they wished to be considered as only his own individual expression, and that the other medical officers were prepared with further evidence if they called upon them, but that they will only give evidence as to a Court of Honour, and not at all before a professional man. Whereupon the following resolution of the board was communicated to Mr. Tuson. " Resolved, -That Mr. Tuson be called in, and be informed that Dr. Hawkins, Mr. Arnott, Dr. M. Crawford, Mr. Shaw, Dr. Seth Thompson, and Mr. Rowden, having attended the
requested
stated,
and being informed of the desire and acquiescence of the board that Mr. Todd should accompany him as his professional friend (representing the firm of Pain and Hatherly), they had individually declined to make any statement in the presence of a professional gentleman, although they are prepared to do so in Mr. Tuson’s presence, and if the board be considered as a Court of Honour and a private assemblage; and that Mr. Tuson be asked whether he still adheres to his desire to have a professional gentleman to attend him." To this Mr. Tuson returned the following written reply:" Mr. Tuson wishes to be distinctly understood, that he has, in the exercise of the discretion given him by the 3rd article of chapter viii., determined on making his defence through the medium of a friend, and that that friend is Mr. Charles Dod, of 16, Great Marlborough-street, who attends as such
board,
friend.
"(Signed)
E. W. TUSON."
my friend, not as a professional friend in the narrow sense of the term, or as representing Messrs. Pain and Hatherly, or any one but himself ; and I have
"SIR,—Mr.
Dod attends
as
respectfully to submit, that since there are solicitors forming members of your Board, there ought to be no objection to Mr. Dod on account of his calling. "
Your obedient servant, "E. W. TusON." Mr. Tuson was then called in to explain the discrepancy in his statement respecting Mr. Todd and Mr. Dod, and was asked how long he had known Mr. Dod; to which he declined to give any answer. Mr. Tuson was then asked how he reconciled the difference of his letter and his statement that Mr. Todd appeared from Messrs. Pain and Hatherly, who were out of town?—to which he said, " He did not know; perhaps it was his 11 LLrry." " Resolved,—That a statement of the position of the hospital in reference to Mr. Tuson and the other medical officers, be laid before a special court. "Resolved,—That Mr. Bailey, Sir Walter Stirling, Mr. W. Hawes, and Mr. Michael Smith, be appointed a committee to prepare such statement to be submitted to a special court, to be convened as soon as circumstances will admit. " C. A. GOLDSMID, Chairman. (Signed) " Aug’ust 9,1847." H,-ee7zly Board, August 10th, 1847, C. A. C’aldsnzid, Esq.,. in the Chair. That this Board, deeply sensible of the injury to which the patients of this hospital are exposed by the medical officers refusing to meet Mr. Tuson, and having reference to all the circumstances connected with this unfortunate case, and specially considering the circumstances which passed at the last special meeting of this Board, have resolved that Mr. Tuson be suspended from his duties; that this resolution be communicated to him by the secretary; that this resolution be communicated to the medical committee, and that they be requested to make such arrwngemeatts as may be proper to prevent any inconvenience or injurious results from this suspension, and the nextWeekly Board wh::1tarrangements they have reportto made." To this resolution Mr. Tuson forwarded a letter to the board, explaining the facts respecting the apparent discrepancy in his statement in regard to Mr. Dod, and wished to be informed upon what grounds they proposed to suspend him. The followingwas the reply thereto :"Middlesex Hospital, Aug. 17,1847. "SIR,—I am directed by the weekly board to transmit to you a copy of a resolution passed at the last weekly board, and confirmed at this. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, ALEX. SHEDDEN. (Signed) ’That Mr. Tuson be suspended from his duties, and that this resolution be communicated to him by the secretary.’ " P. S. Your letter of yesterday’s date was laid before the weekly board this day." "74, Harley-street, Aug. 17, 1847.
"SIR,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day’s date, communicating to me the resolution passed at the
weekly board last Tuesday,
and confirmed at that held toIn reply to it, I beg to state that I have obtained copies of the minutes of at the special board of the 10th instant, and taken a legal opinion thereon; andI am advised that the weekly board, acting under the rules for the manage-
day.
proceedings
402 ment of the Hospital, chapter iii. Rule an officer who has been elected for life
formity with laws of the
43, can only suspend by proceeding in conthe provisions contained in chapter viii. of the hospital, and that the course pursued by the
weekly boards abovementioned has not been in special conformity with these laws. I regret exceedingly the differences which exist between the other medical officers and myself, but I am resolved never to submit to proceedings which I feel to be unjust, and I shall therefore continue to attend to discharge my duties at the Hospital, and insist on discharging them until I am forcibly prevented from doing so. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, E. W. Tusox. and
To Alexander Shedclen, Esq., Secretary to the
Middlesex Hospital."
Correspondence. "Audi alteram
ON
partem."
THE STATE OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN ENGLAND, AND ON QUACKERY IN THE
MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,—Your readers in the provinces will ask, " What do the eminent London practitioners who took part in the reform discussions of last week 2mcccticcclly know of quackery as it affects fifteen out of sixteen thousand of an over-worked, and beggared profession?" Sir, we live to practise, should we be ashamed to say wepractise that we may and that the quack starts in the race at an unfair
struggling, order of the board, held this I beg leave to transmit to you a copy of a resolution passed thereat.-I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, ALEX. SHEDDEN, Secretary. (Signed) "E. W. Tuson, Esq." "
day,
SIR,—In accordance with the
but
live,
why
advantage ? I hope you will read this communication before you refuse to insert it. My object is to show the insanity of wastingtine in arguing as to the better efficiency of this or that remedial measure, while a wholesale robbery is proceeding, the extent of which is very imperfectly appreciated, and which is felt most severely by the many, by the younger amongst us who have passed examinations ofincreased severity, by the majority
Extracted from the minutes of the Weekly Board of the Middlesex Hospital, August 24, 1847. "Ordered,-That the secretary, matron, and nurses, be respectively desired not to receive instructions from Mr. Tuson, ofqts zcizo are destitute of private fortune, and who are left to and that they be desired to remove the card with Mr. Tuson’s contend with a power the rich London surgeon or physician name from the beds of the patients recently under his care. cannot feel or estimate. "That the apothecary be desired not to attend to the Sir, thousands of us throughout the length and breadth of Britain will deplore these distensions among the London proprescriptions of Mr. Tuson. "That the house-surgeon be desired not to attend to in- fession. structions from Mr. Tuson. No men will have so much cause for gratulation over the "That Mr. Shaw and Mr. de Morgan be informed thatthe proposed interference to suppress surgical and other forms of patients recently under Mr. Tuson, are now under their care. quackery as the educated members of the profession resident " That a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the secretary in the north of England, and particularly in the densely to Mr. Tuson." populated seats of the cotton manufacture. "SIR,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your note, It is because I hope, believe, and know that your excellent enclosing an extract from the Minutes of the Weekly Board of journal is extensively read by thousands of influential people the Middlesex Hospital, held this day, ordering that the out of the profession, that I venture to sketch briefly the extent of an evil which I am sure is not appreciated as to its magnisecretary, matron, and nurses, &c. "Irequest that you will express to the gentlemen of the tzade by the profession in the southern and agricultural comeWeekly Board, my regret thatthey have determined on taking tries, and least of all by those resident in the metropolis. this step. I can only regard it as an illegal interference with I fear it is too common for London practitioners of all me in the exercise of ray office of surgeon to the hospital, which classes, more especially physicians and hospital surgeons of I feel to be unjust, and which I am bound to resist by all means rank and position, to estimate quackery (as to its extent and in my power. I beg that you will inform the board that I nature) by the newspapers, or from their own limited contact shall attend to-morrow at the usual hour, and insist on my with it. right to perform my duties there, to the patients under my What is its history with 118? I wish Sir Charles Hastings care; and if interfered with by any one, I shall consider it an knew and felt it as closely as we have done. Does he know, obstruction of me in the exercise of my office of surgeon, and for instance, that in Manchester, (now elevated into a city take such legal steps as I may be advised, to maintain my right. and graced as a bishopric,) a surgical quack died very I havethe honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, amassed at the very least £100,000, some say lately, having E. W. TUSOX." "To A. J. Shedden, Esq. £200,000! His locus standi has been secured by a legitimate practitioner, but the " prestige" of the old man’s fame will not to his successor, evidently because he has been "SIR,—I have received this day a letter from the secretary descend educated neither in a coal-pit nor a cotton-factory. As to his of the Middlesex Hospital, enclosing an order of the Weekly he was in "practice," almost exclusively surgical, Board, by which it is ordered ’that Mr. Shaw and Mr. de predecessor, before the act of 1815. True, but it was his invariable custom be informed under that the Mr. Morgan patients recently ’ to repudiate educated and legitimate practitioners as surely as Tuson, are now under their care.’ He "doctored" alike horses and "I am advised that this is an order that the Weekly Board they repudiated him. has no power to make. I shall, therefore, attend as usual, for "humans,"but preferred the horses. His " surgery" was a the purpose of fulfilling my duty to my patients. I have perfect scene, repulsive, disgusting. Undoubtedly, having no to lose, he was a bold operator, though I never thought it right to inform you of my intention, because I reputation ever took knife in hand, except to thrust it into knew that he consider that in obeying the Weekly Board, you will be a diseased knee-joint. Perhaps a salutary knowledge of things me in the exercise of office of of the my surgeon obstructing called "arteries" caused him to prefer the use of what is liable to such and will render as hospital, yourself proceedings known here as "keening." I have seen many such instances I may be advised to institute to maintain my right. where fungous growths of true hæmatoid character by the I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, repeated application of his vile caustics have been stimulated E. W. TusoN. to increased luxuriance, and others where tumours of a nonTo A. Shaw, Esq., and Campbell de Morgan, Esq." character have for years been subjected to this on Mr. Tuson attended at the hospital Wednesday, August malignant I never but once was and unscientific treatment. painful 25th, and was informed by all the nurses, in the presence of present at his consultations. The case was this, and I mention four witnesses, that they were not to attend to his directions, it to show what was the amount of surgical knowledge of a and that his patients had been placed under Mr. Shaw. Mr. who amassed two hundred thousand pounds of the money man Shedden stated that he had given the instructions to the nurses, of the people, and to show that if they have not sense the Goverreby order of the board. A boy, the son of wealthy ment are bound to teach them. parents, under my care with a malignant mass weighing at A Deputation from the Society of Apothecaries of London least two pounds, and that had obliterated both orbits, had an interview on Monday with the General Board of Health, was taken to him at the request of an old aunt, I consenting at their offices, Whitehall. The deputation consisted of the to accompany him, as a last resource, and to observe what he Deputy-Master, Mr Edward Bean; the Wardens, Mr. N. B. would say. His remark was characteristic—"Nauw, what Ward and Mr. R. C. Griffith; Mr. J. Bacot, and Mr. R. B. fool has ta bin to wi’ this. T’ best thing yo can du is ta tak him home, and let him dee, for, you see, if I were to do anyUpton, Clerk to the Society.