- Email: [email protected]
TREATMENT OF HYDROPHOBIA.
the early education, and subsequent moral and medical career of the party, together with proof of havingundergone, previously, efficient examinations, in conjunction with bonâ fide guarantees of his fitness and qualifications from men of high moral and professional standing ; and even in this case a still further test is required by the Council, who will not determine the fitness of the party without instituting strict inquiry into the nature of the testimonials presented by the candidate, in order to prevent the possibility of admission to the licentiateship of persons unworthy of the honour. I am sorry to have to trouble you with this communication; but the question of right to assume the title of "doctor" appears to me of great importance and interest to the profession, and which should at once be set at rest as touching the honour and dignity of the profession at large. I, therefore, trust these few remarks will not be unacceptable to the readers of THE LANCET from an old practitioner, who has been a constant reader of your valuable journal from the first number to the I am, Sir, your obedient servant, last. MEDICUS. June, 1859.
necessaries of life-ay, and most expensive necessaries too. Contrast this -with the assistant-surgeon in the line on 10s. a day, who has no medical fund to pay; who receives his quarters, coals, and candles, free of charge, hcis no horse to keep, and gets his servant for 10s. monthly; who, when marching, travels at the public expense, and receives 5e’. daily extra pay. Add to all this that the line assistant-surgeon is promoted in seven years ; lives at home, or generally, at least, in an average climate; and if he is sent to India after his promotion, he occupies a position-charge of a European regiment-which the Indian surgeon can rarely obtain, and never sooner than after sixteen or twenty years’ service. Of course, however, I believe the medical officer in the line deserves all he gets, and my only motive in the comparison is to show that, notwithstanding the Warrant for India, the position of the Indian medical officer is still inferior to that of his brother of the line. This letter has unavoidably been of great length, but if it will enlighten the professson as to the true state of the Indian service, my object will be attained. I am, Sir, &c., AN INDIAB MEDICAL OFFICER. May, 1859.
FRESH PROSECUTION OF
QUACKERY.
TREATMENT OF HYDROPHOBIA. POLICE COURT, LAMBETH. JonN NiCHOL WATTERS, alias " Dr." Watters, and Claude Edwards, his assistant, were, on the 10th inst., again brought up and placed at the bar, before Mr. Elliott, for further examination on various charges of gross fraud. Mr. LFwis, jun., who attended for the prosecution, stated that the charges against the prisoners were for conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretences. It would be in the recollection of the magistrate and of the public, that there had been a place in Spring-gardens, called the " British and Foreign Ear Iufirmary."This was conducted under the name of " Dr." Watters, the elder of the prisoners, by some notorious persons named Bennett, who had absconded thence consequent on some proceedings against them promoted by the London Medical Registration Association, whose officers (Dr. Ladd and the Assistant-Secretary) were present to watch the case. Subsequently, Watters and Edwards had carried un their practices at 28, Mourt-gardens, Lambeth. Watters had successively practised under the names of Bennett, Skinner, Watters, Walters, Locock, &c., and under that of Eaney, in St. John’sstreet-road, which he left after a fire had taken place there. Mr. Lewis first called Mr. Tnos. BENJAMIN JONES, of No. 75, Mount-street, Grosvenor-square, who gave evidence against the prisoners on the former examination, and which was published in THE LANCET of last week (p. 595.) His previous evidence having been read over to him, he, in a further examination, said that the circular which led him in the first instance to go to Mount-gardens, was addressed to Mr. Wilcox, and he in consequence gave that
To the Editor of THE LANCET. THE LANCET of the l lth of August, 1855,recorded SIR,-In a case of hydrophobia, wherein I entered into some argument also on the advantages of amputation, and the probabilities of its success. In this case, I found the administration of large quantities of ice of immense comfort and benefit to my patient, and unattended with any of those painful feelings which are associated in the patient’s mind with the presence of fluids. I allude to the subject, as I do not observe that ice was used in the case of hydrophobia related in THE LANCET of the 28th of May, of the present year. I am, Sir, yours, &c., C. B. GARRETT, M.D. Hastings, June, 1859.
THE TITLE OF "DOCTOR." To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,-May beg the favour of your inserting the following few remarks respecting the right of using the title of " doctor" in the case of a physician who is not a graduate of any UniI
versity ?
Much has been said in reference to the appropriation and propriety of physicians using this title without a graduation authority; but I am not aware of any other term by which such a party can be distinguished. Custom and courtesy
for
number of years havepermitted and sanctioned its and the title continues to be used by a great and influential body of our most able physicians, who have not felt, or at least do not feel, it necessary to unite with it the Univername. Mr. LEWIS.—You have stated in your evidence that you reo sity degree. In corroboration of this fact, a numerous body of fellows and licentiates may be seen in the London Street List ceived some papers written by the prisoner Edwards, and which of the present "Directory," (exclusive of those who reside in I suppose he would call directions with the medicine or stuff he the provinces), where they are simply designated as physicians, gave you. Now, I wish you to look at these papers, and tell without possessing any degree whatever, amongst whom may the Court whether they are the papers so received. be recognised the President of the Royal College of Physicians Witness. -They are, Sir. of London, and many others of high and acknowledged standMr. LEWIS.-The first I find runs thus: ‘’ Ten drops on a ing in the profession. It must, therefore, be conceded as a piece of flannel, to be placed behind the ear, every other night. right in every sense of honour, exampled from such high autho- - Mr. Wilcox;" and the second is, "A dessertspoonful to be rity, that the title may be used by all parties becoming fellows mixed with half a pint of warm water, and the ear to be or licentiates in a perfectly legitimate manner, without dissyringed every night, for five minutes to each ear." (Laughter.) turbing, in a justifiable point of view, the honour or dignity of Have you acted up to these directions ? the profession by the parties adopting it. In fine, both the Witness.-At first I did. Mr. LEWIS. -Did you find any benefit from this ear-dropping Colleges of London and Edinburgh agree that the fellows and licentiates enjoy the same privileges, with the exception that and syringing ? the latter are not permitted to legislate in the Council. The Witness.-Not the least. (Loud laughter.) Mr. LEWIS.-I should think not, indeed. Now, your worship admission, therefore, of persons well qualified at once places the recipients on an equally honourable footing in common will find, on comparing the two documents whichI have read, with all other fellows and licentiates of either College, and that they are in the same handwriting as a letter which has consequently can use the title of "doctor" in as legitimate a been received by the witness in the box, and which I beg to sense as that assumed in courtesy by the foregoing examples ofread. It runs thus:" 2S, Mount-gardens, May 10th, 1859. highly distinguished physicians. " If you answer and return the enclosed questions there will Referring to the late regulations of the Edinburgh College, it has been unjustly remarked that the College has opened itsi be no necessity of your visiting me. I will at once place you portals for the intrinsic sale of diplomas, obtained in absentia, under treatment that will be suited to your case. "am, Sir, your obedient, thereby enabling an inferior grade of practitioners to possess he licentiateship without due qualifications ! Certainly this is ’’ JOHN N. WATTERS, M. R. C. S. England." This letter, as well as the direction, was written by the ot the case. The Edinburgh College will not permit any peron to possess such a document, or even to become a candidate, younger prisoner Edwards, as acknowledged by him to Inspector without observing every precautionary mode of ascertainins; Young, and he should call that officer to prove the fact. a
adoption,
.
.
,
622
necessaries of life-ay, and most expensive necessaries too. Contrast this -with the assistant-surgeon in the line on 10s. a day, who has no medical fund to pay; who receives his quarters, coals, and candles, free of charge, hcis no horse to keep, and gets his servant for 10s. monthly; who, when marching, travels at the public expense, and receives 5e’. daily extra pay. Add to all this that the line assistant-surgeon is promoted in seven years ; lives at home, or generally, at least, in an average climate; and if he is sent to India after his promotion, he occupies a position-charge of a European regiment-which the Indian surgeon can rarely obtain, and never sooner than after sixteen or twenty years’ service. Of course, however, I believe the medical officer in the line deserves all he gets, and my only motive in the comparison is to show that, notwithstanding the Warrant for India, the position of the Indian medical officer is still inferior to that of his brother of the line. This letter has unavoidably been of great length, but if it will enlighten the professson as to the true state of the Indian service, my object will be attained. I am, Sir, &c., AN INDIAB MEDICAL OFFICER. May, 1859.
FRESH PROSECUTION OF
QUACKERY.
TREATMENT OF HYDROPHOBIA. POLICE COURT, LAMBETH. JonN NiCHOL WATTERS, alias " Dr." Watters, and Claude Edwards, his assistant, were, on the 10th inst., again brought up and placed at the bar, before Mr. Elliott, for further examination on various charges of gross fraud. Mr. LFwis, jun., who attended for the prosecution, stated that the charges against the prisoners were for conspiracy, and obtaining money under false pretences. It would be in the recollection of the magistrate and of the public, that there had been a place in Spring-gardens, called the " British and Foreign Ear Iufirmary."This was conducted under the name of " Dr." Watters, the elder of the prisoners, by some notorious persons named Bennett, who had absconded thence consequent on some proceedings against them promoted by the London Medical Registration Association, whose officers (Dr. Ladd and the Assistant-Secretary) were present to watch the case. Subsequently, Watters and Edwards had carried un their practices at 28, Mourt-gardens, Lambeth. Watters had successively practised under the names of Bennett, Skinner, Watters, Walters, Locock, &c., and under that of Eaney, in St. John’sstreet-road, which he left after a fire had taken place there. Mr. Lewis first called Mr. Tnos. BENJAMIN JONES, of No. 75, Mount-street, Grosvenor-square, who gave evidence against the prisoners on the former examination, and which was published in THE LANCET of last week (p. 595.) His previous evidence having been read over to him, he, in a further examination, said that the circular which led him in the first instance to go to Mount-gardens, was addressed to Mr. Wilcox, and he in consequence gave that
To the Editor of THE LANCET. THE LANCET of the l lth of August, 1855,recorded SIR,-In a case of hydrophobia, wherein I entered into some argument also on the advantages of amputation, and the probabilities of its success. In this case, I found the administration of large quantities of ice of immense comfort and benefit to my patient, and unattended with any of those painful feelings which are associated in the patient’s mind with the presence of fluids. I allude to the subject, as I do not observe that ice was used in the case of hydrophobia related in THE LANCET of the 28th of May, of the present year. I am, Sir, yours, &c., C. B. GARRETT, M.D. Hastings, June, 1859.
THE TITLE OF "DOCTOR." To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR,-May beg the favour of your inserting the following few remarks respecting the right of using the title of " doctor" in the case of a physician who is not a graduate of any UniI
versity ?
Much has been said in reference to the appropriation and propriety of physicians using this title without a graduation authority; but I am not aware of any other term by which such a party can be distinguished. Custom and courtesy
for
number of years havepermitted and sanctioned its and the title continues to be used by a great and influential body of our most able physicians, who have not felt, or at least do not feel, it necessary to unite with it the Univername. Mr. LEWIS.—You have stated in your evidence that you reo sity degree. In corroboration of this fact, a numerous body of fellows and licentiates may be seen in the London Street List ceived some papers written by the prisoner Edwards, and which of the present "Directory," (exclusive of those who reside in I suppose he would call directions with the medicine or stuff he the provinces), where they are simply designated as physicians, gave you. Now, I wish you to look at these papers, and tell without possessing any degree whatever, amongst whom may the Court whether they are the papers so received. be recognised the President of the Royal College of Physicians Witness. -They are, Sir. of London, and many others of high and acknowledged standMr. LEWIS.-The first I find runs thus: ‘’ Ten drops on a ing in the profession. It must, therefore, be conceded as a piece of flannel, to be placed behind the ear, every other night. right in every sense of honour, exampled from such high autho- - Mr. Wilcox;" and the second is, "A dessertspoonful to be rity, that the title may be used by all parties becoming fellows mixed with half a pint of warm water, and the ear to be or licentiates in a perfectly legitimate manner, without dissyringed every night, for five minutes to each ear." (Laughter.) turbing, in a justifiable point of view, the honour or dignity of Have you acted up to these directions ? the profession by the parties adopting it. In fine, both the Witness.-At first I did. Mr. LEWIS. -Did you find any benefit from this ear-dropping Colleges of London and Edinburgh agree that the fellows and licentiates enjoy the same privileges, with the exception that and syringing ? the latter are not permitted to legislate in the Council. The Witness.-Not the least. (Loud laughter.) Mr. LEWIS.-I should think not, indeed. Now, your worship admission, therefore, of persons well qualified at once places the recipients on an equally honourable footing in common will find, on comparing the two documents whichI have read, with all other fellows and licentiates of either College, and that they are in the same handwriting as a letter which has consequently can use the title of "doctor" in as legitimate a been received by the witness in the box, and which I beg to sense as that assumed in courtesy by the foregoing examples ofread. It runs thus:" 2S, Mount-gardens, May 10th, 1859. highly distinguished physicians. " If you answer and return the enclosed questions there will Referring to the late regulations of the Edinburgh College, it has been unjustly remarked that the College has opened itsi be no necessity of your visiting me. I will at once place you portals for the intrinsic sale of diplomas, obtained in absentia, under treatment that will be suited to your case. "am, Sir, your obedient, thereby enabling an inferior grade of practitioners to possess he licentiateship without due qualifications ! Certainly this is ’’ JOHN N. WATTERS, M. R. C. S. England." This letter, as well as the direction, was written by the ot the case. The Edinburgh College will not permit any peron to possess such a document, or even to become a candidate, younger prisoner Edwards, as acknowledged by him to Inspector without observing every precautionary mode of ascertainins; Young, and he should call that officer to prove the fact. a
adoption,
.
.
,
622