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other and to extraneous sources. I do notmean to fly from one extreme to another, andto say that the system is perfect. I am con-vinced that much is to be discovered andmuch will be discovered, but in a moment iflike this, which, to me, is not without its I

solemnity, I should consider the suppressionof any change of opinion on a subject likethis a sacrifice to self, and consequently un-worthy.

(Signed) " W. D. CootcsoN."" W. D. COOKSON."

MEDICAL REFORM.

AN open meeting of the COMMITTEE OFTHE MEDICAL PROFESSION, most numerouslyand respectably attended, was held at theCROWN AND ANCHOR TAVERN, Strand, onWednesday evening, the 21st instant. Dr.

Wilson, of Charter-house-square, was unani-mously voted into the chair.*

Mr. SIMPSON, the Secretary, read theminutes of the last meeting, and after theyhad been confirmed, stated that the presentassembly would take into consideration anaddress to the profession, which would nowbe laid before them. The committee wouldbe happy to hear any suggestions, eitherwith reference to the address itself, or bearingon any other points which could tend to

carry out the objects of the meeting.The CHAIRMAN then read the address,

which had been prepared by Dr. JORDANLYNCH. It elicited great applause. A copyof the address, revised by the committee,will be found in another page.Mr. GREVILLE JONES suggested that the

address contained no reference to the Apothe-caries’ Act, nor to the medical practising ofchemists and druggists. It had been saidthat the general practitioners attended nine-tenths of the community, but he was fully i

persuaded that the druggists attended nine-tenths of the patients in this metropolis.(Hear, hear.) To his certain knowledgeone-half of the barristers in the Temple pre.ferred uueducated, unqualified men. Abouttwo years ago, when passing through theueighbourhood of Covent Gardeu, he saw aman who, in consequence of an accident, hadsustained a compound fracture of the leg.He was taken to a chemist’s shop; two ofthe assistants came out in great alarm, andexclaimed, "BV are not surgeons ;" to

* Before the chair had been taken, a personof the name of Ilealey, rushed into the room,vociferating, in a state of great excitement,Are there any reporters here ? Are thereany reporters here ?" The result of thisridiculous intrusion i- stated in a paragraphquoted from the times lJp.BVspaper. It willbe found at p. 77:}, under the head " Newsof the Week." It appears that the sillyfellow had been made to quit a room which hehad supposed belonged to a sub-committee.

which a gentleman in the crowd replied,11 Then why do you keep coloured bottles inthe window?" (Cheers.) The public werenot aware that chemists and druggists werenot su well qualified to practise medicine asmedical men. The Apothecaries’ Act wasincapable of sufficiently protecting the pro-fession against quackery, and it was, there-fore, highly necessary that some measuresshould be adopted to put down that system.

Dr. PATTERSON thought that the subjectadverted to by Mr. Jones was sufficientlyreferred to in the address ; but there cer-tainly ought to be some measures instantlyadopted to prevent quackery. The librarianof George III. was a celebrated accoucheur,but the charter now granted to the College ofSurgeons would have excluded him from itsprivileges ; he referred to the late Dr. Gooch,a man whose name would be handed downin the profession as long as science was

respected. (Hear, hear.) They had a proofhow little members of Parliament knew ofmedical science in the fact that Sir FrancisBurdett had given evidence in the case ofMiss (Jashin, who was murdered by a quack,under whose care the worthy baronet hadplaced himself.

Dr. LY1BCH stated that he had drawn upthe address on very short notice, and withoutthat assistance which he had expected toreceive. He trusted, however, that gentle-men who had received copies of the addresswould have favoured the committee bytransmitting, in writing, their suggestions,in order that, so far as practicable, theymight be adopted. Dr. Lynch then moveda resolution to the effect that the addressshould be received, subject to amendments,and that when completed it should be laidbefore a public meeting.

Mr. Joves felt persuaded that the medicalprofession would not accomplish the objectthey had in view until they had identifiedwith them the public at large. The public

ought to have a guarantee that the highesteducation should be given to medical men,

and be assured that nothing but talent andindustry should raise them to the highest

place. He knew that many persons wereafraid of the existing corporations, but hesaw no reason for their fears. It had beenf said by Lord John Russell that it would beL impossible to carry a bill embodying a’ thorough and efiicient medical reform ; but,

notwithstanding that declaration, he urgedthe profession to persevere. Let them take

one branch of the profession at a time, andfirst direct their attention to the College of

; Surgeons, and point out the necessity of its; being formed into a representative body.(Cheers.)] the room in which the meeting was con-j vened was now felt to be so crowded thatall adjournment took place to one of largerdimensions, where the business of the even-

ing was resumed.]

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The CHAIRMAN stated that the object all misapprehension with regard to theof the committee was to obtain an aggregate meeting. They had been received with

meeting of the profession, before which they great courtesy; the points had been dis-could place an address. The committee, he cussed with temper and judgment, and hehoped, would issue a declaration worthy of was happy to say that Mr. WAKLEY wouldthe profession, be glad to co-operate with them in carrying

Mr. ANCELL thought that the address was out the simple and moderate measures

drawn up too strongly, but he admitted that which they proposed. (Cheers.) The bestit displayed great talent and possessed many evidence of that gentleman’s sincerity wasexcellent points. He should move an the fact that he had favoured them with hisamendment to the resolution that it was more presence that evening. (Loud cheers.)expedient that an address should issue from Let no man suppose there had been any-an aggregate meeting than from any com- thing in the shape of compromise ; on themittee whatever, contrary, they agreed in common on the

Dr. PATTERSON stated that he was quite principles which were to be advocated, andsure the committee would be disposed to those principles he had no doubt Mr.adopt that plan. WAKLEY would lay before them. TheyDr. LYNCH said, that as one of those who were so clear, simple, and salutary, that he

had taken a leading part in calling the meet- doubted not the voice of the professioning a short time ago at that Tavern, he as- would be unanimously raised in theirsured them that he was predisposed and favour. In several prescriptions for medicaldetermined to sacrifice any prepossessions reform there had been so many heteroge-he might entertain, to ensure that unanimity nous and discordant ingredients that thewhich ought to exist, and without which all profession could not accept them. (Cheers.)their exertions must be unsuccessful. The Mr. DERMOTT now rose, but there was acommittee boldly took the initiative-(hear, loud and general call for Mr. Wakley, andhear)-and gave embodyment to the wrongs Mr. Dermott resumed his seat.under which the profession were smarting. Mr. WAKLEY said a great many schemesThey put their hands into their pockets, have been devised for removing our dis-called a public meeting, irrespective of hos- abilities, for gaining an increase in the num-tility or misrepresentation, and stepped for- ber of our rights, and obtaining protectionward boldly with disinterestedness. (Cheers,) against quacks and other unqualified per-The proceedings of that committee were sons ; but that we had been so long acting insanctioned and ratified by the public meet- divided parties, without any common bond ofing. He could assure the present assembly union to which we could refer, that we hadthat the committee would be most happy to resembled the " loose sticks," ununitedresign their trust to a future aggregate and unbound, and consequently we had

meeting. In justice, however, to themselves, never exhibited our actual strength. (Hear,it was necessary to say, that even their op- hear.) When this movement was first madeponents had acknowledged that they had by the honourable gentlemen seated arounddisplayed great activity. (Hear, hear.) me, I thought there had been too much hasteHad there been exclusiveness? Had there in calling a public meeting, but I believebeen favouritism ? No such thing. The their intentions to be as pure, and theircommittee had invited all to attend the views as comprehensive, as can actuate themeeting, and whoever got up there was minds of any public men, and consequentlyheard without a murmur. (Cheers.) If an I will unite with them, hand and heart, foraggregate meeting, however, were called, it promoting the success of our common

would be necessary to have a head. He cause. (Cheers.) We have hitherto beenhad seen a duck running about a kitchen acting in small parties, each clinging withafter its head was cut off-(laughter)-but pertinacity to its own views, and conse-

he had never seen any good emanate from a quently we have achieved little or nothingbody without a head. (Renewed laughter.) in comparison with what might be obtained.It had been said that the address was too Now, what is it that you intend to do ?strong, and that they ought to have used You propose to submit the address whichmore delicate phraseology. He had hoped has been read to an aggregate meeting ofthat the assistance of Mr. Ancell and the profession, and nothing can be moreothers would have been obtained in drawing just and wise than such a proposal. (Hear.)up the address, but circumstances having You intend to make a report to that meet-prevented that gentleman from rendering ing, and then consider that your functionshis aid at the time when it was required, he as a committee are at an end. (Hear, hear.)should still be happy to receive his sugges- But is the profession at that time to abandontions. The committee had but one feeling, its own cause ? Is it to relinquish the dutythat of desiring to obtain the aid and co-ope- which it owes to itself of obtaining for theration of every gentleman interested in this competent and qualified practitioner thatsubject. In proof of this he would state that station which he should hold in society, anda few nights ago a deputation had called those rights which he is fully capable ofupon Mr. WAKLEY, with a view of removing exercising ? After meditating on the sub.No. 1070. 3 E

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ject, the simple plan that I would recom. of paupers under the operation of the newmend for your adoption, and which is very poor-law. The general assembly might ap-much in harmony with your own views, is point a committee to obtain information fromthe following -Present your address to the all parts of the empire, examine witnesses,aggregate meeting, and submit that it ought and then present the evidence and report toto be laid before the medical profession, the Lord ASHLEY, and thus enable him to formpublic, and the Parliament. In order to bear a correct judgment on the facts which heupon the latter body we must act as the en- has to investigate. This would be of im.tire profession-cousisting of physicians, mense advantage to the profession, and of asurgeons, general practitioners, and apothe- still greater advantage to the afflicted poor.caries, and not in small divisions or sectional (Cheers.) We have no system of medicalparties. I would respectfully advise you to police, we have no college to take cogni-throw open the door to all practitioners on sance of any improper conduct on the partequal terms, and select your chairmen as of its members. A man may be a quack, oryour meetings may be held. There should the vilest impostor in medicine, and hisbe a paid secretary, and every qualified name be still retained on the lists of thepractitioner having a diploma from any col- coDege, to the disgrace and the annoyance oflege or a licence from Apothecaries’ Hall the profession. It is true, the ASSEMBLYshould be entitled to demand enrolment as could not deprive him of his collegiateone of your number. Ought the entrance rights, but it could hold him up to publicfee to be large? I think it ought not to be disgrace and odium. (Cheers.) Again, if amore than will pay for the expense of en- practitioner were to be guilty of dishonour-rolment, and that a charge of one shilling able conduct, the Assembly could move andwill be adequate for that purpose. (Loud act with the greatest efficiency. These arecheers.) I am convinced that there are a the views I entertain, and respectfullygreat many wealthy men who will be glad submit for your consideration. I would,to subscribe liberally, in order to carry on therefore, say that the present committeethe cause to a successful issue. (Hear, should not dissolve except into a gene-hear.) Should medical students be ex- ral assembly. If you can induce the profes-cluded ? In my opinion certainly not. sion thus to display its strength as a body,(Cheers.) Every " registered student" the greatest benefits must result from yourshould have a " free ticket" of admission. labours. But I am bound to say thatNo fee should be required from him. (Loud efforts made by small detached portions ofapplause.) We are only sowing the seeds, the profession will be utterly fruitless.the fruits of which the younger portion of Comparatively speaking scientific medicinethe profession may live to enjoy. (Hear, has no friends in the Legislature. I have

hear.) The members, when enrolled, occasionally expressed to members of Par-might call themselves a Medical Protec- liament my wish to put a stop to the sale oftion Assembly, or some such name. (Cheers.) quack nostrums, and the remark has been,I would not rouse up political prejudices. "What! put a stop to such a medicine;They who, generally speaking, are staunch why, it kept my grandmother alive for tenConservatives in politics are thorough re- years." One gentleman said that his ladyformers with regard to medicine. The as- would have expired twelve years ago had itsembly being constituted on the broad not been for ., pills" which (said Mr. W.) Iliberal basis of including all the practi- will not advertise. (Laughter and cheers.)tioners of the empire, and excluding none It may be asked why have I of late beenwho have a right to practise,-no objection silent on the subject of medical reform andwith regard to narrowness of views or prin- the new charters? For many years I madeciple can be raised. (Cheers.) The general every effort in my power to rouse the profes’assembly may make its discussions and re- sion to a sense of its wrongs, and thatsolutions bear not only upon the executive having failed I thought that I would nowGovernment of the day, but also upon the try the 11 silent system." The effect has, Itwo houses of Parliament, the medical col- am told, contributed to call forth the effortsleges, hospitals, and all other medical insti- of a number of gentlemen who were dis-tutions. The assembly could separate it- satisfied with that system, and I feel gratefulself into sections for the purpose of acting to them for the exertions they have made.with efficiency relative to any particular (Hear, hear.) We have for a series of yearscolleges of which the sections might be demanded medical reform, but the profes-members. The reports of such bodies being sion, as a whole, has never agreed upon thepresented to the GENERAL ASSEMBLY would remedy. The members of the professionbe considered, and rejected or adopted as having neglected to prescribe for themselves,they might be condemned or sanctioned. the Government is preparing a prescription,Committees, also, could be appointed, not and if the dose we have to swallow shouldpermanently, but for special purposes. For prove to be a bitter one the fault will be ourexample, Lord ASHLEY proposes that there own. As an individual member of yourshould be a parliamentary committee ap- body I will most cordially and cheerfully actpointed to inquire into the medical treatment with you in the present struggle. (Cheers.)

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Mr. DERMOTT agreed with Mr. Wakley Ias to the propriety of the present committee Ibeing merged in an aggregate meeting, andas to the necessity of union amongst medicalreformers, but there was one point on whichhe differed from him. Mr. Wakley had onother occasions contended for the establish-ment of one faculty, a perfectly impracticablemeasure. (Cries of 11 order.")Mr. WAKLEY rose to explain. Mr.

Dermottwa3 unintentionally misrepresentinghim. He had not at any time advocated thedestruction of the existing corporations,but had contended for the establishment of

another, in which the public examinationswould be so superior and practical thatthose now existing would fall into disreputefrom the operation of an honourable rival"y.(Cheers.)Mr. COOPER was strongly in favour of the

proposed plan. As it designed the admis-sion of all the members of the profession ata merely nominal fee, it would try the sin-

cerity of men who complained of the presentstate of medical law and the practices ofquacks and quackery. It was the duty ofthe committee to take immediate steps tosecure an aggregate meeting of the profes-sion. (Cheers.)Mr. DERMOTT inquired whether Mr.

Wakley would support any measure in theHouse of Commons which would introducethe representative principle into the existinginstitutions.

Mr. WAKLEY. Most undoubtedly. (Cheers.)Mr. ANCELL withdrew his amendment.

(Applause.)The resolution was carried unanimously,

and the hearty thanks of the gentlemen pre-sent having been voted to the chairman, themeeting was dissolved.

MEDICAL REFORM.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.SIR,-In the spirit-stirring 11 leader" of

your number for the 10th of this month, youstate, very truly, 11 the profession, althougharmed with the most righteous cause thatperhaps ever nerved a great body of scientficmen, produces no feeling ( ? ) of fear or ap-prehension in the minds of its enemies;" thecause of which you state to be our want ofunanimity ; that the profession is not trueto itself, but, on the contrary, is disunitedby petty jealousies." So far good ; let usadd, however, because also of our being un-represented and uninfluential in high quar-ters, where, in truth, the natural enemies ofreform, or rather of improvement, of everydescription, reign uncontrolled. You remindus that the contest is, of course, and only, totake place in the two houses of Parliament ;that Government, with its host of supporters,may be said to be hostile ; that the opposi-tion party cannot be said to be friendly toour cause; and that all who are not with us

are against us ; in fine, you remind us thatthere is no medical party in either house. Ina cause so just and noble that to be espousedit needs but to be known, many in surprisemay ask, 11 Wherein does the immensity ofthe task consist?" Where, but in dispellingignorance, on the part of the members of bothHouses of Parliament? Shall it be said thatthe advocates of such a cause shall plead invain before a British Legislature, every mem-ber of which has been put in full possessionof all the leading features, if not the details,of present abuses, and proposed amendments?Are we to believe of our representatives,selected and hereditary, that, with theirminds enlightened, and their sympathies in-voked by us, they are likely to be the dupesof selfish and designing men, who, to preventthe loudly called for remodelling of theirantiquated and (now) baneful institutions,-a remodelling suited to, and imperativelydemanded by, the exigencies of the presentage,łmanoeuvre to gain time, and exhaust,temporarily, the energies of their more honestopponents, by imploring them to desist, andaffecting so hypocritically at the same time,a readiness to remodel themselves ? Ouruplifted voices, Sir,-and with due deferenceto your opinion be it said,-have, at last, rungso loudly in the ears of our corporation-mongers, as to screw from them an unwillingbut unequivocal admission that ABUSES DOEXIST in our corporations, and that THESEABUSES MUST AND SHALL BE CORRECTED with-but delay; and does it not seem reasonableto expect that thoroughly informing our par-liamentary representatives, and the intelligentportion,if the community at large, on the sub-ject of medical reform, is all that we require,as it is all that we have to look to? Why isit that discussions on medical reform, as onon pathology, or therapeutics, and unlikeecclesiastical or other reforms, should belimited to the profession more immediatelyconcerned? Why not admit intelligent lay

members into our various associations,since medical men cannot ultimately haveto decide the question, and have avowedly so

small weight with those who have ? Or,what objection could be urged against ourborrowing a hint from other divisions of the

movement party," by appropriating a portionof the funds of our several associations to thepublication of our grievances, and their pro-posed corrections, on the 14 tractat-ian prin-

ciple?" The adoption of one or the other, orof both, of these plans, would seem to holdout a well-grounded hope, even yet, of ourF defeating, most signally, our unworthy and

ruthless oponents. In the sincere wish thatI the above hints may prove useful, be it onlyby eliciting some other, and perhaps better; plan for improving 11 the materials with

, which, and upon which, the profession hasto work." I remain, Sir, yours respectfully,I A MEMBER OF A MEDICAL REFORM COUNCIL.

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