control the formation of medical schools and the manufacture of physicians, the same as commercial commodities in general.

That the people have no right to the services of physicians, except upon such terms and under such conditions as the latter may dictate, and that it is quite proper to set a trade value upon all professional acts and services.

That the existence of a small minority of physicians, who exhibited the qualities of professional gentlemen, warranted the claim that ours is a learned and honorable profession, worthy of all confidence and support, and that all other aspirants for such support are either fools or knaves.

That it is unscientific and improper for members of the medical profession, to accept the opportunities of reviewing the results of the management of disease by methods different from our own, and that such situations present no possibilities for either making useful observations or of giving useful advice.

That the natural history of disease, uninfluenced by treatment, is not a proper subject for professional observation.

The writer is aware that the above propositions can be supported by trade arguments, and that from trade premises should receive such

support, but is not aware of any conclusive arguments which have been brought to their support from professional premises, and therefore prefers to hold with the minority, who maintain :

That the foregoing make a burden too heavy for even the medical profession to carry.

That it is never wise to undertake to hold an untenable position.

That the best good of the medical profession of this State, or of any State, can only be gained by the maintenance of the reciprocal relations of trust and confidence between the profession and the government (the people).

That the medical law of this State becomes a part of the constitution of each incorporated medical society in the State, and that the bylaws of any society cannot be inconsistent with the constitution of the same.

That it is unlawful and inexpedient to characterize a class of physicians as fools or knaves, to whom the laws refer as entitled to all the rights and privileges of the practice of physic and surgery in this State.

That the power to elevate and dignify the medical profession can only come from the people, and that such authority is not likely to be bestowed upon a corps in actual insubordination.

That to recognize a person as a physician does not require either recognition or endorsement of his beliefs or opinions, but is simply to admit what the law says concerning him.

That the influences of trade upon the medical profession are in every way subversive and opposed to its true interests; and that such influences should not be fostered or encouraged, especially by our code of ethics.

APPENDIX.

A

CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

OF THE DUTIES OF PHYSICIANS TO THEIR PATIENTS, AND OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF PATIENTS TO THEIR PHYSICIANS.

ART. I.-Duties of physicians to their patients.

§ I. A PHYSICIAN should not only be ever ready to obey the calls of the sick, but his mind ought also to be imbued with the greatness of his mission, and the responsibility he habitually incurs in its discharge. Those obligations are the more deep and enduring, because there is no tribunal, other than his own conscience, to adjudge penalties for carelessness or neglect. Physicians should, therefore, minister to the sick with due impressions of the importance of their office; reflecting that the ease, the health, and the lives of those committed to their charge, depend on their skill, attention, and fidelity. They should study, also, in their deportment, so to unite tenderness with firmness, and condescension with authority, as to inspire the minds of their patients with gratitude, respect, and confidence.

§ 2. Every case committed to the charge of a physician should be treated with attention, steadiness, and humanity. Reasonable indulgence should be granted to the mental imbecility and caprices of the sick. Secrecy and delicacy, when required by peculiar circumstances, should be strictly observed; and the familiar and confidential intercourse to which physicians are admitted in their professional visits, should be used with discretion, and with the most scrupulous regard to fidelity and honor. The obligation of secrecy.extends beyond the period of professional services; none of the privacies of personal and domestic life, no infirmity of disposition or flaw of