the royal college of surgeons and homœopathy
TRANSCRIPT
BMJ
The Royal College of Surgeons and HomœopathyAuthor(s): Henry CooperSource: Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal (1844-1852), Vol. 16, No. 7 (Mar. 31, 1852), p.182Published by: BMJStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25493346 .
Accessed: 15/06/2014 10:34
Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp
.JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range ofcontent in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new formsof scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected].
.
BMJ is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Provincial Medical and SurgicalJournal (1844-1852).
http://www.jstor.org
This content downloaded from 188.72.126.181 on Sun, 15 Jun 2014 10:34:38 AMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
182 THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND HOMOEOPATHY.
supposing I had anything new to communicate; on the
contrary, I believe every well regulated asylum has its
plan based upon the same foundation. My reasons for
so doing were to afford some argument that the inquisi torial supervision now established by law was not
wanted. I will say nothing of the power it creates;
but it is opposed to medical experience, and imposes the supposition of trust-unworthiness. As to medfcal
experience, it is distinctly true that lunatic patients
ought not to be subject to frequent interviews; and,
again, am I to lay my knowledge at the feet of extra
investigators, and to crave information where I cannot
want it. If so, why not extend it to "every department of the profession, and let no case be conducted without
an overseer ?
In regard to the suspicion, I must share in com
mon the feelings of my associates in the practice of
this branch of disease that affects humanity ; but I
repel with indignation the reasons that have been stated
for the establishment of this system. Something may
go wrong somewhere, and no commission has ever yet
put every thing* to rights; but it is hard that well
regulated houses should be included in the same cate
gory. I know that in many instances the relatives and
friends of patients feel this. They do not admire the
frequent exposure. We all know with what jealousy
insanity is considered; and though we are only beginning to open our eyes to the fact, that though insanity, like
many diseases, is hereditary, yet, like other diseases, it
frequently arises from accidental causes; is cured, and never returns. The care of lunatics, especially of a
private class, is of a sacred trust, and should be kept so.
The regulations of the Commission impose a great deal of unnecessary trouble, especially the rules for the
management of the case-book, which would seem to be
best fitted for the recruiting office. I will be bound
to say its statistics for the next ten years will not
furnish facts from which any principle of sound know
ledge or of better treatment will be deduced. If we
are to be governed by the novelties of th% day,?if the
dicta of Commissioners are to be our polar guide, may we
not have homoeopathy and mesmerism to direct our steps? The more 1 reflect upon the wonderful combination
of mind and matter,?the more I reflect upon their
mutual action, the more I am astonished at the effects
of this mysterious disease; also the more certain I am the greater the quietude and the less of interference are the more rational modes of treating it. Let pro
perty be well considered?let all arrangements respect
ing the domicile, the comforts and the proper care of
the lunatic, be closely investigated; but do not let the
patients be subjected to multiplied interrogations, nor
the managers of their condition?anxious to perform their
Jvery responsible duties?suspected of other motives, and placed in a certainly somewhat degraded condition,
(for the approval or disapproval of inspectors into your own modes of medical treatment is assuredly somewhat
degrading) be (allowed,
nor overlooked by searching eyes, whose salary must depend upon their power of j fault finding.
I read these remarks to an intimate friend, who
approved them. As I was on the point of folding up my paper, he, said,?." Yet, nevertheless, I should like to be a Commissioner."
"Thou power supreme, wh?c mighty scheme, E'en human woes fulfil.
Here firm I rest, they must be best, Because they are Thy will."
The Almighty power that has allowed ills and dis
eases to appear among mankind has also permitted human means of alleviation. But the best gifts of
Providence are often spoiled by our want of common
sense in using them. Yours obediently,
E. B.
To the Editor of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal.
Sir,?I hope you will permit this very short letter to
appear in your next number.
I have just finished reading Mr. Perceval's letter to
you, and I again aver that his name was never mentioned
by me, nor intended to be so, until he forced himself
upon my notice. Mr. Perceval's knowledge of insanity
appears to be very slight, and his acquaintance only with cases of the most melancholy description. May I advise him to enlarge his map and to extend his
survey before he attempts establishing new institutions
and generalizations from a few instances. "
There
is a zeal beyond knowledge." The late Mr. Sidney Smith advised > that gentlemen taking up what ihey did
not understand, should be treated as you would treat a
child, whom you found playing with a valuable china
bowl !! Yours obedientlv,
E. B.
THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND HOMCEOPATHY.
To the Editor of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal.
Sir,?The Council of the College of Surgeons have
sent the following reply to the memorial of the medical
men of this town and neighbourhood, praying them to express some opinion on the doctrine and practice of homoeopathy:?
" College of Surgeons, " 9th March, 1852.
" Sir,?I am desired to acquaint you that your com
munication, enclosing copies of resolutions of a meeting of the medical profession of Hull and its neighbourhood, held in the Hull General Infirmary, on the 6th of
January last, on the subject of homoeopathy, has been laid before the Council of this College, and that the
Council, after mature deliberation, consider it inexpe^ dient to interfere in the matter.
"I have the honour to be, Sit, " Your obedient Servant.
" Edmund Balfour, Sec."
The Members of the College will hence perceive that
they must not look to'their nominal head for sympathy or assistance in the humiliating contest which they are
compelled to maintain with this impudent but successful
imposture. I remain, Sir, your obedient Servant,
| *
HENRY COOPER, M.D.
j Hull, March 16, 1852.
This content downloaded from 188.72.126.181 on Sun, 15 Jun 2014 10:34:38 AMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions