MR DUNN, M.D.

Evening Star, Issue 3148, 22 March 1873, Page 2

MR DUNN, M.D.

To the Editor. Sir, — In my lecture, on Tuesday, I remarked that Sir Dunn, in a recent letter, had stated he did not possess the degree usually indicated by the letters M.D., which is Doctor of Medicine, a degree only legally conferred by chartered Universities. On referring to the letter, that is my impression still. Here is the extract from it, which was published in the Tims of the 11th February “Asto my title, so far as lam concerned, I have assumed none. But to please your inquiring correspondent, I will say that I have the right to the title of M.D., and flatter myself that I am competent to support it. I hold a diploma of Physician and Surgeon from the (incinnati Eclectic Medical College; but, not wishing to be burdened with carrying a large sheet of parchment, neither did 1 desire to spoil it by folding or rolling, so did not bring it with me, and learning that, in the Colonies, you had a law prohibiting using the title Doctor, without being registered by the Medical Board, so have not used the title.” Now, passing the grammar of this effusion (which, is worthy of his other pretensions), I assert that a diploma of physician and sui • geon (supposing he possesses such a document, of which the public will form their own opinion), is not the diploma of Doctor of Medicine, neither does it legally authorise the holder to sign himself M.D. Such diplomas are issued by the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and by the United Colleges of Physicians and urgeons of Edinburgh, but their licentiates are not warranted to call themselves M.D. Mr Dunn intimated last night (according to the Times report) that un *er certain contingencies, which he indicated, “ he would stand before this community for ever and ever a liar,” Whether the terms are now fulfilled I leave the public to judge. As to his other claims, as represented by me, here are my authorities: —“I have seen Dr. E. C. Dunn and other mediums float in the »ir by spirit-power.” Extracted from a pamphlet, “ Spiritualism defined and defended,” by J. M. Peebles. . . . . “ Our reporter informs us that Mr Peebles distinctly stated that ho saw the hand of Dr Dunn in the flames of a kerosene lamp for five minutes, and Dr Dunn, who w-s on the platform did not contradict this extraordinary assertion ; in fact, nodded his acquiescence. Some of the newspaper reports were more emphatic than our own. Ed. D.T." Extracted from the Melbourne Daily Telegraph of 20th Nov. 1872. At the pyrotechnic performance given by Mr Duun last night, the audacious effrontery and perfect mastery of Billingsgate amply supported the character of which I gave him credit. As to the merits of Spiritualism, my lectures, which will be ready on Saturday, will enable the public to judge. I would recommend Mr Dunn to purchase a copy of them and a good dictionary, with the help of which he may, by a careful study of them during his contemp'ated voyage, become a wiser, if not a better man.—l am, &c., James Copland, M.D. & O.M. Dunedin, March 20.