HOMOEOPATHY AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 888, 18 October 1854, Page 3

HOMOEOPATHY AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

To the Editor of the Nuw Zealander. Sir, —Too much praise cannot be given to Dr, Philson for the publicity he has given to the circumstances narrated in an advertisement in your last paper headed “ Homoeopathy.” It does strike a new-comer into the Colony as a most flagrant defect in its social system that the veriest drone, provided with the requisite amount of assurance, is allowed to assume and practice the vitally important duties discharged by gentlemen qualified to act as Surgeons, Apothecaries, and general practitioners—in fact, to do the business of Doctors,” without any guarantee of his fitness or capacity for the duties even of a “ Cowleech.” The circumstances referred to amply testify that it is high time some measures were adopted to protect the public from the experiments and quackeries of any ignoramus starting up, whether sailing under the cusNufiary title, or distinguishing himself by some modern style with a mysterious ct coctera or so. Now, Sir, I would place the Medical profession upon the same footing as the Legal. Before a Solicitor from England is allowed to practice, he is hound to present himself to the Judge, and then and there identify himself with his credentials, his certificates of admission in the Courts at Westminster, pay fees, and sign the roll: when he has done this, and not till then, under a heavy penalty, is he allowed to exercise his profession. Surely, Sir, some measure analogous to this must be introduced here with regard to the medical profession, it is desirable, equally for the benefit of the public, and in common fairness to the properly qualified practitioner. I will only add, that of such importance is this matter thought in England, that a Bill was introduced in this Session of Parliament for the registration of persons of the medical profession. I am. Sir, Your very r obedient servant, James Dry. October 12, 1854.