The New York Code of Medical Ethics in some of its legal aspects.

Date:
[1882?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The New York Code of Medical Ethics in some of its legal aspects. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    £ 2- The New York Code of Medical Ethics in Some of its Legal Aspects. A revised Code of Medical Ethics was adopted by the Medical Society of the State of New York, in February, 1882, superseding the Code of 1848. The new Code includes the material provisions of the old one —presented, however, in more terse and succinct language ; but it also contains one rule which is unquestionably new, which its friends regard as a reform in the interests of humanity, and in conformity with the legislation of New York, in relation to medical practice ; but which its opponents, both in New York and in other States of the Union, have assailed as a “ disgraceful act,” “ in disregard of a custom approved and sanctified by the wisdom of ages,” and “ a complete surrender to homoeopathy.” The rule thus vehemently assailed, is as follows : “Rules Governing Consultations.” “ Members of the Medical Society of the State of New York, and of the Medical Societies in affiliation therewith, may meet in consultation legally qualified practitioners of medicine. Emer¬ gencies may occur in which all restrictions should, in the judgment of the practitioner, yield to the demands of humanity.” It will be seen that there are here, in fact, two rules—both per¬ missive and optional, and in no way peremptory ; the first allowing consultations in all cases with legally qualified practitioners ; the second allowing consultations in case of emergency without refer¬ ence to qualification.