Remarks on the ineffective state of the practice of physic in Great Britain; with proposals for its future regulation and improvement, and the resolutions of the members of the Benevolent Medical Society of Lincolnshire / [Edward Harrison].

Harrison, Edward, 1759-1838

Date:: 1806

Credit: Remarks on the ineffective state of the practice of physic in Great Britain; with proposals for its future regulation and improvement, and the resolutions of the members of the Benevolent Medical Society of Lincolnshire / [Edward Harrison]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

42/60 (page 32)

$to them, it is ascertained, that the regulars da not constitute one-ninth of the medical practi- tioners, in this extensive, and opulent count}^ Such a condition of things, calls, indeed, loudly for reform. The persons already engaged, in pursuit of this desirable object, are extremely .solicitous, to obtain an immediate, and general co-operation, anwng the Faculty of the united kingdom; that etfectual measures may be adopted, in the next session of Parliament, to prevent further abuses; which would be com- pletely effected, by imposing proper restraints upon quacks, and compelling all regular prac- titioners, not already admitted, to be suffi- ciently instructed, before they presume to in- terfere wdth the health, or lives, of their fello\v- <)reatures. Attempts have been made, at different times, to introduce a variety of alterations, into the practice of medicine, which have hitherto mis- carried, chiefly, perhaps, because they were undertaken, and conducted, by particular de- scriptions of the Faculty, without a proper concurrence, among the various, and distinct classes of the profession. It must be admitted, that all partial efforts, and exclusive combina- tions, are more calculated to excite suspicion, and awaken jealousy, than to effect a solid re- 2 form$