Memoir on the surgical diseases of the poor, addressed to the surgeons, clergy, and heritors, in the remote parts of the country.

  • Bell, John, 1763-1820.
Date:
1808
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Memoir on the surgical diseases of the poor, addressed to the surgeons, clergy, and heritors, in the remote parts of the country. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    fuch fele&ions from my former cafe books as may contribute to illuftrate each new phenomenon, or rule of practice. I fhall alfo publifh in that work whatever ufeful or fingular cafes are communicated by other furgeons *. There are certain fyrnpathies which the affluent fhould be called upon to feel in the midfl: of the comforts and luxuries they enjoy, the lead part of which might ferve to alleviate much mifery, if not to remove all that is not infeparahle from human nature ; and in no defcription of men is it more becoming to urge thefe claims, than in men of our profeffion, who fee all forms of fuffering, and know the true objedts of charity. It would be eafy to prove, that a very little charity, ju- dicioully bellowed, would equalize the comforts of all ranks, and make the poor almolt as independent as the rich in the mod trying moments, when the profpeft of a painful and uncertain operation is embittered by poverty. This would be at once accomplifhed were thofe of higher rank, when they are to undergo an operation, to allow a pittance to thole who are to fuffer the fame pains and dan- gers, in poverty and helplelfnefs. 6th. While I fhall neglett no perfon in diftrefs, I fhall particularly charge myfelf with thofe who have their cafes attelled by the furgeon of their native place, as re- quiring particular advice, or a doubtful and dangerous operation ; and of thofe who are certified by their clergyman to be good and worthy people, deferving prote&ion and affiltance : but there may alfo be many who feel a poverty which their appearance does not betray, nor the honeft pride allow them to acknowledge, I require but the flighted: intimation to ufe every delicacy towards fuch patients, and prevent every painful feeling. My partner, Mr. Allan, who has been long privy to my intentions, fubfcribes with pleafureto every obligation I hereby take upon me : he has long aflifted me in my operations and will be careful of thofe people, when at any time accidents, or needful relaxation call me from my charge. The a&ive period of man’s life, betwixt the acquifition and the ufe of know- ledge, is limited to a very narrow fpace ; and purpofes fuch as I now announce fhould not be delayed ; but I have refrained from this public declaration only till years * I very earneftly requeft every profeflional Gentleman, who wifhes to have any observation publifhed in my Annual Volume of Confultations, that he will, when the diceafe has proved fatal, fend me the pre- paration, that drawings may be made for his Cafes, as for my own.