The moral aspects of medical life, consisting of the 'Akesios' of Professor K.F.H. Marx / translated from the German, with biographical notices and illustrative remarks, By James Mackness.

  • Marx, K. F. H. (Karl Friedrich Heinrich), 1796-1877.
Date:
1846
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The moral aspects of medical life, consisting of the 'Akesios' of Professor K.F.H. Marx / translated from the German, with biographical notices and illustrative remarks, By James Mackness. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    did not like to disturb Mr. Bucknell who had been recently ill. We are far, however, from believing that such instances are singular. The last species of trial which is referred to by Professor Marx, as peculiarly incident to the medical man's life, is hasty and unjust censure. Against this his best earthly protection will be found in the gradual enlightenment of the public mind on medical subjects, an increased justness of estimate as to what medicine can do and what it cannot, and an increased sense of the impropriety, to say nothing less, of positive and rash judgment on matters at once so delicate and so difficult of decision. There are some remarks and suggestions on this species of trial in the biography of Dr. Hope, which are well worth attending to. None but those who have themselves been in the profession, or who have been admitted into the most secret confidence of a professional man, can tell the anxieties which attend him .... In every step he takes his character is pledged; and so delicate is the nature of a good name, so easily is it tarnished, that while one rash act may demolish it for ever, its brilliancy cannot be much enhanced by a judicious one. Who then can tell the prudence and fore- sight which must belong to every successful physician? Who can reckon the anxieties that disturb his peace? .... While the generality of men have little minds, no prudent man who is dependent on others will dare to de- spise little things. It is really curious to know the trifles which may make a man obnoxious. It is added, Dr. Hope took the very wise precaution of preserving all letters which he received, and copies of all that he wrote on pro- fessional business. When any little circumstance occurred which he thought capable of misconstruction, he immedi- ately took notes of the facts and obtained the signature of witnesses. He thus supplied himself with documentary evidence, which might at any time be produced .... After