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The Royal College of Surgeons and HomœopathyAuthor(s): Henry CooperSource: Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal (1844-1852), Vol. 16, No. 7 (Mar. 31, 1852), p.182Published by: BMJStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25493346 .

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182 THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND HOMOEOPATHY.

supposing I had anything new to communicate; on the

contrary, I believe every well regulated asylum has its

plan based upon the same foundation. My reasons for

so doing were to afford some argument that the inquisi torial supervision now established by law was not

wanted. I will say nothing of the power it creates;

but it is opposed to medical experience, and imposes the supposition of trust-unworthiness. As to medfcal

experience, it is distinctly true that lunatic patients

ought not to be subject to frequent interviews; and,

again, am I to lay my knowledge at the feet of extra

investigators, and to crave information where I cannot

want it. If so, why not extend it to "every department of the profession, and let no case be conducted without

an overseer ?

In regard to the suspicion, I must share in com

mon the feelings of my associates in the practice of

this branch of disease that affects humanity ; but I

repel with indignation the reasons that have been stated

for the establishment of this system. Something may

go wrong somewhere, and no commission has ever yet

put every thing* to rights; but it is hard that well

regulated houses should be included in the same cate

gory. I know that in many instances the relatives and

friends of patients feel this. They do not admire the

frequent exposure. We all know with what jealousy

insanity is considered; and though we are only beginning to open our eyes to the fact, that though insanity, like

many diseases, is hereditary, yet, like other diseases, it

frequently arises from accidental causes; is cured, and never returns. The care of lunatics, especially of a

private class, is of a sacred trust, and should be kept so.

The regulations of the Commission impose a great deal of unnecessary trouble, especially the rules for the

management of the case-book, which would seem to be

best fitted for the recruiting office. I will be bound

to say its statistics for the next ten years will not

furnish facts from which any principle of sound know

ledge or of better treatment will be deduced. If we

are to be governed by the novelties of th% day,?if the

dicta of Commissioners are to be our polar guide, may we

not have homoeopathy and mesmerism to direct our steps? The more 1 reflect upon the wonderful combination

of mind and matter,?the more I reflect upon their

mutual action, the more I am astonished at the effects

of this mysterious disease; also the more certain I am the greater the quietude and the less of interference are the more rational modes of treating it. Let pro

perty be well considered?let all arrangements respect

ing the domicile, the comforts and the proper care of

the lunatic, be closely investigated; but do not let the

patients be subjected to multiplied interrogations, nor

the managers of their condition?anxious to perform their

Jvery responsible duties?suspected of other motives, and placed in a certainly somewhat degraded condition,

(for the approval or disapproval of inspectors into your own modes of medical treatment is assuredly somewhat

degrading) be (allowed,

nor overlooked by searching eyes, whose salary must depend upon their power of j fault finding.

I read these remarks to an intimate friend, who

approved them. As I was on the point of folding up my paper, he, said,?." Yet, nevertheless, I should like to be a Commissioner."

"Thou power supreme, wh?c mighty scheme, E'en human woes fulfil.

Here firm I rest, they must be best, Because they are Thy will."

The Almighty power that has allowed ills and dis

eases to appear among mankind has also permitted human means of alleviation. But the best gifts of

Providence are often spoiled by our want of common

sense in using them. Yours obediently,

E. B.

To the Editor of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal.

Sir,?I hope you will permit this very short letter to

appear in your next number.

I have just finished reading Mr. Perceval's letter to

you, and I again aver that his name was never mentioned

by me, nor intended to be so, until he forced himself

upon my notice. Mr. Perceval's knowledge of insanity

appears to be very slight, and his acquaintance only with cases of the most melancholy description. May I advise him to enlarge his map and to extend his

survey before he attempts establishing new institutions

and generalizations from a few instances. "

There

is a zeal beyond knowledge." The late Mr. Sidney Smith advised > that gentlemen taking up what ihey did

not understand, should be treated as you would treat a

child, whom you found playing with a valuable china

bowl !! Yours obedientlv,

E. B.

THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS AND HOMCEOPATHY.

To the Editor of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Journal.

Sir,?The Council of the College of Surgeons have

sent the following reply to the memorial of the medical

men of this town and neighbourhood, praying them to express some opinion on the doctrine and practice of homoeopathy:?

" College of Surgeons, " 9th March, 1852.

" Sir,?I am desired to acquaint you that your com

munication, enclosing copies of resolutions of a meeting of the medical profession of Hull and its neighbourhood, held in the Hull General Infirmary, on the 6th of

January last, on the subject of homoeopathy, has been laid before the Council of this College, and that the

Council, after mature deliberation, consider it inexpe^ dient to interfere in the matter.

"I have the honour to be, Sit, " Your obedient Servant.

" Edmund Balfour, Sec."

The Members of the College will hence perceive that

they must not look to'their nominal head for sympathy or assistance in the humiliating contest which they are

compelled to maintain with this impudent but successful

imposture. I remain, Sir, your obedient Servant,

| *

HENRY COOPER, M.D.

j Hull, March 16, 1852.

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