and the same pecuniary compensation, upon empirics, that they bestow upon regularly educated physicians, it tends to bring down the standard of professional merit, and remove the barriers that should protect society from ignorance and fraud. Therefore whatever tends to discourage or drive educated and reliable men out of the profession, or to encourage and sustain ignorant and irresponsible individuals in it, is at war with the best interests of society.
We say nothing about the rights and interests of the profession or its members, but simply implore all good men to view the subject in its proper light, and use their influence to protect the public from deception and abuse. We shall enter into no argument in behalf of the profession itself. Let suffering humanity do that; her groans, and tears, and faltering whispers, are more potent than arguments and declamations; let these be heard, and we are satisfied. These demand the best efforts of men of learning and skill, men in whose ability, honor and fidelity the world may confide. They ask us to raise the standard of professional acquirements, to extend
