Editorial February 6, 1904 Issue

The Point of View

The question, "byline" has often been asked of Christian Scientists, and in the conversation following this inquiry, pneumonia has frequently been cited as one of the diseases for which a physician should be called without delay. To those of the laity who have held this view, the words of Dr. Bevan before the Chicago Medical Society at its recent meeting, must come in the nature of a distinct shock. Dr. Bevan, who, according to The Chicago Tribune, stands high in his profession, is reported to have made the following statement:—

"Drug treatment is useless in cases of pneumonia. The medical profession, so far as medicines are concerned, can be of no assistance in the fight against this disease. The sooner the profession will acknowledge this to the public and set to work to discover some specific to save pneumonia patients, the better for all concerned .... A physician at the bedside is of no value, so far as giving drugs is concerned."

The Tribune says that, "several physicians sprang to their feet to protest against this arraignment. All had to admit, however, that there is no definite remedy known, and they based their protests solely on the contention that they might influence the patient favorably by easing him somewhat, and by the moral effect of their presence."

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