From the Editors April 10, 1926 Issue

Letters from the Field

"An incident of exceptional interest has just occurred in the British House of Commons. On February 9, a medical member (Dr. Graham Little, representing London University) made a motion for 'an authoritative inquiry, with the object of making recommendations to Parliament for dealing with the whole position of irregular practice of medicine and surgery.' During the debate on this motion, another medical member (Dr. Drummond Shiels, representing an Edinburgh constituency) spoke as follows: 'I do not care what system of medicine you take, or what system of quackery you take, you can get a list of wonderful cures in any one of them—some of the most remarkable cases I know of. Wonderful cures have been made in connection with Christian Science which I have seen myself and know.' Dr. Shiels opposed the motion. The Minister of Health (the Rt. Hon. Neville Chamberlain) also opposed the motion; and in the course of his remarks said: 'I agree with the argument that we do not want to cut ourselves off from being able to take advantage of the skill of any man, qualified or unqualified, if it is distinctly understood that any one who goes to an unqualified man goes at his own risk, and is prepared to take the consequences. That being so, I could not advise the House to accept the motion.' So much opposition to the motion became evident that its supporters did not press it to a vote.

"In the London Times of February 11, there was an editorial review of this debate entitled 'Unqualified Medical Practice,' in which the editor summed up the remarks of the Minister of Health as saying that the services of unqualified healers should be available, but only if it is distinctly understood that any one who goes to an unqualified man goes at his own risk and is prepared to take the consequences. Then the editor continued as follows: 'This attitude should commend itself to all reasonable persons. It is entirely in harmony with the concepts of free choice of therapeutic method by an enlightened public opinion.'"

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Fruitage
April 10, 1926
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit