Queries in medical ethics / [William Fraser].

  • Fraser, William, -1888.
Date:
1850
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Queries in medical ethics / [William Fraser]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    40/48 page 40
    mind for the practitioner when engaged in the active duties of his profession ? Ans.—To lay down a specific rule on this head were almost impossible, so much will depend on the natural temperament and character of the individual, and on the varying circumstances and society in which he may be placed. But one thing is plain—that, whatever these may be, kind¬ ness, firmness, self-possession, circumspection, fide¬ lity, candour, and intelligence, ought, if possible, to form prominent features in his demeanour. The chief qualities necessary in a medical man are most accurately and beautifully symbolized in the ancient myth regarding the demi-god iEscu- lapius, in which he is represented as accompanied by three companions—the dog, the dove, and the serpent11. These seemingly incongruous associates may be supposed to indicate unshaken fidelity and devotion to the interests of his patientSj and gen¬ tleness and harmlessness in his dealings with them, combined with wisdom and caution in the treatment of their maladies. But in his me¬ dical attendance generally, and more particu¬ larly in cases of difficulty and danger, every practitioner possessed of a well-constituted mind, will frequently raise his soul to the great Disposer of events—the ever-flowing Fountain, ,f See Mi’. Pettigrew’s Memoirs of Lettsom, vol. ii. p. 190.
    digitised image 1
    digitised image 2
    digitised image 3