Statements respecting hospitals in China : preceded by a letter to John Abercrombie / by Rev. Peter Parker.

  • Peter Parker
Date:
1842
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Statements respecting hospitals in China : preceded by a letter to John Abercrombie / by Rev. Peter Parker. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    dispensaries in the accessible parts of the Chinese empire. By founding such insti¬ tutions, the Society hopes to confer immense benefits upon the Chinese people. It is well known, that the system of medicine which is pursued in China by the native physicians, consists of an absurd farrago of empirical remedies, which are adminis¬ tered without discrimination; and that these practitioners are acquainted with no remedies for many of the most simple and easily curable forms of disease. It is therefore manifest that the establishment of hospitals, and of other kindred insti¬ tutions, under the direction of well educated and properly qualified physicians, must be a source of great benefit to the people. And it appears from the published reports of the Medical Missionary Society, that the hospitals which have already been established have been the means of relieving a large amount of suffering, of removing many distressing infirmities, and of saving a uumber of valuable lives. Another important advantage to be derived from, these institutions is the oppor¬ tunity of instructing native young men in the principles of the healing art, and thus of rearing up a body of practitioners, to extend the benefits of medical science and professional skill among the millions of their countrymen. It is hoped that by these means the confidence of the Chinese people may be gained, and that the pre¬ judices which they entertain towards foreigners may be overcome: indeed much has already been accomplished in this manner. The ultimate and the most import¬ ant object at which the Society aims in the prosecution of its plans, is the advance¬ ment of the Christian religion among the inhabitants of this vast a,nd populous empire; and there is probably no other method by which the confidence of the people can be so readily secured, and so powerful an influence can be exerted in favour of Christianity, and so strong a practical demonstration can be given of its benevolent attributes. The advantages resulting from these institutions are fully appreciated by the resident missionaries from England and America, who are engaged in more direct efforts to lead the Chinese people to the knowledge and adoption of the Christian faith. So far as we are acquainted with the individuals who are engaged in this enterprise, and with the measures which they are pursuing in order to its advancement, we regard them as entitled to the highest confidence. An effort is about to be made to obtain the co-operation of benevolent persons in this country and in England, in promoting the objects and extending the benefits of the Medical Missionary Society. Believing, as we do, that the highest interests of the people of China are involved in the success of this undertaking, we heartily unite in urging its claim upon the confidence and support of the community. “ J. Kearny Rodgers, M.D. James M'Neilson, M.D. Ja. Bliss, M.D. E. Mead, M.D. Nicoll H. Dering, M.D. Gilbert Smith, M.D. Joseph M. Smith, M.D. Albert Smith, M.D. J. Smyth Rogers, M.D. Alfred C. Post, M.D. James L. Phelps. Benj. Ogden, M.D.” In the city of Washington, (D.C.,) in Philadelphia and Boston, simi¬ lar interest was manifested, and resolutions passed. The minutes of the Medical Association of Boston, at a full meeting held on the 14th April, and signed by the most distinguished ornaments of the profession in that city, and several of them professors in Havard University, is also given:— “ BOSTON MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. w At a meeting of the Boston Medical Association, in the Massachusetts Medical College, on the 14th of April, 1841, the attention of the meeting was called by Dr. Jackson to the subject of the hospitals established in Canton and Macao in China, to the Medical Missionary Society formed in that country, and to the efforts which’were making there to extend a knowledge of medical and surgical science among the natives. He stated that, in 1834, the Rev. Peter Parker, M.D., was sent by the American Board for Foreign Missions, as a missionary to China; that this gentleman had previously studied medicine as well as theology, had received, in regular course, a medical diploma from Yale College, and was, by his talents and character, admirably adapted for the work he engaged in; that on his arrival in China he was induced to evince the excellence of his religion by acts of benevolence and professional skill, by healing the sick, by giving sight to the blind, and by en¬ abling the lame to walk; that in 1835, he established a hospital in Canton, and subsequently one at Macao; that his own services had been rendered in all cases, whether to the rich or to the poor, without fee or reward; and that he had found
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