Report of the trial on an indictment for libel in "The American lancet" : containing the whole evidence, speeches of counsel, recorder's charge, &c. : accusers in behalf of the state, J.B. Beck, E.G. Ludlow, and divers others against J.G. Vought, Wm. Anderson & Samuel Osborn.
- John G. Vought
- Date:
- [1831]
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Report of the trial on an indictment for libel in "The American lancet" : containing the whole evidence, speeches of counsel, recorder's charge, &c. : accusers in behalf of the state, J.B. Beck, E.G. Ludlow, and divers others against J.G. Vought, Wm. Anderson & Samuel Osborn. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
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![it was published by the secret-oath-society. The impartiality of a Re- «*«>, commencing with a display of cand<jur like that, and conducted by fifty or more physicians, bound together by a solemn obligation of mu- tual commendation—can be readily appreciated! Some gentlemen who became members without knowing the real cha- racter of the association, have, it is said, declined to attend its meetings, but they are bound by the unlawful oaths that were administered to them there, not to expose the circumstances which move their honest disap- probation and disgust. The honourable portion of the medical profession, ought to join, not secretly, but openly, to discountenance all such hidden contrivances to elevate particular individuals above their real merits, or to intercept the just reward of true excellence. Mutual support is due from all good men to each other, and if candour, liberality, and fair dealing be observed by the most elevated, the example will be followed by others, for the sake of appearance, at least, if not for the love of virtue. It is unques- tionably so in the legal profession ; why cannot it be so in the profession of medicine ? [B] Exposure of Factspublished February, 1828. M Painful as the task is, the necessity of self-defence compels me to expose a copy of the following letters for public perusal. The magna- nimous and loyal power of the medical Society, combined with the pro- fessors of the old college, are fearful odds against one, who is only a medical man among you, almost pennyless, though not entirely friendless. 1 feel myself a man, and as such, have always meant to show myself; and rather than be duped, misled, or silently suffer myself abused by the mighty men of my profession, I will sacrifice my health, my life, my all, in opposition to such measures. I have appealed to the hon. society for redress, and as often as my documents were presented, so often have they been meanly evaded; not even read before the society, but treated with silent dignity. It is true, the former president filled the chair with dignity ; but was it not that dignity which many make use of as a cloak to hide their ignorance and duplicity ? By some I am met with fawning treachery, which warns me of the canker in their hearts. I placed my- self before the heart of the Medical Society, and found its feelings ada- mant to impartial justice. I now look to another source—the public heart which I trust is not callous to the touch of humanity. May not the public yet learn that arbitrary and supreme as our society assumes to](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b21161665_0049.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
