These remarks of Dr. Du Prel, though somewhat exaggerated, are
probably based on truth in their reference to the backward condition
of the medical profession in Europe, and of all that portion in
America which is essentially European, and governed by European
authority. But the healing art in America has been to a great extent
emancipated by the spirit of American liberty, and in its actual
results among liberal physicians is far in advance of the European
system. One signal proof of this was given at Cincinnati in 1849, when
that city was visited by a terrible epidemic of Asiatic cholera, which
swept off five thousand of its inhabitants. The mortality of cholera
under old school practise had been from twenty-five to sixty per
cent., the latter having been realized in hospitals at Paris. Under
the practice taught in our college at that time, the mortality in
1,500 cases did not exceed six per cent.
The atmosphere of freedom in this country, and the absolute medical
freedom (until within a few years the colleges have procured medical
legislation to help their diplomas, and their graduates) have given a
progressiveness and practicality to American physicians which are
beginning to be recognized abroad.
Dr. Lawson Tait is eminent in the treatment of women in England. In
the _Medical Current_ of April 20th, he is quoted as expressing a
regret that his time and money had not been directed to the Western
instead of the Eastern Hemisphere, when picking up his medical
knowledge. He predicted that 'ere long it will be to the medical
colleges of America rather than to those of Europe that students will
travel.' Then he goes on to say:
"American visitors abroad who have given weeks and months to see
me work, have one and all impressed me with their possession of
that feature of mind which in England I fear we do not possess,
the power of judging any question solely upon its merits, and
entirely apart from any prejudice, tradition, or personal bias.
No matter how we may struggle against it, tradition rules all we
do; we cannot throw off its shackles, and I am bound to plead
guilty to this weakness myself, perhaps as fully as any of my
countrymen may be compelled to do. I may have thrown off the
shackles in some instances, but I know that I am firmly bound in
others, and my hope is that my visit to a freer country and a
better climate may extend my mental vision."