Advantages of medical association. An address read to the Harveian Society at the opening of its 14th session / [Edward William Murphy].

  • Murphy, Edward W. (Edward William), 1802-1877.
Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Advantages of medical association. An address read to the Harveian Society at the opening of its 14th session / [Edward William Murphy]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    contradictory assertions? What profit is there in witnessing two gentlemen, in single combat, as it were, flinging unconnected facts and unsupported assertions at each other’s opinions, which only leave you in confusion and perplexity?” If, indeed, Medical Societies were instituted for no better pur¬ poses than these, they would not only be useless, but most tiresome and injurious, differing from all other societies that admit of debate in a total lack of interest—because of a total lack of argument. It is only when Medical Societies deviate into such a course, that the abuse disguises and defeats the objects for which they are designed. It appears to me that the true purpose of a Medical Society is the collection of medical facts, at once numerous and accurate. The means of promoting such an. object is within every one’s reach, who is content patiently to observe what lies before him. The benefit to be derived from discus¬ sion upon such facts is, that similar facts may be elicited from other observers, so as to afford con¬ firmation of that brought forward, and also that what is stated may be canvassed with critical atten¬ tion, so as to separate everything which may appear doubtful or heterogeneous, and ultimately to leave in the possession of the Society, a correct and valuable observation. In stating such to be one of the chief advantages of a Medical Society, it is by no means intended to imply that it is the only benefit which may be derived from it. It is not intended by these remarks to exclude the statement of opinion or the proposal of ingenious, or it may be elaborate, theories; on the contrary, a Medical Society is often,