CHAPTER XI.

MEANS OF REMOVING QUACKERY, 242

The credulous, ignorant, and novelty-seeking, not the only persons imposed upon by quackery. Many of the judicious and intelligent also. Efforts to undeceive the public on this subject have been often faulty. Too much reliance on popular knowledge of anatomy, physiology, dietetics, &c. This should only be auxiliary to other means. Relied upon alone, leads to error. Individual influence of physicians in showing their friends their mistakes in connecting cause and effect in medicine. This influence to be exerted upon the intelligent who uphold quackery. Too much sarcasm and ridicule and invective used against quackery. Credulity of the public takes a license from that of medical men. Certificates of physicians in favor of nostrums. Secret medicines put forth by physicians. Spirit of quackery in the medical profession. Exhibited in various ways. Quite prevalent, crippling the profession in its warfare with empiricism. Reform needed. Can be effected. The stable and intelligent can help in effecting it, by promoting medical education—by sustaining the organizations of the profession—by renouncing fallacious means of estimating professional merit—by favoring strict observance of the rules of intercourse among physicians. Formation of the American Medical Association, an important movement in the destruction of quackery.