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private offices and into the medical colleges more enlarged, were the 

 diploma to be purchased only at a mental expenditure corresponding 

 with its value, not only would the standing of the profession be ex- 

 alted and its usefulness augmented, but the cause of humanity more 

 truly subserved. 



In the eager competition which now results from an excessive 

 supply of medical men, your committee believe that much of the 

 prevailing empiricism finds its true origin. If, by legitimate means, 

 occupation is not found, the physician must abandon the profession 

 or seek a livelihood in quackery. In our large cities, the major 

 portion of the most successful charlatans are individuals who, edu- 

 cated at our schools, have failed to acquire employment in the regular 

 way. If professors' emoluments were fixed salaries, the evil would 

 be struck at its root. 



There are three parties interested in the great subject which 

 originated this Association. They are the medical schools, the 

 profession, and the public. As, however, the necessities of the 

 public, the wants of humanity, constitute the basis upon which the 

 profession is supported, the mission of the schools and of our fellow 

 members is not faithfully discharged unless those necessities and 

 wants are ministered to in the most effectual manner. The schools 

 are no farther immediately valuable than as they faithfully subserve 

 the interests of the profession. The interests of the profession are 

 only to be considered as legitimate objects of protection, in so far 

 as they conduce to the welfare of the community. If there must be 

 a conflict of interest, no right-minded man can hesitate in deciding 

 which of the three parties should yield. But, in the present case, 

 your committee see no just reason for any such conflict. They are 

 fully convinced that every desirable reform may be effected, without 

 material detriment to either party. 



They deem it relevant, however, to assert the right of the pro- 

 fession to decide and to declare, if to them it seems best so to do, 

 whom they should and whom they should not admit into their ranks ; 

 whom they should acknowledge as legitimate members of their call- 

 ing, and whom they should not ; and this without giving just cause 

 of offence to any professor, practitioner, or man whomsoever. 



It is possible that some members of the Association are looking to 

 this committee for radical changes, intended to elevate the reputa- 

 tion and increase the usefulness of the profession. If such there be, 

 they will find that most of the desirable improvements are embodied 

 in the resolutions appended to the excellent reports submitted to 



