[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—In criticizing the osteopaths
Dr. Graham Little makes use of such expressions as " fatuous dogma," " making hay of their pretensions," " demonstrably absurd," and so on. Let us all avoid the appearance of partiality and prejudice in the discussion of this important matter.
With your permission I would ask Dr. Little, and also whoever is entitled to speak for the osteopaths, to read my letter in your issue of November 21st, and each of them to say whether he will be prepared to invite the Minister of Health to institute an inquiry into the following questions, or something like them :—
1. Whether osteopathy as practised by the most skilful 'operators is a benefit ?
2. If it is a benefit, then under what regulations and conditions ought it to be practised ? (This would involve the question whether the General Medical Register is the appropriate Register for osteopaths, or whether they ought to be placed on a Register of their own, like the dentists.)
.1. If a benefit, how can it be made available for the poor ? (I lay emphisis on this.)
4. Ought the unskilled to be prevented from practising, and, if so, how should this be done ?
Men who have accidents at polo or in the hunting field can, and, I believe, do, consult osteopaths, and they can pay the fees. But what about the poor ? I have no idea how many serious accidents happen to workmen falling from ladders and the like, but the number must be large. Could any substantial proportion of these cases, or even some of them, be relieved by osteopathic treatment ? If so, how could this be supplied ? It is not possible for osteopaths to follow the splendid example set by physicians and surgeons and visit hospitals to treat patients without reward.
No one can feel satisfied with the present position, and I venture to press for an inquiry, when the questions I have indicated, which are not easy ones, may be solved after helpful discussion. The subject concerns us all, and many of your readers will look forward with interest to the answers that may be given to the question I put to the two gentlemen. —I am, Sir; &c.,
Previous page
