This is performed in some degree by the honest and liberal practice of a profession, when men shall carry a respect not to descend into any course that is corrupt and unworthy thereof, and preserve themselves free from the abuses wherewith the same profession is noted to be infected: but much more is this performed if a man be able to visit and strengthen the roots and foundation of the science itself; thereby not only gracing it in reputation and dignity, but also amplifying it in profession and substance."

It was the Author's original intention to have treated of the powers, privileges, honours, and emoluments of the Faculty. But he now conceives that this would lead him into a field of investigation too wide and digressive; and therefore chooses to confine himself to what more strictly belongs to Medical Ethics.

To these institutes he has annexed an Anniversary Discourse, delivered by the late Rev. Thomas Bassnett Percival, LL.B., before the President and Governors of the Infirmary at Liverpool8. As it is an address to the gentlemen of the Faculty, the officers, the clergy, and the trustees of the charity, on their respective hospital duties, by one competent to the subject from his early studies, it cannot but be deemed sufficiently appropriate to

[This Sermon is omitted in the present edition.]

the present work, exclusively of a father's claim to the privilege of its insertion.

The aphoristic form of this code of Medical Ethics, though adapted to such an undertaking, forbids in a great measure all digression, and even precludes the discussion of many interesting points nearly connected with the subject. Supplementary Notes and Illustrations, therefore, are necessary to the completion of the Author's plan: and he trusts the candid reader will grant him the liberty of thus stating his opinions more at large; of rectifying misconceptions, to which the brevity essential to the work may give rise; and of correcting whatever subsequent reflection, or the judicious observations of his friends, may discover to be erroneous.

A considerable portion of these sheets was communicated to the Rev. Thomas Gisborne, M.A.1, whilst engaged in the composition of his "Enquiry into the Duties of Men," a work that reflects the highest honour on the abilities and philanthropy of the author, and which may be justly regarded as the most complete system extant of practical ethics. The chapter concerning Physicians' contains a reference to these institutes, expressed in the most gratifying terms of friendship; and it

h [The author of numerous religious works; born Oct. 31, 1758, died March 24, 1846. See Gent. Mag. for June 1846.]

i [The twelfth chapter, which has been extracted, and reprinted in a separate form, 1847, Oxford, 16mo.]

treats so largely of the duties of the Faculty, as to seem, at first view, to supersede the use of the present manual. But the two publications differ not only in their plan, but in many of their leading objects; and it may be hoped they will rather illustrate than interfere with each other. The same remarks may be applied to the excellent "Lectures" of Dr. Gregory. Even the "Statuta Moralia" of the College of Physicians', whatever merit or authority they possess, are not sufficiently comprehensive for the existing sphere of Medical and Chirurgical duty; and by the few regulations which they establish, they tacitly sanction the recommendation of a fuller and more adequate code of professional offices.

Copies of the former unfinished impression of this work have been transmitted to the libraries of several infirmaries in different parts of the kingdom; and the Author has reason to hope that they have contributed to excite attention to the subject of hospital police. Amongst other pleasing proofs of this truth, he refers with peculiar satisfaction to the late publications of his friends, Sir G. O. Paul, Bart., and Dr. Clarkm, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

[Dr. John Gregory's well-known "Lectures on the Duties and Qualifications of a Physician."]

1["Statuta Moralia Collegii Regalis Medicorum Londinensium," 1722, 8vo. pp. 16.]

[Author of "Observations on Fevers," &c. 1780, 8vo., and other works.]

This work was originally entitled "Medical Jurisprudence;" but, some friends having objected to the term Jurisprudence, it has been changed to Ethics. According to the definition of Justinian, however, Jurisprudence may be understood to include moral injunctions as well as positive ordinances :-" Juris praecepta sunt haec; honeste vivere, alterum non laedere, suum cuique tribuere." (Instit. i. 1. § 3.)

66

Manchester, Febr. 15, 1803.

MEDICAL ETHICS;

&c. &c.

CHAPTER I.

Of Professional Conduct, relative to Hospitals, or other Medical Charities.

§ 1. HOSPITAL Physicians and Surgeons should minister to the sick with due impressions of the importance of their office; reflecting that the ease, the health, and the lives of those committed to their charge depend on their skill, attention, and fidelity. They should study, also, in their deportment, so to unite tenderness with steadiness, and condescension with authority, as to inspire the minds of their patients with gratitude, respect, and confidence.

§ 2. The choice of a Physician or Surgeon cannot be allowed to hospital patients, consistently with the regular and established succession of medical attendance. Yet personal confidence is