Medical politics : being the essay to which was awarded the first Carmichael prize, of £200, by the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, 1873 / by Isaac Ashe.

  • Ashe, Isaac.
Date:
1875
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Medical politics : being the essay to which was awarded the first Carmichael prize, of £200, by the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, 1873 / by Isaac Ashe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    This is the principle which lies at the root of all the trade- unions of the present day, and which has raised the artisan to the position of a veritable power in the State, however much his ignorance of economic laws may misdirect the force of the gigantic and powerful organisation he has called into existence. This principle, expressed in the common proverb Union is strength, will be found, if only we can bring ourselves under its sway, one of the most potent influences in raising the medical profession to that position in public and State as well as in social estimation, to which its services, both public and private, and the learning and ability of its members so fully entitle it. The usual purpose for which organisation and co-operation are so much resorted to at the present day, may be generally stated as being one which aims at the amelioration of the condition of those who so unite, of their circumstances and relations; their improvement in mind, body, or estate; if organisation fails always to attain the end it aims at, it fails, not from want of power in the machine, but from want of knowledge how to guide it among those who employ it. Its power is enormous, and the ends above specified are good in themselves and desirable, though charity forbids the aiTiving, or even aiming at them, to the detriment of others, or by any mode which prefers private interest to public weal. But if the mighty machine is directed with a due knowledge of, and regard to, economic laws, no such evil results will follow to others, nor any ultimate reaction fall, as now too often happens, on those who employ it. And the second great principle now fermenting in men's nnnds is that of self-government; the assertion of the right of men of mature minds to direct their own concerns and course of conduct; to be allowed to think for themselves, and to study and manage their own interests as none other either can or will; the assertion that not only voluntarily organised societies possess by their essential constitution these