are left to travel their course through life unprotected and unguided by that gentle parental care they once loved and possessed. This fact alone should be a great incentive to prompt us, as the custodians of the lives, of the health, and of the happiness of the people, to prepare ourselves well to meet the great and mysterious struggles of the physician.
Those of us who will not, can not, or do not, prepare ourselves to walk abreast, from a standpoint of ability, should be looked upon with sympathy; yes, even with scorn. Such a one should be made to realize the sad fact that he has missed his calling, and should be forced to abandon his intention of medicine and seek other environments. Such a man is, perhaps, envitled to more sympathy than is the man who has some little ability but who is wanting in professional and ethical culture.
It is the opinion of the speaker that the most obnoxious character in our ranks is the man who, claiming to be a doctor, resorts to all kind of tricks to decoy the people; who displays and arrogates his work before the people, thus thinking to strengthen himself and belittle his honest and ethical neighbor. I can not commend in terms too strong that it is your duty to look upon such men with distrust; to refuse to meet them, or to recognize or consult with them.
Do your duty as taught by our National and State Code. Remember that if you are an ethical, competent physician, you are an honored man, representing an honorable profession, unexcelled by any calling. Therefore, you are under obligations to your fellow physicians to discharge that duty.
Urge the worthy to join our ranks, and look well to the interests of your local, county and State societies. Every reputable physician in Kaufman county should be a member of this society, and every member of our organization should form himself into a committee of one to see that no one is left unsolicited to join our ranks.
Come out on the side of ethical right, thereby trying to the extent of your ability to elevate your profession. Be on your guard against the unethical man, who, like a roaring lion, tries to demoralize the man who should and does command the respect of the thinking people.
Scientific medicine, and especially scientific surgery and gynecology, has made rapid strides of advancement within the past ten or fifteen years. It is the duty of every man to bestir himself, lest he fall behind. Mix, mingle, consult with and appreciate only the scientific and honorable man, for it is from him also that you will imbibe that spirit of refined culture that constitutes the true phy-
