Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Quackery, Medical Treatment, Commerce, Professionalization, Class

People mentioned:

Galen

    Addressing himself to the 'Public', Mr Punch laments the want of 'lucrative medical situations'. Argues that medical practitioners can only become wealthy by gaining 'a large private practice' and by 'composing fashionable nerves, ministering to petty ailments, and humouring the caprices of the sickly and silly', not 'fanning the feeble flame of life, by soothing mortal agony'. Links the lack of 'medical talent' to the fact that success in the 'dishonoured' medical 'profession [...] can be obtained only by means that are contemptible'. Urges the public to seek a profession followed by 'men of sense and ability'.