Duties and qualifications of physicians, an introductory lecture / by John Ware.

  • Ware John, 1795-1864.
Date:
1849
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Duties and qualifications of physicians, an introductory lecture / by John Ware. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

    30/49 (page 22)
    feelings towards them; and there is no fear but that he will manifest this state of mind in his conduct. These are the most important moral qualities which the physician must exhibit in his cliaracter, considered in the point of view in which we are now looking at the profession. But there is another, which, though perhaps less absolutely necessary to success, is of great importance ; I mean that usually known by the phrase decision of character. I know that many regard this as a quality inherent by nature in some, and denied to others ; and undoubtedly men differ in the degree in which they possess it. Some are originally fickle, vacillating, and undecided; others are self- confident and firm in opinion and action. But I believe that the sort of character necessary to gain confidence, in the physician, may be obtained by any man of tolerable sense, who can fully com- prehend what it is, and will constantly act with refei'ence to its acquisition. It consists in calmly making up his mind on every occasion from the best lights which he can bring to bear upon the case,—making up his mind distinctly as to the course which it is proper to pursue, and then steadily and undeviatingly pursuing that course, without shifting it from day to day to gratify any transient whim of the patient, or in consequence of