The Medical Career

449 of shrewdly chosen surveys of medical service and adds personal surmises to make a very plausible thesis. Indeed, it is so plausible that some readers will be moved to fear a dilemma that may not be altogether real. Although he is sharply critical of physicians assuming authority in the field of economics in medicine, he sets up his own opinions to solve the problems and, as might be expected, advocates government control and the exciting magic of group practice. Unlike some of his fellow planners Doctor Cabot is not satisfied with supplying a mere quantity of medical care, but holds out for high quality too, and condemns compulsory and voluntary sickness insurance because they do not provide that quality. He calls "free choice" of physicians a "hoary shibboleth," but his opinion here may be a hope,-all of the votes are not yet in from the public. Citing the Mayo Clinic in support of his conclusion is not altogether convincing for he seems to reckon without consideration of the reputation and personality of his two late chiefs. The book is frail in spots, but it will incite debate and raises many pressing questions that cannot be so readily answered as the author makes out. In 1869, the year of birth of Doctor Cushing, there died at West Mal-vern a physician who had founded a Society for the Diffusion of Knowledge. His activities were many; none attracted attention as did his ability to enchant his hearers through the aptness of the words he used to express his thoughts. He wrote: "The use of language is not confined to its being the medium through which we communicate our ideas to one another; it fulfills a no less important function as an instrument of thought; not being merely its vehicle but giving it wings for flight." Seemingly, this idea, as well as that measure of genius requisite to give it effect, passed directly from the relinquishing hands of Doctor Roget to those of Doctor Cushing. Certainly throughout his writings, as was the case in his casual conversation as well, is evidence of the fact that words have a twofold mission, that they also should be an instrument of thought. The present text amply proves this point. In each of the essays which comprise The Medical Career, diverse as these are in character and in subject matter,-as well as in purpose-form and substance constitute …