SirR,—" Doctor and Patient" by Gordon Malet is a subtle
piece of reasoning by an exceptional intellect, but it overlooks certain aspects of the doctor-patient relationship which should not be ignored if individuals are to preserve their freedom. Where the doctor is directly employed by the patient the relationship is correct. Where, however, the doctor is employed by a third party the relationship is incorrect. Responsibility is to the employer and the interests of the patient rank no higher than those of cattle in the "interests " of whose health the vet, is called in.
The Medical Services of the Forces are wonderful but their job is to return patients to duty. By all means let us discourage mumbo-jumbo, but the myth of the "STATE" is even more dangerous mumbo-jumbo than that of the doctor-priest. Let us beware lest we cast out Satan
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