[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin—Writing as one who
possesses an intimate knowledge of Sir Herbert Barker's great work for many years past, I am sure that it is no exaggeration to say that t housinillibf people the wide world over must have read with pleasure and satisfaction your able article in the Spectator for October 31st in support of the contention that every consideration of justice and expe- diency demands the restoration of Dr. Axham's name to the medical register by the General Medical Council.
It is the cause of simple truth and honesty which demand this belated act of justice to an old man. No argument of any kind can ever be stronger than truth.
It is the constant temptation which besets all servants placed in positions of great responsibility to behave as masters. The General Medical Council, as you rightly observe, occupies a position of very grave responsibility to the public. None the less, it is essentially the position of a servant. In their whole attitude towards Dr. Axham their behaviour has been that of the absolute master. Such behaviour can only result in injury to the servant and more especially to the master. The servant's injury in this case—viz., the loss of prestige of the G.M.C.—is plain to all. The master's injury—i.e., the injury done to the general public—is much more serious. Many a medical quack " does nntold'harm and reaps a rich harvest because the general public are by no means certain that the G.M.C. will own the truth if its discovery is made by anyone out- side their own ranks. Hence the " quack " may be right, although officially unrecognized. This position of very grave injury to the general public has been very largely brought about by the manner in which the G.M.C. has dealt with the cases of Sir Herbert Barker and Dr. Axham.
It is no mere question of doing justice to one man (great as that is in Dr. Axharn's case) : but the far more serious question of an immensely responsible servant carrying out his duties faithfully towards his master.—I am, Sir, &c.,
T. BARTON MILTON.
St. George's Vicarage, Pinner View, harrow.
Previous page
