Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 227
demonstrations multiply,
and that not only must we anticipate
great change in the scientific theory pertaining to
this subject, but we must continually guard against traveling
paths which are too closely contingent upon accuracy of a
present theor>^ and on the other hand must aim to pursue
lines which are obviously sound in the light of practical
experience.
Fortunately our status as to treatment has not been
determined by theoretical considerations to any such degree
as to make it particularly sensitive to changes of
dogma. It has rather been the outgrowth of experience and
wise interpretation of accurate observation and clinical
results. Our wonderful advances have been far less the
result of scientific development than the reward of determination
and devotion on the part of physicians whose
humanity has led them to exhaustive and persistent effort.
So signal has been the demonstration of great possibilities
in this medical field, that the whole world has been agitated
and has begun to participate in the work of establishing
sanitary foundations upon which shall grow an immunity
from this unspeakable scourge.
Recognition of the dire distress of those whose conditions
of life
surround them necessarily with danger, and of
their pitiable inability to protect themselves by personal
effort, has long existed and it has been supplemented by a
distinct hope that something can be done to mitigate such
conditions. Out of these two factors has grown a moral
awakening amounting to an imperative impulse.
In bringing to an effective point this public movement,
the second class of workers comes of necessity into evidence.
Organization and propaganda are the functions to which
this class must devote itself, and it is inspiring to note
the tremendous development of organized relief machinery
which has come into existence. Although as a rule these
efforts arise with the medical profession, it must be borne
in mind that they are only incidentally medical matters,