Physician and patient : $b or, a practical view of the mutual duties, relations and interests of the medical profession and the community

by Worthington Hooker

"Physician and Patient: Or, A Practical View of the Mutual Duties, Relations and Interests of the Medical Profession and the Community" by Worthington Hooker is a medical treatise written in the mid-19th century. This work discusses the relationship between physicians and patients, focusing on the expectations and responsibilities of both parties within the context of healthcare. It aims to address prevalent medical misconceptions and the pervasive issue of quackery and to establish a better understanding of the medical profession's role. The opening of the book introduces the author’s goals and purposes for writing, emphasizing the mutual obligations of physicians and patients. Hooker highlights the fundamental uncertainties within the practice of medicine, using a comparison to chemistry to illustrate the variability in patient responses to treatment. He addresses issues of quackery and emphasizes the importance of an educated medical profession, aiming for both practitioners and the public to develop a clearer understanding of medical practices. The excerpt also discusses the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating diseases, reinforcing the need for careful observation and thoughtful practice among physicians.