Nineteenth-century codes of medical ethics assignment

Nevertheless I will argue that these codes were effective In a broader sense. They strongly helped the constitution of the medical practice as a profession – an effect probably not explicitly intended by the authors. Thomas Percival and his Medical Ethics (1803) By tracing back the developments of Medical Ethics one definitely comes across the work of Thomas Percival. In the eighteenth century medical conduct was strongly based on the “ practitioner’s honorable and virtuous character” (Baker 1999, XSL).

Medical scholars such as John Gregory wanted to teach their students a sense of “ the identity of personal and professional honor” (Baker 1 999, xiv). This vague way of moral regulation on the basis of gentlemanly honor was problematic because inter- physician professional arguments could easily develop into personal quarrels. Thomas Percival was working at the Manchester Infirmary when an argument between the staff arose.

The reason for these problems might be found in the structure of the profession during that time. Since almost all physicians did the same sort of things, consultants were ordinarily potential competitors. ” (Rosenberg 1967, 223-253) Also Rottenest emphasizes the dilemma nature of consultations as “ a major source of conflict among physicians” (Rottenest 1972, 83). In this sense the Boston Medical Police – Just like Percival early version of his work -would have been “ intentionally designed to resolve a cooperative dilemma” (Baker 1995, 31).

The American Medical Association’s Code of Ethics (1847) The development of the mentioned societies culminated in the formation of the American Medical Association and the adoption of a national code of medical ethics in 1847 (CB. Baker 1995, 2). Drawing on Percival work but also including America- fitted ideas of Benjamin Rush, the 1847 code used the principle of reciprocity to justify “ consensual professional authority’ over the behavior and practice of members.

The physicians had to make a living under almost entirely free competition. Untrained practitioners forced highly educated physicians to take unprofessional measures. Since distinct criteria to ensure proper medical treatment and distinguish quackery did not exist, it had to be developed. I believe the purpose of the constitution of the Mama’s code can be found in its historical context with the aim to establish a clear and distinguishable professional identity (CB. Frisson 1999, 127-128).

The code eventually led to a new standardized medical licensing system that dramatically accelerated the formation of an American medical profession. Jukes Strap’s A Code of Medical Ethics (1878) The situation in nineteenth century England differed notably. It was not until late in the nineteenth century that Juke Satrapy wrote the “ only important code of medical ethics to be published in Victorian England” (Bavaria 1995, 145). The first edition was published in 1878 but revised and enlarged editions appeared in 1886, 1890, and 1895.

We would be better advised to look at each code in its own unique context individually and then try evaluating the degree of effectiveness under different perspectives. However, I think that I was able to describe a developing process of professionalisms of medical practice during the nineteenth century – at least for America. A process closely connected to the formation of societies with codes of ethics – all in some way linked to Thomas Percival and earlier Enlightenment’s ideas – that helped setting up regulations and guidelines for medical practitioners and the medical profession itself. Baker, R. (deed. ).