Joseph Rogers, M.D.: Reminiscences of a Workhouse Medical OfficerRogers, Joseph
History
Joseph Rogers, M.D.: Reminiscences of a Workhouse Medical Officer
Rogers, Joseph
Charities, Medical -- Great Britain; Poor laws -- Great Britain
"Fifth. His justification of suicide, &c. I may here be met by the
remark that he is probably an unbeliever in the Christianity he
professed. To this I make reply that there is not a tittle of
evidence to show that such is the case. Until the act was done, a
regular attendant at church, a constant communicant, his whole
moral nature must have become utterly changed and corrupt ere such
a consummation could be arrived at, standing out, as it does, in
direct antagonism to his previous life, as portrayed by one who
knew him well and gives his opinion of his old friend in this day's
_Times_.
"I pass over the subsequent blundering attempts to hide the act, as
similar things have been done by others whose insanity has not been
questioned. And as I have occupied much of your space, I subscribe
myself,
"Yours obediently,
"JOS. ROGERS.
"DEAN STREET, SOHO,
"_January 15, 1872_."
RECOGNITION.
DR. JOSEPH ROGERS.
"TO THE EDITOR OF _The Lancet_.
"SIR,--Since writing my letter to you last week I am rejoiced to see
that a movement has commenced for giving shape to the esteem in which
Dr. Joseph Rogers is held by his professional brethren and others who
know his work. I hope a large sum will be raised, which cannot fail to
be the case if all whom his labours have benefited give a little. And
surely the time could not be more opportune than when in a battle with
his persecutors: he wants to the full the encouragement of his friends.
Only one suggestion I cannot agree with--viz., that the subscription
list should be limited to Poor Law medical officers. Why? Truly, he has
been a great benefactor to them; but not to them only. His public work
has been much wider in aim and usefulness than simply to touch the
pockets of a few Poor Law surgeons. Many years ago he was a leader in
the movement that ended in stopping burials within towns. I believe I am
right in saying that to his influence is largely due the establishment
of mortuaries. It was he who succeeded in getting expensive
medicines--which it was hopeless to expect the Poor Law officers to
supply out of their slender salaries--supplied by Boards of Guardians:
an improvement directly benefiting the poor, and indirectly the
ratepayers. The Metropolitan Poor Act of 1867 was largely brought about
by his untiring zeal. From that what good has not flowed? The supply of
not expensive medicines only, but all medicines, by the Guardians. The
dispensary system, leading to a very large increase, probably not less
than £15,000 a year to the Metropolitan medical officers. Then that
great boon, the Superannuation Act, is another monument of Dr. Rogers'
energy. I do not wish to undervalue the labours of Dr. Brady, and our
other friends in and out of the House of Commons; but Dr. Brady himself
would be the foremost to admit that he never would have been able to
carry the point had it not been for Dr. Rogers' assistance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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