Another way in which the stable-minded and well-informed can assist the medical profession, in the eradication of quackery, is by renouncing all fallacious means of judging of the merits of physicians, and relying upon those which I have shown to be so apt to lead to correct conclusions. For an extended view of this subject I refer the reader to the chapter on Popular Estimates of Physicians. And I will only remark here, that, while the honorable practitioner desires from his employers an _intelligent_ confidence, the quack and the quackish physician are very willing, that the community should continue to judge of medical men by the same false rules, which have been so long in vogue, because they subserve so well their narrow and selfish purposes.[35] The sensible and influential in the community can render effectual aid in the overthrow of quackery, by promoting the strict observance of the rules of medical intercourse. These rules are not sufficiently understood and appreciated by the public. If they were, those who have influence in society would frown down the base arts of a cunning competition, instead of encouraging them, as they now often do; and would give no countenance to the false issues, upon which empirics and dishonorable physicians so much depend for their success. For a full view of this subject I refer my readers to the chapter on the Intercourse of Physicians. A recent movement of the medical profession in this country, if I mistake not, is destined to exert a great and a permanent agency in the overthrow of empiricism. I refer to the formation of the “American Medical Association” in 1847. Although the meeting in Boston in May last was only the _second_ annual meeting of the Association, so fully did the profession throughout the country respond to the call, that the number of the delegates amounted to about four hundred and fifty. The measures which have already been entered upon, and the spirit which has been manifested, clearly indicate, that the great object for which the Association was formed, “the elevation and advancement of our common calling” will be rigorously and steadily prosecuted. The recurrence of this _festival_ of the profession from year to year, I fully believe, will be marked by real advances in all the interests of medical science. And now, I ask, is it too much to expect of the stable and well-informed in the community, that they will give their countenance to the objects at which we aim? While we are thus struggling together to elevate the standard of medical education, and to rid our noble profession of the abuses which impair its honor and its usefulness, we have a right to demand of the community, which is to be especially benefitted by these efforts, a cheerful and active support. Whether this shall be given us, will depend upon the men of influence in every profession and occupation in our land. It is to them that we make our appeal, and we believe that it will not be made in vain.