The disposition to jealousy and strife in the medical profession is also promoted by the associations which are sometimes formed by physicians with each other, or with the community, for the sake of furthering their own selfish ends. Professional cliques on the one hand, and alliances with various societies, social, moral or religious, on the other, when relied upon as means of advancing one’s professional interests, are always inimical to the harmony of medical men. They render competition unfair and dishonorable and therefore contentious. The physician who calls to his aid the influence of a sect, or a party, or an association of any sort, in so doing not only places himself in an attitude to awaken distrust, but subjects himself in maintaining the alliance to a necessity for employing means of self-aggrandisement, which will conflict with the rights of others, and will therefore involve himself in either a secret, or an open warfare with his brethren. It is peculiarly true of the physician, that he will always find it for his interest and especially for his comfort, to obey the injunction of the Apostle, ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men.’ Sometimes it is hardly ‘possible’ even for the strictly honest and honorable to do so. It is sometimes difficult to restrain the outburst of an honest indignation provoked by the base tricks of physicians, who, in spite of such tricks, hold an honorable position before the community. But it is best to do it, if ‘possible.’ For even if the act complained of be clearly and palpably a disgraceful one, the public, with their present ideas of the rules of medical intercourse, will not generally appreciate the true merits of the case. The friends of the physician who has committed the act will be disposed to think him right; and those who feel indifferent to the matter, will turn it off with the old remark, ‘two of a trade cannot agree,’ as if that settled it. If one who has been injured by a competitor manifest any sensitiveness, and is earnest in denouncing the act, he will generally make the matter worse for himself. And if his opponent keep still, and utter the little which he does say very slily, he will be sure to gain an advantage over his more honest, but less cunning, neighbor. It is especially true of the medical profession, that one gives dignity to a dishonorable opponent by stooping to quarrel with him. The artful often endeavor to provoke the honorable to strife, managing at the same time to produce the impression upon the public mind, that they themselves have no disposition to quarrel. The best course therefore, commonly is, to avoid as much as possible, and in a very quiet way, having any intercourse with the artful and intriguing in the profession.