Two medical benefits (medical and sanatorium) and a maternity benefit were conferred under the act; but, as they have been administered, it cannot be affirmed that any marked public benefit has accrued; and it is certain that if the same amount of money had been placed in the hands of public health authorities to provide adequate medical aid to those needing it, of the kind most lacking and which they could least afford to obtain, great benefit to the public health would have been secured. What was given? (1) There was the medical benefit, each insured person being entitled to the services of a medical practitioner of his own choice (a “panel” doctor). The services given were limited by regulation to mean such medical attendance as is “within the ordinary professional competence and skill” of a medical practitioner; and so the treatment given has often been more limited than what is given by the more advanced poor law authorities. The latter can supply hospital treatment and expert assistance when required; under the insurance system no such provision is made. The insured patient is not entitled to surgical operations when needed, except of the simplest character; treatment of eye, ear, nose and teeth conditions is commonly excluded; no appliances are given except a few bandages and simple splints; and there are no facilities for modern scientific laboratory investigation, except those provided gratuitously by public health authorities. Furthermore, by the rules of most friendly societies sickness (monetary) benefit during treatment of illness due to the patient’s misconduct is excluded.