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the freedmen with medical attendance in either case according to rule in the Code of Ethics of the So.Ca. Med Ass'n of which I am a member, it would be improper & unbecoming in me to offer gratuitous services." - I quote the paragraph referred to,

"A wealthy or retired physician should not give advice gratis, because his doing so is an injury to his professional brethren.  The Office of a Physician can never be supported as an exclusively beneficent one;  & it is defrauding in some degree the common funds for its support, when fees are dispensed with; which might justly be claimed"

"There is no profession by the members of which eleemosynary services are more liberally dispensed than by the medical, but justice requires that some limits should be placed to the performance of such good offices.  Poverty, professional brotherhood, & certain public duties referred to in Section 1 of this chapter should always be recognized as presenting valid claims for gratuitous services - But neither such gratuitous endorsed by Govt, the Bible or by rich individuals, societies for mutual benefit &c &c can be admitted to possess such privilege.  But to individuals in indigent circumstances such professional services should always be cheerfully & freely accorded."

As there will be no other opportunity that I know of to Sumter for a week, & agreeing with you that time is important I have thought it best to forward your letter as it stood without sending it back for corrections &

Transcription Notes:
Wow, great word: "Eleemosynary" - relating to or dependent on charity.