Axham Dies

In England last week Dr. F. W. Axham died of bronchitis, in his 86th year. Two days before death he whispered haltingly over the rales: " Let us forgive. I speak generally. For myself I forgive, as I hope to be forgiven."

Thus he completed a 15-year unmitigated professional outlawry imposed on him by the General Medical Counci* for sinning against its established fiats. Dr. Axham was one of the famed of British physicians, almost adored by the poor whom he attended without fee. During the Chinese war on board an otherwise doctorless ship he singlehandedly cared for 300 fever-stricken patients. For that Queen Victoria personally thanked him.

Some 20 years ago he became converted to the remarkable manipulative surgery of the then young Herbert Atkinson Barker**-- who was not an orthodox surgeon, whom the medical profession contemned for " irregular" practices. Dr. Axham served as his anesthetist.

For five years, until 1911, their relations were scanned but not disturbed. That year the General Council acted, forced the surrender of Dr. Axham's license, ostracized him. He could not practice at all, although he could and did continue to act as anesthetist for Osteopath Barker, who through the years acquired more and more fame, until his knighting. That event gave a spurt to the propaganda of laymen for the restoration of Dr. Axham's dignities. The press assumed interest. Parliament heard of the case. Yet the General Council remained obdurate.

The campaign continued so well that three months ago the College of Physicians of Edinburgh restored to him his diploma. Friends urged the General Council for immediate restoration. It might consider the matter at its next semi-annual meeting in June. Last week Dr. Axham died in old age, and posthumous re-establishment would be unprecedented in England.

*Consists of 38 members, 6 elected by the profession, 5 appointed by the King, and 27 named by universities and colleges conferring medical degrees. Its " disciplinary duties" give it absolute powers, as prosecutor and judge, over all practitioners.

**Knighted in 1922 for his astounding work with War wrecks. Now in his 57th year he makes his home at Alassio, Italy.