London papers inform us that “all England is in mourning” over the death of Robert Howard Hutton, the renowned natural bone-setter, which recently occurred in that city. Judging from the large number of biographical notices, editorials, and communications which appear in English journals, he must have been one of the best known men in the British empire. It appears to be admitted that his fame greatly surpassed that of any physician or surgeon in the whole country. One lady of rank pronounces his death “a national calamity,” and a gentleman, who speaks of England as “the most doctor-ridden nation under heaven,” refers to more than a hundred cures effected by this remarkable man among his acquaintances after they had failed to derive any benefit from the regular practitioners, who were the most eminent in their profession. Years ago, George Moore, a distinguished philanthropist and millionaire of London, testified that Hutton treated him in the case of a displacement of a bone, which had baffled the skill of the most famous surgeons in the country for three years, and effected a complete cure in one minute. Hunters, cricket players, rowing men, and athletes in all parts of Great Britain consulted Hutton when they met with accidents. A sporting paper, in a notice of his career, says:

“He gradually broke down the wall of prejudice which had been built up against bone-setters by the medical faculty on the ground that they were merely quacks. His cures in cases of displacements and sprains which had puzzled the most expert surgeons, were so brilliant and undisputed that he was frequently consulted by those who had previously reviled him. His house in Queen Anne Street was thronged day after day by persons, who in some instances had come hundreds of miles to avail themselves of his skill.”

Robert Howard Hutton was born in Westmoreland county, England, forty-seven years ago. He belonged to a family of “natural bone-setters,” the most famous of whom was his uncle, who taught him all the mysteries of his craft. He practised surgery in Westmoreland and adjacent counties for several years, where he acquired such a reputation that he was induced to move to London. He appears to have made the change more from philanthropic than from monetary considerations. He loved the country and was very fond of hunting. Once in London and within reach by railroad of every portion of Great Britain, his patronage became so extensive that he had no time to gratify his inclination in regard to sports.

Men of the class to which Mr. Hutton belonged, were once quite common in this country. Men conducting large lumbering operations in Maine generally arranged to take a “natural bone-setter” into the woods every winter. The masters of whaling vessels endeavored to have one among their crews. The faith of ignorant people in “natural bone-setters” is profound.

They believe that they are possessed of inherent knowledge and skill. Some think that they are possessed of a natural gift, and others that they have acquired secrets that never become known to the members of the medical profession. The circumstance that they effect a cure in persons who had “suffered much from many physicians,” though they never read a medical book, never attended college, never witnessed a clinic, and never received instruction from a preceptor, elevates them in the minds of the people far above the directors of hospitals.

It is fair to presume that men like Mr. Hutton are possessed of great skill and also of great knowledge. They may not know the scientific name of any bone, ligament, or muscle in the human body, but they may know the location and function of every one of them. Instead of being derided as “quacks,” they should be classed as hereditary specialists. It is admitted that bees, ants, dogs and horses inherit knowledge and skill, and it is certainly fair to presume that human beings do the same. No person will be likely to practice surgery without having had a course of training, unless he has great confidence in himself, and self-confidence makes one resolute. Mr. Hutton, it is said, never administered an anÆsthetic and never employed an assistant. He was very strong, quick, and active. He jerked a bone into place in an instant, while he was telling a story, and before the sufferer knew what was about to happen. He had a most extensive practice, and “practice makes perfect.” It is likely that he put more dislocated bones in place than any ten regular practitioners in his country. He was an observant man, with remarkable keenness of sight and delicacy of touch. His great success caused him to undertake risks that many surgeons would shrink from. His success as well as that of others of his class, may be accounted for on scientific principles. It remains to be seen what medical journals will say of him. It is certain that the secular press regarded him as a most extraordinary man, and regret that the family of “natural bone-setters” died out with him.—Chicago Times.It is for the suppression, imprisonment or banishment of such men as Hutton and the American bone-setter, Sweet, that American legislatures are besieged by medical monopolists. It is not long since that the gifted Italian woman, Rosa del Cin, was driven back to Italy by medical hostility in New York. No medical college allows its students to learn the healing power of gifted individuals.