STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
No. 340. 
IN ASSEMBLY, 
April 27, 1840. 
REPORT 
Of the select committee on numerous petitions, 
praying relief for Thompsonian Physicians. 
Mr. Farrington, from the select committee to whom was referred nu- 
merous petitions praying for the passage of a law to relieve Thompso- 
nian physicians from the disabilities imposed upon them by the present 
law in relation to the recovery of a compensation for their services in 
attending the sick, 
REPORTS: 
That by the existing law, all persons not licensed under the laws of 
the State are prohibited from practising physic or surgery, and a pe- 
nalty is imposed for practising without a license ; except in the case of 
the use and application for the benefit of the sick of roots, barks or 
lierbs, the growth or produce of the United States. This prohibition 
is, without doubt, intended to protect the community against injury from 
unskilled and incompetent practitioners, while the exception in favor of 
roots, barks and herbs is a concession that no danger is apprehended 
from their use as a medicine. 
If the existing law is founded upon correct principles, it is not per- 
ceived what good reason can be offered for prohibiting the collection 
of pay by a practitioner for his services, whose practice is tolerated by 
law and declared, in effect, not to be injurious to the community. 
[Assembly, No. 340.' 
1 2 
Assembly 
Your committee are of opinion that the restrictions of law may be 
modified in such manner as to remedy the evil complained of, without 
detriment to the public. They therefore ask leave to introduce a bill. 
AH which is respectfully submitted