British Private Medical Practice and the National Health Service

Abstract

Having survived the naïve strategy of the 1950's to abolish "galloping socialism," American physicians of good mind and moderate politics are ready for a serious study of the problems, and a realistic effort to establish a responsible relationship between ourselves and the conservative majority of the US Congress. The form of private practice will be a principle issue to be studied. The late Samuel Mencher of Pittsburgh understood much about these principle issues, both in the United States and in Great Britain. The books of this quiet man seem unfairly neglected in the continuous clatter from more famous centers. His less-spectacular style often seems more nourishing intellectually, and his comparative technique is scholarly. He shows us the importance of the developments in 1912 which led to the formation of the British National Health Service. We can compare our own history with the British experience as to taxation, poor-laws, welfare, labor