A New Year's editorial from the Lancet published in 1911

 New Year's editorial from the Lancet published in 1911. 

The past 100 years in medicine have shown incredible progress against some diseases, but infections like tuberculosis and issues of poverty remain, a medical journal says.
In this week's year-end editorial, the Lancet reflects on its lead editorial from 1911, titled "The Promise of 1911." In addressing the medical profession, the previous editorial urged legislation against the "grasping charlatan or dangerous quack," similar to modern-day sentiments of some, the journal noted.

"Between 1911 and 2011 there is much for medicine to be proud of — and also be humble about. New years bring new promise and new opportunities, but some old demons remain," the latest editorial concluded.

A 1911 discussion about the origin of cancer is a reminder of how much is still unknown about the disease, the new editorial said in promoting a study on the potential protective benefit of Aspirin against some cancers.An emphasis on syphilis in the first paper may seem dated, but the 21st century has seen cases on the rise again among high-risk groups in wealthy countries. The latest editorial pointed to a correspondent's article describing cocaine addiction in Montreal. Case reports from medical associations in Britain, an article datelined New York on a crackdown on trade in rotten eggs, and reports that identified tuberculosis, measles, diarrhea and respiratory infection as the leading causes of death in South Africa all dealt with themes of infectious disease and food safety that continue today.
Similar issues

"The behaviour of expert medical witnesses and the reporting of medicine by the lay press also came under discussion, as did jurisprudence and anesthesia, and even medical tourism," the 2011 editorial said of its 1911 counterpart.

Medical tourism remained in the media spotlight in 2010 with the emergence of the NDM-1 superbug, particularly in countries that promote surgeries for visitors. The 1911 editorial also complained about philanthropists "whose charity is excessive, poorly co-ordinated and indiscriminate," another issue that remains topical. The new editorial also discussed content from 1911 now rendered poignant by history, such as a book review of a handbook for medical officers on the battlefield — three years before the First World War began.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/12/30/medicine-new-year-advances.html#ixzz19hsmRZc3