The following paragraph appeared recently in The Medical Record (New York):

Because of the opposition of his parents to the operation, surgeons of the County Hospital of Chicago were compelled to obtain an order from the court directing the amputation of the arm of a fourteen-year-old boy recently. Gangrene following a fracture made the operation necessary, but neither the boy nor his parents would consent.

Sometimes it is legitimate to do a man good against his will.

(209)

BENEVOLENCE

He is dead whose hand is not open wide

To help the need of a human brother;

He doubles the length of his lifelong ride

Who of his fortune gives to another;

And a thousand million lives are his