Physician
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
One engaged in the practice of medicine.. A physi- ‘cian in England cannot recover for fees, as his practice is altogether honorary.
Peake C. N. P. 96, 123; 4 T. R. 317.
But in Pennsylvania, and perhaps in all the United States, he may recover for his services.
5 Serg. & Rawle, 416.
The law implies, therefore, a contract on the part of a medical man, as well as those of other professions, to discharge their duty in a skilful and attentive manner; and the law will redress the party injured by their neglect or ignorance.
1 Saund. 312, ‘a; 1 Ld. Raym. 213; 2 Wils. 359; 8 East, 348.
They are sometimes answerable criminally for mala praxis, (q. v.).
2 Russ. on Cr. 288; Ayl. Pand. 213.