Simonds v. Henry

AppletoN, J.

— The law impliés an undertaking on the part of apothecaries and surgeons, that they will use a reasonable degree of care and skill in the treatment of their *157patients. Chitty on Contracts, 553. They are held responsible for injuries resulting from a want of ordinary care and skill. The highest degree of skill is not to be expected, nor can it reasonably bo required of all.

The instruction given was, that if the plaintiff has used all the knowledge and skill to which the art had at the time advanced, that would be all that would be required of him,” &c. It is undoubtedly correct, that no more would be required of Mm. But upon legal principles could so much be required of him ? We think not. If it could, then every professional man would be bound to possess the highest attainments, and to exercise the greatest skill in his profession. Such a requirement would be unreasonable.

The instructions given were erroneous and a new trial must be had.

Exceptions sustained.

New trial ordered.