In the early practice of medicine men entered the field of medicine by reason of their interest in the treatment of the sick. Their ability and, as time went on, their experience and personality determined their career. There were no other standards. Later, medical schools and hospitals were established; prescribed training, degrees and licensure appeared. Thus there gradually developed accepted standards for the practice of medicine in general. Soon physicians became interested in a particular phase of medicine, and the specialties were born. Still the physician's interest, his ability and, as always, his personality were factors in his success in his specialty and his standing in his community.
It was gradually found that instruction and a wide experience could be obtained under the earlier specialists of the Old World, and at the time the American Dermatological Association was formed, in 1876, about one third of the charter members had obtained