I agree with Dr Hugh Winig’s "Viewpoints" article in the September 1 issue titled "The Demise of the ‘Art of Medicine,’" as I am sure almost any physician of his (and my) generation will. Unfortunately, many of the new generation—who have not known "the good old days"—do not seem to share this view.

I am writing, however, to comment on his statement that the situation is "clearly a product of capitalism at its worst." Here in Canada, where nothing is different, one could with equal right say that it is "clearly a product of socialism at its worst." Our provincial governments serve as universal, compulsive health care providers faced with providing care at a level the country clearly cannot afford and as a result are forced to set limitations little different from those in the United States.

Sven E. Jensen, M.D.

Victoria, British Columbia

I wish to congratulate Dr. Hugh Winig on his excellent article in the September 1 "Viewpoints" column. Thousands more of such articles are needed throughout the country.

Eugene M. Brooks, M.D.

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.