What makes a person a professor or non-MD doctor?

[30th_il]

This is a reason I've always wanted a dictionary from the civil war era. I would like to know the explanation of professor from the time period. Many words have changed meaning over the years such as dentist/barber. Words have come and gone such as in the last words Lincoln heard from the play "Our American Cousin" "you sockdologizing old man-trap!"

[ttully]

I think the opening sentence of Mr. Cockerham's post was hysterical and rings of truth. Even today we have Dr.s and teachers and even lawyers who have bamboozeled the masses! By the way, I am now Prof. Tully, specializing in snake oil liniments

[timewalker]

Originally Posted by Lancer

I hold a juris doctor degree, which theoretically entitles me to call myself doctor, but I would never, ever do so.

It's largely an ego thing, I think.

Eric

Until recently, the State Bar Rules here in Texas prohibitted a juris doctor from calling himself "Doctor." That has now been changed, but I know of no J.D. who calls himself so.