PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,
At the Third Annual Meeting, held at Cincinnati, May, 1850.
The Association met in the “College Hall,” May 7th, at 10|, A. M.
The President, Dr. Warren, in the Chair.
Dr. Strader, on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, read a list of
lhe delegates who had registered their names. About three hundred delegates
were present.
The President delivered an Address.
On motion of Dr. Watson, of N. Y., the Constitution was read.
The rules being suspended, Dr. Watson moved that Drs. Drake, Rives.
Lawson, Dodge, Strader and Richards, members of the Committee of
Arrangements appointed in 1849, but not belonging to the Association, be
elected permanent members.
On motion of Dr. Stille, the name of Dr. C. C. Caldwell, of Louis-
ville, was added to the number, and the whole elected by an unanimous
vote.
An invitation was presented from the a Mercantile Library,” offering to
the Association the use of its reading room, for which, and for all similar
invitations, the thanks of the Association were, on motion of Dr. Phelps,
directed to be tendered.
On motion of Dr. Phelps, it was Resolved, That the Afternoon Session of
the day commence at 4, P. M.
The names of delegates first recorded on the list of the several States were
then read, on motion of Dr. Watson, and the gentlemen requested to call
their colleagues together, for the purpose of constituting a Nominating Com-
mittee.
Adjourned.
Afternoon Session.
The President in the Chair.
The Committee of Arrangements reported the names of persons recom-
mended by various delegates as members by invitation.
Dr. White, of N. Y., moved that the subject be referred to a Special Com-
mittee of Five, who should report, at the Morning Session, the names of all
who ought to be elected by the Association; which was agreed to, and the
following committee appointed:
Drs. Ware, of Mass., Johnson, of Miss., Dowler, of La., Parrish, of Pa.,
Flint, of N. Y.
The Committee of Arrangements presented an invitation to the Association
horn the Western Art Union to visit their rooms.
The names of delegates arrived since the morning report were read by the
Committee.
The Secretary read a letter, addressed by the Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institute to the President of the Association, relative to the registration of
diseases, &c., throughout the United States, and offering, in behalf of the
Smithsonian Institute, a room in its building as a place of meeting for the
Association.
On motion of Dr. Phelps, of N. Y., that portion of the letter having refer-
ence to the Annual Meeting, was referred to the Nominating Committee.
On motion of Dr. Knight, of Conn., that part bearing upon registration
was referred to the Committee on Hygiene.
The Secretary asked and obtained leave to present the Reports of the Pub-
lishing Committee and of the Treasurer.
They were accepted, and referred to the Committee on Publication, and
the Resolutions appended to the Report of the Committee on Publication were
adopted, as follows:
Resolved, That the assessment for the present year be three dollars.
Resolved, That those delegates who pay the assessment shall be entitled
to one copy of the Transactions of the present year; and that the payment
of two dollars, in addition, shall entitle them to two additional copies.
Resolved, That permanent members shall be entitled to one copy of the
Transactions of the present year, on the payment of two dollars, and three
copies on the payment of five dollars.
Resolved, That Societies which are represented at this meeting shall be
entitled to copies for their members on the same terms that such copies are
furnished to permanent members.
Resolved, That permanent members, unless present at the meeting as dele-
gates, shall not be subject to any assessment.
Resolved, That any delegate who is in arrears for his annual assessment
shall not be considered as a permanent member.
Resolved, That the several committees be requested to bring their reports
correctly and legibly transcribed; and that they be required to hand them to
the Secretaries as soon as they have been read.
On motion of Dr. Martin, of Indiana, the Committee of Arrangements
were requested to procure another room for the meetings of the Associa-
tion.
On motion of Dr. Parrish, of Pa., the Report of the Committee on
Medical Education was made the order of the day for the next morning.
The Secretary presented and read a part of the Report on Hygiene.
Dr. Phelps moved the reference of the Report to the Committee on Publi-
cation.
Dr. Lawson, of Ohio, moved that it be laid on the table, for the further
consideration of the meeting.
The amendment was negatived, and Dr. Phelps’ motion was then
adopted.
A communication from Dr. Fenner, of La., was received, accompanied
by a portion of a work, now in the course of publication, upon the Meteoro-
logy, Medical Topography, and Diseases of the Southern States, and asking
the co-operation of the Association.
The subject was laid upon the table, in consequence of the entrance of the
Nominating Committee, prepared to report the names of the officers of the
Association.
The Committee, consisting of one from each State, reported the following
as Officers of the Association:
President.—R. D. Mussey, M. D., Ohio.
Vice Presidents.—J. B. Johnson, Missouri, A. Lopez, Alabama, Daniel
Brainard, Illinois, G. W. Norris, Pennsylvania.
Secretaries.—Alfred Stille, Pennsylvania, H. W. De Saussure, South
Carolina.
Treasurer.—Isaac Hays, Pennsylvania.
The Report was accepted, and Dr. Smith, of N. J., moved that the officers
thus nominated be the Officers of the Association for the ensuing year.
After some discussion by Drs. Storer, of Mass., Yandell, of Ky.,
McNally, of Ohio, White and Watson, of N. Y.,
Dr. Holt moved the previous question, which was sustained, and
Dr. Smith’s resolution was adopted.
On motion of Dr. Roberts, of Md., the Association then adjourned until
9, A. M., May 8.
May 8th. Morning Session.
Dr. Warren in the Chair.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Committee of Arrangements reported the names of delegates arrived
since the previous report.
The following resolutions, offered by Dr. Bowditch, of Mass., were then
unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That the American Medical Association has learned with deep
regret of the death of Prof. Harrison, their late Vice President, and they
hereby wish to express their high sense of the virtues, talents, and profes-
sional merit of their distinguished associate.
Resolved, That in dying, as he did, while engaged in ministering to the
wants, and relieving the sufferings of his fellow citizens, this Association
recognise in him a noble example of professional self-sacrifice.
Resolved, That the warmest sympathies of this Association are hereby
most respectfully tendered to the family of their honored and deceased
associate.
On motion of Dr. Stille, it was
Resolved, That a properly authenticated copy of the resolutions be trans-
mitted to the family of Dr. Harrison.
Dr. Blackburn, of Ky., moved that a committee of three be appointed by
the Chair to introduce the newly elected officers, and to conduct the President
elect to the Chair.
The Chair appointed Drs. Knight, of Conn., Corbin, of Va., and Black-
burn, of Ky.
The President elect having been introduced by the Committee, was pre-
sented to the Association by the President. Dr. Mussey then returned his
thanks to the Association for the honor conferred upon him.
On motion of Dr. Corbin, of Va., the late President and Vice Presidents
were invited to take their seats upon the platform.
The following resolution, introduced by Dr. Kerfoot, of Pa., was unani-
mously adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Association be tendered to the late
officers, for their very gentlemanly, courteous, and efficient manner of con-
ducting the business of the Association.
Dr. Stille moved a suspension of the rules, for the purpose of hearing the
Report of the Committee on members by invitation.
Dr. Ware, chairman-of the committee, made a report, concluding with the
following resolutions:
Resolved, That all those gentlemen who have been nominated to the Asso-
ciation be admitted as members by invitation.
Resolved, That, at the next meeting of the Association, a committee shall
be appointed, at an early period of the session, to whom shall be presented
all nominations of members by invitation, who shall report such of them for
admission as shall appear, according to a liberal interpretation of the Consti-
tution, to have a claim to this privilege.
Dr. White, of N. Y., moved the adoption of the resolutions; but on mo-
tion of Dr. Rives, of Ohio, the resolutions were considered separately, and
the first was adopted. The second, after much discussion, was, on motion
of Dr. Palmer, of Michigan, indefinitely postponed.
Dr. Hooker, of Conn., offered the following:
Resolved, That the section in the Constitution relating to members by
invitation be repealed.
This lies over, according to rule, until the next meeting of the Asso-
ciation.
Dr. Evans, of Ky., also offered a resolution of the same purport.
The President announced the Report of the Committee on Education as
the order of business of the day.
Dr. Watson asked a suspension of the rules, for the purpose of bringing
before the Association the communication of Dr. Fenner, of N. 0., which
was refused.
Dr. Blatchford, of N. Y., presented the report of the Committee on
Education, which he requested might be read by the Secretary, as the chair-
man of the Committee was absent. The Secretary read the report.
[This report is the production of the Chairman, Dr. Joseph Roby, Professor in
the University of Maryland, and was not signed by either of his colleagues.
It refers in the first place to the previous discussions which have been enter-
tained by the Association on this important question, and considers that they em-
brace a “ somewhat intricate intermingling of facts and opinions.” The facts
include a statistical history of the number of schools, professors, students, and
graduates, the means of instruction furnished, requirements for the degree, &c.
The opinions assert, in general terms, that the whole system of medical educa-
tion in this country is defective and incomplete, from the fact that the schools are
too numerous, their instructors too few, the time devoted to study too short, and
the bestowal of honors too profuse, thus leading to a depreciation of the profes-
sion, and of the schools.
The report defines the position of the Association to be one of forbearance and
conciliation towards the schools, its recommendations being advisory, and not
binding ; while it claims for the schools a general disposition to acquiesce in those
recommendations, and to aid the association in its efforts to improve and advance
the cause of sound medical learning.
The grounds upon which this latter conclusion is based, do not, however, ap-
pear to be clearly shown in the sequel.
In regard to the recommendations of the Association upon the subject of pre-
liminary education, so far as these relate to the schools, the report states, “the
Association has attempted to obviate this difficulty, (viz., a want of suitable pre-
liminary education,) by urging upon the schools certain recommendations, which
as yet have not been fully complied with. Neither of the parties most interested
seem willing to meet the responsibility. The student dislikes to have his self-
complacency offended, the practitioner fears to hazard the good will of the student)
and the school is too anxious lest the portal of some active rival may be found
easier of access than its own. Hence, with the defect generally acknowledged
and deplored, it does not appear that much has been done towards applying any
efficient remedy.”
In regard to increasing the number of instructors, and the period of instruction,
another recommendation of the Association, the language of the report is equally
discouraging.
“We do not learn,” says the chairman of the committee, “that there has been a
general adoption of either of these recommendations.”
In reference to the extension of the lecture term, the writer of the report
appears to be in doubt as to whether the object of this recommendation was to
increase the number of lectures, or to extend the time in which the same amount
of instruction should be communicated.
In confirmation of the latter being the correct view, it is stated, that “in the
institution selected by the committee of 1849, as nearest the European model, in
which the lecture term is one of six months, the aggregate amount of instruction,
as reported, is really less than in another school, whose course continues but four
and a half months.”
This strikes us as a remarkable statement, and we are at a loss to perceive how
the quantity of instruction can be so accurately measured and timed.
In regard to another recommendation of the Association, viz., that a more rigid
test should be adopted by the schools, for admission into the profession, the report
is still less satisfactory.
The writer contends that in this country, admission into all the liberal profes-
sions must be comparatively easy. “ The nature of all our institutions supposes
this. They must conciliate the public good will, upon which they are dependent
for their existence and patronage, by a liberal exercise of their powers and
privileges.”
“ This is especially the case with new institutions in new States. It may be
deemed doubtful, therefore, whether any uniform plan of medical education can
be adhered to, throughout the Union. The Northern and Middle States, having a
dense and wealthy population accustomed to educational institutions, and able as
well as willing to sustain them, are in a very different condition from that of the
newer communities of the West and South West.”
The reporter farther denies the authority of any central power to enforce a uni-
form system of laws regulating matters pertaining to education, and believes that
any attempt to adjust such a system would excite suspicion and oppposition.
« Indeed,” says the report, “ it is perfectly notorious, that the only institution in
the country that approaches the best foreign schools in thoroughness of scientific
and practical instruction, has, at times, barely survived the attacks of political
jealousy.”
It is to be regretted that the committee have not named the institution here re-
ferred to, as we apprehend that the allusion was not understood by the great body
of those who listened to the report, and we now confess our entire ignorance of
it. The chairman declines a more elaborate examination of the subject com-
mitted, from an apprehension of multiplying issues between the profession and the
schools, and proposes that the Association await the action of the schools upon
the recommendations which it has issued.
The report closes with a brief remark upon a resolution submitted to the con-
sideration of the committee on the propriety of encouraging schools of Pharmacy,
for the purpose of preparing persons for the business of Apothecaries. Upon this
point the Chairman manifests a surprising ignorance of the present state of Phar-
maceutical knowledge. He states that although schools of Pharmacy exist in
most of the Atlantic cities, “none of them seem to be in active operation.” A
little inquiry would have satisfied him, that, in regard to Philadelphia at
least, this statement is entirely erroneous. A flourishing College of Pharmacy
has been in active operation in Philadelphia for twenty years past, and has exer-
cised a remarkable influence upon the pursuit of this branch of business.
Among the active members of this institution are many apothecaries, possess-
ing a thorough scientific and practical knowledge of Pharmacy, and occupying a
high moral and professional position.
They hold regular meetings, are governed by an excellent code of Ethics, and
were among the prime movers in the late proceedings which led to the adop-
tion of laws for preventing the importation of spurious drugs. At the recent
convention for revising the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, their delegates were received on
an equal footing with those coming from Medical Colleges ; and were t among the
leading members of that scientific body. An excellent system of instruction in
Materia Medica, Chemistry and practical Pharmacy, with the power of granting
degrees in Pharmacy, is attached to this flourishing institution.
A Journal, occupying a high rank, both for its literary and scientific merits, is
regularly published under the sanction of this College, and its proceedings are
thus fully made known.
With these facts so readily accessible, we can see no excuse for the broad
assertion made by the Chairman of this Committee, that none of the schools of
Pharmacy are in active operation, and we trust that this report will not appear
on the proceedings of the Association until this part of it is corrected.
We have endeavored to lay before our readers, thus early, a faithful sketch of
this report, from the great and general interest which the questions of which it
treats has excited throughout the medical community. That the report fails to
sustain the previous views and policy of the Association upon the subject of
medical education, we think will be generally admitted. This sentiment seemed
to pervade the minds of those who listened to its reading at Cincinnati, and the
two members of the Committee, Dr. Blatchford, of Troy, N. Y., and Dr. Roberts
of Baltimore, who were present at the meeting, declined signing it. The former
gentleman presented his views in a series of resolutions, re-affirming the previ-
ous recommendations of the Association, and urging upon Medical Colleges and
upon the profession to forward and sustain them.]
Dr. Blatchford offered the following resolutions, prefacing them with
the remarks that although a member of the Committee, he had not seen the
report, until late on the preceding evening, and that he dissented altogether
from the opinions it expressed.
Whereas, This Association has learned through its several committees, ap-
pointed from year to year to examine into the state of medical education in
our country, that many of the medical colleges invested by law with the
power of granting degrees, still continue a system of instruction which we
cannot but regard as defective both in the time allotted to the delivery of
lectures, in the attention paid to practical anatomy, in the facilities afforded
for clinical instruction, and in the low standard of the requirements for a de-
gree, therefore,
Resolved, That this Association reiterates its former recommendations
upon these points, and would urge upon the medical colleges to continue their
efforts to elevate the standard of medical education, by adopting such
changes in their courses of instruction as shall satisfy the just and reasonable
desires of the profession.
Resolved, That the thanks of the American Medical Association are due to
the Faculties of the University of Pennsylvania, and of the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons of New York, and all other institutions which may have
conformed to our recommendations, for their prompt response to the recom-
mendations of the Association for the improvement of Medical Education.
[Upon these resolutions an animated debate ensued, occupying the chief part of
two sessions, which was participated in by Drs. Parrish, Morris, and Stille, of
Philadelphia; Yandell and Blackburn, of Louisville, Ky. ; Blatchford and Wat-
son, of New Y ork ; Davis, of Chicago ; Storer, of Boston, and Professor Gilman,
of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and several other
speakers, in favor of the resolutions ; and by Professors Annan and Miller, of
the Louisville Medical School ; Mitchell of the Jefferson College of Philadelphia,
and several other gentlemen, in opposition.
In. the course of the discussion, among several amendments introduced, was the
substitute proposed by Dr. L. M. Lawson, of Cincinnati, Professor in the Medical
College of Ohio.—(Vide Minutes.)
Much time having been spent on these several propositions, without coming
to a direct vote, it was finally agreed to refer them to the Committee on Medical
Education for next year. Subsequently a resolution offered by Dr. Morris as a
substitute for the whole, was passed in committee, and, when reported to the
Association, adopted. This resolution simply affirms anew the recommendations
which had been made at previous meetings of the Association.
During this interesting debate it was evident that the feeling pervading the
assembly was one of decided determination, to exert the power of the Associa-
tion for the reformation of existing defects and abuses in Medical Colleges ; while
the facts developed in the remarks of the different speakers, tended to confirm
the views of those who feel the necessity for such interference. It was forcibly
argued, that although the American Medical Association could exercise no legal
control over Medical Colleges, and could not prevent them from granting the
degree, even to unworthy candidates, yet that it possessed within itself a
moral force, amply sufficient to enforce its recommendations. The representa-
tives of the medical profession uniting together from every section of the Union,
must exert a powerful influence upon all questions affecting their common inter-
ests. The decisions of such a body will have the force of law, and however they
may be opposed by private interests, or local prejudices, they will ultimately
prevail.
We believe that the meeting at Cincinnati confirmed this sentiment, and
although no new action was taken on the question of medical education, owing
perhaps to the variety of topics with which it became complicated; yet 'the
general feeling of those present was favorable to a progressive movement, on
the part of the great body of the physicians of the U. S., tending to elevate and
improve the means of instruction in medical science, and to discountenance all
superficial and unworthy methods of admitting young men into the profession.]
Dr. Roberts of Md., also a member of the committee, had never seen the
report until the preceding evening, and did not entirely approve of it.
Dr. Stille wished to correct a statement made in the Report, “That none
of the Colleges of Pharmacy in the Atlantic cities seem to be in active ope-
ration.” Dr. Stille called attention to the fact that the Colleges of Phar-
macy of New York and Philadelphia -were in active operation, and had
shown their activity, amongst other ways, by taking an efficient part in
procuring the passage of the law to prevent the importation of spurious and
adulterated drugs. Dr. Isaac Wood, of N. Y., also desired to say that the
College of Pharmacy of New York was in active and efficient operation.
Dr..PARRisn, of Pa., expressed himself at length in opposition to the doc-
trine of the Report, but moved that it should take the usual course, and be
referred to the Committee on Publication.
Dr. Annan, of Ky., moved to amend by referring the Report and the Re-
solutions of Dr. Blatchford to a Select Committee, of which Dr. Parrish
should be Chairman.
After much discussion, Dr. Stille offered the following as an amendment,
which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Report of the Chairman of the Committee on Medical
Education be re-committed for correction as to matters of fact, and then
handed to the Committee of Publication.’
Resolved, That the resolutions of Dr. Blatchford be made the special
order for the meeting of this afternoon.
On motion of Dr. Knight, of Ct., it was
Resolved, That the Committee appointed to nominate the Officers of the
Association be continued, and that they be directed to nominate the several
Standing Committees of the Association for the ensuing year, and also to
designate the place of the next meeting of the Association.
Dr. Reyburn, of Mo., on behalf of the Medical Society of the State of
Missouri, tendered an invitation from said Society to the National Medical
Association to meet in St. Louis after the next annual meeting.
The Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements informed the Associa-
tion that they were unable to obtain the permanent use of the only other
Hall suitable for its meetings. On motion of Dr. Roberts, of Md., the
Association continued to meet in the present Hall.
Adjourned to 3^ P. M.
Afternoon Session.
Dr. Johnson, Vice President, in the Chair
The discussion of Dr. Blatchford’s resolutions was resumed, and Dr.
Miller, of Ky., moved to amend the first by inserting after the word
“ efforts,”—“ and the lay members of the profession who take office students
to begin their efforts,” which was accepted by Dr. Blatchford.
Before coming to a vote, the Association adjourned to 9 A. M., of Thurs-
day.
May 9th.—Morning Session.
Dr. Johnson, Vice President, in the Chair.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements offered the following:
Resolved, That no member shall speak at one time longer than fifteen
minutes, nor on any motion more than twice, without permission of the
Association, which was adopted, after having been amended by changing
the word “fifteen ’’ to “ten.”
The Secretary read a letter from the Dean of Cleveland Medical College,
regretting the inability of their delegates to attend the meeting of the Asso-
ciation.
Letters of invitation were received from the Steward of the Commercial
Hospital of Ohio, and Prof. C. M. Mitchell, of the Observatory, to the
members of the Association, to visit their respective institutions. On motion
of Dr. Eve, of Ga., it was Resolved, That 2£ o’clock, P. M., be the hour at
which the Association will attend at the Observatory ; and on motion of Dr.
McPheeters, That in order to give the members time to visit the Observa-
tory, when the Association adjourns, it does not meet until 4 P. M.
The President announced the resolutions of Dr. Blatchford, amended
by Dr. Miller, of Ky., as the first business in order.
Dr. Eve, of Ga., moved that the resolutions be indefinitely postponed,
which was not adopted.
After much discussion, the previous question was moved by Dr. Edwards,
and carried.
A motion for a reconsideration having been made, was carried, and the
resolutions being again open for discussion, it was moved by Dr. J. R. Wood,
of N. Y., that the Association go into Committee of the Whole, with Dr.
Kntght, of Ct., in the Chair. This resolution being adopted, Dr. Knight
took the chair.
When the Committee rose to report, on motion of Dr. Lopez, the rules
were suspended, in order to enable him to make an explanation and read a
protest on behalf of the delegates of the State of Alabama, against certain
statements made in the Report of the Committee on Education in 1849, and
published in the volume of Transactions of that year; the protest concluding
with the following resolution :
Whereas, The 3d section of the Report on Medical Education, entitled
“ Legal requirements exacted of medical practitioners in the several States
of the Union,” being discordant with the laws of the State of Alabama, now
existing and in force from 1823, unrepealed ; and now especially at variance
with a strict sense of justice and respect to the medical faculty of that State
in their professional relations and public standing,
Resolved, That the foregoing protest be entered upon the minutes of this
present Convention, and entered on its published proceedings.
On motion of Dr. Cox, the protest was accepted, and referred to the Com-
mittee of Publication.
Dr. Lopez, 2d Vice President, then took the Chair, and the Chairman of
the Committee of the Whole reported that they had had under consideration
the preamble and resolutions of Dr. Blatchford, and certain other resolu-
tions herewith submitted, proposed by Drs. Lawson and Drake, of Ohio,
Theobald, of Md. and Gross, of Ky., which were recommended by resolution
of Dr. Flint, of N. Y., to be referred to the Standing Committee for 1851 ;
and that they afterwards adopted the accompanying resolution of Dr.
Morris, of Pa., offered as a substitute for the above.
On motion, the report of the committee was adopted.
Amendment offered by Dr. Lawson, of Ohio :
Resolved, That this Association earnestly recommends to the members of
the medical profession throughout the United States, to satisfy themselves,
either by personal inquiry or the written certificate of competent persons,
before receiving young men into offices as students, that they are of good
moral character, and that they have acquired a good English education.
Resolved, That all medical colleges be advised to require of their students
to exhibit evidence of a good English education prior to graduation.
Resolved, That medical colleges be advised to extend their lecture term
to at least five months.
Resolved, That medical colleges be most earnestly requested to elevate
the standard for graduation, and that no candidate be permitted to receive a
degree who does not evince a thorough knowledge of the elements of medi-
cal science.
Resolved, That the schools which fail to comply with these resolutions, be
refused a representative in this Association.
Amendment offered by Dr. Drake.
Resolved, That the medical schools of the United States should require
pupils to remain till the end of the session, whatever may be its length, ex-
cept when permission may be given to depart.
Amendment offered by Dr. Theobald, of Maryland :
Resolved, That those medical schools in the United States which have
laws requiring a student to be 21 years of age, and to study medicine three
years, before he is eligible to the degree of M. D., be requested to enforce
said laws; and that those which have no such laws, enact them.
Amendment offered by Dr. Gross, of Kentucky :
Resolved, That the resolution be so far amended as to strike out the
words, l: of the University of Pennsylvania, and the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of'New York.”
Resolution offered by Dr. Morris, of Pa., as a substitute, passed in
Committee of the Whole, reported to the Association and adopted by it:
Resolved, That the recommendation of this Association at its former meet-
ings in regard to medical education, be affirmed, and that private precep-
tors be still urged to receive into their offices only those duly qualified by
previous education to engage in the study of medicine.
On motion of Dr. Flint, the Report of the Committee on Practical Medi-
cine was made the special order of business for the afternoon session.
Adjourned to meet at 4 P. M.
Afternoon Session.
Dr. Lopez, Vice President in the Chair.
The Association met at 4 P. M.
On motion of Dr. Stille, the Report of the Standing Committee on Sur-
gery was made the order of the day for Friday, at 9 A. M., and certain
resolutions proposed by Dr. Caldwell, the next succeeding business.
Dr. Drake announced that a case of samples of Tilden & Co.’s inspissated
extracts had been presented to the Association, and that they were ready to
be distributed amongst the members.
Dr. Morris, of Philadelphia, asked leave to correct an important clerical
error in the resolution offered by him at the morning session in Committee
of the Whole, and subsequently adopted by the Association, and that where
the word preliminary occurs therein, the word medical be substituted for it.
Leave was granted.
Dr. Flint, of N. Y., offered the following resolution, which was lost.
Resolved, That a popular address, on some medical subject, shall be
annually delivered duringflhe session of this Association, before the citizens
of the place in which it shall meet, and that the Nominating Committee
shall nominate some member of the Association for this purpose, with an
alternate in case of his failure.
Dr. Watson, of New York, presented the following resolution, which was
adopted.
Resolved, That Dr. Fenner’s projected annual publication on the Diseases
and Statistics of the Southern portion of the United States, meets with the
cordial approbation of the American Medical Association, and is worthy of
the active support and co-operation of the profession.
Dr. J. K. Mitchell, of Philada., presented and read the report of the
Standing Committee on Practical Medicine, which was on motion received
and referred to the Committee on Publication.
The following list of nominations was presented by the Nominating Com-
mittee :
Medical Sciences.
Dr. Bennet Dowler, of New Orleans, Chairman.
Dr. Fenner, N. 0.	Dr. F. G. Smith, Philada.
“ Upshur. Petersburg, Va.	££ Carr, Canandaigua, N. Y.
11 Johnson, Marion, Ala.	££ Meers, Indianapolis, Ind.
Practical Medicine.
Dr. Austin Flint, Buffalo, N. Y., Chairman.
Dr. Conger, Buffalo, N. Y.	Dr. G. L. Corbin, York Co., Va.
“ R. H. Davis, Baltimore, Md.	££ J. McNaughton, Albany,N.Y.
“ W. A. Norwood, Hillsboro’, N. C. ££ R. Haymond, Brookville, Ind.
Surgery.
Dr. Paul F. Eve, Augusta, Ga., Chairman.
Dr. J. N. Simmons, Ga.	Dr. S. D. Gross, Lduisville, Ky.
“ John Watson, N.Y.	££ C. A. Pope, St. Louis, Mo.
“ H. H. McGuire, Va.	££ A.B.Palmer, Tecumseh, Mich.
Obstetrics.
Dr. D. H. Storer, Boston, Chairman.
Dr. Reynolds, Boston.	Dr. S. Thompson, Albion, Ill.
li H. Miller, Louisville, Ky.	££ Parker, Kenoska, Wisconsin.
1£ T. M. K. Smith, Delaware.	££ A. J. Mullen, Napoleon, Ind.
Medical Education.
D. Worthington Hooker, Norwich, Ct., Chairman.
Dr. T. W. Blatchford, Troy, N. Y.	Dr. J. R. Wood, N. Y.
££ J. B. S. Jackson, Boston.	££ N. S. Davis, Chicago, Ill.
££ E. W. Theobald, Baltimore.	££ C.J.Blackburn, Covington, Ky.
Medical Literature.
Dr. Thomas Reyburn, St. Louis, Chairman.
Dr. W. M. McPheeters, St. Louis. Dr. Jas. Couper, Newcastle, Del.
££ L. M. Lawson, Cincinnati.	££ G. Tyler, Washington, D. C.
££ S. Annan, Lexington, Ky.	££ N.L.Thomas,Clarksville,Tenn.
Committee on Publication.
Dr. Isaac Hays, Philada., Chairman.
Dr. Alfred Stille, Philada.	Dr. J. R. W. Dunbar, Baltimore.
££ D. F. Condie, ££	lc Isaac Parrish, Philada.
“ H. W. De Saussure, Charleston. i£ N. Sanborn, Henniker, N. H.
Committee of Arrangements.
Dr. H. R. Frost, Charleston, Chairman.
Dr. P. C. Gaillard, Charleston.	Dr. J, P. Jervey, Charleston.
££ H. W. De Saussure,“	££ R. Lebby.	££
“ W.T. Wragg, “	“ D. J. Cain,	“
_ The Committee also recommended that the next meeting of the Associa-
tion be held at. Charleston, S. C.
It was moved by Dr. Bowditch, that the whole report of the committee
on nominations be received and adopted.
Dr. Lawson moved that the report lie on the table, but this motion was
negatived, and the original motion decided in the affirmative.
Dr. Evans, of Chicago, presented a brief report from Dr. Prioleau,
Chairman of the Committee on Obstetrics, which was read and referred to
the Committee on Publication, to be published or not, at their discretion.
Dr. Evans also presented a paper relating to a new instrument invented
by him, called the Obstetrical Extractor, and which he exhibited to the Asso-
ciation, describing upon the manikin, the mode of manipulating it. The
paper was referred to the same committee, and with like conditions as the
last.
Dr. Drake, as Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, introduced
a paper by Dr. N. S. Davis, upon the question, “Has the cerebellum any
special connection with the sexual propensity or function of generation V
It was read by its author, and referred to the Committee on Publication.
Adjourned till Friday at 9 A. M.
May \Oth.—Morning Session.
Dr. Johnson, Vice President, in the Chair.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Dr. Parsons, of R. I., Chairman of the Committee on Medical Sciences,
presented the report of the committee, which was received and referred to
the Committee on Publication without being read.
The Chair announced the Report of the Committee on Surgery as the
special order of business.
Dr. Breckenridge, of Ohio, moved a suspension of the rules, which was
lost.
Dr. Blatch/ord, of N. V., asked a suspension of the rules, to enable him
to present a resolution, which was refused.
Dr. Mussey, Chairman of the Committee on Surgery, stated that he had
been requested by Dr. Huston, Chairman of the Committee on Spurious
and Adulterated Drugs, to be permitted to read that report first, as he was
about to leave the city. On motion of Dr. Smith, of N. J., the rules were
suspended in order to allow the Report of the Committee on Spurious and
Adulterated Drugs to be read first, to be immediately followed by the Report
of the Committee on Surgery.
Dr. Huston read his report, concluding with the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the various State and local Medical Societies be requested
annually to appoint Boards of Examiners, whose duty it shall be to procure
specimens of drugs from the stores within their limits for examination, and
report upon the same to their respective Societies at least once a year.
Resolved, That the respectable druggists and apothecaries throughout the
United States be requested to take active measures for suppressing the fabri-
cation and sale of inferior and adulterated drugs; and that it is respectfully
suggested to them, wherever practicable, to form themselves into Societies
or Colleges, for the promotion of pharmaceutical knowledge, and general
improvement in their profession.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed, consisting of one member from
each State here represented, whose duty it shall be to collect information
with regard to spurious and adulterated drugs, and report the same at the
next meeting of the Association.
On motion of Dr. Stille, the report was received, and referred to the
Committee on Publication, and the resolutions were adopted.
Dr. Mussey, Chairman of the Committee on Surgery, presented and read
the Report of the Committee, which, on motion, was received, and referred
to the Committee on Publication.
Dr. C. C. Caldwell, of Ky., presented the following resolutions:
Resolved, That a committee of ----be appointed, to take into considera-
tion, and report at the next meeting of the Association, how far the sciences
of Phrenology and Mesmerism (or Animal Magnetism) are founded in truth,
and to what extent a knowledge of them may be rendered subservient to the
treatment and cure of diseases.
Resolved, That a committee of ----be appointed, to take into considera-
tion the subject of Vital Organic Chemistry, and report at the next meeting
of the Association, whether a branch of science justly entitled to that name
exists, and if so, how far a knowledge of it can be rendered available to the
welfare of man.
Dr. Stille, of Pa., offered the following resolutions as a substitute for
the above. Dr. Caldwell accepted the substitution, and they were adopted.
Resolved, That Dr. Caldwell be requested to prepare a report, to be pre-
sented at the next meeting, showing how far, in his judgment, the sciences
of Phrenology and Mesmerism are founded in truth, and to what extent a
knowledge of them may be rendered subservient to the treatment and cure
of diseases.
Resolved, That Dr. Caldwell be requested to take into consideration the
subject of Vital Organic Chemistry, and report to the next meeting whether,
in his judgment, it can be justly called a branch of science, and if so, how
far a knowledge of it can be rendered available to the welfare of man.
The Committee on Nominations reported the following names as composing
the Committees:
Committee on Indigenous Medical Botany and Materia Medica.
Dr. A. Clapp, New Albany, Indiana, Chairman.
Dr. J. M. Bigelow, Lancaster, Ohio, Dr. J. Carson, Philadelphia,
11 G. Engelman, Mo.	££ N.B. Ives, New Haven, Conn.
££ H. R. Frost, S. C.	££ U. Parsons, Providence, R. 1.
Committee on Hygiene.
Dr. Jas. Moultrie, Charleston, South Carolina, Chairman.
Dr. P. 0. Gaillard, S. C.	Dr. L.H. Anderson, Sumpterville, Ala.
££ H. W. De Saussure, S. C. ££ G. Emerson, Philadelphia.
££ D. Drake, Cincinnati, Ohio, ££ J. Parrish, Burlington, N. J.
On motion the Report was accepted, and the nominations confirmed.
On motion, the Report of the Committee on Medical Literature was made
the special order for the Afternoon Session.
On motion of Dr. Yardley, it was
Resolved, That the Committee on Hygiene be requested to report the best
plan of warming and ventilating public and private buildings.
Dr. Blatchford, of N. Y., offered the following:
Resolved, That a Special Committee on Pharmacy and the Adulteration of
Drugs shall be appointed by the President, consisting of seven members, of
whom Dr. T. 0. Edwards, of Ohio, shall be Chairman, to report at our next
annual meeting; and that the Special Committee on Forensic Medicine,
appointed last year under Dr. Stevens’ resolution, be reappointed, and that
it be optional with Dr. Stevens to continue as Chairman, or to appoint a
successor, which was adopted.
On motion of Dr. Morris, of Pa., it was
Resolved, That it is with great satisfaction the members of this Association
have observed the establishment of drug stores in which neither patent
medicines, nostrums, nor other articles by which the artful and designing
impose on the ignorant and credulous are exposed for sale; and that the
Association recommends to its members to exert their influence in their
respective spheres of action to encourage similar efforts in other places.
Dr. Phelps, of N. Y., offered the following resolution, which was adopted.
Whereas, The clerical profession often, though perhaps sometimes un-
warily, yield their extensive influence in the community in giving currency
to quackery and quack medicines, therefore
Resolved, That this subject be referred to the Committee on Hygiene, to
consider and report at the next annual meeting of the Association.
Dr. W. Hooker, of Ct., offered the following resolutions :
Resolved, That the rule in relation to nostrums and secret medicines, con-
tained in our code of medical ethics, ought to be strictly observed by the
medical profession under all circumstances.
Resolved, That when a physician claiming to be the inventor of a new
medicine, and using the measures of the common quack in effecting its sale,
manages to escape censure and punishment, and to obtain even the counte-
nance of a portion of the profession, by revealing the composition of his
medicine to such of his medical brethren as may desire it, he is guilty of a
dishonorable evasion of the rule referred to, and should be so considered and
treated by the whole profession.
Dr. Lawson, of Ohio, moved to amend by the addition of the following:—
Resolved, That this Association regards it as contrary to its system of
ethics for medical journals to advertise nostrums, or secret remedies, although
their composition may have been macle known to the editor.
The resolutions and amendment were then adopted.
Adjourned to 3^ o’clock, P. M.
May 10th, Afternoon Session.
Dr. Johnson, Vice President, in the Chair.
Dr. Miller, of Kentucky, moved a suspension of the rules, and offered the
following preamble and resolution, which were adopted.
Whereas, Clinical instruction in medicine and surgery is now generally
acknowledged to be essential to the proper qualification of students for the
practice of these branches of our profession, and, whereas, it must be ad-
mitted that clinical instruction in midwifery would be equally valuable,
therefore,
Resolved, That the Committee on Medical Education be instructed to in-
quire whether any practical scheme can be devised to render instruction in
midwifery more practical than it has hitherto been in the medical'schools of
the United States, and report at the next meeting of this Association.
The secretary presented several reports, &c., which, on motion, were made
the special order immediately after the report on Medical Literature.
Dr. Stille, Chairman, presented and read the report of the Committee on
Medical Literature, concluding with the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the Association regards the cultivation of Medical Litera-
ture as essential to professional improvement, and as adapted to form one of
the broadest lines of distinction between physicians and all pretenders to the
name.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association it is equally the duty and
the interest of the profession to sustain its periodical literature, both by lite-
rary contributions and subscription.
Resolved, That since literary excellence is best developed by literary
studies, the formation of medical reading clubs, after the plan set forth in the
report, is urged especially upon physicians in places where the periodical and
other medical publications of the day are not readily accessible upon other
terms.
Resolved, That the standing committee on Medical Literature be instructed
to report to the Association at its next meeting, what medical work published
during the year of their service, in their judgment is the most valuable, and,
with the consent of the Association, such work shall be formally proclaimed
by the President.
Resolved, That the State and local societies are hereby recommended to
offer pecuniary reward, or other distinction, for the best memoir founded
upon original observation.
Resolved, That medical colleges are hereby recommended to distinguish
the best inaugural thesis by a public announcement of its subject and the
name of its author, and in such other manner as they may deem appropriate
Resolved, That the sum of one hundred dollars raised by voluntary contri-
bution, be offered by this Association for the best experimental essay on a
subject connected either with Physiology or Medical Chemistry, and that a
committee of seven be appointed to carry out the objects of this resolution :
said committee to receive the competing memoirs until the first day of
March, 1851 ; the authors names to be concealed from the committee: and
the name of the successful competitor alone to be announced after the publi-
cation of the decision.
On motion the report was accepted, and referred to the committee of pub-
lication, and the resolutions were adopted.
The Report and memorial of the committee on an international copyright
law, ordered to be prepared at the last meeting of the Association, was read
and accepted, and the memorial ordered to be signed by the officers and
transmitted to Congress.
The Report of the special committee, appointed to consider the measures
suggested in the Report on Medical Literature, for 1849, was submitted : the
following resolution appended to the report was read and adopted.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association, the only legitimate
means within our reach for the encouragement and maintenance of a national
medical literature, is to increase the standard of preliminary and professional
education required of those who would enter the medical profession ; to pro-
mote the circulation among the members of the profession of the medical
journals of the day; to encourage the establishment of district medical libra-
ries, and to induce every practitioner to cultivate, with care, the fields of ob-
servation and research that are within his reach.
On motion the report was accepted and referred to the committee on
publication.
Dr. Gross, of Ky., offered the following preamble and resolutions which
were adopted.
Whereas, The interests and dignity of the medical profession of the United
States, as well as a true spirit of patriotism and a love of independence de-
mand that we should use all proper and honorable means for the establish-
ment of a national medical literature, and, whereas, we have hitherto paid
too blind and indiscriminate a deference and devotion to European authori-
ties, and not sufficiently patronized and protected our own, Therefore
Resolved, That this Association earnestly and respectfully recommends tO'
the medical profession generally, and to the various medical schools in par-
ticular, the employment of native works as text books for their pupils, instead
of the productions of foreign writers.
Resolved, That the editing of English works by American physicians, has
a tendency to repress native literary and scientific authorship, and ought
therefore to be discouraged by all who have at heart the objects contemplated
in this preamble.
Resolved, That this Association will always hail with satisfaction the re-
print, in their original and unmutilated form, of any meritorious works that
may emanate from the British press.
On motion of Dr. Roberts, of Md., it was
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the chair for the pur-
pose of preparing for the action of the Association at its next convention, all
unfinished business found upon its records.
Dr. Roberts, also offered the following, which was adopted.
.Resolved, That all proposed alterations of the constitution be, and they
hereby are, laid on the table for the present.
Dr. Drake, of Ohio, offered the following as an amendment to the
constitution.
Resolved. That the second section of the Retgulaions of the Association be
so amended, as to require that candidates for membership, by invitation, be
nominated in writing by five members: that when elected they shall enjoy
all the rights of delegates, and that all permanent members shall be entitled
to vote. The resolution involving an amendment to the constitution lies on
the table till the next meeting.
Dr. McGuire, of Va., offered the following Preamble and Resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted.
Whereas, in every properly organized community governed by military
laws, every member of it should possess a recognized position : as no military
organization can be efficient and complete without including a corps of com-
petent surgeons; as the value of their services depends in a great measure
upon the degree of respect accorded to them, the common interests of our
country and of our profession demand that the legal position of medical men
in the army and navy should be such as will secure them due consideration
by their military associates, independently of a contingent courtesy; and as
efforts are now b^ing made to deprive medical officers in the navy of the
relative position o" assimilated rank conferred by a general order of the navy
department, it concerns the honor of the whole profession to assist its mem-
bers in the navy to obtain and secure an assimilated rank by law. Therefore,
Resolved, That the American Medical Association is gratified by the legis-
lation of Congress which has conferred military rank on medical officers of
the army, as it places them on an equality with officers of the several staff
departments, and thus gives them a position to which the importance and
dignity of the profession they represent entitles them ; and it is earnestly
desired that Congress, in its present session, will extend the same privileges
and immunities to medical officers in the navy.
Resolved, That the members of the American Medical Association will
exert their influence to sustain the just pretensions of their brethren to an
assimilated rank in the military organizations of the country ; and they would
view with feelings of deep mortification a proposition from any source to
deprive the medical officers of the army of any of the privileges or powers
secured to them by the act of Congress approved 11th February, 1847, a law
which confers upon them a protective or conservative rank, and enables
them to discharge their duties more effectually.
Resolved, That the members of the American Medical Association hear
with regret that several naval commanders have disregarded the general
orders of the navy department, which place medical officers on an equality
of rights and privileges, (except military command), with other officers in
the navy; and they consider such resistance of the authority of the Secretary
of the Navy an assumption which cannot be sanctioned by enlightened men
of the present age, and should at once be put down by public opinion and by
the authority of the government.
Resolved, That a definite position or assimilated rank, not inferior to that
possessed by the medical staff of the army, should be assigned by law to
medical officers in the navy, and therefore that the attention of the Senate
and House of Representatives of the United States be, and is hereby invited
to the subject.
Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be transmitted to the Secretaries
of War and of the Navy, through the- chiefs of the medical department of each
service and the-presiding officer of the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States..
On motion of Dr. Bowditch, it was
Resolved, That the Committee on Medical Education, be requested to
report, at the next annual meeting of this Association, whether in their opi-
nion any plan can be devised whereby medical students may receive a more
thorough education in practical chemistry, than they receive at present at
any ol'lhe medical colleges in the Union.
The Secretary presented the report of the Committee on Indigenous Medical
Botany; a report on the vital statistics of New Orleans, by Dr. Symonds ;
Biographical notices of deceased physicians, by Dr. Williams, all of which
were referred to the Committee on Publication; and a catalogue of Indigenous
Medical Botany which was referred to the Committee on Botany. Dr. Flint
of N. Y., submitted the following resolution which was adopted.
Resolved, That the manuscript works of the late lamented Dr. Forry be
referred to the Committee on Publication, to be published in connection with
the Transactions of the Association provided it be deemed advisable by
the committee, and consistent with the pecuniary resources of the Associa-
tion.
Dr. W. L. Sutton, of Ky., nominated by Dr. Drake a permanent mem-
ber, was unanimously received.
On motion of Dr. Gross, of Ky., it was,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report at the next annual
meeting of this Association on the propriety of recommending to the Ame-
rican people the importance of establishing Schools of Veterinary Medicine
and Surgery, in which the diseases of the horse, ox, dog, and other domestic
animals may be investigated, and thorough, and sufficient courses of instruc-
tion delivered to such young men as may wish to qualify themselves for the
practice of the Veterinary Profession.
Dr. M. L. Kreider, of Ohio, presented a protest and resolution against lhe
vending of spurious and adulterated drugs, from the Fairfield County Medi-
cal Institute, which was read by the Secretary and referred to the Special
Committee of which Dr. Edwards is Chairman.
The following resolution, submitted by Dr. Mead, of Illinois, was referred
to the Committee on Medical Education.
Resolved, That the Committee on Medical Education be instructed to en-
quire into the expediency of recommending to the Colleges to abolish the
rule which allows four years’ practice to be received as an equivalent for
attendance on one course of lectures, and to require all candidates for gradua-
tion to attend two full courses; also, the expediency of adopting a uniform
rate of lecture fees, varying in amount only between the Colleges of the
North and those of the South.
On motion of Dr. Stille, the President was requested to appoint the
several committees called for by the resolutions adopted during the session,
and not otherwise provided for.
Committee on Pharmacy and Adulteration of Drugs, under Dr. Blatchford’s
Resolution.
Dr. T. 0. Edwards, Cincinnati, Chairman.
Dr. T. W. Blatchford, Troy, N. Y. Dr. E.W.Theobald, Baltimore,Md.
11 R. M. Huston, Philadelphia,	il H. R. Frost, Charleston. S. C.
11 H. J. Bowditch, Boston, Mass.	££ J. B. Johnson, St. Louis.
Committee on Prize Essays, under Dr. Stille’s Resolution.
Dr. F. G. Smith, Philadelphia, Chairman.
Dr. A. Stille, Philada.	Dr. F. Bache, Philada.
££ R. Bridges, ££	££ L. P. Yandell, Louisville,
££ W. L.Atlee, ££	££ Jas. Moultrie, S. C.
Dr. Jennings, of Mass., offered the following resolution, which was
adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be tendered to the Messrs.
Tilden, of New Lebanon, N. Y., for samples of their medicinal extracts,
which they have presented to this Association.
Dr. Morris, of Pa., presented the following resolutions, which were
seconded by Dr. Yandell, of Ky., and unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be tendered to the Committee
of Arrangements for the careful and judicious manner in which they have
provided fot its accommodations, and their constant, assiduous attention to
promote the convenience of its members.
Resolved, That we appreciate highly the hospitality and courtesy with
which we have been received by the Medical Profession of Cincinnati, and
assure them of the heartfelt gratitude with which we shall reflect upon the
kindness they have manifested in our reception and entertainment.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be presented to the Board of
Trustees of the Cincinnati Medical College, for the kindness with which
they have placed their Hall at the service of this body.
On motion, the Association adjourned sine die.
[We have occupied a large portion of the pages of the Examiner with our
account of the proceedings of the American Medical Association at its last
meeting. This has been done at the expense of the ;£ Record;” but the great
interest manifested to know what was accomplished, will, we trust, prove
sufficient apology.
The analyses of the reports on Practical Medicine, Adulterated Drugs,
Surgery, and Medical Literature, have been necessarily postponed for want
of room. We hope to present them in our next. To the Secretary, Dr.
Stille, our thanks are due much for valuable assistance in preparing
this report. To the profession in Cincinnati the members of the Association
are under the deepest obligations for the constant and unwearying efforts
displayed in the promotion of their comfort and happiness. We are sure
they can never be forgotten.—Ed. Exam.]