PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF
PENNSYLVANIA,
Jit its Annual Session, May, 1853.
Pursuant to the Resolution passed at the last Session, the State Me
dical Society of Pennsylvania assembled in Philadelphia, on Wednesday
25th of May, 1853, at Sansom Street Hall, the place designated by the
Committee of Arrangement of the Philadelphia County Delegation.
The President, Dr. Hiram Corson, of Montgomery, called the Society
to order, and stated that the first business would be the appointment of
a Committee to examine and verify the Credentials of the Delegates.
Drs. Wilson Jewell, of Philadelphia, J. Bernard Luden, of Huntingdon,
and Patrick Cassidy, of Lancaster, were appointed this committee, who’
after some time, reported that they had examined the credentials sub-
mitted, and found them duly authenticated, with the exception of those
from Delaware, which were not dated.
Dr. R. K. Smith, of Delaware, stated that correctly dated credentials
were incorporated in the Report of the Delaware County Medical Society,
and that the date had been inadvertently omitted in the certificate
handed in.
Dr. Jewell mentioned that a communication had been presented to the
Committee on Credentials from the Mifflin County Medical Society, ap-
pointing Drs. Ard and Rothrock delegates to the State Society, but the
communication was not signed by the President or Secretary of the
Mifflin County Society.
On motion of Dr. H. S. Patterson, of Philadelphia, the communication
was received and the delegates were acknowledged.
The following are the delegates whose credentials were presented.
[Those marked * were absent during the session J
Alleghany—Drs. John Dickson,* Wm. M. Gray,* John Pollock,* T.
W. Shaw,* T. J. Gallaher,* Chas. F. Williams,* George McCook,*
Wm. M. Herron,* Daniel McNeal,* John Wilson.*
Berks—Drs. John P. Hiester, Wm. Herbst,* C. H. Wanner, J. Sei-
berling, *Martin Luther, F. M. Hiester.
Bradford— Dr. George F. Horton.
Blair—Drs. James Coffey,* J. M. Confer.
Bucks—Drs. Ralph Lee,* Isaac Newton Evans, Samuel*Thompson,
Charles W. Smith,* Samuel Scott,* James S. Rich.*
Cambria—Drs. John Lowman,* James L. How.*
Chester—Drs. Wilmer Worthington, Isaac R. Walker, Samuel II.
Harry, Septimus A. Ogier, J. P. Edge, Jacob Price, Charles W. Par-
rish,* Edward F. Rivinus,* W. D. Hartman,* J. H. Bradford.*
Delaware—Drs. R. K. Smith, C. J. Morton, J. Owen, Geo Martin,
C. Ash.
Erie—Drs. W. Poyntell Johnson,* W. B. Williams,* Llandaff
Strong,* H. A. Spencer.*
Huntingdon—Drs. J. B. Luden, J. M. Gemmill, J. A. Shade,* G.
H. Winterode.*
Lancaster—Drs. Francis S. Burrowes, Emanuel S. Baer, J. L. Zeig-
ler,* J. L. Atlee, George Hoover, Thomas Ellmaker, Benjamin Rohrer,*
Henry Carpenter, Benjamin Musser,* J. Augustus Ehler,* Patrick Cas-
siday, Ely Parry, M. A. Withers, J. Gibbons.
Lycoming—Drs. Thomas Wood, James Rankin.
Mifflin—Drs. B. Ard,* A. Rothrock.
Montgomery—Drs. John Schrack, Benj. Johnson,* William Corson,
Geo. W. Wimley, E. K. Beaver, F. P. Poley, II. S. Jacoby,* Henry
Geiger, Hiram Corson.
Northampton—Dr. Samuel Sandt.
Philadelphia—Drs. Wm. Ashmead, John B. Biddle, Henry Bond,
Thomas F. Betton, J. R. Bryan, Chas. F. Bibighaus, Benj. II. Coates,
Joseph Carson, D. Francis Condie, Wm. Darrach, Gouv. Emerson,
James V. Emlen, George Fox, Paul B. Goddard, David Gilbert, Ed-
ward Hallowell, S. L. Hollingsworth,* Isaac Hays, N. L. Hatfield,
Samuel Jackson, Wilson Jewell, E. Janvier,* Alf. L. Kennedy, Wm.
H. Klapp, W. L. Knight, John P. Lamb, R. J. Levis, William May-
burry, John K. Mitchell, George W. Norris, Arnold Naudain,* Henry
S. Patterson, Lewis Rodman, Neville C. Reid, Moses B. Smith, A. E.
Stocker, Laurence Turnbull, Francis West, Joseph Warrington, Thos.
S. Yardley, J. V. Patterson,* John M. Pugh.
Schuylkill—Drs. Enos Chichester, John G. Koehler, B. F. Shannon,
Janies S. Carpenter, Charles M. Steinberger, George Halberstadt,’Jacob
F. Treichler.
Susquehanna—Drs. B. Richardson,* E. L. Park.*
On motion of Dr. Condie, of Philadelphia, the reading of the minutes
of the last session was dispensed with.
On motion of Dr. Lamb, of Philadelphia, the minutes of the last ses-
sion were referred to a Committee, with a view to bring before the So-
ciety any unfinished business from the last session. Drs. Ma.yburry, of
Philadelphia, Worthington, of Chester, and Lamb were appointed this
Committee.
The President now read the Annual Address, prepared by him in pur-
suance of a resolution of the last session. He commenced by a feeling
allusion to the death of a prominent member of the Society, Dr. Isaac
Parrish, who was well remembered as an active participator in the pro-
ceedings of the last and every previous meeting of the Society, and who had
a few months since been removed by death. Dr. Corson proceeded to
descant upon the objects which had been aimed at and accomplished in
the formation of the Society. To effect a thorough organization of the
profession of the State, was one great object which had brought them
together. But, they had also higher and nobler objects than mere self-
aggrandizement,—the improvement of medical science, by bringing to-
gether the stores of facts and observations which were collected from
year to year. He alluded in complimentary terms to the advantages to
be derived by the physicians from the country in their intercourse with
the profession and medical institutions of Philadelphia, while they from
the country brought in their accounts of the diseases and epidemics as
they prevailed in their respective localities, with reference to the geolo-
gical formations, meteorological conditions, habits of life, and other cir-
cumstances under which they occurred. They might perhaps be enabled
to present some valuable data of the modifications of the disease which
prevailed in our State in the mining, the manufacturing, and the agri-
cultural districts.
Dr. Corson next turned to the effects of the various forms of quackery,
prevailing in our midst, on the advancement of medical science. He
thought that, perhaps, we might learn something indirectly from each
of them.
Passing to the subject of medical education, Dr. Corson dwelt with
considerable emphasis on the neglect of chemistry in the curriculum of
medical studies, and on its high importance to medical science. It was
comparatively slighted in our medical schools, and he coincided with an
opinion expressed by Prof. Hare, at the meeting of the American Me-
dical Association, in 1847, that no student should receive a diploma
without the vote of the Professor of Chemistry.
Dr. Corson thought it would be much better to ask the Medical Col-
leges to insist upon a knowledge of chemistry as essential to graduation,
than to require private practitioners to shut their office-doors upon those
youths who wore anxious to enter upon the study of medicine, but were
ignorant of Latin and Greek. If we asked for too high a standard of
preliminary education, we might exclude youths of genius and ennobling
qualities, who had not had the advantages of superior early education—
such self-made men as Franklin, Rittenhouse, Velpeau, and the elder
Parrish.
On the subject of the County Medical Reports, Dr. Corson expressed
a wish that attention might be turned to the use and abuse of some of
the mineral medicines. He paid his respects rather pointedly to mer-
cury, and hoped that future reports from the County Medical Societies
would take up this subject, and give them information as to the diseases
in which mercurials were essential, and those which were curable without
them.
Dr. Corson concluded his address with some very strong remarks on
the employment of alcoholic liquors by medical men. He was not only
severe in his denunciation of their dietetic and social use, but he took
the ground that “ alcoholic stimulants are unnecessary in the treatment
of any disease.”
On the termination of Dr. Corson’s address, Dr. H. Carpenter, of
Lancaster, moved that the thanks of the Society be tendered to Dr.
Corson for his eloquent address, just delivered, and that a copy be re-
quested for publication.
Dr. Jewell could not vote for this resolution, if the sentiments con-
tained in the Address were to go abroad as those of the Society. There
was no more decided temperance man than he, but he was not prepared
to sanction the opinion that we can dispense entirely with the use of
alcoholic stimuli in the treatment of disease. He thought Dr. Corson’s
views ultra. He could not support the printing of the address as it had
been delivered.
Dr. H. S. Patterson did not consider the Society in any way com-
mitted to the views of the Address.
And Dr. H. Carpenter, in moving to print the Address, had no idea
of expressing any endorsement of the opinions advanced in it.
The resolution was adopted.
Dr. West, of Philadelphia, presented his report as Treasurer of the
Society.
On motion of Dr. Condie, it was referred for examination to a Com-
mittee, consisting of Drs. Burrowes, of Lancaster, Wood, of Lycoming,
and Bibighaus, of Philadelphia.
Dr. Condie presented the report of the Committee of Publication.
750 copies of the Transactions of last year had been printed, of which
500 had been sent to County Societies, and 136 disposed of, and sent
to journals, &c.; making in all 636 distributed, and leaving 114 on hand.
The publication had cost 8305, other expenses 83.62; making an entire
cost of $308.62. From County Societies $145 had been received ; from
the Treasurer $135.97; from Dr. Innes, for extra copies, 85; from Dr.
La Roche, for the same, $1. A balance of $21.62 J remained due the
Committee of Publication. The assessments from the counties of Hunt-
ingdon, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Perry and Susquehanna, (835)
had not been received. He was told, though, that the Huntingdon
county assessment was here and would be handed in, and also that there
was a letter in the Post Office containing that from Susquehanna.
On motion of Dr. Condie, the Commtttee on Publication was autho-
rized to draw on the Treasurer for $21.62 j.
On motion of Dr. Condie, it was resolved that the daily meetings of
the Society shall be from 10 A. M. to 1 P. M., and from 4 to 6 P. M.
Dr. West extended an invitation to the Society to visit the Mint to-
morrow morning at 9 A. M.
On motion of Dr. Atlee, of Lancaster, Dr. Burnell, of Massachusetts,
was invited to a seat on the floor.
On motion of Dr. Jackson, of Philadelphia, Dr. Spencer, of Syracuse,
was invited to a seat on the floor.
Dr. Beaver, of Montgomery, moved that Dr. Geiger be admitted as a
substitute for five of the Montgomery county Delegation, who were ab-
sent.
Dr. Lamb asked if Dr. Geiger was a resident of Montgomery. And,
it being stated that Dr. Geiger was a resident of Philadelphia, Dr. Fox,
of Philadelphia, thought it not proper that he should represent Mont-
gomery.
Dr. R. K. Smith, of Delaware, wished the question settled, if a county
can be represented by a delegate not residing therein, also, if, when a
member of a County Society moves out of a County, his association with
the County Society is not dissolved. The Delaware county Medical
Society desired information on this point.
Some discussion took place on this question, and finally, on motion of
Dr. Condie, the subject was referred to a Committee, to report at the
afternoon session. Drs. Condie, Koehler, of Schuylkill Haven, and
Maybury were appointed this Committee.
On motion the Society adjourned.
Afternoon Session.
The President called the Society to order at 4 P. M.
The President presented the acknowledgment of the Society of the
State of New York for the Transactions of the Pennsylvania State So-
ciety, and also the Transactions of the Medical Society of the State of
New York.
The roll was now called. The minutes were read and approved.
Dr. Jewell reported that Dr. Samual Sand had been appointed a dele-
gate from Northampton County Medical Society, in place of Dr.
C. C. Field.
Dr. Jewell reported that Dr. Henry Geiger had been appointed a dele-
gate as substitute for Dr. McEuen, from Montgomery county.
Dr. Jewell reported that Dr. Confer, from Blair county, had been
appointed a delegate from that county. He had been in the city a
week, and his credentials had not reached him.
On motion of Dr. Worthington, Dr. Confer was admitted a delegate
from Blair.
Dr. Warrington asked, with reference to the assessment, if the ex-
penses of the State Medical Society, independently of the accommoda-
tions here, were not to be borne by the County Medical Societies pro
rata to the number of delegates.
Dr. Warrington moved a resolution to this effect.
Dr. Worthington, of Chester, seconded the motion.
Dr. Condie said, that unless delegates now came forward and paid an
assessment, the publication of the Transactions would be delayed. The
County Societies were backward in paying their contributions because
many of them met so seldom. The assessment now to be levied would
meet the more urgent pecuniary demands to be made on the Publication
Committee, while the contributions of the County Medical Societies
would complete the demand.
Dr. Warrington thought that the principle of throwing the burden of
these expenses on the delegates was unjust, and he hoped the practice
would now be established of making the County Societies bear this
expense.
Dr. Patterson read the article of the Constitution providing that
County Societies pay the expenses of publication according to their
ratio of representation. The State Society to fix the rate of assessment.
Dr. "Warrington moved that a Committee be appointed to fix the rate.
Dr. Condie thought it was impossible that a Committee could make
in advance a rate of assessment which would be proper, as they could
not tell what would be the cost of the Transactions. He thought it
better that the delegates shoukl pay an assessment now, and collect it
afterwards from the County Societies. He moved the assessment be $2
on each of the delegates.
Dr. Atlee begged leave to say a word. He thought Dr. Condie’s
opinion, from his long experience in publication, entitled to great defer-
ence. But he must still deem it unjust that delegates who came here at
their own expense, should be taxed for the cost of the Transactions in
addition. They were besides to be taxed in their own Societies pro
rata. Lancaster county sent a large delegation, who would be all taxed
here, and then taxed rata in their County Societies. Thus a large
delegation is most largely taxed. The more zeal shown in a county, the
more the pecuniary burthen.
Dr. Warrington reiterated his views, which were that the County
Societies be taxed according to the number of delegates to which they
are entitled, whether sent or not.
Dr. Fox thought that this was all provided for by the Constitution.
All monies should be received and distributed by the Treasurer. He had
resigned the office of Treasurer because this had not been done. The
Chairman of the Committee of Publication had received and paid out
money without previously handing it to the Treasurer. The proper
mode was for County Societies to hand over to the Treasurer the money
they collect, and then for the Committee of Publication to draw on the
Treasurer.
Dr. Worthington thought it would be proper for the Treasurer or the
Chairman of the Committee on Publication to make an assessment on
County Societies, when the cost of publication was known, and he was
sure the amount called for at once would be transmitted to the Trea-
surer. Treasurer and Publication Committee would confer together and
fix ratio and assessment. County Societies were bound to return lists of
their members. He moved the Treasurer make assessment on County
Societies, pro rata for representation. Let them know what it is and
have it transmitted.
Dr. Burrowes, of Lancaster, thought the Publication Committee
could not go on without funds in hand. It would be better to get some
money now from delegates.
Dr. Worthington’s motion was now carried.
Dr. Condie, from the Committee to whom was referred the question
whether members of County Societies, moving out of the County, forfeit
their membership, reported: According to a strict construction of the
Constitution this would be the result; but it would defeat the object of
bringing within the organization of the profession every member in good
standing. A physician may move to a place where there is no Society,
or some time may elapse before he can connect himself with the Society
where he has moved, or he may be nearer the place of meeting of an
adjoining county than his own. The Committee recommend a certain
latitude to county Societies as regards these cases. They recommend
that physicians moving into another county, in good standing, be
received into the Society of the county where they move, on certificate
from county left.
Dr. Atlee said the rule in Lancaster county is to strike from the roll
all who move permanently from the county. He thought it a good
rule. To change it would be to reverse one of the great principles on
which the State Medical Society was founded, viz. the organization of
the profession. The County Societies should be entitled only to repre-
sentation on their resident members. If a man goes to a county where
there is no Society, let him go to work and organize a Society.
Dr. Atlee moved to recommit the report.
Dr. Worthington moved that the report be laid on the table, and
that it be
Resolved, That the Society adheres to a strict construction of the
Article of the Constitution which confines membership of County Socie-
ties to residents within the County. Carried.
Dr. Condie now moved that the State Society recommend to the
County Societies to incorporate within their by-laws an article admit-
ting members from other counties on a certificate from the county
which they leave.
Dr. Worthington objected to this, as defeating the free action of the
County Societies, and fettering them. Each Society could regulate its
own membership.
Dr. Atlee moved to amend Dr. Condie’s motion by making a man
who removes merely eligible without a year’s residence, but still let him
be ballotted for.
Dr. Jackson opposed Dr. Condie’s resolution.
Dr. H. Carpenter moved that Dr. Condie’s resolution be laid on the
table. Carried—24 to 20.
Dr. John P. Heister, of Reading, from Berks County Medical So-
ciety, laid before the Society the following report and resolutions on
adulterated drugs, from Berks County Medical Society:
“ After carefully considering the able and valuable reports made by
the different Committees on adulterated drugs, appointed by the Medical
Association, your Committee would respectfully suggest that there ap-
pears to be still a considerable want of system in the modes proposed,
of abating or abolishing the serious evil of the manufacture and sale of
spurious drugs, so loudly and justly complained of. The nearest
approach to a feasible, and in the opinion of your Committee, effectual
plan, is that suggested by Dr. R. M. Huston, and reported in the
Transactions of the Association for 1851.
On an attentive review of the whole subject, being deeply impressed
with its great importance, and aided and guided by the valuable sug-
gestions contained in the reports of the Committees of the Association
above referred to, your Committee would most respectfully submit the
following resolutions, to be taken up by your delegates to the next
session of the State Medical Society for its consideration :
1.	Resolved, That the County or local Societies of this State be
urgently requested to appoint annually committees to collect samples of
drugs from dealers and manufacturers, in their respective districts, to
be presented to the State Medical Society at their annual sessions.
2.	Resolved, That the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania
appoint annually a Committee of three to take charge of the said sam-
ples, and it shall be their duty to employ a competent assayer of drugs
to examine the same, and give an opinion on their purity and quality,
and this opinion shall be presented to the Society for publication in their
Transactions.
3.	Resolved, That the amount of expense incurred by the Committee
in carrying into effect the above resolutions, shall be assessed and col-
lected in like manner as is assessed and collected the amount for defray-
ing the expenses for publishing the Transactions.
Dr. Heister advocated these resolutions at some length.
Dr. Parry, of Lancaster, thought the plan expensive and impracti-
cable.
Dr. Turnbull, of Philadelphia, expressed the same views.
On motion of Dr. Biddle, of Philadelphia, the resolutions were
referred to a Committee to inquire into the expediency and practicability
of carrying out the suggestions embodied in the Berks County resolu-
tions, and to report to the next session of the Society. Drs. Biddle, Parry
and Carson, of Philadelphia, were appointed this Committee.
The President presented an invitation from the Academy of Natural
Sciences to visit their Hall at any hour designated by the Society.
The invitation was accepted for Friday afternoon at 3.
Dr. IL Carpenter moved that a committee of one delegate from each
county be appointed to nominate officers for the ensuing year. Carried.
Dr. Condie moved that the order of the day for to-morrow, imme-
diately after reading the minutes, be Reports from County Societies.
The nominating Committee appointed, consisted of—
Dr. H. Carpenter, .	.	. Lancaster,
“ C. H. Warner, ,	.	. Berks,
“	G. F. Horton, .	.	.	Bradford,
“	Isaac Newton Evans,	.	.	Bucks,
“	Isaac R. Walker, .	.	.	Chester,
“	R. H. Smith,	.	.	.	Delaware,
a	J. D. Luden,	.	.	.	Huntingdon,
“	Thomas Wood,	.	.	.	Lycoming,
“ A. Rothrock, .	. Mifflin,
“	J. W. Wimley,	.	.	.	Montgomery,
11	Samuel Sands,	.	.	.	Northampton.
11	D. Gilbert, .	' .	.	.	Philadelphia,
“ John G. Koehler, .	.	. Schuylkill,
•-----------	Susquehanna.
Dr. Burrowes, from the Committee to audit the Treasurer’s account,
reported that they examined and found it correct. Report accepted.
The hour of adjournment now arrived.
Thursday—Second day—26th of May.
The Society was called to order by the President at 10 o’clock A. M.
The roll was called, and the minutes read and approved.
Reports from County Societies being in order, the Report of Sanitary
Committee of the Medical Society of the City of Reading of the County
of Berks, for 1853, was presented and read by one of the Secretaries.
A prevalence of typhoid fever and a typhoid tendency in diseases gene-
rally, an epidemic of parotiditis in a district of the county, were among
the most noticeable points in this report.
Dr. Wm. Gries, Chairman of the Committee, expressed an unfavor-
able opinion of the use of alkaline and saline preparations, where an
hemorrhagic tendency prevails in typhoid fever. His experience was
also decidedly against the general use of alcoholic stimulants in this
epidemic. He found the use of aromatic sulphuric acid very advan-
tageous, both in restraining the hemorrhagic tendency and alvine dis-
charges, and in supporting the patients. The sulphate of quinia, which
Dr. Gries had in previous epidemics employed with advantage, he de-
rived no advantage from in this, except in the declining stages of the
fever, when it occasionally presented something of an intermittent cha-
racter.
The Report from the Chester County Medical Society was next read.
The report was necessarily brief, it was stated by Dr. C. W. Parrish,
chairman, as only five communications had been received, and none
intimated the prevalence of any general epidemic. The physicians from
whom communications had been received, were Drs. Worthington,
Hartman and Price, of West Chester, Edge, of Downingtown, and Pen-
nypacker, of Phoenixville. Dr. Edge, of the Chester Valley, reported
the occurrence of numerous cases of typhoid fever in his district.
He thought the disease had been clearly communicated from patient
to patient. Its appearance in Uwchlan, north of the Valley, was trace-
able to the scattering of the pupils of a boarding school, where the fever
had prevailed. Dr. Edge himself felt the effects of the disease in in-
creased languor, &c., for two weeks.
Dr. Hartman reported several cases of dysentery in the mica slate
ridge, the same district in which it occurred in 1851. He had tried
the nitrate of silver, and his experience was quite unfavorable as regards
its effects.
Drs. Worthington, Pennypacker, Price and Hartman, all referred to
a disease, as prevailing from last of January to last of spring months,
which was probably influenza, although catarrhal symptoms were not
prominent. Dr. Pennypacker found sulphate of quinia very useful in
managing it. Dr. Worthington had treated it by evacuants very suc-
cessfully.
A few cases of erysipelas, cholera morbus, eholera infantum, rubeola,
&c., were recorded. Pertussis had occurred epidemically in certain dis-
tricts.
Dr. Pennypacker had met with an unusual number of cases of acute
rheumatism, some of them of great violence.
This Report and the preceding were referred to the Committee on
Publication.
An invitation to visit the Academy of Fine Arts was now presented,
and accepted for one o’clock to-day.
An invitation from Rev. Dr. Ducachet, of St. Stephen’s Church, to
visit the Statuary in that Church was received, and one o’clock on
Friday was fixed for accepting the invitation.
The Secretary now read the Report from the Schuylkill county Medi-
cal Society. Dr. James S. Carpenter, the Chairman, stated that he had
received no communications from the physicians of the county. No
epidemics had prevailed in the county. Since the occurrence of the great
flood of 1850 in the Schuylkill and its tributaries, a marked diminution
in the occurrences of miasmatic fevers had been noticed. A few cases
of typhoid fever had been observed, traceable, according to Dr. Carpen-
ter’s views, to defective drainage. He had used sulphate of quinia and
nux vomica with good effect. A tendency to cerebro-spinal meningitis
had been noticed. In the treatment cf dysentery he had used tincture
of chloride of iron with much success. In scarlatina, he had used in-
unction in conjunction with chlorate of potassa internally, with very
striking advantage.
Dr. Carpenter mentioned two cases of strangulated hernia, in which,
after every known means of reduction had been attempted, the bowels
was readily and promptly reduced by inhalation with chloroform.
The influence of altitude upon disease Dr. Carpenter briefly alluded
to. He stated, that within certain limits, elevation of situation and
the consequent rarefaction of the atmosphere, he believed to be con-
ducive to a healthy condition of the lungs. Dr. Carpenter intimated an
intention on the part of the Schuylkill County Medical Society to de-
vote more attention to this subject in a future report.
Report referred to Committee of Publication.
Dr. R. K. Smith now read the sanitary report of the Delaware County
Medical Society. Scarlatina, rubeola, variola, dysentery, miasmatic
fevers, cutaneous and rheumatic fevers had been the prevalent diseases.
It was observed that the districts affected with miasmatic fever were ex-
empted from dysentery; and also that the districts affected this year
with dysentery had been exempt the year before. Dysentery had taken
a very malignant and fatal form in the onset of the epidemic. Geolo-
gical formation appeared to exercise very little influence over it. As
regards treatment, calomel and opium, or some other form of mercury,
castor oil, laxatives, (more or less frequently) with laudanum or oil of
turpentine, acetate of lead and ipecacuanha, with opium, were found of
great value; Hope’s mixture, anodyne and astringent enemata, were also
resorted to by many. 28 cases and 2 deaths, and 30 cases and no
deaths, are the numbers recorded in two reports.
Dr. Smith stated that the physicians of the northern portion of the
County had not responded to the circular issued, and were consequently
unrepresented in the report.
Dr. II. Carpenter read the Report of the Lancaster County Medical
Society. This report contained an elaborate and interesting geographi-
cal, geological and statistical description of the County. The report was
accompanied by a chart. As regards diseases of past year, but little is
to be offered, it being a period of unusual health; and only one commu-
nication was received in reply to the circulars issued. Dysentery had
been most prevalent in slaty or primary districts. The surrounding
country was entirely exempt. As regards non-prevalenee of dysentery
in limestone regions, mentioned in last year’s reports of several Counties,
the Lancaster County Report cannot concur. The dysenteric epidemic
appeared to be of a miasmatic origin, and required a corresponding treat-
ment. Total number of practitioners in the County 155 ; graduates 102 ;
non-graduates 28; total regular practitioners 130.
This Report was also referred to Committee on Publication.
The Report from Blair County was read by the Secretary. Only two
reports had been received in this County, besides those furnished by
members of the Committee. The Committee commented upon the ne-
gligence thus evinced.
Rubeola, scarlatina, variola, varicella and varioloid, typhoid fever,
and dysentery, were the diseases noticed, with a remarkable absence of
ordinary, acute and inflammatory fevers, and miasmatic diseases. The
past year had been one of general health. The Report furnished very
interesting and full details of the various diseases which had been
noticed. Drs. Confer, Ross, and others, contributed voluminous reports
to the Blair Co. Society. Dr. Landis of-------county, was attacked by
typhoid fever, from exposure, fatigue &c., incident to his duties among
his patients with that disease. The writer denies the contagious char-
acter of the disease—its production owing to deliberating agents gene-
rally—believes it to be epidemic—has never seen a case where venti-
lation and other preventive measures were fairly used. Has met with
more obstinate cases of neuralgia during past year than he can recol-
lect of previously—has on the whole been a year above the average state
of health. Topographical and Geological reports will be made in
another year. Medical Society in existence seven years—held four”
meetings in 1852—Drs. Coffee and Confer, a committee to prepare re-
ports for 1852—officers—members—named—referred.
Report of Mifflin co. read by Dr. Rothrock; County has been unusually
healthy—sporadic cases tending to typhoid type; typhoid pneumonia
rather common—some sporadic cases of dysentery—(reading here sus-
pended—some of the manuscript being mislaid—to be resumed when
found.)
Huntingdon co. Report read by Dr. Luden. Has also enjoyed unu-
sually good health. Rubeola, varicella, the only epidemic during past
year still prevails at close of year, mostly in the borough of Hunting-
don. Writer believes typhoid fever communicable by contagion—mor-
tality from said fever during this year about 9 per cent.; prevailing
mostly upon the slaty and wet districts. Dr. Miller reports cases of
dysentery, mostly upon the slaty formation : yet some very severe ones
occurring on the limestone formation. The cases of intermittent, and re-
mittent, less than other years. Neuralgia of every variety more frequent
than of late years. Small pox prevailed to some degree; mortality
about 7 per cent. Anthrax, furunculi, &c., very common. Inflamma-
tory disease of respiratory organs rather numerous during the winter
months ; some putting on the typhoid type. Referred to committee of
publication.
Dr. Atlee of Lancaster, Chairman of committee of epidemics of Penn-
sylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, of the National Medical Association,
read a communication on the subject, calling the attention of the mem-
bers to the subject, and urging the members to make observations and
communicate them to him. Referred to the committee of publication,
to be published with the minutes. On motion adjourned.
Afternoon Session.
The President called the Society to order at 4 o’clock, P. M. Roll
called. Minutes read and approved.
A communication, read before Huntingdon County Medical Society,
on Small-Pox, Vaccination, and Varioloid, by Dr. Gemmill, was pre-
sented as an appendix to Huntingdon county report. It was read, and
referred to Committee on Publication.
Dr. Condie stated that, owing to the ill health of the Chairman of
the Committee of the Philadelphia County Medical Society, Dr. H. S.
Patterson, the report from Philadelphia county was not prepared.
He moved, that if ready before the publication of the transactions, it be
included in them.
The report of the Susquehanna County Medical Society was prepared
by Dr. Latham, chairman, which was presented and read. It contained
a topographical and geological description of the county, and a brief sketch
of the diseases which had prevailed during the past year. The general
health of the county had been remarkably good, and nothing worthy of
especial notice had occurred, except an epidemic of a mild form of scar-
latina. Referred to Committee of Publication.
Dr. Jewell extended an invitation to the Society from the Phila-
delphia delegation, to an entertainment to be given in the hall this eve-
ning.
On motion adjourned to visit Girard College.
Third day—Friday—Nth of May.
The President called the Society to order at 11 o’clock.
Dr. Cassiday, from the Committee on Credentials, reported those of
Cambria county delegates correct.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Dr. Maybury, from the Committee on Unfinished Business of the
last session, reported.
On motion of Dr. Patterson, the report was accepted. The Commit-
tee was continued, and the committees named in the report were called
on for their respective reports.
Drs. Carpenter and Halberstadt, of Schuylkill, extended an invitation
to the Society to hold its next meeting at Pottsville.
On motion of Dr. Condie, it was resolved that the next meeting of the
Society be held at Pottsville.
The report of the Cambria County Medical Society was read and re-
ferred.
The report of the Montgomery County Medical Society was now read.
It presented a very full and interesting account of the diseases observed
in this county, with full details of the treatment employed. Dr. H.
Geiger was the Chairman of this Committee.
The report of the Bucks County Medical Society was now read. No
regular report was made, but an account was submitted of epidemics
which prevailed in the county some years ago, which they asked to be
referred to the Committee of Publication, with discretionary power to
print the whole or part.
Dr. Walker, of Chester, offered the following resolution, which was
adopted:
Resolved, That it be the duty of the Recording Secretaries to transmit
to the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements of the “National
Medical Association,” a correct list of the delegates from this Society,
so that it may be received at least one week previous to the meeting of
said Association. Also, that the Secretaries shall supply each delegate
with a certificate of his appointment.
Dr. West offored the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee of Publication be instructed to prefix
to the forthcoming volume of the transactions of this Society, a note, or
statement, that the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania does
not endorse or sanction the facts or opinions contained in any address or
report which may be made to them, or published by their authority.
Dr. R. K. Smith offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That each Medical Society be requested to furnish with
their reports a synopsis of their contents, and that the reports be read
by their titles, with the synopsis of their contents, and referred to the
Committee of Publication.
Dr. Warrington, of Philadelphia, was opposed to the indiscriminate
publication of the reports coming from various quarters. He thought
that the right of selection, condensation, curtailment, or rejection, should
be vested in the Committee of Publication, with reference to reports.
Dr. Condie said this Society was not organized as a censorship over
men’s minds or their productions. He wished every man to present
his facts and views in his own way. The object of the Society had
been to rouse up the dormant energies of the profession of the State,
and he thought it would be very unwise to reject the materials furnished
in the reports because men might take exception to portions of them.
How many differences of opinion existed in every branch of medicine—
physiology for instance ? Who should undertake to say what was cor-
rect and what was not? Freedom of mind was essential to the advance-
ment of science. The moment you undertake to trim and curtail the
reports you will cease to receive reports. He was for receiving all the
reports and printing them as they were received, while it would be stated
in the Transactions that the Society in no way endorsed or sanctioned the
opinions and facts presented in them. He felt that the Medical Society
of Pennsylvania might be proud of their transactions as already pub-
lished.
Dr. R. K. Smith thought the resolution of Dr. West, just passed,
met every objection that might be felt to opinions advanced in reports.
He was opposed to any curtailment or alteration in the reports.
Dr. Emerson, of Philadelphia, wished that the reports should always
be accompanied by abstracts, not exceeding eight foolscap pages, which
should be read in place of the reports, unless they were of unusual in-
terest. He moved, as an amendment to Dr. Smith’s resolution, that
each report be accompanied by a synopsis not exceeding eight post pages.
Dr. Geiger, of Montgomery, concurred in the views expressed by Dr.
Warrington. He thought there was a great deal of lumber in the re-
ports—matter to be found in all the text books, or copied from Rogers’
Geological Manual—that they should not be at the expense of publishing.
Dr. Jackson said that there had not been a medical book published
since the days of Hippocrates, that did not contain the lumber alluded
to by the gentleman who spoke last. He did not feel the force of his
objections.
Dr. Hays thought we might legislate too much. He thought it un-
wise to put upon the county Societies the additional labor of furnishing
abstracts, and, besides, he considered it disrespectful to ask the county
Societies to make reports, and then to decline to read them in full.
Dr. Corson took the floor, and expressed himself strongly opposed to
any interference with the reading of the reports in full. He believed
that they were doing incalculable good in rousing the energies of the
heretofore isolated country practitioners, in teaching them to think and
judge for themselves, and to throw off the trammels of the teachers
whose opinions and dogmata, however valuable, had hitherto been too
blindly followed. He was for receiving and reading the reports in full.
Dr. J. K. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, said, that the great objection to
allowing any committee to cut to pieces the reports, was that what somo
men would call lumber, others might think jewels. He had often de-
rived great satisfaction from the old ideas and opinions which were revived
in these reports, and which some gentlemen deemed so valueless. He
was against any cutting up of these Reports. He was for the fullest
array of facts in these reports. He thought it an omission in some of
them to have omitted the age at which death took place in fatal cases.
It had an important bearing in the mortality of many diseases, typhoid
fever for instance.
Dr M. B. Smith, of Philadelphia, was opposed to cutting down the
reports.
On motion of Dr. Walker, of Chester, both resolutions were indefi-
nitely postponed. Yeas, 28, nays, 7.
Dr. Burrowes, of Lancaster, offered the following resolutions, which
were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, Since our last meeting it has pleased Providence to remove
from us our friend and professional brother, Dr. Samuel Duffield.
As a father, friend and physician he had few superiors. To see was to
know him : he looked, thought and talked like a gentleman. His
removal has left a vacancy not easily filled; in him “cum tristibus
severe, cum remissis jucunde,” was not the result of artificial accom-
modation.
Resolved, That the Pennsylvania Medical Society receive with un-
feigned regret the intelligence of the death of their firm friend and pro-
fessional brother, Dr. Duffield.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the
Secretary to the family of our lamented brother, expressive of our
heartfelt sympathy.
Dr. West offered the following resolutions, which he prefaced by
feeling and eloquent remarks :
Whereas, Since the last meeting of this Society, it has pleased
Almighty God, in his wise Providence, to remove by death from our
midst, Dr. Isaac Parrish, a most useful and highly valued member
of the Society;
./LieZ whereas, it is due to his memory, as well as useful to those whom
he has left behind, to hold up for esteem and imitation his purity of pur-
pose and great integrity of character, both private and professional, as
well as the constant devotion and zeal exhibited in his efforts to advance
the common cause of medical science, medical education and medical
ethics; therefore,
Resolved, That the members of the Medical Society of the State of
Pennsylvania, have received, with feelings of unaffected sorrow, the
intelligence of the death of Dr. Parrish, which occurred shortly after
the last annual session of the Society, and that they desire thus to record
their high estimation of his talents and personal worth, as well as their
sense of the heavy loss sustained in his death, by surviving friends both
in and out of the profession, as well as by the community at large.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the
Secretary to the family of the late Dr. Parrish, with the assurance of
the sincere sympathy of the Society in their bereavement.
Dr. H. Carpenter offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That this Society deeply regrets the decease of its late
fellow member and first President, Dr. Samuel Humes, of Lancaster
city, for whose moral worth, high professional character, and active zeal
in promoting the objects and interests of this organization, the members
of the State Medical Society will ever fondly cherish his memory.
Resolved, That the Secretaries are hereby instructed to transmit a
copy of the above to the friends of the deceased.
Dr. West stated that the memoir of Dr. Parrish by Dr. Jackson
could be obtained by application to the Secretary.
Dr. Jewell called for the reading of the Report of the Bucks County
Medical Society.
Dr. Condie was unwilling to compel the reading of this Report, as
the authors did not desire it.
Dr. Thompson, of Bucks, said that the communication in question
was not a Report of the Bucks County Society, but merely an account
of an epidemic, apparently diphtheritis and typhoid fever, which pre-
vailed in Bucks County some six years since. He had no objection,
however, to the reading.
And it was accordingly read by the Secretary.
After the reading, Dr. Jewell said he was opposed to publishing mere
individual Reports, unless they receive the sanction of the County
Medical Society.
Dr. Emerson concurred.
Dr. Condie said this was substantially a County Report. The author
of the Report, Dr. Thompson, said it was not a County Report.
Dr. Emerson moved to reconsider the vote by which this communi-
cation was referred to the Committee of Publication, and ordered to be
published ; but the motion was lost.
Dr. H. Carpenter brought in the Report of the Nominating Com-
mittee, and the officers therein nominated for the ensuing year were
unanimously elected. The following are the officers:
President.— Dr. John P. Heister, of Bucks.
Vice-Presidents.—Drs. Francis F. Burrowes, of Lancaster; John IT.
Gemmill, of Huntingdon; Robert K. Smith, of Delaware; Jacob M.
Confer, of Blair.
Recording Secretaries.—Drs. Henry S. Patterson, of Philadelphia;
Isaac R. Walker, of Chester.
Corresponding Secretary.—Dr. Isaac Hays, of Philadelphia.
Treasurer.—Dr. Francis West, of Philadelphia.
Censors, lstf and 2d Districts.—Drs. Wilson Jewell, of Philadelphia;
Wm. Corson, of Montgomery; George Halberstadt, of Schuylkill;
Samuel A. Benton, of Delaware; S. Thompson, of Bucks.
Censors, 3d and 4th Districts.—Drs. Thomas Wood, of Lycoming;
Mordecai Massey, of Huntingdon; A. Rothrock, of Mifflin; Wm. W.
Mellvain, of York; J. H. Case, of Perry.
Censors, 5th and 6th Districts.—Drs. C. F. Perkins, of Erie; J.
McK. Morgan, of Alleghany; J. P. Gazzam, ditto; Jas. Dickson, do.;
W. Anderson, ditto.
Delegates to the American Medical Association for 1854.—Drs. Hiram
Corson, of Montgomery; Wm. Maybury, of Philadelphia; John L.
Atlee, of Lancaster; Trail Green, of Northampton; J. S. Carpenter,
of Schuylkill; Edward Wallace, of Berks; Isaac R. Walker, of Ches-
ter; John L. Ross, of Blair; ------Irwin, of Alleghany.
Dr. N. B. Smith proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Schaeffer, who
furnished the geological map appended to the Schuylkill County Report.
Unfinished business from the last session being called for—
The Committee to urge the Legislature to pass an act for general
vaccination being called in, reported progress and asked to be con-
tinued.
Dr. Atlee urged the vast importance of this subject. He thought the
object might be accomplished by insisting that no child should be ad-
mitted into common schools, unless with a saticfactory certificate of
vaccination. In Prussia, no child could be admitted to a public school,
or confirmed by the minister, or bound out an apprentice, unless with
such a certificate. Some such plan as this was the only means of accom-
plishing the object.
Drs. Emerson and Condie stated that the petitions already presented
to the Legislature intimated the means by which the object could be
carried out.
Dr. Atlee was added to the Committee.
The Committee to whom was referred a plan investigating the con-
nection between geological formations and disease, reported that the
only practicable plan for accomplishing this object, would be to analyse
the County Reports presented from year to year.
Report was accepted, and Committee discharged.
Dr. Heister moved that County Societies be requested to furnish topo-
graphical descriptions of their respective counties, accompanied by charts,
and to describe epidemics of disease, with particular reference to the
geological formations. Carried.
Adjourned.
Friday May HI th.—Afternoon Session.
The Association met at 4 o’clock; the President, Dr. Corson, in the
Chair.
The roll being called, the minutes of the morning session were read.
Dr. Condie requested the minutes to be amended, relative to a motion
stated to be made by him, but which should be really attributed to Dr.
Burrowes.
The minutes were adopted.
Dr. J. L. Atlee offered the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Committee on Publication be requested to furnish
annually, to the Epidemiological Society of London, a copy of all pub-
lished Transactions of this Society.
Dr. Robert K. Smith offered the following resolution, which was
adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be tendered for the polite
invitation received to visit the Academy of Natural Sciences, Academy
of Fine Arts, U. S. Mint, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Statuary of St. Ste-
phen’s Church and Girard College; and to Pres. Allen, of the last
institution, for his attention and hospitality to the members of this
Society, on the occasion of their visit.
Dr. Condie presented the following resolution, which being put by
the Secretary, was passed :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be presented to Dr. Iliram
Corson, its late President, for the impartial and courteous manner in
which he has presided over its deliberations during the present session.
Dr. Turnbull offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be presented to the Secre-
taries for the faithful manner in which they have discharged their labo-
rious duties.
Dr. Parry offered the following, which were adopted :
Resolved, That, for the purpose of acquiring further information in
relation to the Kine Pock, and increasing facilities for procuring and
preserving supplies of fresh and genuine vaccine virus, this Society
recommend to each of the County Societies in the State to appoint a
Committee to collect any new and useful facts in relation to vaccination,
and to report the same to a central Committee, to be appointed by this
Society, at least two weeks before the annual meeting.
Resolved, That said central Committee shall consist of three mem-
bers, and it shall be its duty to draw up a synopsis of the reports
received, and present the same to this Society, at its annual meeting.
The Chair appointed Drs. E. Parry, H. Carpenter and P. Cassiday a
Committee under the above resolution.
Dr. S. Jackson, of Northumberland, in order to expedite and cheapen
the printing of the Transactions, offered the following, which was
passed.
Resolved, That it is recommended to each County Society to send by
its delegates, to the State Society, one dollar for every five of the mem-
bers of said County Society, to be paid to the Treasurer.* Each
County Society to pay the balance of its quota on the delivery of the
Transactions.
• No Society, however small, to send less than five dollars.
Dr. Heister offered the following resolutions, which were carried:
Resolved, That this Society earnestly requests all County Societies
that have not vet done so, to furnish, at an early period, topographical
histories of their respective counties, accompanied by charts.
Resolved, That the annual reports of the different County Societies
be recommended to have strict reference to the different geological forma-
tions, in order to ascertain, by a comparison of facts, how far the pre-
valence of epidemics and other diseases may be influenced by them.
Dr. Turnbull suggested the propriety of asking the Legislature to pay
for the printing of the Transactions of the Society.
After some discussion by Drs. Atlee and Condie, Dr. Coates requested
Dr. Spencer, of New York to give his views upon this matter.
Dr. Spencer said, that the manner in which they conducted these
matters in New York was very plain and simple. Having fully made
up their minds as to the propriety of what they were about to ask for,
they then endeavored to influence the Legislature, by appealing indivi-
dually to its older members, and explaining to them the practical bene-
fits to the community that were sure to result from such a publication.
Dr. H. S. Patterson called the attention of the Society to certain
resolutions which had been laid on the table at the last yearly meeting,
and which, he stated, now came up to be acted upon.
Dr. Maybury moved that the resolutions offered by Dr. Emerson, at
that meeting, be adopted. Agreed to.
Dr. Condie moved that the resolutions of the Montgomery County
Society, laid on the table at the last yearly meeting, be indefinitely
postponed. They were so postponed.
On motion, Drs. Condie, Norris and Yardley, were added to the Pub-
lication Committee.
Dr. ------ moved that the President-elect be requested to deliver
an address at the opening of the next annual meeting. He was so
requested.
Dr. J. L. Atlee moved that a Committee be appointed to conduct the
President-elect to the Chair.
Drs. Atlee and Maybury being appointed a Committee, conducted
the President-elect to the Chair; when he was introduced to the Society
by Dr. Corson.
Dr. Corson, the President, returned his thanks, upon retiring from
the Chair, for the courtesy and kindness with which he had been honored
by the Society.
Dr. Heister, of Berks County, the President-elect, said that when he
looked around and saw so many, who were his seniors, he felt, indeed,
highly honored by his present position. He took great interest in the
organization of the profession throughout the whole United States, as
well as in this State. He was among the founders of this Society, and
his interest in its proceedings was yearly increasing, as, indeed, he
believed, was that of all the members present. He was glad to see a
still greater increase in the numbers of the Society, there being eighty-
five present, an increase of ten over last year. In conclusion, he stated,
that, with the kind assistance of the members, he would endeavor faith-
fully to fulfil the duties of his office.
Dr. Atlee offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be presented to the Com-
mittee of Arrangements for their attention in furnishing such excellent
accommodation for the session of the Society, and for the zeal mani-
fested to provide for our comfort and pleasure.
Dr. Geiger, of Schuylkill County, moved that the next meeting of
the Society be held in Pottsville, on the last Wednesday in May, 1854,
at 11 o’clock in the morning. Adopted.
Dr. Corson moved that the thanks of the Society be tendered to Dr.
Spencer, for the donation of a volume of the Transactions of the State
Society of New York; and that a Committee of three, of which the
President of the Society should be Chairman, be appointed, to take
into consideration Dr. Spencer’s atomic theory of vegetable and animal
life.
Dr. Heister, the President, declined serving as Chairman.
Dr. Geiger moved that the President be excused from serving.
Dr. Corson moved that Drs. Turnbull, Kennedy and Carson be
appointed.
Dr. Carson declined.
Dr. Kennedy also declined.
After some discussion, Dr. Coates moved for a reconsideration of Dr.
Corson’s motion. Being put, it was so reconsidered.
Dr. Coates then moved that the first clause of Dr. Corson’s resolution
be put by itself, which being done, was adopted.
Dr. Corson then withdrew the second clause of his resolution.
There being no further business before the Society, Dr. Atlee moved
an adjournment sine die.