Scientific and Medical 
Books, and Minerals. 
A. E. FOOTE, M. D., 
4116 Kim Ave. 
Philadelphia, Pa. 
ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE OPENING 
OF THE 
Eighteenth Annual Meeting 
OF THE 
fijedical pocietsij of the jta of California 
BY 
R. H. PLUMMER, M. D., PRESIDENT 
Professor of Anatomy in Cooper Medical College, San Francisco 
SAN FRANCISCO 
THE BANCROFT COMPAfTY 
■ 1888 ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE OPENING 
OF THE 
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING 
OF THE 
Medical Society of the State of California.' 
ByR. H. PLUMMER, M. D., President 
Fellow Members: The acceptance of the honor which you 
conferred in calling me to the presidential office, carried with 
it duties and obligations which have occasioned me much 
anxiety. My manifold labors during the year have so occu- 
pied my time that, unlike the skillful mariner, I have scarcely 
been able to take observations and make my reckonings. It 
is therefore with some embarrassment that I attempt this 
morning to render an account of my stewardship; but I 
realize that I stand in the midst of friends who have been my 
co-laborers in this Society for eighteen years; and, conscious 
of the fact that conferring this honor and imposing the duties 
were the impulses of your own generous hearts, I feel assured 
that I may reasonably expect your indulgence in whatever 
measure my efforts fall short of your anticipations. 
The physician, in the discharge of his professional duties, 
frequently displays all the valor exhibited on the field of battle, 
but his office is to save, not to slaughter; and his training is for 
the silent chamber wherein reign sorrow, suffering, death ; not 
for the Forum. “The Genius of Medicine sits pensive and 
alone, her finger on her lips.” As a devotee of medicine, 
therefore, I expect you to throw the mantle of charity over my 
deficiency in the art of oratory. 
ANCIENT MEDICINE. 
The “healing art” is as old as the human family. In the 
Old Testament we find Job speaking of his counselors as 
“physicians of no value,” and Jeremiah exclaiming, “Is there President’s Address. 
no balm in Gilead ? ’ ’ More than three thousand years ago 
Homer sang: 
“A wise physician, skilled our wounds to heal, 
Is more than armies to the public weal.” 
Observations on the clinical history treatment and pathology 
of diseases were recorded on tablets, in the rude methods 
of the times. As new truths accumulated, fraternal organiza- 
tions ensued, and the esprit de corps which followed is amply 
attested by the history of the Druids of ancient Gaul, the 
Asclepiadae of Greece, the numerous organizations of the 
“Middle Ages,” and the countless associations and colleges 
of our own generation devoted to the healing art. 
In the present time, when locomotive engineers and railroad 
brakemen have their ‘ ‘ brotherhoods, ’ ’ and the ‘ ‘ bakers and 
candlestick makers’’ their “ unions,’’ it is little wonder that 
the members of the medical profession, drawn together by its 
many hallowed ties, should unite in fraternal organizations. 
STATS MKDICAI, SOCIETY. 
The progress of medicine in our own State is a subject of 
interest to us, and it will form a chapter in the history of our 
commonwealth which will claim the attention of those who 
come after us. The first effort at a State organization was in 
1856, now thirty-two years ago, when the late Thomas M. 
Dogan, of Sacramento, and Elias S. Cooper, of San Francisco, 
issued a call for a medical convention in Sacramento for the 
purpose of organizing a State Medical Society. 
A goodly number of physicians responded to that call 
and organized such a Society, which adopted a constitution, 
by-laws, and order of business. But the profession was then 
an incongruous body, with representatives from nearfy every 
nation on the face of the earth, possessing their national traits, 
with prejudices born of education and surroundings. 
As the satisfactory working of a piece of complicated machin- 
ery requires a proper adjustment of the several parts, so the 
successful working together of a large body of men requires 
special training. The labors appertaining to this organization 
developed the mental angularities of the individual members; 
and after passing through a few sessions of polemics and dis- 
sensions it died of inanition in 1861. 
During its existence the following gentlemen Were honored 
with the Presidency : B. F. Keene, El Dorado ; Flenry Gib- 
bons, Sr., San Francisco; Arthur B. Stout, San Francisco; R. B. President’s Address. 
3 
Ellis, San Francisco ; Isaac Rowell, San Francisco, and Samuel 
F. Hamm, El Dorado. Arthur B. Stout, is the only one of 
these now living. 
MEDICAL JOURNALS. 
While this organization did not accomplish all its projectors 
hoped, it was productive of much good. In the year of its 
origin the “California State Medical Journal” was established 
in Sacramento by the late John F. Morse. It was a quarterly, 
and the fourth number contained its valedictory. 
In 1858 the “Pacific Medical and Surgical Journal” was 
established in this city by the late Henry Gibbons, Sr., who 
continued to edit its columns until shortly before his death in 
1884, when he transferred it to its present manager. It still 
survives its founder, a creditable monument to his ability, 
industry, and love of his profession. 
In i860, “The San Francisco Medical Press” was estab- 
lished by the late Elias S. Cooper, and was merged in the latter 
journal in 1865. The “ Western Eancet ” was established in 
1872, and, like the “ Press,” lost its identity in its older com- 
petitor. During the year 1886 there were three journals 
established: one at Eos Angeles, “The Southern Califor- 
nia Practitioner,” a sparkling monthly, reflecting credit 
upon its editors ; one in this city, “The Pacific Record,” a 
monthly with a large list of subscribers;' and one in Sacra- 
mento, “The Medical Times,” a popular monthly, with a 
rapidly increasing subscription list, 'and a corps of earnest 
editors. 
MEDICAL COLLEGES. 
The Medical College of the Pacific, the first on this Coast, 
was established in this city in 1858 by the lamented Elias S. 
Cooper. It did creditable work in the field of science, and sent 
out many graduates who have attained honorable positions in 
the profession; but it suspended temporarily in 1864, soon 
after the death of its founder. During the latter year another 
school was organized in this city which, in honor of its 
founder, was called the Toland Medical College. It was con- 
ducted as a private institution until 1875, when the property 
was deeded to the State as the Medical Department of the 
University, and now stands a monument to his generosity. 
In 1870 the Pacific Medical College again opened its 
doors for the admission of students ; and in 1882, through 4 
President’s Address. 
the munificence of one upon whom you have been 
pleased to bestow the highest honor within the gift of this 
Society, it was placed upon an everlasting foundation, whence 
the light from its towering walls on the hills of the West, like the 
rays from the wonderful antique lamp of the student Hierony- 
mus, “ through the mist and murk and dropping rain, streamed 
out into the darkness, and was seen by many wakeful eyes.” 
The College of Medicine of the University of Southern Cali- 
fornia, was established at Los Angeles in 1885. It organized 
with a full corps of earnest instructors, and graduated its first 
class last week. 
RE-ORGANIZING THE STATE SOCIETY. 
In February, 1870, the state legislature passed a bill creat- 
ing a State Board of Health, conferring upon it such powers 
as were then deemed necessary to conserve the public health. 
That Board, through its efficient secretary, Thomas M. Logan, 
issued a call for another convention to meet in the hall of the 
Young Men’s Christian Association in this city, on the 19th 
day of October following, for the purpose of re-organizing the 
State Medical Society. This call resulted in the assembling 
of 46 physicians. They re-organized, elected Dr. Logan Pres- 
ident, and adopted the constitution, by-laws and order of 
business of the old Society. During the meeting of two days, 
which was characterized by industry and harmony, 36 members 
were added by application and election. 
It received a further impetus in 1871, when the American 
Medical Association held its annual meeting in this city. An- 
ticipating that event this Society held a special meeting in Pa- 
cific Hall on the 1st day of May, at which time 72 applicants 
were elected to membership, making 154 in all, or nearly one- 
half the practicing physicians in the State. An interest in pro- 
fessional matters was re-kindled which has never ceased to 
burn, though its fires have sometimes paled. From the remo- 
test parts of the State members have come to our annual 
meetings, braving the mal de mer, or enduring the discomforts 
incident to a stage ride over snow-clad mountains, across 
swollen streams, and through miry vales. That the time, 
labor and money thus expended have resulted in valuable acqui- 
sitions to this Society, and benefit to the profession at large is 
apparent from the increased membership, the higher standard 
of medical education established in this State, and the im- 
proved scholarship in the profession. President’s Address. 
5 
The distinguished members who have served this Society in 
the capacity of President since its re-organization, are here- 
with enumerated chronologically : Thomas M. Eogan, Sacra- 
mento; Henry Gibbons, Sr., San Francisco; Geo. A. ShurtlefF, 
Stockton; Thomas H. Pinkerton, Oakland; John M. Brown, 
(U. S. N.), Vallejo; Alexander B. Nixon, Sacramento; Wm. 
Fitch Cheney, Chico; Washington Ayer, San Francisco; Henry 
S. Orme, Eos Angeles; A. W. Saxe, Santa Clara; F. Walton 
Todd, Stockton; Gerrard G. Tyrrell, Sacramento; L,evi C. Fane, 
San Francisco; Ira E. Oatman, Sacramento; R. Beverly Cole, 
San Francisco; William P. Gibbons, Alameda, and Walter S. 
Thome, San Jose. 
Thomas M. Eogan and Henry Gibbons Sr., the first two, 
to whose untiring efforts more than to those of any others 
was due the success of this re-organization, have gone, ripe in 
years and full of honors, ‘ ‘ to that undiscovered country from 
whose bourn no traveler returns.” 
“The forms they hewed from living stone, 
Survive the waste of years alone, 
And, scattered with their ashes, show 
What greatness perished long ago.” 
And Wm. Fitch Cheney, the seventh in order, has been ‘‘gath- 
ered to his fathers. ” In the prime and pride of manhood, in 
the enjoyment of a lucrative practice, and in the zenith of an 
enviable professional reputation, he died a martyr to pro- 
fessional enthusiasm. 
The progress of our State during the past three years has 
been phenomenal. Prosperity and thrift prevail throughout its 
great extent. In 1885 ,our population was estimated to be 
about 1,000,000. It is now estimated, from reliable sources, to 
be 1,350,000, or an annual increase of 100,000. The increase 
in the number of medical practitioners has been proportionately 
great. 
The records show that there are now more than 1,700 regular 
physicians in this State, but only about one-fifth of them are 
members of this Society. During a recent excursion through 
the State I visited the city of San Diego, which had a pop- 
ulation of 3,000 souls three years ago. East year it was esti- 
mated at 11,000, and to-day they claim 30,000. The number 
of practitioners of medicine recently reported from that county is 
146, and they have a County Society of 37 members, 
but this Society has only five members in that county. 6 
President’s Address. 
San Bernardino County has 60 physicians, and a County 
Society of 20 members; but we have only four members in that 
county. 
The city of Dos Angeles had a population of 11,311 in 1880. 
Bast year it was estimated at 40,000, and to-day they boast of 
80,000. There are 200 regular physicians in the county, and 
they have a local Society of 40 members; yet the State Society 
has only eleven members in that county. 
Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Buis Obispo Counties are 
prosperous in the extreme, with rapidly increasing populations 
following up the advent of new railroads. They have more 
than 100 resident physicians, yet not a local Society; and 
this Society has only five representatives in the three counties. 
In the city of San Francisco more than 40 per cent, of the resi- 
dent physicians are members of this Society, while in the coun- 
ties above enumerated only about five per cent, are members. 
At first thought this great disproportion in membership be- 
tween the central and southern parts of the State seems to indi- 
cate a condition of apathy in the latter which is incompatible 
with the character of a learned profession. But the problem 
becomes one of easy solution when we remember two important 
factors, viz. that the population in the southern counties is of 
rapid growth; and that this Society has never held a meeting 
south of San Jose. 
It is more than seven hundred miles from this city to the 
southern border of the State, and while we have a few 
members in these far away counties who rarely fail to meet 
with us, there are many excellent and reputable physi- 
cians there, unaffiliated in Societies, who feel that the time 
and expense necessary to attend our meetings are too great. 
But within ninety days from this date the cities of San Diego, 
Santa Barbara and San Duis Obispo will be distant from Dos 
Angeles not to exceed four hours by rail. Enthusiasm, like 
small-pox, is contagious and requires the presence of the germ 
to infect. Is not, therefore, the subject of holding the next, 
or an early annual meeting in the southern part of the State 
worthy your serious consideration ? 
In this connection, too, I may remind you that it is well along 
in the second decade since the American Medical Association 
held its memorable meeting in this city, and suggest that it will 
be wise to “put our house in order,” that we may extend to 
that body an invitation to hold its annual re-union here on the President’s Address. 
7 
twentieth anniversary of that occasion. Such an event 
will occasion another revival in professional matters on this 
coast,, the result of which is not within the range of the keen- 
est vision to discern. But we should have a largely increased 
membership in our Society, to greet them on such an occasion. 
EXPERT TESTIMONY. 
This Society has frequently passed resolutions calling upon 
the Legislature to enact some law whereby a competent expert 
may require a fee commensurate with the value of the testimony 
to be given. The knowledge possessed by the expert which 
peculiarly fits him for that function has usually been acquired 
through years of arduous toil over the “midnight oil,” and the 
expenditure of thousands of dollars. This knowledge is justly 
regarded his “capital in business.” Neither individuals nor 
governments have any more right to despoil him of that 
capital without just compensation than to require the banker to 
give up his gold, or the merchant his silk. 
While there 'may be no special enactment on this subject 
there seems to be some general law applicable, and the Courts 
of this State have set the precedent by ordering such fees to be 
paid. 
The following letter upon this subject is self-explanatory: 
“April 3rd, 1888. 
‘ ‘My dear Dr. Plummer: 
‘ ‘In relation to the subject of your inquiry, the following may 
be of some interest: In 1872, during the second trial of the 
notorious Laura Fair for the murder of Mr. Crittenden, ten 
medical experts—among them Drs. Bennett, Sawyer, Bertody, 
Hammond, Stillman, Shurtleff, and myself — were detained in 
Court about five days, and received as compensation therefore 
by order of the Court, two hundred and fifty dollars each. The 
presiding on the occasion was Reardon, of Grass Valley, 
and the Prosecuting Attorney was the present Judge Murphy 
of our Superior Court. 
“On the 14th of last December I declined, unless compelled, 
to give any expert testimony in the case of the ‘ People against 
Maroney,’ then on trial for the shooting at Judge Murphy- 
Judge Toohy, presiding, ruled that, according to a recent deci- 
sion of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, an expert was com- 
pelled to testify, provided, he was previously guaranteed expert 8 
President’s Address. 
Jees by the Court. I testified accordingly, and, on February 
6th of this year, was paid fifty dollars, the amount ordered by 
the Court. Yours truly, 
C. F. Buckley.” 
With this position taken by the Courts of our country it 
seems scarcely necessary to importune the Legislature to take 
action upon this particular branch of the subject. 
But there is another phase of this question which may well 
claim the serious consideration of that body. Our laws per- 
mit both parties litigant to examine experts, ostensibly for the 
enlightenment of Courts and juries. Over-zealous attorneys 
frequently subpoena experts because of the particular opinion 
they entertain, rather than the knowledge they possess. Such 
testimony is usually in behalf of the party who pays for it; 
hence the Court and jury are frequently unenlightened, the ends 
of justice defeated, and a reproach cast upon our profession. The 
laws of our sister republic, France, provide that experts shall 
be selected by the Court from among those of well-known 
ability on the subject at issue, and of unquestioned integrity. 
The Court orders the compensation, and the expert be- 
comes a part of the machinery of the Court. It is my 
belief that, with an unimpeachable judiciary, the ends of justice 
will be better subserved by a similar law in our own country. 
FCETICIDE. 
The crime of foeticide has often been condemned by this Society, 
and the Committee on Legislation instructed to draft such a 
bill as will offer better prospect of punishing the criminal. Your 
present Committee, aided by the valuable co-operation of our 
honorary member, Dr. E. R. Taylor, attorney at law, has de- 
voted much consideration to this subject, and arrived at the 
conclusion that any law more stringent than that now govern- 
ing the matter will place physicians in the power of black- 
mailing schemers. 
STATE MEDICINE. 
The International Sanitary Congress recently'assembled at 
Rome failed to evolve anything of practical utility in the 
department of prophylactic medicine; but we need not look far 
for an explanation. As ancient Rome on her seven hills 
went down amidst too many conflicting political elements when 
she essayed to become “Mistress of the Ancient World,” so President's Address. 
9 
this modern city, in her laudable efforts to establish ‘ ‘ sanitary 
lights ” for the guidance of the civilized world, failed, because 
of too many conflicting commercial interests. 
QUARANTINE. 
The subject of Quarantine is one to which the public and the 
profession on this Coast have recently had occasion to give 
much consideration. One year ago small-pox was declared 
epidemic in Los Angeles, and we are only now recovering from 
the effects of one in this city. One of our prosperous mountain 
towns was .in quarantine several weeks, and sporadic cases 
developed throughout the State. San Francisco is the 
chief sea-port city of the Pacific Coast, and is in almost daily 
communication with China, Japan, Australia, the Pacific 
Islands, South America, Central America, and Mexico, the 
hot-beds of cholera, typhus, small-pox, and other contagious 
diseases. This is the western gateway to the homes of sixty 
millions of people. There are not less than six daily overland 
trains leaving this coast, and all liable to carry the germs of 
disease into the very heart of this great nation. Realizing this, 
it is but in accordance with the American sentiment of preven- 
tive medicine that we desire protection. We want a quarantine 
station, and since it is for the national good, the nation should 
provide it. Our Congressmen in Washington have been earn- 
estly moving in the matter, and this Society should take the 
necessary action in the premises to give them “ aid and com- 
fort ” in their noble work. 
BOARDS OF HEALTH. 
It is the sentiment of the State Board of Health, in which I 
heartily concur, that the number of local Boards should be 
increased. There should be one in every town of 500 inhabit- 
ants; or there should be a County Board with general powers of 
supervision. The Legislature has already provided the method 
of forming such Boards through the Supervisors (see Political 
Code, Sec. 3060 and 3061); but to enable these, and the State 
Board as well, to better protect the public from pestilential 
invasions or during epidemics, they should have increased 
powers. One essential measure in this direction will be a law 
rendering vaccination compulsory in every child before it 
is admitted into any public school. 10 
President’s Address. 
BURIAL PERMITS. 
The protection of property rights, the security of life, and 
the punishment of crime, call for some measure to prevent the 
interment or cremation of any human body in this State with- 
out a proper permit. These should be issued by Health Offi- 
cers or Boards of Health, where such exist; or, in the absence 
of either, by a Justice of the Peace. They should be issued 
only on a certificate of death signed by a legally qualified prac- 
titioner of medicine in this State, if there be such within reason- 
able distance of the deceased; otherwise by the Coroner, or by 
two reputable citizens cognizant of the death and its cause; 
such certificate and permit to be filed for record in the proper 
office. 
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS. 
The law relating to the recording of births, marriages and 
deaths is so imperfectly executed that it is of no practical value 
in the compilation of statistics. Sections 3075 and 3077 of the 
Political Code, and 377 and 378 of the Penal Code provide for 
the enforcement of the act, and health officers should enforce it. 
MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT. 
The ‘ ‘ Regulation of the Practice of Medicine ’ ’ by Legisla- 
tive enactment, is of ancient date. Aristotle wrote “ Even in 
Egypt the physician was allowed to alter the mode of cure 
which the law prescribed to him after the fourth day ; but if 
he did so sooner he acted at his own peril.” 
While it is true that some run after “ strange gods,” it is 
equally true that many are slaves of habit, and believers in 
the wisdom of the past. Innovations are not received by them 
with that warmth of affection which usually greet the first- 
born in the new household. But when a custom has lapsed 
for one generation or more it practically becomes an innovation 
to re-establish it. When the effort was made in this state, 
in 1876, to secure the passage of a bill to Regulate the Practice 
of Medicine, it met violent opposition both within and without 
the profession. The result was, we accepted such a law as 
could be obtained—not such as we desired. But it served as 
an entering wedge, and in 1878 salutary amendments were 
procured. We have annually appointed a Board of Examiners 
in accordance with its provisions, and yearly reports of that 
Board have been presented to this Society. 
A part of the commendable work performed by it is set forth President’s Address. 
11 
in the Medical Register, wherein all persons engaged in the 
practice of medicine in this state have been classified according 
to their practice and qualifications. It is no longer possible, 
therefore, for any one to impose himself, under false colors, 
upon the public or the profession. 
For some years after the adoption of the present law the 
halls of legislation were patrolled by parties whose financial 
interests were concentrated in its repeal or modification. Your 
Board of Examiners and Committee on Medical Eegislation 
recognized its defects, but feared that any bill which might be 
started on its passage through the legislature would be so 
shorn and changed by amendments that it would not be recog- 
nized when it should emerge in the form of a law. They 
therefore reasoned that the interest of the public and of legiti- 
mate medicine would be better conserved by using all proper 
influence to prevent any further legislation on that subject 
until the desirability of such a law should be more firmly 
engrafted on the public mind. 
Such a time seems now to have arrived. The people are be- 
coming aware oi the fact that while certificates of competency and 
integrity are required of engineers, bank cashiers, and “ kitchen 
divinities.” it is equally important to look after the qualifica- 
tions of those into whose hands they consign themselves wrhen 
overtaken by disease or accident. After the experience of ten 
years in the administration of the present law we are better 
enabled to point out its defects and suggest the remedies. 
NEW EAW. 
East year this Society adopted a resolution affirming its belief 
that public and professional interests would be better subserved 
by a single Board of Examiners rather than by three, as now 
constituted ; and that an examination of the applicant as to his 
fitness to practice the healing art is preferable to examination 
of his diploma as the basis of his right to a certificate, as now pro- 
vided. In accordance with that sentiment your Committee on 
Medical Eegislation, with the cooperation of our honorary 
member, has prepared a bill which will be presented for your 
consideration during this meeting. 
We learn from the writings of Strabo, Aristotle, Plato and 
others, that ancient Greek physicians, “practiced as stipendiar- 
ies at the Royal Courts,” and as “public functionaries with stat- 
ed salaries, appointed by the people. ’ ’ It was not an innovation, 12 
President’s Address. 
therefore, when the legislature, in creating the State Board of 
Health, provided that its expenses, not to exceed $4,000 per an- 
num, should be paid out of the public treasury. The sequel has 
proved that it was a wise appropriation of public funds ; but 
when the bill was approved creating the State Board of Exam- 
iners no such provision was made for its expenses. The only 
revenue, under the law, is derived from the fees for certificates, 
and this is inadequate to a proper discharge of the duties of 
the Board. 
While the function of the State Board of Health appertains 
to preventive medicine, that of the State Board of Examiners 
has reference to practical medicine—quite as important to the 
public. In the efforts of the latter Board to enforce the Medical 
Practice Act the want of funds has seriously interfered; hence, 
among the features iu the proposed bill is one providing a sum 
of money not to exceed $5,000per annum to defray its expenses. 
Many of the features in the old law have been retained in the 
new bill, among which is the section having reference to the 
refusal or revocation of certificates for unprofessional conduct. 
Eike the priest-physicians of old, the doctor frequently fills 
the office of confessor as well as doctor. He is familiar with 
all the ills to which flesh is heir. “The mystery of birth, the 
solemnity of death, the anxiety of disease, and the agony of 
despair, ’ ’ are phases of life daily presented to his view. He is 
admitted into the sanctum sanctorum where no other feet than 
his are permitted to tread. He is a welcome spectator and 
auditor where no other is permitted to look or listen. Human 
nature, stripped of all conventionalities, lies exposed before him. 
The aspirations of intellect, the devotions of love, the secrets 
of conscience are revealed to him in the hour of triumph, of 
weakness, or dismay. If purity of character and unsullied 
reputation be required in any walk in life, surely it should be 
in the medical profession. Pope’s invocation to the physician 
at his bedside expresses his high appreciation of the healing 
art, and of him who property dispenses its blessings : 
“ Friend of my life, which did not you prolong, 
The world had wanted many an idle song.” 
But the spirit of “trade,” in the guise of the “ Medical Jesuit,” 
has invaded the sacred precincts of medicine and robbed it of 
much of its inherent dignity. It creates motives, justifies 
methods, and leads to ends wholly at variance with truth and 
dignity. No one ever descends from the exalted position of a President's Address. 
13 
true disciple of Aesculapius to the methods of the charlatan 
until he demonstrates to himself, as well as to the public, his 
inability in the practice of medicine. Christopher Smart fully 
appreciated this character when he painted it in the follow- 
ing lines : 
“ On mere privation she bestowed a frame, 
And dignified a nothing with a name ; 
A wretch devoid of use, of sense, of grace, 
The insolent tenant of encumbered space.” 
The ethics of our profession are older than the canon-law, 
older than the church itself; and they ought to be supported, 
that the public may be protected from imposters, and the pro- 
fession from debasing influences. This is not now an exper- 
iment, for it has been so long recognized by the Bar and the 
Bench as applied to the legal profession, and so often sustained 
by the courts in behalf of the medical profession, that no prin- 
ciple of law seems better established. 
MEDICAL EDUCATION. 
Medicine was taught in ancient times in the temples of 
Aesculapius, in the schools of philosophy, and in the gymna- 
sia. Plato had the following inscription placed over the door 
of his academy: 
“ Let none ignorant of geometry enter here.” 
Hippocrates wrote : ‘ ‘ Things which are sacred are only to 
be imparted to sacred persons. It is unlawful to impart them 
to the profane until after their initiation into the mysteries of 
the Science.” In writing to his own son, he said : “ Give due 
attention, my son, to geometry and arithmetic, for such studies 
will not onfy render your life illustrious and useful to your fel- 
low beings, but your mind more acute and perspicacious in 
arriving at fruitful results in everything pertaining to your 
art.” 
If a liberal knowledge of the arts and sciences was a pre- 
requisite to the study of medicine in ancient times, it is equally 
important to-day. In the near future we should have a law 
requiring the would-be student who has not a degree in arts 
to pass an examination before a State Board prior to entering 
college. All the collateral branches should be laid under 
liberal contribution. He should be required to know enough 
of the language in which lectures are delivered to comprehend 
all that is said to him; and he should also be able to make 
himself understood by patients and attendants. 14 
President’s Address. 
The subject of medical education is so closely allied to that 
of medical legislation that they are practically inseparable. If 
the standard of acquirements to practice be raised by the State 
Board, it necessarily follows that the standard of education 
will be raised by colleges. Students will then seek those insti- 
tutions which afford the best facilities for learning rather 
than those which provide an easy pathway to an “ M. D.” de- 
gree. 
The three colleges in this State are keeping pace with 
the times on the subject of education, each requiring stated 
qualifications, or preliminary examinations for entrance, and 
three regular courses of lectures delivered during three sepa- 
rate years before the student is admitted to the final examina- 
tion. The matriculates in these three colleges during the year 
1887 numbered 191, of whom 44 were sent out from their shel- 
tering roofs with the veritable parchment bearing witness that 
the holders had been legally invested with the title Doctor of 
Medicine. 
But we regret to chronicle the fact that students have en- 
tered college in this city on the 1st of June, and after attending 
lectures four months, have gone to some of the adjacent or East- 
ern schools, returning here the following March—less than ten 
months from the date of matriculation—with a diploma from a 
“ college in good standing.” Is this justice to the students, to 
the profession, or to the public? Is it in support of that higher 
standard of education recommended and adopted by the better 
class of institutions of learning throughout the civilized world ? 
Is it not rather an explanation of the modus operandi by which 
the country is flooded with incompetent and impecunious doc- 
tors ? 
Our Board of Examiners, recognizing this evil, has adopted 
and published a resolution, sending a copy thereof to every 
medical college in the United States, that on and after March 
1891, it will not grant a license upon a diploma from any 
school which does not require of its candidates for graduation 
three regular courses of lectures, delivered during three separate 
years. In this effort it deserves the warmest support of this 
Society. 
In this connection, we are glad to note that the Medical 
Department of the University of Wooster, at Cleveland, Ohio, 
and the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, have given 
notice that they will hereafter require attendance upon a three President’s Address. 
15 
years’ graded course. The St. L,ou is Medical College has 
lengthened its term of lectures to six months, and the Chicago 
Medical College to eight months. 
DISCUSSIONS. 
Few men in our profession have the forensic power or moral 
courage to indulge in an impromptu debate; I have therefore 
stepped aside from the well-beaten path of my predecessors, in 
appointing members to open the discussion immediately follow- 
ing the reading of the Committee reports in the practical Sec- 
tions. I trust the infraction will receive your cordial indorsement. 
I desire to call your attention to the condition of the Con- 
stitution and By-laws of this Society. While they may 
have been adequate to our wants thirty-two years ago they 
can scarcely be expected to cover the requirements of to-day. 
I therefore recommend that a Committee be appointed early 
in this meeting to prepare such amendments as may seem de- 
sirable.