Annual Address: 
DELIVERED BEFORE; THE 
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 
OF THE 
S TATE OF A L A B A M A, 
AT the: 
ANNUAL MEETING at HUNTSVILLE, 
March, 1872^ 
By T. C. OSBORN, M.D., 
Of Greensboro, President of the Association. 
[From the Transactions of the Medical Association of the 
State of Alabama for 1872.] PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
Ilv THOS. C. OSBORN, M. D., OF 
Irrespective of all other considerations, the happiness I enjoy in 
meeting the Association here to-day more than compensates me for 
all the sacrifices made at home, and for all the hazards of the jour- 
ney towards this refined and beautiful city. 
As the vine must cling to something of firmer texture and 
stronger growth to insure its attainment of vigor and maturity, so 
have I, these twelve months past, been engaged in reaching out the 
tendrils of my susceptible nature far and wide amongst the stout 
branches of this institution, and the increased vitality and strength 
which my devotion has thus imbibed is an ample assurance of my 
determination to cultivate greater assiduity in the interests of my 
profession. 
Thirty years ago I adopted the State of Alabama as the place of 
my permanent abode. At that early period of my professional 
career I was intimately familiar with the hospitality and picturesque 
scenery of this immediate vicinity, and, in an adjoining neighbor- 
hood, first began to encourage those observations upon the effects of 
malaria, which have since grown with my growth, and impressed 
themselves upon all my footprints as the grand aims and objects of 
my life. I am now convinced that the poisonous agency of that 
subtle material is the only one of any consequence which seriously 
contests our claims to the possession of the healthiest part of the 
world, and which renders it forbidding as a residence to those who 
live in colder latitudes and higher elevations above the level of 
the sea. 
Not satisfied, however, with the apparent virulence of malaria in 
this region, and having reason to believe that there were other 
places in the State where its intensity was much greater, I removed 
to the vicinity of those immense marl beds, which are freely inter- 
sected with switch cane marshes and river bottom lands, and in 
which I could have a constant supply of the poison to satisfy all 
my cravings for information upon the subject. 
To-day I return for the first time during my prolonged absence, 2 
and find that those faces and forms which so wonderfully attracted 
my youthful admiration are no longer seen in the habitations of 
living men. ,Tlie Fearns, Erskine, Russell, Bassett, Newman, and 
many others constituting the splendid galaxy, which glittered bril- 
liantly upon the stage of action in those days, are now reposing 
quietly in their graves, doomed at last to yield to the deadly shafts 
from which they had so often protected the community among 
whom they resided; but their names are still venerated by many 
yet living, with a feeling nearly akin to that of adoration. 
All things seem changed but the mantle of nature, and I am 
inexpressibly saddened at the view which even that picture offers 
to my inspection. The wanton ruthlessness of hostile armies has 
fatally marred the beauty and symmetry of those artistic assem- 
blages which riveted the admiration of the world upon this portion 
of the State, and but few of the memorials of the past are left 
untouched by the gothic violence of fraternal warfare. 
But ‘‘there is life in the old land yet,” and it is a source of inde- 
scribable pleasure to the remnant of us who are still able to revisit 
those scenes of former grandeur that we may turn our aged eyes 
fondly and hopefully to the stalwart manhood which ennobles the 
present generation, pleading with wistful glances that they may 
emulate the virtues of their fathers, and remember the lessons of 
the past, only that they can better avoid the temptations which will 
assuredly beset the future. 
If there were any doubts as to the wisdom of the provision which 
makes this Association migratory in its sessions, it would seem to 
be only necessary to point attention to the many new faces annually 
assembled as a convincing proof of the utility and expediency of 
the measure, and the mutual benefit conferred by bringing into 
active cooperation all those talented members of the profession who 
are timidly averse to taking leading parts, disinclined to long jour- 
neys from home, or, for various other reasons, are obliged, however 
repugnant it may be to their feelings, to remain away from the 
duties and enjoyments of our annual meetings. In moving from 
place to place in the State an acceptable service is performed to a 
large class of our medical brethren, and elicits in return all the 
ardor and congeniality with which each one is so abundantly 
endowed. 
It is mainly to absence and isolation that is due the encourage- 
ment, if not the engendering, of the widespread apathy and 
indifference to the ethics and advancement of the profession which 
is so proverbial of the fraternity; whilst, on the other hand, frequent 
intercourse and mutual deference are promotive of respect and 
esteem, and is the sure means of fostering a taste for increased 
culture and familiarity with the duties we owe to the century in 
which we live. 
You need not be told that it is the business of each century to 
scrutinize rigidly the inheritance it has received from preceding 3 
centuries, and to reject everything which is unphilosophical, imma- 
ture, and worthless. But I inay insist that it is only in the actual 
performance of this obligation that we naturally come to despise 
pretension and ceremony, and learn to conform rather to the spirit 
than the letter of the law requiring the thorough investigation of 
all subjects confided to our care, for the benefit of centuries yet to 
follow in the train. 
The objects anticipated by the founders and friends of this Asso- 
ciation are in strict accordance with the principles here enunciated, 
and it is therefore a cause for congratulation to its earlier members 
that the present session has fallen upon this intellectual portion of 
the State. For, as the man who desires to build a durable and 
magnificent residence calls to his aid the best topographers, archi- 
tects and artists within reach, that he may have the benefit of their 
advice and assistance in the selection of the site, the symmetry and 
comfort of the superstructure, the style and finish most appropriate 
to its surroundings, and every other matter pertaining to its com- 
pletion and endowment, so have we, in like manner, chosen this 
occasion to confer with you on subjects of vital interest to the honor 
and perpetuity of the profession in the State. 
“ Come up now, and let us reason together.'1'1 
Like the colors of the sunbeam in the spectrum, in which there 
are a tew strong lines standing out distinctly and beautifully to the 
view, yet the keenest eye fails to detect any marked separation 
between them, owing to the delicate shadings which so perfectly 
merges them together in the group; so are we, in a similar way, 
completely identified and actuated in feelings and interests through- 
out all sections of the country. And to be thus identified in the 
pursuit of a common object, it is both becoming and requisite that 
we should be firmly cemented by a common bond of brotherhood. 
Step by step we find it incumbent upon us to encounter and 
remove the obstructions which have been thrown across our high- 
way, either by the negligence and incompeteucy of those who 
aspire to guide us, or by the ignorance and thoughtlessness of the 
people, who appear to be ever ready to pit against us any and all 
kinds of quackery in their power to commend. 
It is necessary, therefore, that we should rally the wisdom and 
strength of our forces, restore order and harmony in our serried 
ranks, cast away every fear of ultimate failure, and present an 
unbroken front to all the hosts of opposition, threatening to delay 
our orderly progression. 
There are, it is estimated, fifteen hundred physicians in the State 
of Alabama. To these the doors of this Association are always 
open, and for them our legislation is imperatively necessary for the 
purpose of securing harmony and concert of action. And when we 
have obtained the key to that desirable efficiency, it will be by no 
means difficult to press as one man upon any given point—whether 4 
it be in reference to literary observations, the regulation of ethics, 
or as influential citizens desiring redress of grievances at the hands 
of government. Our collective strength will be more seriously felt 
in the undertaking, and the ends to be accomplished will be rendered 
far more easy than by any other method we can possibly adopt. 
It is painfully true that we are living under a State government 
which was the first, and for a long time the only one, to legalize the 
most arrant quackery ; and it is also distressingly evident that its 
legislation is now reposing in the hands of a venal and corrupt 
majority of representatives; but what of that! Are we destitute 
of those resources of which every honest citizen is known to be pos- 
sessed! Are we deficient in the popular influence necessary to 
secure the election of upright and sensible men to the Legislature 
of the State! Assuredly we are not. It is rare indeed that, as a 
body, we solicit anything at the hands of government; and on that 
score, if on no other, it would seem but reasonable that our peti- 
tions should be readily granted. Instead of this, however, we are 
at this moment suffering from a cruel disappointment in reference 
to our petition to the House of Representatives asking protection to 
our interests against former unjust legislation. That petition was 
signed by several hundred names, as respectable as any others in 
the State. 
Now, the only reasonable construction that can be legitimately 
placed upon such a failure is, however we may try to disguise the 
fact, that there is but little vitality in the spirit which ought to 
animate us in every enterprise we may feel called upon to engage. 
It is neither necessary nor proper that the rights we hold in common 
with other citizens should be purchased at the price of dishonor. 
The position we occupy in society peremptorily forbids a leaning to 
such a course of procedure; and, which is of still greater conse- 
quence, our individual conscientiousness inspires an utter abhorrence 
for it when practiced, as it often is, by others. Do you ask, u How, 
then, shall we proceed in obtaining the rights we claim before the 
law”! The answer is plain and unequivocal. It is only necessary 
that this institution, which is yet in its infancy, but auspiciously 
inaugurated, should be made to embrace every physician of reputa- 
ble standing in the State, and animation enough to concentrate the 
power it is required to have impressed upon the objects we may 
have in pursuit. I11 other words, to use a popular expression, let us 
become a u ring,” and place each member in the kind of harness best 
fitted to the duties he may be called upon to perform. 
I do not mean that we should prostitute our Association to the 
level of those venal companies whose sole power consists in their 
monied ability to accomplish corruptly the ends they have in view, 
nor do I entertain a fear that such a miserable construction will be 
placed upon my language; but as I have naturally drifted upon the 
subject in illustration of the utility and efficiency of closely organ- 
ized corporations, I will take the liberty of adding that we can very 5 
properly avail ourselves of the advantages exemplified in the success 
of other institutions far less noble than the one we are here repre- 
senting. It is simply esprit du corps that we are greatly needing, 
and until that feeling is obtained we shall signally fail in all our 
undertakings. 
More especially is its great importance strikingly apparent at this 
time in the efforts necessary to push through the next session of the 
State Legislature the bill recently introduced granting us a lien 
next to that of the landlord for services to sick tenants and laborers, 
and to repeal a section of the revised code in relation to certain 
exemptions of property from legal execution and sale, in payment 
of just debts. 
1 cannot frame my language too strong in commending this matter 
to your consideration, and am quite ready to enter with you into a 
solemn pledge to persevere unflaggingly, leaving no resource untried 
that is at all likely to crown our efforts with ultimate success. 
It may be well questioned whether landlords should be entitled to 
the class legislation which they now enjoy, and there is but little 
doubt in my mind that the act granting them a special lien upon 
the products of the farm was a law of their own making. 
It is true the precedent is well established and prevails in all 
countries, having been handed down from feudal times, and con- 
tinued upon the statutes of this republican form of government as 
one of the tyrannies of a barbarian age. But this fact does not, in 
my estimation, prove either its justice or propriety any more than 
did the laws against witchcraft, which so recently disgraced the 
annals of some of the New England States. The land owner is 
risking no more in renting his premises than you are risking in your 
services to his tenant, nor more than the mechanic aud farm laborer 
in work done for the renter of the land. The difference is merely 
in the kind of capital in vested—in his case it is land, in yours it is 
brains. And whilst, on the one hand, you are continually wearing 
away, with but few years at most to remain upon the earth, he is, 
on the other hand, in possession of a fixed investment in the land, 
which is susceptible of continual improvement, and increases in 
value in direct proportion to the increase of population. Where, 
then, are the reasons for perpetuating this gross fraud upon your 
rights ? 
I repeat, it is clearly my conviction that landlords are themselves 
the legislators who frame and impose this unjust law upon the 
people, and that it is one part of our duty as citizens to canvass the 
injustice of its bearings for our own benefit, as well as for the good 
of the public at large. That land owners are exceedingly grasping 
in their contracts is proved by the every day occurrence of their 
requiring personal security, in addition to the lien they are aware of 
holding upon the products of the farm. This want of liberality on 
their part may be safely urged as a reason against the lien, on the 
ground that it should place them on an equality in the collection of 
debts, with others not so favored by legal enactments. 6 
As to the exemptions of property from process of law, to which 
we are asking the attention of the Legislature, I can with much 
truth affirm that, in the long run, such legislation is exceedingly 
unwise, if not positively destructive to the principles of justice 
between man and man. Communities of men are of much the same 
nature as colonies of bees: protect them, and they will very soon 
decline to protect themselves; feed them, and the moment you stop 
your supplies they will either starve or begin to depredate upon 
their nearest neighbors. It is therefore a criminal mistake in our 
law makers to exempt any species of property, real or personal, 
from execution in the collection of honest and just debts. The 
moment a law is enacted for such purposes, the occasion is seized 
upon with infamous avidity by a large class of debtors to play hide 
and seek with their creditors all the rest of their lives. It is worse 
than vain, it is ruinous to “lay the flattering unction to our souls” 
that, in a fewT remarkable exceptions, a real beneficence has been 
conferred upon worthy individuals by the passage of such laws; for 
those very exceptions only serve to show in glaring colors the 
culpable cupidity of human nature, as observed in their general 
application. 
In close connection with the foregoing remarks, I am permitted 
the privilege of bringing to your attention the excellent scheme of 
my esteemed friend, Dr. Wm. Desprez, who is about to organize and 
set in motion a “ Benevolent Aid Society,” on the plan of a life insu- 
rance company, solely for the use and benefit of the widows and 
orphans of physicians dying in the State of Alabama. To obtain 
its inestimable privileges it is requisite that an ample sufficiency of 
funds should be secured by legitimate means, and for this purpose 
the scheme devises that each applicant shall contribute an annual 
assessment, to be paid in semi-annual instalments of money into the 
treasury; the sum to be subject to certain contingencies, such as 
the age and health of the applicant. None, however, as I under- 
stand it, are to be rejected on account of either of these conditions. 
A certificate of membership is then issued, and although the holder 
should subsequently remove to another State, and die there, his 
association continues to exist, and his family shares its benefits in 
annual payments, the same as if there had been no removal. 
No one will presume to deny that it is wise, as well as prudent, to 
avail ourselves of all the chances within reach to secure a comforta- 
ble subsistence for the frail and tender members of our families; it 
is impossible to over-estimate the beneficent tendencies of such a 
plan as we are now discussing; and I am conscientious in my belief 
that it is our bounden duty to connect ourselves individually with 
the advantages proposed, even though our worldly circumstances 
and prospects were of such a character as to preclude the proba- 
bility of our families needing them after we have “shuffled off this 
mortal coil.” There is a delicious consolation in the reflection that 
we have helped to secure the success of a truly benevolent enter- 
prise, through the means of which some indigent and friendless 7 
orphan shall be made certain of a support until he is able to strike 
out in the cheerless world upon his own footing; and the thought 
is none the less solacing when we become assured that the ties 
binding the beneficiary to us are due to a sense of fraternal rela- 
tionship. And but for the disintegrating tendencies of all large 
and voluntary corporations, the saddening feelings many of us have 
lately experienced on the question of endorsements, and the fact 
that the scheme would be benefitted but little by the connection, I 
would cordially commend its adoption as a part of the business of 
the Association. As it is, I am free to say, it commends itself to 
the humane sentiments of every physician in the State, and speaks 
well for the head and heart of its distinguished originator. 
Among the legislative duties requiring a part of your serious 
attention, there is not one which claims a higher degree of impor- 
tance than the subject of medical education. It is, however, so old 
and hackneyed, so battered and bruised, so threadbare, tattered 
and torn in the handlings it has received from its friends and its 
foes, and withal so little improved in its appearance by the attrition 
of opposing forces, that I can hardly find it in my heart to disturb 
the fretful moroseness into which it is threatened to be submerged. 
And yet, I am Avell persuaded that it comes directly within the pro- 
vince of medical legislation. The only question in my mind upon 
the subject is as to the places least sensitive and sore, on which I 
can lay my hand without the probability of arousing the lingering 
feuds that have glutted themselves upon its vitals all through the 
century now rapidly passing away. 
It cannot be a matter of much astonishment to the historian that 
our profession, which, like a blazing meteor in the gloom of mid- 
night, has for thousands of years challenged the gaze of an admiring 
world; but which, bursting into glittering scintillations and falling 
down at the feet of its beholders, remains no longer an object of 
superstitious veneration, because it is no longer the concentrated 
fusion of those high and holy aspirations which actuated the teach- 
ings of its earlier disciples and devotees. 
Of one thing there is, in my estimation, but little ground for the 
footing of a doubt. The reckless competition existing between the 
numerous universities and colleges, the liberal tendencies of the day 
in opening doors to the lowest bidders, and the uncalled for and 
wasteful dissemination of the honors and dignities of the profession, 
are admirably calculated to defeat the progress of advancement, 
excepting that only which has a pernicious and degrading incli- 
nation. 
In many instances it will have the same signification as “ casting 
pearls before swine”; in others, the scandalous elevation of incom- 
petent teachers; and everywhere the number of medical schools 
will be greatly multiplied, whilst swarms of doctors of medicine 
will issue from their doors, spread themselves broadcast over the 
country, and scuffle for practice by the example of underbidding 
learned at the apron strings of venerated Alma Mater. 8 
Aware, as I am, that there should always be a given share of 
modesty in speculations on this subject, and confident it is quite 
impossible to arrest the tidal wave on which we are drifting, 1 must 
nevertheless insist that there is no certainty whatever that the 
picture here presented is overdrawn, or painted in inappropriate 
colors. It is but recently that I was told with masterly emphasis, 
by a member holding a high position in the profession, “that this 
question of college fees is a dead question, and can never more be 
even galvanized into the appearance of life.” Now, I beg the 
liberty of saying, with due deference to the member, that it is 
extremely difficult to many of us to realize the truth of the asser- 
tion. But if it should prove to he true, it would seem to be only in 
keeping with the tendencies of human nature, that the profession 
in this State—the only one so far where the question is thus con- 
sidered—should be entitled to a liberal share of the honor due to 
the singular discovery, and should hasten to improve upon the 
charitable example by abolishing all fees for services rendered to 
the sick, lest some other outside humanitarian snatch the coveted 
glory from their mercenary brows. Where will this thing end f 
The question is a momentous one, and well worthy your earnest 
consideration, as it involves the problem of meat and bread to those 
who expect to continue the practice of medicine for a livelihood. 
I cannot conceive how the subject is to be ended. The idea of 
adopting a temporizing policy is simply an artifice too despicable to 
be taken into the question. And the fear of damaging consequences 
to the peace and harmony of the Medical Association of the State 
is an invidious reflection upon the courage and integrity of the 
members who compose it. To neither am I at all willing to concede 
a particle of my belief. 
There is one branch of medical education, a very important one 
at that, which I can realize as entirely practicable, if we will only 
consent to pledge ourselves firmly in adhering to its mandates. I 
refer to the reception of students in our private offices. In that depart- 
ment we have the unequivocal prerogative to select from amongst 
the number of applicants those only whom we know to possess the 
natural and acquired abilities to become useful and ornamental 
members of the profession. And we become recreant in the duties 
we owe as guardians of the public health, dastards in the obliga- 
tions we are under to the honor and advancement of the science of 
medicine, and criminal in our panderings to the vanity of those 
whom we know to be destitute of those noble aptitudes, mental, 
moral and physical, which aggregate the characteristics of a suc- 
cessful practitioner and devotee to the principles inculcated in the 
art we profess to teach. 
I am not aware of any standard that exists in reference to the 
admission of private pupils, nor do I know if any general rules will 
be adopted by which uniformity may be obtained, and all objections 
removed that seem likely to embarrass the undertaking. But of 
one thing 1 am almost persuaded, and that is, unless we seize the 9 
reins, and take the initiative steps onrselves in this direction, there 
is not the remotest probability that any one of the numerous col- 
leges—whether it belongs to the free ticket class, or otherwise—will 
ever turn an incompetent student from its doors. The eclat of a 
long list of matriculants is greatly too fascinating to be resisted by 
the best of them, however large their pretensions may be for the 
honor and dignity of the profession, and however respectable and 
well qualified the teachers may be who adorn its splendid lecture 
rooms. 
If, therefore, in your deliberations on this subject, you should 
concur with me in the propriety of inaugurating a code of regula- 
tions in relation to the reception of students in private offices, I 
would suggest that the most effectual plan for the execution of the 
rules you may think proper to establish is, to request county and 
local societies to take the matter in hand and admonish their mem- 
bers that it will be regarded as derogatory to the honor and interests 
of the profession to teach the art to any one whose preliminary 
education is deficient, whose morals are questionable, and, in a 
word, whose aptitudes are inadequate to the duties which will be 
exacted of him as a custodian of the public health. And, as no 
man ought to expect that private instruction is a valueless consid- 
eration to the preceptor, I would also suggest that a fee should be 
in every instance exacted, the amount being uniform throughout 
the boundaries of the State. Office terms ought to be regarded in 
the same light as apprenticeships, and students should be required 
to perform all the duties of the general practitioner, for the purpose 
of familiarizing their hands with these requirements, and also for 
the pnrpose of making adepts of them under the critical eyes of the 
master. If the preceptor imparts conscientiously the full tuition 
which is expected of him according to the obligations he owes to 
the profession, the student will become well prepared to enter upon 
his collegiate career, and no apprehensions need be felt as to his 
success in practical life, after he has obtained the degree of doctor 
in medicine. And in consideration of these services, no one will 
question the propriety of a liberal compensation to the teacher. 
I am aware that there are many physicians who never exact pay- 
ment for office instruction, and I might say in reply that the 
students of such preceptors were, as a general thing, badly prepared 
to become ornamental in the ranks of the profession. It is, never- 
theless, true that isolated examples are not infrequent where ambi- 
tious aspirants climb many steps upon the ladder of fame; but it 
is a pitiable fact that such instances have to contend with a hundred 
fold the troubles and difficulties which, under a different method of 
instruction, would have rendered the ascent a matter of easy and 
pleasant accomplishment. 
Iu close connection with the subject upon which I have just 
spoken there is another, bearing such an iutimate relationship that 
I deem it important to touch upon the matter before proceeding 10 
further in the order allotted to this address. I refer to the propriety 
of establishing District Medical Societies in the State. 
It is neither expected nor intended that these strong branches of 
the State Association will in any manner embarrass the settled 
order of county and local societies, nor come in conflict with the 
plan of a new constitution, which is to be reported on at an early 
hour of the present session. I am quite confident that the day is 
not far distant when district societies will be regarded as the most 
powerful auxiliaries that can be devised in assisting and perfecting 
the labors of our State Association, under any form of constitution 
we may choose to adopt, or as respects the character of our trans- 
actions in a literary point of yiew. Three or four counties having 
social affinities for each other—for there is an evident affinity 
between counties, as well as between individuals—can be grouped 
together in the form of district conventions, hold semi-annual ses- 
sions, represented by delegations, and transact much important 
business, which neither county individually can manage in separate 
organizations. Especially will this be the case in the regulations 
proper for equalizing the rate of fees for services rendered to the 
sick. But this duty, however imperative it may seem to be, is the 
least in importance on the list. Researches, investigations, and 
corrected local observations on a much larger scale can be, in this 
way, better instituted, discussed, and perfected than in county or 
local societies alone; and, besides, the boundaries of fraternal fel- 
lowship will be greatly enlarged; a noble emulation will become 
diffused amongst the members; and, in a word, all those advantages 
accruing from honorable convocations will be immeasurably en- 
hanced in the associations of which I am now speaking. I shall be 
made happy when the proper steps are taken in the inauguration of 
this measure, because I am well satisfied of the correcting and 
ennobling influence that will be exerted upon the destiny of the 
local, county, and State organizations; and will predict that, as a 
pebble cast into a pool of water disturbs its surface in waves which 
continually increase in diameter, so, in like manner, will district 
influences be sensibly impressed upon our State medical literature. 
Neighboring districts will very soon extend to each other mutual 
greetings and congratulations, and delegations will be sent out in 
all directions to confer upon matters of vital interest to the profes- 
sion at large, as well as upon questions of utility, the bearings of 
which are restricted to the limits of their own immediate provinces. 
It is not objectionable to form them along the different lines of 
railroad communication, but it is by no means essential that they 
should be confined to such favored localities: for they can and 
ought to be so constructed as to embrace an area, the distance in 
which from one place to any other in the circle will require but a 
short day’s ride in any direction. This can be easily accomplished; 
and it would be a serious reflection upon the hospitable character 
of Southern physicians to suppose that any expense would be 11 
incurred in attending the meetings, other than the loss of time, and 
that is always counterbalanced by the improvement necessarily 
derived from the intercourse of minds well stored intellectual 
resources. 
After having in this manner established favorable standpoints 
for general and special observations, I am prepared to believe you 
will concur with me in the propriety of appointing a special com- 
mittee, charged with the duty of reporting, at your next session, 
the history of the great malarial epidemics, which have repeated their 
visitations at something like regular intervals of time. It does not 
seem to have occurred to the minds of many medical observers that 
these visitations invariably linger through a period of three years, 
and that in all probability, the true reason for the want of punc- 
tuality in the dates of their recurrence is due, in a great degree, to 
the increased density of population, and the steady progress made 
in agricultural improvements. Three of these epidemics have 
occurred during my lifetime: that of 1S20, 1821, 1822; of 1839, 
1840, 1841; and of 18GG, 18G7, and 18G8. The space of time between 
the first and second periods being nineteen years, and between the 
second and third twenty-seven years. It may yet become a ques- 
tion of much importance to medical philosophers, to determine the 
influence which was exerted by the late war upon the protracted 
delay of the last visitation. My own conviction is that, instead of 
creating, or even encouraging the overdue return, it is quite proba- 
ble the appearance of the epidemic was hurried along, and the 
interval of time much shortened by that disastrous event. I reason 
that it is in keeping with violent revolutions in human aifairs to 
disturb and disarrange the laws of health, and to invite the preva- 
lence of malarial epidemics; especially as, at such times, no regard 
is paid to the advancement of agriculture, and the status of civiliza- 
tion is either at a stand still or on a fearful retrogading tendency. 
Is it at all improbable that the interval between the last two epi- 
demics might have extended over a longer period, if the war had 
not occurred! I wish to be distinctly understood as having no 
reference to those sectional visitations of malarial fevers, which 
occur here and there every few years, and are strictly due to the 
variations of heat and moisture, and their attendant consequences; 
but to those world wide and sweeping epidemics which seem to 
require years for the accumulation of sufficient virulence to infect all 
classes of inhabitants, and leave their impressions upon diathesis 
for a long time after they have disappeared. Indeed, this is 
another matter in which we are immediately and deeply interested— 
the important change in diathesis which every great malarial epidemic 
invariably imposes upon human constitutions. The fact itself is not 
so much in question as the hind and degree of the change imposed. 
I include under the general heading those sweeps of Asiatic 
Cholera which are quite sure to follow in a few years the train of 
our home-made epidemics, and are, beyond question, due to a highly 
/ntensified condition of malarial poisoning. 12 
There are other matters closely connected with this subject which 
are susceptible of a partial explanation, but I can do no more in this 
place than refer to them in a casual manner, in order to direct 
attention to their regular occurrence. Between those great malarial 
epidemics, with something like regularity, there occurs, in the 
Southern States, a wide-spread form of typho-malarial fever—say 
six or seven years afterwards; and, later still, a malarial dysentery 
overshadows all interest for the time in every other form of disease. 
In 1848 the entire country was infected with a serious form of 
typho-malarial fever; and in 1854 a violent epidemic dysentery 
prevailed, with great fatality. I mention these occurrences merely 
to show that there is a definite connection between the great epi- 
demics and the comet-like train which follows their appearance in a 
regular and orderly manner; and to suggest that, since the last 
epidemic, we may rationally expect the same character of rotations 
a few years hence. 
There would seem to be a peculiar appropriateness in encouraging 
such investigations in the climate of Alabama, as it is here that we 
can find the poison in every shade of its intensity, and its varying 
effects in the production of the different classes of disease afflicting 
mixed populations. 
Who can doubt that, when the nature and origin of malaria is 
once discovered, the improvements of chemistry will forever remove 
its presence from the face of the earth! 
Until recently, I had allotted a large space in this address to a 
critical review of “ A Plan of a New Constitutionf which was sub- 
mitted to this Association at its last session, by Dr. Jerome 
Cochran, and was referred to a special committee, to be reported on 
at the present meeting; but fearing its length would occupy an 
undue share of the time at our disposal, and from assurances 
received from a majority of the committee that it would be 
adversely reported upon, I concluded to merely call your attention 
to the subject, and suggest that, as we have prospered beyond our 
most sanguine expectations under the old Constitution, there would 
seem to be but little reason to cast it aside, and hazard our future 
success with the chances offered by the complex and seemingly 
impractical character of the new instrument. I will also add that 
the author has not, in my estimation, correctly discriminated the 
distinction between fundamental principles and subsequent legisla- 
tive enactments. Those provisions, for example, which fix definitely 
the amount of annual assessments upon all classes of memberships, 
are much too absolute and permanent in their nature for adaptation 
to the uncertainties and wavering condition of the money market, 
and should therefore be allotted to the legislative department, in 
the form of by-laws, so that immediate alterations could be made at 
any time, to meet emergencies as they appear upon the surface of 
human affairs. 
Of “ Article G4,w quite as much, if not a great deal more, may be 
said in its condemnation as a fundamental rule, in the organization 13 
of a reputable and scientific association. It smacks too much of the 
club-room to meet the wants of a medical association, and, if 
adopted at all, would appear much better iu the form of a by-law 
than as one of the principles of organization. But feeling assured 
that you will give the scheme a careful and dispassionate examina- 
tion, I have said enough to convince any one of the truth of my 
allegation, that it is remiss in appropriate discrimination between 
fundamental rules and what ought to be included in subsequent 
legislative enactments. 
But let your deliberations on the question of a change of consti- 
tutions be what they may, there is no room to doubt the propriety 
and expediency of a radical change in the method of dispatching 
business in our annual sessions. 
The Association has acquired so much magnitude, although still 
in its infancy, that we find it impossible, without indecent haste, to 
compress all its labors into the time usually allotted to its meetings. 
These labors are also becoming so diversified in character that but 
little order can be observed in its general arrangement; and, as a 
natural consequence, many questions of great importance are post- 
poned to a future time, whilst others of lighter bearings are acted 
upon without that mature deliberation which is due to the respecta- 
bility of the Association. Valuable papers are turned over to the 
mercies of the Publishing Committee without a hearing, and others 
of less importance usurp dignities above the claims to which they 
are justly entitled. In either class of cases great damage is done 
to the feelings of all the parties immediately involved, and much of 
the interest that induced a full attendance is unquestionably and 
materially destroyed. 
I therefore beg the liberty of commending to your attention the 
propriety of assorting the work of the Association into several 
“ Sections,” as is the case in the American Medical Association, 
which may serve as a guide to your choice in relation to the different 
departments. And although you may be inclined to deride my 
selection of the National Association as an example for you to copy 
after, I can assure you in all seriousness that, whilst I regard the 
present status of that institution as little less than a monstrous 
advertising machine, it is, nevertheless, an unvarnished truth that 
its various sections comprise the only real advantages which are at 
all worthy of imitation and confidence. 
And now, gentlemen, having performed the duty assigned me in 
this time-honored task, it would seem but right that I should tender 
you my grateful appreciation of the patience and respect which you 
have so generously accorded to it. Relentless time conveys in its 
flight many delicious mementoes of the past, and we are apt to 
treasure them according to the happy events with which they are 
intimately associated. 
In the events of this day, I shall, all the rest of my life, continue 
looking back in blissful recognition of the faces and incidents, the 
honors and enjoyments, and the exquisite drapery which an ardent 14 
fancy always lends to the splendor of the assemblage, as only a 
fervid imagination can picture its brilliancy, magnitude, and distin- 
guishing characteristics! 
Sterne tells us we water a flower because we have planted it. 
This trite aphorism is peculiarly appropriate to my feelings in refer- 
ence to the growth and perpetuity of our Association. I am 
contributing in a feeble manner all the energies at my command in 
the promotion of its interests and ultimate destiny. A large and 
respectable majority of the physicians of the State are pursuing a 
similar course of conduct, but with abilities and energies infinitely 
greater than any in my power to bestow. Its grand aims and 
objects are being thus watered because they are planted securely in 
the strongholds of our warmest affections ; and it only remains that 
we should carefully select the germs of our own experience and 
disseminate them into the hands of the young and vigorous mem- 
bers of the profession, trusting hopefully that 110 thorns will ever 
spring up to hazard the peace and harmony with which we have so 
far been abundantly blessed. 
Nor is the aphorism less appropriate to the individual physician 
in the conscientious discharge of his duties to the sick. He is 
continually planting in his heart the choicest and most fragrant 
flowers from an ever-blooming philanthropy, and in watering each 
flowret the rough asperities of his nature are ever washing away in 
the stream. It may be that there is no adequate monied compen- 
sation returned to him for the wear and tear of mind and body, and 
that the gaunt forms of neglect and destitution are pressing sorely 
upon his powers of endurance, but, notwithstanding these formida- 
ble and repugnant images, he steadily perseveres in cultivating and 
irrigating the luxuriant growth with undiminished anxiety, until, 
with exhausted energy, he comes to look upon death as a dear 
friend who will open to him the door of eternal recreation and 
enjoyment. 
It is true, he is calculating all through his busy life upon being 
one day able to retire from labor with a competent support, but 
these expectations are too often blasted, like the patient expecta- 
tions of astronomers waiting upon the transit of Venus, which 
occurs but twice in a century, and when the day arrives for correct- 
ing their life-long calculations, behold ! it is cloudy, llis existence 
may not always be as unruffled as the old Venetian dial plate, the 
motto on which is, “I number none but cloudless hours”; it is even 
possible he may have “to brave the rich man’s contumely, and the 
proud man’s scorn,” owing to a generous negligence in pressing his 
honest claims against the widow and orphan in distress; but when 
at last he comes to reap the harvest of his labors—the labor of a 
well spent life—with the records of his carefully preserved observa- 
tions on one side, and on the other the grateful appreciation of 
those who have enjoyed the advantages of his professional skill—like 
the lioman matron, he can proudly lean upon them and fearlessly 
exclaim : “‘These are my jewels’; touch them at your peril!”