J Presidential 
AND 
other Addresses 
HARWOOD 
FROM 
rOiscsUsrec r<3 r trisWcal* 
.-1883 PRESIDENTIAL 
AND 
OTHER ADDRESSES 
BY 
ED. C. HARWOOD, M.D., 
m 
TOGETHER WITH ADDRESSES BY 
Prof. GEORGE T. ELLIOT, 
Prof. LEWIS A. SAYRE, 
Prof. FRANK H. HAMILTON, 
Prof. A. B. CROSBY, 
Etc., Etc., 
Eeprints from fttisceiianeous Jkriobicals 
New Yoke : 
WILLIAM R. JENKINS, 
PUBLISHER, STATIONER AND PRINTER, 
850 Sixth Avenue. 
1883. a 
WHOSE PRECEPTS AND EXAMPLE HAVE EVER BEEN A CONSTANT STIMULUS 
TO A LIFE OF LABOR, 
AND 
WHOSE STRONG ATTACHMENT TO THE 
CAUSE OF 
a-Tth- oHelicjioiio 
WITH AN UNCONQUERABLE DETERMINATION TO MAINTAIN THEM, INSURED HIM 
THE ESTEEM OF fHS COTEMPORARIES IN THE 
cR'i ytozic (pOVULt of Q$1V, 
AND 
&o ti)e iHemorg of a Belooob aitb Eespecteb Mother, 
WHOSE APPROBATION IS STILL THE INCENTIVE TO, AND THE REWARD OF, EVERY 
WORTHY ACT, THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE Table of Contents, 
PAGE. 
Dedication 
Preface 
Address at the Fourth Annual Reunion of the O. 2E. at the Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, February 27th, 1868 t 1 
Addrsss at Dedication of the Masonic Temple, Bennington, Vt., 
June 24, 1868 10 
Fifth Annual Reunion of the O. M. Society at the Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College, February 26th, 1869 13 
Address at the Sixth Annual Reunion of the O. M. at the Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, February 23d, 1870 22 
Address at the Seventh Annual Reunion of the O. 2E. at the Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, February 27th, 1871 26 
Complimentary Resolutions Presented to Dr. E. C. Harwood as Retir- 
ing President of the 0. 2E., February 27th, 1871 37 
Remarks of Dr. Harwood upon “The Medical Jurisprudence of the 
Stokes Case, ” before the Medico-Legal Society, Mch. 26th 1874. 38 
Remarks of Dr. Harwood upon a paper by Dr. Wm. A. Hammond,- 
entitled “The Effects of Alcohol upon the Nervous System,” 
before the New York Neurological Society, May 4th, 1874 41 
A Remarkable Case of Narcotization, an article written for The Medical 
and Surgical Reporter of May 9th, 1874 43 
An Address delivered at the Dedication Banquet on the occasion of the 
Dedication of the Masonic Temple at New York June 2d, 1875. 45 
Address of Drs. Harwood and Adrian before the International Medical 
Congress at Brussels, Belgium, September 25th, 1875 47 
After-Dinner Address at the Banquet given to the American Delega- 
tion from the American Medical Association to the Interna- 
tional Medical Congress, London, England, October 2d, 1875. 50 
Report of the Delegates to the International Medical Congress to the 
American Medical Association at Philadelphia, Pa., June 7th, 
1876 52 
Clinical Observations on Inflammation of the Mastoid Cells, a paper 
read before the North Western Medical and Surgical Society, 
November 15th, 1876, with discussion, illustrated 55 
Remarks on the Life and Character of Wm. E. H. Post, M.D., before 
the North Western Medical and Surgical Society, August 9th, 
1877 64 
In Memoriam—Embelished 69 
Report of a case of Pistol Shot Wound of the Second and Third Cer- 
vical. Vertebrae, considered in its Medico-Legal Aspects— 
Attempted Suicide—Death ; a paper read before the Medico- 
Legal Society, February 2d, 1881, with discussion 70 PREFACE. 
THE following papers have been collected from various 
sources at the request of personal friends, and have 
been printed for preservation and convenience of reference. 
The addresses and remarks of other gentlemen have been 
included, with their approbation, when necessary to preserve 
the continuity of the subject or explain the matter treated. 
44 West 49th Street, 
New York, January, 1883. ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDER OF 
M SCULAPIU S. 
Address delivered at the Fourth Annual Re-Union of the Order of 
JEsculapius, at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 
on the evening of February 27, 1868. 
Fellows of the Order of JEsculapius: 
We are here assembled this evening, to celebrate the fourth 
anniversary of our existence as a society. To those in our 
audience who have come from the busy fields of professional 
labor, I extend, in behalf of the society, a fraternal greeting. 
To our invited guests, I say welcome. To the ladies, whose 
brilliant countenances lend enchantment to the hour, I say 
welcome, thrice welcome. 
Many of our fellows whom we greeted one year ago this 
hour, have transferred their labors to the scenes of active 
medical life, and have already begun to build upon the founda- 
tion laid under the fostering guidance of our noble Alma 
Mater, and are pressing on the toilsome road to fame and 
fortune. The O. 2E., as an institution of our college, bids them 
God-speed, with a hearty good will. 
But many old faces still gladden our hearts, and many new 
ones have appeared among us, whom we welcome to these 
classic halls, hallowed by fond memories, and dear to us from 
past association. Their experience will be as ours, in her cement- 
ing friendships, whose memory and influence time or space shall 
ne obliterate. In the circle of interest which here exists, 
and under the favorable auspices of a weekly intercourse, in 
the sharing of each other’s hopes and aspirations, we come to 
know each other better, and esteem each other’s excellencies 
more, while the little failings, incident to human nature 
become only peculiarities of character, or are screened from 
the observation of outsiders with jealous care. The principle, 2 
“stand by your friends,” is carried out to the last degree, and 
it is right that it should be so. The warm grasp of the hand 
and the hearty salutation which encounter us, form strong and 
pleasant contrasts to the formal bow, and indifferent greeting 
of the cold, calculating world, into which we all expect soon to 
hurl our gauntlets—where before us, with alternately inspiring 
or depressing effect, loom all the uncertain issues of the conflict 
involving success or defeat. 
Truly, these are halcyon days—days of enjoyment, but above 
all, days for improvement. In them we meet the Rubicon of 
our destiny; in them we make or mar our future : for “ man 
is the architect of his own fortune.” 
During the four brief years that have elapsed since the 
organization of our Society many interesting changes have 
taken place, both in its members and in our college. It is a 
fitting time to recall some of the reminiscences which are 
shared by so many of our members, who are now convened 
from different parts of foreign countries, and our again happy 
United States. 
The founding of this society was the result of the energetic 
action of three students connected with the class of 1864-5 of 
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, who wished to organize a so- 
ciety among the students to meet once a week, for the purpose of 
having interesting essays read, quizes upon what subject 
most perplexed them, and to establish that brotherly love and 
good feeling toward each other, to be ever after remembered 
through life; also, to bind themselves more closely to their 
Alma Mater. They met alternately at each other’s rooms; but 
in a few weeks their numbers had so much increased, that they 
requested the Faculty to give them the use of the little green 
room of the old college for their meetings; which request they 
kindly granted, and in that room many pleasant and profitable 
evenings were spent. Before the close of the session, the first 
annual reunion took place, which proved a grand success. 
Most of the professors honored the society with their presence, 
and by their pleasing speeches added greatly to the pleasure 
of the night. Each Fellow wore the insignia of our Order, 
which is now widely known throughout this and the European 
continent. 3 
The second and third years of the society were also of 
marked success, and the annual reunions were, like the first 
very pleasant. 
But long before this history of our society was made, our 
young college became favorably known at home and abroad, 
as posessing superior facilities for medical education. The 
founding of our college marked a new era in the history 
of medicine in our country. 
The Board of Commissioners of Charities and Corrections 
had assumed the government of our public institutions and 
prisons, and had given the medical supervision of the institu- 
tions on Blackwells Island, with the exception of the Lunatic 
Asylum, and including the new and magnificent Island Hos- 
pital, to the Medical Board of Bellevue. The Board now 
found itself at the head of the noblest and most extensive 
hospital establishment in America—one second to but very few 
in any country—containing in its wards cases of every disease 
mankind is heir to—counting among its inmates, natives of 
every quarter of the globe; for, I have seen in its wards, 
Lascars and Chinamen, Indian mixed breeds, Spaniards from 
South America, lying side by side with the natives of every 
nation in Europe, and of every State in the Union. The 
students of our college have access to these hospitals, and 
within their wards the book of nature is open; for disease, a 
consequence of the infraction of her laws, is no less a part of 
God’s providence than health. 
It was soon learned by those aspiring to enter our heaven- 
born profession, that at our Institution, within a space less 
than the course of study prescribed by the law of the land, an 
experience in medicine and surgery could be condensed, that 
would be more than equivalent to that of the life-long practice 
of an old-time physician. Having such facilities, and an 
experienced, intelligent and energetic faculty, students were 
attracted from all parts of our country; and it was found that 
our college building was too small to meet the requirements 
of increasing classes, and the commodious building that we 
now occupy was erected, affording accommodations the 
most ample, and, as regards adaptation to the convenience of 
medical teaching, leaving nothing to be desired. This building 4 
will remain a fitting monument to the memory of the wisdom 
of the Commissioners, and the energy of our Faculty, who 
inaugurated the system of bedside,with that of didactic, instruc- 
tion in medicine. 
It may not, on an occasion like this be improper, and I 
trust I may be assured of your indulgence when I do it, to 
refer quite briefly to some of those who were foremost in 
their efforts to promote the best interest of our College and 
Society. 
Among this number was one, who in the first years of its 
existence and for some time after, was one of the Commission- 
ers of Public Charities and Corrections, and who, during the 
whole of his life, was honored with some of the highest and 
most responsible of our municipal offices. Himself of a 
thoughtful mind and liberal intelligence, he devoted his best 
energies and efforts to the establishment and support of this 
school. There are many now present, who will feel that in 
saying what I have, I am but doing an act of well deserved 
homage to the memory of a most worthy and excellent man 
when here, and in this presence, and with all the sincerity of 
which my heart is capable, I pronounce the name of Simeon 
Dkapee. 
I should do violence to my own feelings, and injustice to this 
audience, if on an occasion like this, I failed to refer to one 
whose name is recorded upon a tablet in this building, as our 
first Professor of Anatomy. No public occasion can soon 
occur which in its reminiscences carries us back to the history 
of our school, which will not demand an honorable mention of 
the name of Timothy Childs. 
Among those for whom we have been called to mourn of late, 
is Dr. J. King Eobinson, from California, who graduated 
March, 1865, and settled at Salt Lake City. As a student and 
a physician, his character was blameless, his aims high, his 
motives pure; as a friend he was kind and genial, generous 
and constant. Dr. Eobinson was known to have spoken in 
terms of disapprobation of the system of Mormonism, and for 
this reason was cruelly butchered by the Mormons one dark 
night, while on his way with two of them, in answer to their 
call, to treat a patient with a fractured limb. 5 
One of our original three, Dr. George D. Stanton, is now at 
Stonington, Connecticut, in the successful practice of his pro- 
fession. Another of them has an inglorious record that I 
would not refer to, but for our own protection as an organiza- 
tion. He has proved false to his most sacred vows, and a 
traitor to his Alma Mater, and it has been declared by our 
order that he is unworthy a fraternal greeting from us, and 
his name has been forever stricken from the roll of the O. 2E. 
Society. 
It now remains for me to speak of one more of our charter 
members, whose record bears a striking and pleasing contrast 
to that of the former. I allude to Dr. Charles A. Leale who, 
immediately after leaving college, passed his examination as 
Assistant Surgeon, United States Volunteers, and was appointed 
executive officer of one of the largest hospitals in Washington; 
and, on the night of the assassination of President Lincoln, 
was the first to be admitted to the box, where he had been shot 
by the foul hand of the assassin; was requested by Mrs. Lin- 
coln to take care of him ; removed the coagulum from the open- 
ing in the skull, which, if it had been allowed to remain a few 
moments longer, would have produced death then and there in 
the theatre ; who had charge of him until the Surgeon-General 
arrived; who remained with him until his death; then knelt 
down around that sorrowful death-bed while a most solemn and 
impressive prayer was offered to God for the bereaved family, 
and our afflicted country. 
His name will be connected with our history as a nation by 
several large oil-paintings representing the Death-bed Scene, 
he being one of the group, caring for him whom the people so 
much loved. 
Dr. Leale remained in his country’s service for nearly a year 
after the close of the war, until the hospitals in Washington 
had been closed; then returned to New York with a 
Brevet Commission for faithful services, and completely pros- 
trated in health with typho-malarial fever, contracted while 
serving on camp duty in Virginia. He made a visit through 
England and France, and returned to his native city where he 
settled, and is now in the successful practice of his cherished 
profession. 6 
One of our ex- presidents is now practicing in the neighbor- 
ing city of Newark, and of late has been chosen to the respon- 
sible and honorable position of Secretary of the Medical 
Association of that city—a fitting compliment to true profes- 
sional merit. The energy and zeal that he manifested in behalf 
of our order, while holding the position of executive officer, is 
well known to most of our fellows. I allude to Dr. George R. 
Kent. 
There are others among the living and the dead, to whom I 
would be glad to refer, but I fear that in these extended refer- 
ences, I am trespassing too far and too long upon the golden 
hours of this golden evening. 
This Society partakes of the character of all regular County 
and State medical organizations in an eminent degree. Its 
membership is made up of moral, intelligent and energetic 
students and practitioners of medicine, who are admitted to 
fellowship after passing a certain form of examination. Our 
meetings occur every Thursday evening, when a paper upon 
some medical topic is read and discussed—thus bringing all 
minds in the body into exercise. 
It is designed, as soon as it can be found practicable, to es- 
tablish other societies like this, in all medical colleges through- 
out the Union, and thus unite medical students into one com- 
mon brotherhood, to seek each other’s interests, and promote 
the welfare of our profession; and we hope that this will not 
only become a national affair, but that it may also be extended 
to all parts of the globe where medicine is taught. 
The object in view is worthy of every exertion that can be 
put forth to attain it. The debate is to the mind what gymnas- 
tics are to the body—an admirable means for promoting the 
most useful discipline, and securing the completest develop- 
ment. 
The habit of speaking in public is of the greatest benefit. 
Its advantages are by no means confined to the legal profession. 
Many a physician, who, amidst the responsibilities of active 
life has a worthy message to deliver, fails in impressing the people 
with its importance through lack of early training which would 
have taught him to arrange his ideas in a manner calculated to 
produce the strongest effect. Another shall steal the hearts of 7 
the people through the beauty of his eloquence and the charm of 
his manners ; while he who possesses at once honesty of purpose 
in a good cause, and mental powers under complete training, is 
sure to be a leader and helper in the advancement of the mul- 
titudes whom he sways at his will. 
The higher the degree of culture, the more evident does it 
appear that the best rules for expression, whether by voice or 
pen, is to declare the idea in as few and simple words as possi- 
ble. “Brevity and discretion are the secrets of strength.” 
The wide spread of knowledge in these days, and the rapid 
progress indicated for the future, make it incumbent upon every 
physician who would leave the impress of his convictions upon 
his generation, to employ every means of enlarging his medical 
resources. The time has gone by, when physicians can boast 
of their ignorance; few, and remote from the influences of the 
age, are those people who are indifferent to the educational 
needs of their physicians. 
A noble field is now lying open for our members, in the 
great questions which are being called up by the exigences of 
the times, and in which are contained alike the greatest dangers 
and the highest advantages of our future as a profession. 
The increasing quackery, and venders of cures for all ills that 
flesh is heir to, are now beginning to be apparent to all minds; 
the various disturbances in the social system, which already 
demand the necessity of more enlightened opinion, and wise 
legislation on many points ; the increased interest given to me- 
dicine and surgical matters, by our own recent experience of 
war—in a word, the fresh and vigorous struggle for freedom, 
which is agitating the whole world, in every department of 
thought and action, are really sufficient incentives to the Fellows 
of the Order to acquire every art and grace that make them 
fitter exponents of the best public sentiment and more faithful 
guides to still greater achievements in professional knowledge. 
In the present age medicine is aided by other sciences, which 
now, more than ever, have become its proper auxiliaries. Its 
students are among the strong men of the world. Its origin, in 
a country famous in all history; whose institutions, government 
and military heroism are the admiration of the world; whose 
poets and orators are themes of ours of the present day—death- 8 
less in their fame—whose sculptures are models of our own— 
often imitated, never equalled;—the cradle of all that is elo- 
quent in art, the home of learning, the nursery of freedom. 
It was at this period that the master mind arose, under whose 
guidance medical knowledge assumed its rank as a science, 
prominent among the institutions of that age of learning. 
That medicine had an existence previous to the age of Hippo- 
crates, and that its doctors were conspicuous men in the age in 
which they lived, it were vain to deny. The beginning of the 
medical art was considered by the ancients as something divine, 
and the memory of a great benefactor of mankind was preserved 
by shrines and temples. Thus, there were in Greece four tem- 
ples to iEsculapius, where were tablets, upon which were in- 
scribed the names of those healed, and their maladies, with the 
genealogy of the patient, the cause of the disease, and the 
means of cure. These temples were occupied and attended by 
the priest-physicians, men of elegant and enthusiastic minds, 
who thought and practised the system as it then existed, con- 
sisting only of the results of their observations, together with 
the tablet records left by the patients themselves. 
Here allow me to correct a popular misapprehension, which ac- 
cuses the regular practice with having fixed rules and routines of 
remedies. On the contrary, every agent proved to be of value 
is eagerly seized, whether of earth, air or sea;—vegetable, 
mineral, aquatic or aerial, and its virtues published to the world. 
All other systems of practice are partial or exclusive,—purely 
vegetable, homcepathic, hydropathic, or hygienic—while the 
legitimate profession adopts any or all of these, that due inves- 
tigation has approved. 
Comparing the regular practitioner of medicine with all 
others, who have been the greatest discoverers in medical 
science ? Who are the great chemists and botanists ? Who are 
the surgeons of highest reputation? Who have opened the 
sealed box of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, ex- 
plained their mysteries, and translated their language? Who 
have discovered and introduced the valuable resources of 
Materia-Medica and Therapeutics? Who but the regularly 
educated physician ? All exclusive systems are based upon dis- 
torted echoes of some of these discoveries. 9 
Now, My Fellows, in conclusion, I wish to extend to you my 
grateful thanks for your many kind indulgences, and hearty 
support extended to me while presiding over the interesting de- 
liberations of our cherished Order during the past year, which 
has been one of steady and uniform prosperity. To my official 
successors, whose high personal character and fine talents render 
them eminently worthy of the position they have attained, 
I bid them God-speed in a work which is hard and laborious; 
yet, just in that proportion, is it glorious. May joy and glad- 
ness fill our hearts on each returning anniversary of the O. M. DEDICATION OF MASONIC TEMPLE, 
Bennington, Vt. 
Address delivered at the Dedication of the Masonic Temple, Bennington, 
Vt., St. John's Day, June 24, 1868, as Deputy Emminent 
Commander and Representative of Ivanhoe 
Commandery No. 36 K- T., 
New York City. 
Freemasonry is a moral order of enlightened men, founded 
on a sublime, rational and manly piety, and pure and active 
virtue; with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our re- 
membrance the most interesting truths in the midst of the 
most sociable and innocent pleasures, and of promoting, without 
ostentation or hope of reward, the most diffusive benevolence, 
the most generous and extensive philanthropy, and the most 
warm and affectionate brotherly love. 
The members are united together by particular obligations, 
and acquainted by certain signs and tokens preserved with 
inviolable secrecy from remotest ages. These were originally 
adopted in order to distinguish one another with ease and 
certainty from the rest of the world, that impostors might not 
intrude upon their confidence and brotherly affection, nor 
intercept the fruits of their beneficence. They became an 
which, “notwithstanding the confusion of 
foreign tongues, and the forbiding alienation of custom, draw's 
from the heart of a stranger the acknowledgement of a brother, 
with all its attendant endearments.” 
The decorations and symbols of the craft, which are those of 
a very common and useful art, and the phraseology, which is 
borrowed from its higher orders, serve to characterize an 
institution which might justly claim more noble devices; and 
at the same time are used either as emblems or indications of 
the simplest and most important moral truths. 
It collects men of all nations and opinions into one amicable and 
permanent association, and binds them by new and irrefragible 11 
obligations to the discharge of every relative and moral duty; 
and thus becomes the most effectual support and brightest 
ornament of social life, and opens a wide channel for the 
current of benevolent affections, and a new source to human 
happiness. Its laws are reason and equity; its principles, 
benevolence and love; and its religion, purity and truth. Its 
intention is peace on earth, and its disposition good will toward 
men. “I think,” says a fine writer, “we are warranted in 
concluding that a society thus constituted, and which may be 
rendered so admirable an engine of improvement, far from 
meriting any reproachful or contumacious treatment, deserves 
highly of the community; and that the ridicule and affected 
contempt which it has sometimes experienced, can proceed 
only from ignorance or from arrogance; from those, in fine, 
whose opposition does it honor, whose censure is panegyric, 
and praise would be censure. “ Assuredly, then, my Brethren, 
Companions, and Sir Knights, you will with me congratulate 
the members of Mount Anthony Lodge, No. 13, on the agree- 
able events of this day. 
Worshipful Sir, Wardens, Respected Officers and Beloved 
Brethern: Accept in behalf of Ivanhoe Commandary, No. 36, 
K. T., N. Y. City, my affectionate salutation; accept the felicita- 
tions of all the friends of Masonry. We are pleased with your 
harmony and zeal, and rejoice in your enterprise and pros- 
perity. This my native Green Mountain State ; this, Bennington, 
the home of my early youth, and Mt. Anthony Lodge, No. 13, 
my birthplace in Masonry—I am proud of all. The success of 
Masonry is connected with the best interests of humanity. May 
the social virtues you cultivate, and the heartfelt pleasure you 
experience in the Lodge, be your companions through life. 
Their mild influence, their benignant spirit, will animate every 
scene of duty, alleviate every corrosion of care, heighten every 
sensation of joy, and in the hour of dissolution shed divine 
transport in your souls. Let all my brethern present be 
willing that I should remind them that in vain do we attempt the 
vindication of our most excellent society, or the commendatory 
description of its purposes and requirements, if our conduct 
contradicts our profession. 
Let us, then, be cautious to avoid all those improprieties and 12 
vices which might tarnish the lustre of our jewels, or diminish 
the credit of the craft. Masonry will rise to the zenith of its 
glory in our lives. Do justice to its noble principles, and the 
world will see that our actions hold a uniform and entire corres- 
pondence with the incomparable tenets we profess. Then we 
shall “obtain a good report of them that are without,” and those 
who speak evil of us will be ashamed, seeing they falsely 
accuse our good conversation and misrepresent our generous 
purposes. “ For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye 
may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 
Remember that we are the associated friends of humanity; 
that our sacred union embraces in its philanthropy the amities 
of the gospel; and that charity in its kindest exercise and 
largest extent is our distinguishing characteristic. 
Others wear the warmth of summer in their faces, and the 
coldness of winter in their hearts; but a Mason’s disposition 
should be mild as the breeze, open as the air, and genial as the 
sun, cheering and blessing all around him; and his deeds 
pleasant as the clear shining of the sun after the rain, and 
refreshing as the dewy cloud in a harvest day. 
May the assembly at large be convinced that prejudices 
against Freemasonry are ill-founded, and that the society is 
worthy of high encouragement and warm commendation. 
Finally, let us all pray that the privileges of equal rights 
may be widely extended, and all men become free; that war 
and contention may be forever terminated; that peace and 
happiness may be the uninterrupted enjoyment of all mankind: 
and to God accord the universal, united, unceasing ascribation 
of love, and joy, and praise. THE O. M. SOCIETY. 
Fifth Annual Re-Union, Feb. 26, 1869. 
Tlie fifth annual reunion of this flourishing Society took place 
on the evening of the 26th of Feb., 1869, at the Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College. The day had been obscured by fast falling 
snowflakes, and dark heavy clouds threatened seriously to 
interfere with the general promises of the programme ; but 
long before the appointed hour the forbidding clouds rolled 
away to the west, the moon shone out bright and clear, and at 
half-past seven the large lecture-room of the college was filled 
with a galaxy of beauty and intelligence. Shortly before eight 
o’clock the faculty filed in from their rooms, and we're greeted 
with hearty and long-continued rounds of applause. 
The Bev. Dr. Alfred B. Beach opened the exercises of the 
evening with an appropriate invocation to the Throne of Grace; 
after which the President of the Society, Dr. Philip Woolf, 
delivered the annual address, in which a brief sketch of the 
aims and objects of the Society was given, as well as some 
sound advice to those who had just received their degrees. 
The President felt assured that the common opinion prevailing 
among young graduates that the older practitioners were their 
tacit enemies, envious of their success, or oblivious to their 
merits, was a mistake. The conscientious young practitioner 
has really no better friends than his seniors in the profession. 
Professor Lewis A. Sayre then addressed the Society as 
follows : 
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. President, and Members of the 0. PE. 
Society: 
You have been kind enough to invite me to address 
you upon this, the fifth anniversary of your Society. A society 
organized for such noble purposes as I understand yours to be, 
namely the mutual literary and professional culture of its 
members, deserves and should obtain a high position. View- 
ing your Society in this light, I take pleasure in complying 14 
with your request to address you with a few remarks. The 
next question is, what shall be the theme to which I shall call 
your attention during the few minutes allotted to me this 
evening? In casting about for a suitable subject, it has just 
occurred to me that as the most of you are now, in a few days, 
to assume new duties and responsibilities of the practical 
exercise of the profession of your choice, and having passed 
over some little distance on the same road in advance of you, 
it seems proper that from my present stand-point, I should 
take a hasty glance over the road just travelled, back to my 
early starting-point, to the place you are just now entering, 
and see if I can give you any advice, to guard you against the 
shoals and quick-sands which may endanger your professional 
future, and guide you in the sure path to usefulness and honor. 
Too many in our profession in assuming this new responsi- 
bility in accepting the degree, make the fatal error of thinking 
that they have ceased to be students when they become practic- 
ing physicians. A more fatal error could not be committed. 
It is sure to lead to a low degree of professional standing, and 
it is dangerous to all those patients who may be so unfortunate 
as to employ a physician who Jias so low an estimate of his 
professional responsibilities and obligations. 
While engaged in your college curriculum, if you fail to 
apply yourselves with diligence to your studies, no one is 
injured by it but yourselves ; the community is not endangered 
by your ignorance. We, the professors, stand as a guard 
between you and the people. But when we grant you the 
degree, giving you the authority to practice, having found 
after a careful examination that you are conversant with the 
science up to its present stand-point, you must then recollect 
that you have assumed the responsibility of keeping yourselves 
upon the very crest of the tidal wave of its continual advance- 
ment. 
Medicine is not one of the exact sciences—fortunately it is 
not—and from this very fact you have constant opportunities 
for study and improvement. Each day our science is gradually 
approaching exactitude, our knowledge is growing more minute 
and perfect, our ability to successfully treat disease more 
certain. These improvements and new lights your patients 15 
have a right to demand a knowledge of in you; and it can only 
be obtained by a constant devotion to study. As soon as you 
cease to be students, you should, as a matter of conscience, 
cease to be practitioners. Though knowledge be the first 
essential requisite for the practice of our divine art, there 
must be beyond and above this, correct principles to guide us 
in using it rightfully. You must be governed always by the 
most rigid virtue and the strictest veracity; your character 
must be pure, and your honor above reproach, otherwise the 
power derived from knowledge thus obtained will only serve 
to make you dangerous members of the community. The 
whole object of your life, the whole motive of your ambition, 
should be the most speedy removal of disease and the best 
application of the most accurately ascertained plans and 
principles of the treatment of disease in the various cases 
that may be entrusted to your care. Let this be the governing 
principle of your professional life, and not the gain or profit 
which may be made by it as a trade, and it will certainly lead 
you to professional distinction and well-deserved honor. 
In all your intercourse with your professional brethren, be 
courteous and honorable, being neither sycophantic and servile, 
nor arrogant and dictatorial. Maintain with dignity the true 
honor of your profession, and never permit ignorance, even 
should it be found in high places, to be detrimental to the best 
interests of your patients. The first few years of your profes- 
sional life will probably not be overtaxed by attention to the 
wealthy or the great. Persons of wealth or fixed position are 
generally already in the hands of professional men of established 
reputation and position. In the hovels of the poor, in the cel- 
lars, back alleys and garrets of the city, most of your time will 
be spent, or if your location should be in the country, your 
patients will most likely be found in small cottages or hamlets 
of the more sparsely settled sections of your district, and not 
in the princely mansion of the lordly millionaire, whose pom- 
pous show of wealth commands the admiration of the villagers 
for miles around. But remember that whatever contrast may 
exist in the worldly position between the pauper and the prince, 
their physical frame with all their delicate and intricate organ- 
ization is governed by the same laws, made by the same 16 
Almighty hand. The great centripetal idea of humanity, 
“ A man’s a man for a’ that an’ a’ that! ” 
should never be forgotten. Your duty, therefore, as physicians, 
is to give to these poor patients, who may apply -to you for 
relief, the same skill, care and attention as if they were the 
wealthiest persons in the land. You may probably receive no 
pecuniary compensation for your labor, or at most, but little, 
but you will have the greater and higher satisfaction of having 
at least conferred the benefits of scientific skill, upon a poor 
suffering fellow-creature. To have saved or prolonged a life 
which but for the application of that skill would have had an 
untimely end, or to have restored a malformed useless cripple 
to all the beautiful symmetry of his natural proportions, giving 
him thereby the opportunity of being a self-sustaining as well 
as a self-enjoying and useful member of the community, will 
give you more pleasure and satisfaction as honorable physicians 
than all the wealth you might obtain by pandering to the 
prejudices and desires of the vicious. The gratitude of these 
poor people for the benefits thus conferred, will find vent in 
tongues of warmest praise and appreciation of justly deserved 
honor, which without resort to the puffing and newspaper 
advertisements of the designing charlatan, will in due course of 
time bring your proper merits to the just appreciation of the 
wealthy and the great, who will in turn seek your advice and 
counsel when you have by this means proved that it is better 
than they can get elsewhere. 
You have displayed so much good taste in inviting this 
beautiful array of the fair daughters of our city to be present 
at your anniversary this evening, that I feel that it is entirely 
unnecessary for me to give you any advice about one of the 
most important and necessary acts of your professional life, 
namely, the selection of some one fair damsel as a companion 
to share your joys, and sympathize with you in your sorrows 
May your choice be such that the idea of England’s great poet 
may be realized: 
11 O blest with temper, whose unclouded ray 
Can make to-morrow cheerful as to-day. 
She who ne’er answers till a husband cools, 
Or it she rules him, never shows she rules, 
Charms by accepting, by submitting sways, 
Yet has her humor most when she obeys.” 17 
By a careful consideration and proper application of these few 
hasty thoughts, I feel confident that your distinction will be 
such as to confer honor upon your alma mater and be looked 
upon with pride and satisfaction by all the future members of 
the O. M. Society. 
Next in order came the regular toasts of the evening. The 
toast to “ The Ladies ” was responded to by Prof. Geo. T. 
Elliot as follows: 
A sincere friend said to me to-day: “ My dear fellow, I 
hear that you are to respond for the ladies this evening. You 
have my sympathy.” I thanked him, and acknowledged that 
I needed it; and so do I confess, confidentially, to you all, 
that I have need of yours, and especially now when my friend 
Sayre has included my toast with his own in his comprehensive 
grasp. 
It is a serious thing to speak for woman just when she is 
about to break that long silence which has distinguished her 
through the lapse of ages, and to speak for herself. Let us 
hope that, if she bring to future discussions the terrible ear- 
nestness and directness of purpose which she displayed in the 
apple question, at least she will select topics less fraught with 
woe to man. 
Perhaps this may be one of the last toasts to woman to 
which a man may respond. The time may be at hand when 
this is to be superseded by one which will even now, we trust, 
cause their veins to tingle, and when we may hear, in soft, 
melodious cadence, from the lips of beauty—“The gentlemen* 
d bless them ! ” 
With women arguing metaphysics in the pulpit, managing 
p jlitical majorities, directing the press, and wielding the scal- 
pel in sick-rooms, there is but a step to the remaining fields 
of labor, and there may be some girlish face here present, 
covered only with mantling blushes, which may groove its 
furrows amid the responsibilities of the senate-chamber, or in 
expounding the majesty of the law. 
Who shall paint the dawn of this era, so full of the fruition 
of woman’s joys and privileges ? The palette of another Guido 
must furnish the brilliant colors. Still Aurora, with rosy- 
tipped fingers, will marshal the procession ; still the feminine 18 
encircling hours will keep their accustomed places ; but the 
male Apollo will be hurled from the central place of honor, 
and some bright-eyed goddess, typical of woman’s future, will 
seize the reins with no reluctant hand. Love will reign 
supreme. A new millennium will shed its benignant rays upon 
the land. Man, shorn of his supremacy, and abnegating even 
claims to military distinction, will still, we trust, bask in the 
sunshine of woman’s favor, and wish that all the Yenuses shall 
enjoy the rights and privileges of Mars. 
With such a future, well may a man shrink from respond- 
ing to-night to such a toast. But I am here with a herald’s 
privileges, though not in a herald’s garb. I am in a represent- 
ative capacity : I speak for my constituents. Four hundred 
manly hearts, not satisfied with hearing me lecture on woman 
for five or six months, demand a final word before we part. 
Ladies, I present these four hundred hearts for your most dis- 
tinguished consideration. Four hundred, did I say ? Just as 
in that suffrage, soon to be abolished by woman, the male voter 
deposits a ballot that represents the united wishes and con- 
victions of himself and wife, and daughters, so do these four 
hundred hearts have each four separate pulsating chambers, 
throbbing so harmoniously now that methinks you must all be 
able to hear them. And so, instead of four hundred, do I 
present sixteen hundred palpitating candidates for favor. 
What aspirations does my feeble advocacy present! What 
longings for homes and firesides are interlinked with these 
emotions! What delicious courtships, what rapt elysium of 
engagements, what calm, enduring matrimonial joys do these 
longings prefigure! Let us hope that four hundred girlish 
hearts awaken in hastening rhythm to respond to the tumul- 
tuous beatings of my constituents. 
What matters the language in which these longings are 
conveyed ? What matters the man who presents them ? 
Doremus brings from the mystic arcana of his laboratory a long 
black wire to meet another long black wire. Who can fore- 
tell the wondrous result? At once, on meeting, an intense 
flame starts into being, in which solid bars of iron melt in 
fervent heat and illumine the hall with lurid glare and irides- 
cent sparkles. Why may I not do as well as a long piece of 19 
black wire—I, who bring into this arena the concentrated 
heat of four hundred manly hearts ? The result will not as- 
tonish the world, but will sparkle in separate matrimonial 
paragraphs in the daily papers, and light up many a happy 
home. For the enduring comfort of these happy homes, I 
must say that, although my four hundred have no Tennyson 
to hymn their praises in stately stanzas, yet, in the simplest 
and sternest prose do I declare that the immortal six hundred 
at Balaklava never charged as my four hundred will. 
At the conclusion of Prof. Elliot’s witty and classic address, 
Prof. Hamilton made his appearance and responded to the 
first regular toast of the programme, “The Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College.” Prof. Hamilton remarked that in respond- 
ing he could not perhaps do better than to speak of what the 
college had accomplished. It was first organized in 1862, a 
year after the commencement of the war, at a period of time 
when literature, art and science generally languished. It was 
therefore a period unpromising and seemingly unpropitious. 
To-day, scarcely eight years have passed, you have before you 
the young stripling of this short age; nearly four hundred 
students are before me, and one thousand graduates have 
passed from these halls. This is really a giant progress, and 
in looking for its causes we shall find that it is not because it 
is the only college in the city, there are at least two other 
orthodox schools at no great distance from us; it is not because 
it is conveniently situated, not because it is the cheapest col- 
lege, for this college was the first to raise its price to the 
present amount; not because it has charity students, for it is 
the only college which has no charity students, we require cash 
doivn in every instance ; neither would he say it was because 
of the superiority of its faculty. To be sure the faculty were 
physically pretty large men, but they are not perhaps corres- 
pondingly superior in intellect. The success of this institution 
he believed to be almost entirely due to the fact that it was the 
“Bellevue Hospital Medical College”—The union of clinical 
with didactic instruction. This is no new idea, nor is it true 
that we have not always appreciated the value of such a course 
in this country, but the time for its practical realization had 
not yet fully come, but now being fully established, we have 20 
no reason to believe that it will fail. The professor believes 
that sooner or later all the line of of islands near the city will 
eventually be used for hospital purposes, and thus a rich and 
vast fund of material be presented for instruction. He had 
no fears that the Bellevue Hospital Medical College would fail: 
on the contrary, it is full of promises for the future. 
The fourth regular toast, “ The O. M. Society,” was then 
responded to by Geo. H. Penny in a very able manner. His 
address abounded in well chosen classic allusions, and recalled 
the pleasing recollections and associations which they had 
enjoyed together as members of the society. To those who 
were about to strike out into the untried ocean of the future* 
he wished God speed, and abundant success in their chosen 
profession. 
The fifth regular toast, “ The medical profession,” was set 
down for Prof. Wm. H. Van Buren ; and the Sixth, “ American 
Surgery,” was to have been answered by Prof. James R. Wood. 
Both these eminent lights being unfortunately absent, loud 
calls wrere made for Prof. Hammond, who came forward and 
gracefully declined to answer three different toasts at one time. 
As this was a matter altogether out of the question, he con- 
cluded that it would be best for him to say nothing at all. Noth- 
ing daunted, the audience having caught sight of Prof. Dunster 
of the Vermont Medical College, unanimously and uproariously 
signified their desire to hear from him. 
Professor Dunster came reluctantly forward and faced the 
music, literally and metaphorically. He could not see the 
slightest propriety in calling upon him to address this college, 
seeing that he belonged to a different institution, but if they 
insisted upon having the Vermont College represented, why, 
here was Professor Crosby, who would no doubt be delighted to 
take his place. 
Loud calls were immediately made for the unfortunate Pro- 
fessor, until he made his appearance at the rostrum. He said 
“he considered that suggestion of Professor Dunster the 
unkindest cut of all; he was astounded, amazed, he might 
almost say with deference, and in a good sense of the word, 
disgusted. He felt very much like Professor Holmes, of 
Boston, when he was called upon to fill the place of Mr. 21 
Everett ; or somewhat in the condition of a celebrated sea 
captain, who had failed to return a salute on his entry into 
port; when asked by the commander why he failed to return 
the salute, he said there were some hundred good and sufficient 
reasons—-first, he had no powder! 
“ If,” said the genial Vermont professor, “ I had the eloquence 
of my friend Professor Sayre, I might possibly make up for 
the lack of powder.” He felt convinced while listening to the 
remarks of Professor Sayre that the latter was designed for a 
Methodist minister, and that somehow he had naturally drifted 
into the chair*of orthopaedics, not only to straighten crooked 
legs and backs, but also the morals of the community, which 
were certainly very loose and out of joint. While listening to 
the classic remarks of Elliot upon the ladies, he was reminded 
of the remarks of one of the ancient philosophers, who said 
that woman’s true ballot-box was the cradle, in which she 
should deposit not votes but voters. The good-humored pro- 
fessor here complained of feeling very much embarassed, and 
took a drink of water. He then proceeded to remark that he 
felt himself very much in the position of Artemus Ward, when 
he went to visit the Mormon widows; there were seventeen 
of them, he told them that he was far away from home, and 
that he hoped their intentions were honorable. The Professor 
then gave a humorous description of the origin of the O. M. 
Society. He had looked the matter up, and learned that these 
mystic letters stood for “Occulus iEsculapii.” The eye of 
iEsculapius. The Society had been originally founded in 
Egypt or some other foreign country, and had only been 
recently resuscitated. No report can do justice to the im- 
promptu effect of the Vermont Professor, it was the decided 
hit of the evening, and like a glass of champagne, it ought to 
be taken when delivered, to be fully appreciated. 
The seventh regular toast “ The Graduating Class,” was ap- 
propriately responded to by It. Carney, after which the 
audience dispersed. The exercises were agreeably interspersed 
with selections from the “ Grand Duchesse,” and other favorite 
operas, by Wallace’s band, contributing very much to the 
enjoyment of the evening. ORDER OF 2ESCULAPIUS. 
Address delivered at the Sixth Annual Re-XJnion of the Society, 
at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, on the evening 
of February 23, 1870. 
Ladies and Gentlemen, and Fellows of the Order of JEsculapius : 
Time in its hurried flight, upon the one hand, scatters in its 
path those.,who are bound by the ties of nature ; and in his 
ceaseless current, on the other, brings together those who are 
endeared by the ties of association. It is with no ordinary 
degree of self-congratulation that we find ourselves on this, 
the sixth anniversary of our existence as a Society, surrounded 
by so large and intelligent an audience, especially when every 
glance of the eye, and every throb of the heart tells us more 
potently than words, that we have your sympathy and your 
approbation in our laudable efforts to elevate the standard of 
the noble profession of our choice. 
To the distinguished guests present, to the Commissioners of 
Public Charities and Correction, to our fellow citizens, and es- 
pecially to the ladies who lend enchantment to the hour-—to all 
who have come to meet with us to adorn the occasion with their 
presence, and cheer us with their countenances, we tender a 
respectful and grateful welcome. 
We meet not to drain the bowl of intemperance, nor to in- 
dulge the excesses of gluttony—but to celebrate the increased 
reputation and usefulness of the medical profession ; and to 
pay the tribute of affectionate remembrance to its departed 
patrons and brethren, and renew the cordialities of friendship 
and resolutions of good will. 
We assemble not to disturb the peace of mankind by the 
busier plans of ambition, nor to fabricate tlidfee arts of luxury 
which but augment the miseries of life : our object is to enliven 
the kindly sensibilities of human nature, and all the sweet 
civilities of social intercourse. 23 
The members of 0. M, have always been mindful of the duty 
they owe their alma mater, and in seeking to raise higher the 
standard of medical education, have resolved to aid by every 
means in their power, the achievement of this much to be 
desired object. 
As representatives of the younger branches of thetprofession, 
we respectfully embrace this opportunity of emphatically as- 
serting a most earnest desire for increasing the standard of 
requirements for those about to matriculate, and by advocating 
a spirit of emulation among each other, hope to incite atten- 
tion to some of the many subjects that have heretofore 
necessarily been hurried over, owing to a limitation of time. 
Grateful for the many advantages already proffered by the 
very excellent and honored institution, which we feel pride in 
acknowledging as our parent, we deem it a duty to supply a 
want that has been felt by students on various occasions, and 
bearing in mind the adage, “Put not off till to-morrow, the 
work of to-day,” have resolved to inaugurate forthwith some 
measure that might result in establishing a medical library, 
easy of access at all times, to those who desire to consult it, 
and by furnishing works of reference difficult to obtain, and 
beyond the reach of those whose names are limited, prove as a 
valuable adjunct in the diffusion of knowledge. 
All honor to the cherished memory of Valentine Mott. We 
wish in no way to detract from the merit and intent of the 
“ Memorial Library,” but on the spot, in this very building, 
dedicated to the prosecution of those great studies that draw 
annually within its precincts students from far and distant 
climes, which offers advantages, many, indeed, but we would 
add one more, a library. 
Fully impressed with this determination, we point with 
feelings of pride to the nucleus furnished from the Department 
of State, through the Honorable Hamilton Fish, and to the 
generous contributions of Messrs. Wm. Wood & Co., Appleton 
& Co., etc., who have displayed a liberality that deserves more 
than this passing notice. We would call the attention of our 
Alumni to the undertaking, and urge upon them the establish- 
ment by voluntary contributions, of a library, that shall answer 
the requirements, and serve as a lasting monument, to per- 24 
petuate the interest they evince in the Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College, and add still another to the many attractions 
which are rapidly putting our young alma mater in the fore- 
most ranks of those great Institutions that are to elevate the 
standard, and raise the dignity and usefulness of our calling 
throughout the world. 
Individual efforts to elevate the standard of our profession 
has accomplished much, but more, vastly more, may be 
achieved by means of associated effort. By association, nearly 
all the triumphs of the present day have been accomplished ; 
by association, the great arteries of commerce and travel that 
thread their way across this continent to the far off Pacific, 
have been established. By association, the Pacific Bailroad 
found its way across the mountains, and the speed of lightning 
has become a tame and trite expression, since the lightning 
itself has become the messenger of thought, asking and allow- 
ing no calculation of time or space, with which a thousand 
years are as a moment, and the circuit of the earth but as a 
needle’s point. The telegraph has long ago spread its net- 
work of intelligent wire all over the mountains and streams 
of our extended territory; and by the aid of associated effort, 
it has now found its way across the trackless ocean, which has 
united in a communicative union the two great divisions of 
the globe on which we dwell, thus violating almost as it 
would seem, the command of the Almighty, by joining together 
that which God had put asunder. Alone, the dew-drop would 
be useless, but when it commingles and associates with its 
kindred drops, they distil their freshness and influence upon 
the tender plant, making the earth to rejoice, the tender plant 
to bloom in beauty and verdure, the fields to ripen with the 
richest harvest, to bless the husbandman’s heart. 
Amid the gush of pleasure and the joys of this golden hour, 
it is my painful duty to refer to the illustrious dead of our 
order, Honorable Martin J. Love, M.D., State Senator of Ben- 
nington, Vt., whose high professional attainments, social quali- 
ties, and noble impulses, endeared him to all within the circle 
of his acquaintance. Again, Dr. C. G. Steadman, of Ohio, 
former Secretary of our Order. Again the faculty of our young 
college has been called upon to mourn the loss of one of its 25 
youngest and most promising members. In ihe pride and 
strength of manhood, in the full promise of successful useful- 
ness, and in the ardent prosecution of the labors of the science 
he loved so well, Dr. J. W. Southack fell a martyr. 
This Society now numbers five hundred members, many of 
whom are scattered throughout the United States, the British 
Provinces, and the different parts of the Continent of Europe. 
Many have risen to honorable distinction ; and among those to 
whom we refer with pleasure is Dr. C. A. Leale, who was one 
of the attending physicians upon President Lincoln in his last 
hour, and is now one of the rising young surgeons of our proud 
metropolis. Another, Dr. J. Taber Johnson, at the early age of 
twenty-four, is now occupying the enviable position of Professor 
in the Howard University Medical College, at the Capitol of 
the Nation. To think and to work is to live. The fellows of this 
order, therefore, who would occupy an elevated position in our 
profession, and on the great theatre of life, must renounce 
forever the pernicious habits of indolence and dissipation. In 
all our laudable undertakings, we must never remit our ardor 
for a moment; we must possess a courage and a fortitude 
which no opposition can dampen, and no adversity can subdue. 
While pursuing this course, our minds will become enlightened, 
will become refulgent, and will drive away the clouds and dul- 
ness from the mind, as the mist which rolls up the hillside, and 
disperses before the rising glories of a summer sun. 
May I not on this occasion be addressing some member of 
our order who will yet ennoble, adorn, and bless the age and 
generation in which he lives; some illustrious Mott enshrined 
and canonized in the grateful hearts of his countryman, who 
will make for himself a monument more enduring than bronze 
or marble, beneath whose shade things will moulder, and 
around whose summit eternity will forever play ! 
Now, my fellows, in conclusion, allow me to say that the 
duties of your profession are interesting and important. The 
duties of society and of religion are also binding upon you. 
May you discharge them all with fidelity and honor ! Then, 
when the events of time shall be ended, and the retributions 
of eternity begin, we shall be deemed worthy to enter the doors 
of the celestial temple, and advance the glories incomparably 
more resplendent than any here below. ORDER OF AESCULAPIUS. 
Address delii ered at the Seventh Annual Re- Union, in the Lecture 
Room (j the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, 
February 27, 1871. 
Ladies and Gentlemen and Fellows of the Order of LFsculapius : 
Time, “ remorseless time, fierce spirit of the glass and scythe,” 
that knows no weight of sleep or weariness, stalks on in his 
triumphant, unremitting march; and since we were last as- 
sembled, another year has rolled into the deep abyss of the 
past, and the moonlight of another reunion evening has risen 
upon us. Again we find ourselves surrounded by a large and 
intelligent audience, with an enchanting array of female beauty, 
convened from the best circles of our proud metropolis. Many 
of our former Fellows have left distant fields of professional 
labor, to join in this annual festival, thus renewing the ties of 
friendly intercourse, and again briefly live over the happy days 
of college life. Under these circumstances, it now becomes my 
happy privilege to extend to one and all a respectful and grate- 
ful welcome to this our seventh annual reunion. Around the 
altar of friendship do we thus yearly assemble, and bring our 
votive incense to that temple which our predecessors founded 
on the firm basis of science and truth, supported by the wis- 
dom of our Faculty, the energy of our intelligent young prac- 
titioners and advanced students in medicine, who are ardent 
and zealous in the advancement of our science, and do most 
deeply deplore the prejudice that retard its progress. As a 
society we design to uphold the dignity, and to encourage the 
legitimate exercise of our profession, the aim of which is to ex- 
tinguish the false light of empiricism, and to substitute a steady 
beacon on the solid, permanent basis of truth and science ; at the 
same time to present the extension of the practical mischief of 
that ignorance which has been our object to enlighten, and al- 
low none to pass the portals of our temple, excepting those wdio 27 
may be justly considered physicians in reality as well as in 
name. During the short time that our order has existed, we 
have gained an honorable distinction throughout the length 
and breadth of our land; and our influence for good upon the 
cause of medical education is now felt beyond our national 
boundaries. Having access to the large hospitals, under the 
charge of the Commissioners of Public Charities and Correc- 
tion, we justly appreciate them as advantages that are nowhere 
else, to such a vast extent, afforded to the students of the human 
system ; but notwithstanding such facilities, we desire to per- 
fect the design of our society library, which has yet to be fur- 
nished with many valuable works for reference that are beyond 
the reach of most students and many old established practi- 
tioners, on account of their great pecuniary value. We would 
call the attention of our alumni to this subject, and urge upon 
them the propriety of establishing a Library Fund. Also in 
this connection allow me to suggest the propriety of inaugu- 
rating a plan to establish a monthly paper, to be called “ The 
Journal of the Order of iEsculapius,” in which should appear 
the proceedings of our weekly meetings, and the valuable clinical 
reports of our members who are now scattered in various parts 
of our vast continent. If, perchance, any should consider these 
suggestions impracticable, on acount of our comparative youth 
as an organization, let me remind them that we do not endorse 
the idea which is prevalent in many communities, that young 
men are unfit for doctors, generals or statesmen, and that they 
must be left in the background until their physical strength is 
impaired with age, and their intellect blunted with years. 
Look to the history of the past, and from the long lists of phy- 
sicians, surgeons, heroes and statesmen who have nobly dis- 
tinguished themselves, we will find that they were young men 
who performed those acts which have won for them an im- 
perishable meed of fame, and which placed their names on the 
pages of history. The late lamented Dr. Valentine Mott, 
whose name is a household word in all civilized countries, was 
but twenty-four years of age when elected to the professorship 
of surgerykin his own Alma Mater. Alexander, the conqueror 
of the whole world, died at thirty-three years of age. Bonaparte 
was crowned Emperor of France when thirty-three. Our 28 
own Washington was but twenty-five when he covered the re- 
treat of the British at Braddock’s defeat, and was Commander- 
in-Chief of all the Virginia forces. Alexander Hamilton, at 
twenty, was a lieutenant-colonel. Thomas Jefferson was but 
twenty-three when he drafted the ever-memorable Declaration 
of Independence. Coming down to the present day, we find 
Dr. W. J. Lusk, a fellow alumnus, at the age of thirty, filling a 
professorship in two different medical colleges, and of late has 
been elected to fill the place in Bellevue Hospital made vacant 
by the death of our late lamented Honorary Fellow, Professor 
George T. Elliott, whose charming eloquence was listened to 
on our last anniversary occasion by many who are now within 
the reach of my voice. Death, although the common lot of all, 
sad in any walk of life, is more deplorable when invading the 
fields of usefulness, has entered our own circle. Professor Elliott 
Avas one of the first elected to honorary membership in our Order, 
and during the whole period of his life was ardentand zealous in 
his endeavor to advance its interests. When called upon to fill 
any position on our programme, he never failed to comply with 
the solicitations of our committee. He was a man of powerful 
intellect, the friend and eulogist of our society; the scholar, 
the gentleman, and the teacher, the pride of the student, the 
profession, and his native city; of unwearied public spirited- 
ness, venerable for his useful life and entitled to the gratitude 
of the profession and public for his exertions to diffuse the 
benefits of our science, and raise its disciples to that station to 
which its liberal studies entitle them. In the palace of the rich, 
the hovels of the poor, and within the walls of our own hospital, 
he was one to attend all with conscientious care. 
“ With gifts of science and skill, 
To turn away each threatened ill, 
To watch beside the bed with tender care, 
With earnest sympathy each grief to share ; 
And from the couch of languishing and pain, 
Raise the patient to the joys of health again.” 
But alas! he has paid the debt of nature, and has gone to 
fathom the mysteries of another world. His good deeds and 
imperishable name are recorded upon the table of fame. Ho 
more shall the midnight bell summon him from his slumber to 
sooth the anguish of pain. Let us all remember that “ The 29 
generation of men are like the waves of the sea.” In quick 
succession they follow each other to the coast of death. Another 
and another still succeed and press on the shore, then ebb 
and die, to give place to the following wave. Thus are we 
wafted forward, now buoyed perhaps by hope, now sinking 
in despair; rising on the tide of prosperity, or overwhelmed 
with the billows of misfortune. Sometimes, when least ex- 
pected, the storms gather, the winds arise, and “ life’s frail bub- 
ble bursts.” Be cautious then, nor trust the cloudless skies, to 
placid seas, or sleeping winds. Forget not there are hidden 
rocks; guard, too, against the sudden blast. Be faith your 
pilot, and you will be safely guided to the haven of eternal bliss. 
As the time has now arrived, my fellows, when I am to retire 
from the office with which I have for three years been honored, 
I am desirous of leaving with you my best wishes and best 
counsel. As President of this order I have endeavored, to the 
best of my ability, to preside with impartiality over your interest- 
ing and profitable deliberations ; to vindicate the principles of 
our institution ; and while inculcating upon our members a re- 
gard to its duties, to impress the profession at large with a 
favorable opinion of its design and tendency. You have ex- 
pressed in the most flattering terms your acknowledgment of my 
fidelity and your appreciation of my zeal. To have acquitted 
myself in any degree to your satisfaction, in my official capa- 
city, and in my public vindication of the society, is a circum- 
stance upon which I shall reflect with grateful sensibility so 
long as I live. My particular thanks are due to my associates 
in the executive board and the members of the society at large, 
for the honor they have distinguished me with. In surrender- 
ing the emblem of authority to my successor in office, it will be 
done with the firm conviction that the interests of the order, 
under his direction, will be looked after as zealously in the future 
as they have been in the past. My association with Dr. 
McWhinnie has brought us together at the banquet, the bed- 
side of the sufferer in the hospital, and at the residence of the 
private patient in affluent circumstances. Be assured that he 
is distinguished with most commendable characteristics; his 
motto is : “ Do nothing but what is right, and submit to nothing 
that is wrong.” He is onward in duty, unflinching in the hour 30 
of danger, and unyielding in the work assigned him. When he 
puts his shoulder to the wheel, a movement of the superincum- 
bent weight is bound to take place. Now, my fellows, in conclu- 
sion, remember that unity is the golden chain which binds 
together our willing hearts and holds together our happy so- 
ciety ; the principle on which dependeth internal harmony and 
its outward prosperity. May its links never be broken. May 
our example and conduct in life prove a high recommenda- 
tion and fair illustration of our principles, and reflect the 
brightest honor upon our character and profession. Finally, 
brethren, farewell. Accept the best wishes, as you share in the 
best affections, of my heart. The special relation in which I 
have stood to you will with this evening cease, but the grati- 
tude arising from it will ever remain. 
Madame Alfred then sang an aria, “ Come, Bells,” by Donni- 
zetti, in a style which evinced fine culture and rare musical 
talent. 
The Hon. John R. Brady delivered the Honorary Address, 
which was a rare gem of racy wit, anecdote and poetic story, 
keeping the audience in a continuous grin. 
The next feature in the programme was the installation of 
officers for the ensuing year. 
After the officers were duly installed by the retiring Presi- 
dent, Dr. Harwood, President elect Dr. MacWhinnie, delivered 
his inaugural address as follows: 
Ladies and Gentlemen: 
’Twas just one year ago I had the honor of functionating as 
a High Priest of Oratory upon the rostrum, amid very different 
circumstances and surroundings, however, from those which 
now obtain. Then the reign of terror had commenced, and a 
final examination hung over my devoted head like the sword 
of Damocles—a position of affairs that those of you who are 
upon the anxious seat can fully appreciate. The dreaded 
weapon descended, not to cleave my much exercised imagina- 
tion, b it, like the wave of the magician’s wand, to dispel the 
mists and doubts and fears which shrouded the coveted culmina- 
tion of all my mental labors, disclosing my tiny bark securely 
launched upon the troubled, tempestuous sea of pills and 31 
calomels—enabling me to cry out in borrowed phraseology, 
“Now is the winter of my discontent made glorious summer 
by a happy issue out of troublous times, my stern alarms 
changed to merry greeting, and all the clouds that lowered 
upon my life in the deep bosom of the past buried, forgot.” 
Now with a flourish of trumpets and burst of rhetoric that only 
my illustrious friend and predecessor could at all do justice to, 
I am again ushered upon the scene as President of the noble 
Order of iEsculapius. 
’Tis generally supposed the blarney-stone is only to be 
found in the green isle of Erin, and is eminently Irish; but 
methinks its twin element has lately been discovered amid 
the green mountains of Vermont, the exact locality thereof 
not altogether unknown to Vermont’s verdent son, from whose 
mouth hath just proceeded a saponaceous flow that throws the 
best of efforts off the far-famed Pennsylvania oil wells wholly 
in the shade. The process of soft-soaping to which I have 
been subjected, in view of a native diffidence of manner and 
disposition of which I am the unfortunate possessor, makes 
the task of addressing you difficult. But I would not that a 
hill of difficulty should rear itself into a mountain of impossi- 
bility ; yet am I in a strait betwixt two, and what I do I wot 
not. If I say anything to the Class of ’71, I will be encroach- 
ing upon the peculiar province of the gentleman whose duty 
it is to respond to that sentiment; and if I sound the praises 
of the O. M., I will be caught poaching upon the domain of 
mv noble Duke, Burchard by name; so that, between Scylla 
and Charybdis, I am in much danger of being swamped in the 
maelstrom of a sermon without a text, in which case my 
congregation have my deepest sympathy. 
Some of those before me are but beginning to wade in 
the brooklets of medicine, and are making mud-pies upon the 
banks ; others, venturing upon deeper water, are paddling their 
canoes upon its streams; while not a fewr are about to launch 
their full-rigged ships upon the broad expanse of an uncertain, 
turbulent, therapeutic ocean—an ocean bounded by potters’ 
fields, country churchyards and city cemeteries, whose green 
mounds and cold gray pillars raise their heads in constant 32 
warning, proclaiming man’s mortality and the end of medical 
effort. 
No doubt the voyage is commenced with feelings warm and 
prospects high; but do not flatter yourselves that all will be 
plain sailing. You will encounter the trade winds of success 
and adversity, dark, heaving storms and fretful calms ; and 
unfavorable weather may tend to drivo you upon the shoals 
and quicksands of quackery; legal sharks may beset your 
course with open maw, to swallow each advantage; but keep- 
ing your decks well cleared for actions in mal-practice, your 
helm well down, take for your guiding-star Industry, Honesty 
and Truth; thus will you be enabled to safely ride the crested 
billows of misfortune, and securely anchor in the calm haven of 
a clear conscience and contented mind. If, however, you attempt 
to sail your bark on the principle that the world owes you a 
living, with folded arms and sleepy eye, Micawber like, lazily 
scanning the horizon, even expecting something to turn up, my 
word for it the cold chilly winds of December will find plenty 
of rents in your rigging, through which to whistle the dirge of 
a profitless existence. 
On the other hand, haste to get rich, the greed of gain may 
induce you to cruise upon forbidden waters ; yea, even to join 
the squadron of that pirate crew who prey upon the credulity 
of a gullible public, whose God is their belly, and whose glory 
is in their shame. If such be the case, do not mask your guns> 
and so steal upon your victim in guise of honest craft; hang 
out the black flag, with its skull and cross-bones at once 5 
display it upon every rock and fence ; drive tandem ; write for 
the newspapers; go in for one country, one destiny, one 
Beecher; run for President, if you will, but for God’s sake do 
not seek to cloak your misdeeds under cover of a diploma from 
a respectable medical college, thus, assassin-like, foully stab- 
bing the mother which nourished and cherished you, your 
Alma Mater. 
Life is a strange anomaly, but death is a deeper mystery— 
with both, none are brought into more intimate relation than 
the medical man; his life is one varying scene, but a single 
stride divides the glittering drawing-room, with its tinsel and 
gas jets, from the sky-parlor of the tenement house, where the 33 
flickering rays of a penny dip but deepens tbe gloom around; 
yet in both conditions, disease and death will be the same. The 
fascinations of voluptuous music and the mazy dance will oft 
be exchanged for the bedside of the dying—perchance a little 
sufferer upon whose brow a fond parent has placed encircling 
wreaths of earthly honor, alas, soon to wither and decay in the 
cold, dark future. Have any entered lightly on the course ? 
If so, I would ask you to ponder well before you take the 
hazard of a life. In no condition can a man be‘a greater 
blessing or a greater curse. 
“ A wise physician skill’d our wounds to heal, 
Is more than armies for the common weal,” 
■With a just appreciation of your duties, your responsibilities, 
“so live that when thy summons comes to join the innumerable 
caravan that moves to the mysterious realm, where each shall 
take his chamber in the halls of death, thou go not, like the 
quarry slave at night, scourged to thy dungeon.” 
Little did I think, while enjoying myself at this festive board 
last year, that another reunion evening would find me chanting 
the requiem of any of our number. But such is life. Although 
living in an hospital, brought into daily, nay, hourly contact 
with disease, and ofttimes death, yet never did I so fully 
appreciate the narrowness of that isthmus that separates the 
living from the dead, as when standing beside the bier of our 
late honorary fellow, Prof. George T. Elliott, gazing upon the 
ruined walls of what where ambition’s airy halls, the dome of 
thought, the palace of the soul, and I could not help exclaiming, 
“ Where now are all our boasted drugs, our well crammed 
magazines of health, that even the mighty masters of the 
healing art succumb to the icy touch of Father Time’s boon 
companion, Death ? ” Never did I so feel the insignificance of 
man in the hands of that Divinity that shapes our ends, rough- 
hew them as we may. 
Death is a theme that hath but little pleasure in it; and 
although this matter has already been alluded to, yet would 
I be doing violence to my own feelings were I to withhold my 
meed of praise, my tear of sympathy, to the memory of one 
whom in life I delighted in, and whose death I deplore, now 
calmly, peacefully sleeping amid the solitude of Woodlawn 34 
Cemetery, until the loud sound of Gabriel’s brazen trump shall 
again awaken to life, light and liberty. 
In assuming the mastery of this feast of reason and flow of 
love, and the Presidency of the noble Order of iEsculapius, 
I appreciate the honor conferred, and am not wholly oblivious 
to the duties and responsibilities of the position to which my 
brother Fellows of the O. M. have elected me. I trust the 
mantle of my predecessor, in descending upon my shoulders, 
will lose none of its efficacy. Enough to say, my every effort, 
and what ability God has given me, will be wielded to increase 
its influence and extend its usefulness. Excelsior shall be our 
watchword; and with the assistance of both officers and Fel- 
lows, I hope that as its past history has been honorable, its 
future may be glorious. 
It is now my duty to announce the remaining courses of the 
feast: You already have had chicken soup by the retiring 
President; fish, with medico-loyal sauce by the illustrious 
Judge Brady, but for the life of me, I can not tell you what 
particular kind of fish it was, but will venture the opinion that 
it did not belong to the shark species. Next, Professor Wood 
will serve the roast, gotten up in a style peculiar to himself; 
after which, by way of variety, Professor McCready will 
hold forth on behalf of the Faculty. Messrs. Bailey and 
Burchard will furnish the entres; and last, but not least, 
Professor Doremus will put in an appearance, with dessert for 
the ladies—candies, sweetmeats, and boquets, highly perfumed 
with sulphuretted hydrogen and other sweet-smelling gases, 
after having done ample justice to which, we will wish you all 
good night and pleasant dreams. 
The doctor’s address was followed by a duet, “Master and 
Pupil,” by Mme. Alfred and Mr. C. Anderson. 
“ Our Almq Mater ” was feelingly responded to by Professor 
James R. Wood, M.D., LL.D. 
The piano solo, “ Eligy of Tears,” by Mr. Walter R. Johnson, 
was rendered in a highly artistic and creditable manner. 
“The Class of ’71” was responded to by Matt. I. Bailey, 
M.D., in suitable terms, followed by a song, “The Return,” by 
Mme. Alfred, which was heartily encored. 35 
“ The O. 2E.” called up Mr. T. Herring Burchard, who, after 
an introductory flourish of trumpets, explaining the objects of 
the society, said: 
“ No organization was ever instituted for better purposes: 
tirst, by mutual criticism and debate upon medical topics would 
we qualify ourselves to assume the responsibilities devolving 
upon the intelligent and scientific practitioners. The speaker 
pleaded for a higher professional scholarship. A Cincinnatus 
or a Putnam may have been taken from their plow, or a Greene 
from his forge, and right nobly may they have fought to secure 
national independence ; but he. maintained that a man fresh 
from the workshop or the farm, be he ever so naturally endowed, 
without previous mental discipline, is unqualified even to enter 
upon the study, much less, as too often is the case, upon the 
practice of the heeling art. The interests were too much, the 
responsibilities too momentous for one ignorant of the funda- 
mental principles of science to assume, when the stake is one 
of human life. Farther than this : the Society aims to develop 
the higher elements, the social of our nature. In referring to 
our late honorary member, Professor Geo. T. Elliott, the 
speaker said: 
“ But e’en while the notes of our triumph are swelling, 
And mirth claims the hour for rejoicing and song, 
A shadow steals o’er us that sadly is telling 
Of one who is gone from this festival throng; 
But we’ll ne’er let the name once engraved on our altar, 
Grow dim with the shadows that time doth impart, 
For once have we trained with our hands that ne’er falter, 
The wreath of our brotherhood round every heart. 
Then, Elliott, sleep on, till the bright star of glory 
Shall burst o’er thy tomb and bid thee arise, 
When angels and loved ones who’ve gone on before thee, 
Shall welcome thee there to thy home in the skies.” 
But the hour of parting has come, and to our companions of 
pleasant hours, spent in the fellowship of our mystic order, 
must we now bid a sad but final farewell. 
After the speaker had concluded, Mr. C. Anderson sang the 
comic song, “The Merrie Little Fat Gray Man,” which being 
loudly encored, was followed by chanting the obituary of the 
late lamented Lord Lovell. On a second encore, Mr. Anderson 
favored the audience with a synopsis of “ Mrs. Watkins’ Even- 
ing Party-” 36 
“ The Ladies ” was responded to by Professor 11. Ogden 
Doremus, M.D., a gentleman whose literary acquirements and 
fluency of speech has given him a place among the favorite 
lecturers of the city. 
The entertainment appropriately concluded by the singing 
of “Those Evening Bells,” by Mme. Alfred, Mr. C. Anderson 
and Mr. E. Crane. 37 
The following resolutions were presented to the retiring Pre- 
sident, Dr. E. C. Harwood: 
Whereas, Our President, Ed. C. Harwood, M. D., has been 
unceasing in his labors and endeavours to elevate, sustain, and 
extend the bounds of usefulness of this Society, during the 
three distinctive terms of his office, extending over a period of 
three years, now about to expire; and 
Whereas, In view of the foregoing facts, deeming it just and 
proper that we should give some expression of our estimation 
of him as a member, friend, medical man, and executive officer; 
therefore be it 
Resolved, That the impartial and judicious discharge of the 
executive duties of this Society by Dr. Ed. C. Harwood, for the 
three years during which he has presided over our deliberations, 
claim our respect, and the thanks of the Society be extended to 
him for the interest he has in various ways evinced for our wel- 
fare, and the personal efforts and sacrifices he has made to pro- 
mote the same, both in his capacity as a member and executive 
officer. 
Resolved, That we herewith express our appreciaton of his 
talents, esteem for his virtues, and kind wishes for his future 
success and happiness. 
Resolved, That these resolutions be read on the evening of the 
Seventh Annual Re-union, by the President elect, and a copy of 
the same be sent to Dr. Harwood. 
In Testimony Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands 
and caused the seal of our Order to be affixed this 
27th day of February, in the year of our Lord 
One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-one. 
J. Wallace McWhinnie, M. D., George F. Bates, M. D, 
Resident. Secretary. “ THE MEDICAL JUBISPKUDENCE OF THE 
STOKES CASE.” 
See Proceedings of the Medico-Legal Society, March 26, 1874. 
Tlie President stated that he supposed that nearly all remem- 
bered that Dr. Peugnet read a paper on the medical jurisprudence 
of the Stokes case, a few months since, which excited a good 
deal of interest. Dr. Peugnet divided his monograph as you 
observe as follows : First, he gives a succinct and careful 
history of the case of James Fisk, Jr.; second, he proceeds to 
an elaborate description of shock; third, he applies his defini- 
tion to penetrating gunshot wounds of the abdomen ; fourth, Iip 
describes the physiological and toxical actions of morphine; 
and, finally, he considers the medical jurisprudence of the 
Stokes case, and claims that the facts as shown demonstrate 
scientifically : 1st, that the shooting of Fisk was not done in 
self-defense, but with premeditation ; and 2d, that the wound 
in the abdomen was not necessarily fatal, and that the mor- 
phine was the immediate cause of death. 
To this paper I now invite yonr attention, and call on Dr. E. 
C. Harwood. 
Dr. Harwood.—I must confess that I am quite surprised at 
being distinguished in the manner that I have been this even- 
ing, by being called upon to open the discussion of so import- 
ant a paper as we have before us for consideration, when we 
have so many learned gentlemen, representing both the legal 
and medical profession, present with us. I have had a copy of 
the monograph bestowed upon me, but am sorry to say that I 
have not had an opportunity to peruse it; consequently I can 
say but little more than indorse the views of the author in re- 
gard to the cause of the death of Colonel James Fisk, Jr. I 
have felt much interested in Dr. Peugnet’s paper. He has made 39 
bold assertions; and as I recollect tlie paper as presented to 
this body last December, he sustained them in the most 
scientific manner. By so doing, the medical profession of the 
world incurred a debt of gratitude to this learned gentleman, 
which I feel they will not fail to promptly acknowledge. I 
knew Col. Fisk in my early boyhood ; he was the only son of 
worthy parents, who lived in close proximity to the home of 
my youth, in the old historic town of Bennington, Yt. On the 
night of January 6th, 1872, I was with Mr. Fisk’s father, who 
was depressed and overwhelmed with grief in anticipation of 
fatal results from the wound his son had received. 
I consoled the old gentleman by telling him his son was sur- 
rounded by the best medical and surgical talent that our city 
could boast of, and that I hoped that the means that they would 
devise for the restoration of their patient would be blessed 
with success. I could say much in regard to personal observa- 
tions that I made at the Grand Central Hotel, on the fatal 
evening, but I know I would not be in order. Therefore I drop 
the subject relating to personal interest, and return to the one 
relating to science. We know that Col. Fisk received a severe 
penetrating wound of the abdomen. From the objective signs 
and symptoms we might naturally expect death to promptly 
issue from shock or internal hemorrhage, but as death did not 
follow from either of these causes, we would naturally expect 
recovery, and treat the patient with such anticipation in the 
case ; and if recovery did not follow from proper treatment, the 
only mode of death we could expect would be the same as oc- 
curred in the Bichardson and Yallandingham cases—Peritonitis 
and Septicaemia—and that could not occur short of forty-eight 
hours or longer. 
The sworn testimony rendered on the trial of Edward S. 
Stokes, shows that gr. of morphia, equivalent to 21 gr. of 
opium, or 28 doses of morphia were given to Col. Fisk, hypo- 
dermically and otherwise, within the space of three and a half 
hours; and when we come to consider that from § to 3 of a 
grain of this drug is the ordinary dose, and that prudence re- 
quires that we should not, under ordinary circumstances, dupli- 
cate the minimum or maximum dose until after the lapse of 
four or six hours ; and that the autopsy revealed the fact that 40 
Fisk died from neither of the causes I have stated—we must? 
therefore, in the present light of science, and in all honesty, 
come to the conclusion that Col. James FisK, Jr., came to his 
death from the injudicious administration of morphine grs., 
28 doses having been given within the space of hours), inde- 
pendent of the wound he received from the bullet that was 
hurled from the pistol of Stokes. In this case we admit local 
shock, which paralyzed the absorbent powers of the stomach, 
and allowed 2 grs. of morphia to remain within it inert until H 
grs. more were given hypodermically, which lighted up a flame 
that burnt out the life of one of the most noted characters of 
our continent. The death of Fisk, under these circumstances, is 
one of the most unfortunate reflections that could fall upon the 
medical profession of the United States ; but, as much as we 
regret it, it is not without its lessons in science. 
No physician of to-day will instruct his student to administer 
morphia by the stomach in similar cases to this or any case; 
but the more judicious method of hypodermic administration 
will be taught and used. THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL UPON THE NEEVOUS 
SYSTEM. 
Remarks upon a Paper by Prof. Wm. A. Hammond, before the New York 
Neurological Society, May 4, 1874, at the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons. 
Mr. President .-—I came into this distinguished body of 
learned men this evening through the courtesy of an invitation 
from one of your officers, expecting merely to be a listener. 
The subject of “ The effect of Alcohol upon the Nervous Sys- 
tem,” as first presented by the distinguished author, has 
afforded me an amount of instruction that I hope we shall 
all profit by. 
As a therapeutical agent, alcohol, I am free as a practitioner 
of medicine to admit, has proved incalculably beneficial under 
many circumstances; but on the other hand we must all admit 
that it has been one of the most frequent causes of a long train 
of nervous and physical diseases, among which may be enum- 
erated insanity, oinomania, mental debility in the offspring, 
inflammatory diseases of the brain, apoplexy, paralysis, 
epilepsy, etc. The experience of many a practitioner must 
bring the terrible result of intemperance frequently before 
his eyes; but while he is thus rendered familiar with its 
consequences as regards individuals, few save those who have 
expressly inquired into this subject have any idea of the extent 
of the social evils resulting from it, or the degree in which they 
press upon every member of the community. I believe that 
you will justify me in the assertion that of all the causes which 
are at present conspiring to degrade the physical, moral and 
intellectual condition of the mass of the people, there is not 
one to be compared in potency with the abuse of alcoholic 
liquors ; and that if this could be done away with, the removal 
of all other causes would be immeasurably promoted. 
It is admitted by physiologists as an indomitable fact in 
Organic Chemistry that there is not the slighest relation of 42 
composition between alcohol and muscular tissue. Dr. Ham- 
mond very beautifully demonstrates that alcohol is found in 
the brain and spinal cord and nerves of the rabbit that has 
been fed upon alcohol; and he also proves that his own 
weight increased under its use ; but this does not prove that 
the weight added to his body can be regarded as a healthy 
condition, for we have many pathological conditions where 
our weight is increased, and at the same time we are in greater 
danger of being cremated or put into the undertaker’s hands. 
We do not usually find that those most distinguished for a 
combination of intellectual power which is known as tcdent, are 
disposed to make use of alcoholic stimulants to augment their 
mental power. Of this we have a remarkable illustration in 
the habits of practical gamblers, who, when about to engage in 
contests requiring the keenest observation and the most saga- 
cious calculations and involving an important stake, always 
“ keep themselves cool,” either by entire abstinence from fer- 
mented liquor, or by the use of those of the weakest kind in 
very small quantities. 
The greater part of the intellectual labor which has most 
extended the domain of human knowledge, has been performed 
by men of remarkable sobriety of habit: many of them have 
been constant water-drinkers. Under this category, it is said, 
may be ranked Demostlienese and Haller. Dr. Johnson, in 
the latter part of his life, took nothing stronger than tea, while 
Voltaire and Fontenelle used coffee, and Newton and Hobbes 
were accustomed to solace, not to excite, themselves with the 
fumes of tobacco. Of Locke, whose long life was devoted to con- 
stant intellectual labor, and who appears independently of his 
eminence in his special objects of pursuit, to have been one of 
the best informed men of his time—explicit and remarkable 
testimony is borne by one who knew him well. “ His diet 
was the same as other people’s, except that he usually drank 
nothing but water, and he thought that his abstinence in this 
respect had preserved him so long, although his constitution 
was so weak.” The subject is one worthy of our scientific con- 
sideration—we should press our investigations, arrive at con- 
clusions and yield nothing to religious fanatics or temperance 
praying-bands that science will not approve. REMARKABLE CASE OF NARCOTIZATION. 
From the Medical and Surgical Reporter, May 9, 1874. 
On the evening of Friday, March 20, at eleven o’clock, I was 
called hastily from my office to the house of my friend, Dr. 
Harvey. On arriving, I found his infant son, aged nineteen 
days, to be thoroughly narcotized, occasioned by the careless 
administration of morphine by the nurse in using the same 
teaspoon for the administration of catnip tea which she had 
previously used in taking a solution of morphine herself. We 
can approach the character and strength of the solution only 
from the fact that one-fourth of a grain of morphine was used 
in two teaspoonfuls of water, and it was found, by dipping the 
spoon in it and taking it out, that three drops remained in the 
spoon; and, therefore, we calculated that the child got three 
drops of the solution of morphine, equivalent to one-fourth of 
a grain in two drachms of water. Condition : pupils con- 
tracted and no response to light or irritation of the conjunc- 
tiva ; pulse fifty per minute and feeble ; stertorus breathing 
was also present. I stripped the child and sprinkled the face 
with cold -water, and applied the same to the entire length of 
the spine, with the result of causing a deeper inspiration; gave 
one-half of an ounce of strong infusion of coffee per rectum, 
and used Kidder’s magneto-electric machine. Applied one 
pole over the phrenic nerve, and the other to the sterno-cleido- 
mastoid muscle, and over the entire length of the spine. 
Great alarm was manifested by the parents at the condition 
of their child. I learned that my friend, Dr. E. H. M. Sell, 
was the accoucheur of the mother, and she suggested that in 
the multitude of counsel there was safety. I therefore sent at 
once for Dr. Sell, who arrived at 12:30 A. M. with Kidder’s 
double cell faradic battery, which was applied with a mild in- 
duced current. The temperature at this time was 96° per rec- 44 
turn; respiration stertorus and from 13 to 18 per minute ; 
pulse 116 and irregular. At one o’clock gave more coffee per 
rectum, a portion of the first having been passed in the nap- 
kin. At three o’clock, had made three applications of elec- 
tricity, one of which was continued during the next half-hour. 
Temperature 95°; warm bottles of water were applied ; res- 
piration still stertorus, 17 per minute, but more regular. Gave 
one drop of solution of atropia, one grain to the ounce of 
water. At 4:30 free and natural movements of the bowels ; 
eyes open and a response of the conjunctiva for the first time, 
and quite a natural cry. At 4:45 gave two teaspoonfuls of 
breast milk. At 5:05 the condition more marked for improve- 
ment; eyes opened and breathing approaching a normal move- 
ment ; respiration 30 per minute; temperature 98°. Gave 
one-half ounce of strong coffee per rectum ; pulse 150. The 
condition so good that we went home. At 10 A. M. an injec- 
tion of soap and castor oil was administered with the effect of 
producing a thorough evacuation of the bowels; an applica- 
tion of cold water was made to the head. At 5 o’clock 
P. M. the child presented a normal appearance, and the treat- 
ment was discontinued, with the exception of a small quantity 
of lime water, which we advised to be given. It was thought 
to be indicated on account of the acrid condition of the bowels, 
manifested by green discharges and some undigested milk. 
This constitutes briefly the history and recovery of the case, 
which is in accordance with the principles of treatment that I 
always resort to in cases of narcotization from opium, with the 
exception, I must say, that I do not think the mother’s milk 
ought to have been given under these circumstances, for it is a 
well known fact that while a young mother is depressed with 
fear and anxiety, the rich nourishing quality of the milk is 
changed to that of almost a watery secretion, as it was in this 
instance, and pure cow’s milk was substituted for it during 
the next twelve hours. DEDICATION OF MASONIC TEMPLE, 
New York. 
Address delivered at the Dedication Banquet, Masonic Temple, 
New York, June 2, 1875. 
Report by Daily Paper. 
Sir Knights of Ivanlioe and Portsmouth Commanderies : 
This is a proud epoch for our Order; and I rejoice with you 
all that we have lived to see the sun dawn on so beautiful a 
day, rise and reflect its glittering rays from the steel of the 
largest body of Christian Sir Knights that ever assembled upon 
our Continent. 
I have with you enjoyed the grand parade, the banquet, and 
now comes the feast of reason and the flow of soul.' 
Our Caterer, Eminent Sir Knight Gugel, has seen fit to order 
me to be served up at this stage of the proceedings. If it were 
not for the Eminent Sir Knights of Old Virginia who are pres- 
ent, I should question his taste and judgment in presenting 
you with so unsavory a dish, after having tasted such 
dainties from Eminent Sir Knight Grand Capt., Gen James G. 
Bain, of Portsmouth, No. 5, Va., Dougan of Ivanlioe, No. 36, 
and others who have preceded me ; but in compliance with the 
principles of our institution, I submit cheerfully to the will and 
pleasure of my superior’s order, that there may not appear to 
be any want of discipline on my part. 
Now you all see I am much embarrassed ; therefore I claim 
your brotherly sympathy. My tongue falters, knees totter, 
senses are touched up and mind alienated; I feel an unconquer- 
able weakness, but I will say in my own behalf, that this is not 
consequent upon having drank “ firewater ” to aid digestion, 
and got too large a dose, for you all know I am a teetotaler. It 
is said I am related to the Grants: at all events there was never 
much eloquence in my family, and all there was has been dis- 
tributed to my grandfather and father. The first was a farmer in 46 
the old Bay State on the Berkshire Hills. Like the great Van- 
derbilt of to-day, he always drove a splendid double team, with 
the exception that his horses did not require bridles nor russet 
reins, but they had horns. (Applause). The latter attained to 
the distinction of a civil justice in Old Vermont, in the town 
where “ Molly Stark ” did not sleep a widow after the General 
and the “ Green Mountain boys ” had given the red coats a good 
trouncing on the battle field of Bennington. But I am in the 
presence of Sir Knights of Virginia, who sprang from the same 
soil that George Washington did, and this thought brings up a 
subject that I feel unworthy to treat on this occasion, therefore 
my feelings. Again, I have recently come from a tour in the 
South, and have been among the homes of our visiting Sir 
Knights, partook of their generous hospitalities, and my tongue 
fails to tell the heartfelt emotion of pleasure and gratification 
that I experienced then and now. The Greeks and Romans 
who were desirous of perpetuating their attachment by render- 
ing its union more extensive and sacred, used to take a small 
piece of stone or ivory, divide it in equal parts, one wrote his 
name on one of these and his friend on the other ; then making 
a mutual exchange, promising to retain the tally as a pledge 
of inviolable friendship. Let the badges we have in exchange 
from the Knights of Virginia serve to cement us, and emulate 
the ancient custom, and when outsiders charge us with demor- 
alizing principles, we will tell them that some of the most 
orthodox and respectable clergymen are of our order; and when 
they impute to us disorganizing attempts, we will remind them 
that Washington was our patron brother and friend. INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS, 
At Brussels, Belgium, lWi to 25th day of September, 1875.* 
Hon Dr. J. A. Adrian, of Logansport. Indiana, and Dr. Ed. C. 
Harwood, of New York, constituting the United States 
Delegation from the “ American Medical 
Association.” 
Translated from the French by Julius Cretin, of New York. 
Sept. 22d—Address of Hon. President Dr. J. A. Adrian. 
Mr. President: 
For tliree years the American Medical Association has sent 
its delegates to the British Medical Association and other kin- 
dred European societies, with the special object of asking their 
concurrence and co-operation in maturing a plan of uniformity 
of instruments, scales, tables, and records of clinical observa- 
tion. 
The American Medical Association hailed, with fraternal feel- 
ings, the call for this International Medical Congress, and with 
hopes (your first programme containing a motion to create a 
uniform method of measuring the defects of audition, this being 
part of the programme) of unity of all the means of observation 
advocated by the American Medical Association; we cannot 
help feeling that if you find that part of the plan right you will 
have stronger reason to support the whole. 
The medical profession would find many advantages accruing 
from the adoption of this uniformity ; common measures would 
insure the communication of thoughts between us better than 
a common language. 
Mothers and nurses could be made usefnl recording assistants 
by giving us the true signs and symptoms previously to and 
between our visits, and they would soon comprehend the true 
nature of disease and cure, instead of falling into the super- 
natural notions which are now forced upon them. 
For these and other reasons, the American Medical Association 
*See Report of Delegation, page 52. 48 
urges upon the International Medical Congress the necessity 
of organizing an International Commission, having for its object 
to devise a plan for uniform means, instruments, scales, and clini- 
cal observations, and to report on the same at the next meeting 
of the International Medical Congress. 
ADDRESS OF THE HONORARY PRESIDENT, E. C. HARWOOD, M.D. 
Mr. President: *** 
In taking the floor of this Congress I must express to you 
my heartfelt gratitude for the honor you have conferred on the 
profession of my country by naming me, as one of its repre- 
sentatives, Honorary President of this vast and intelligent body 
of medical men convened from all parts of the world, where the 
glorious principles of medicine are taught and practiced. 
The remarks of my friend and colleague, Horn Dr. Adrian, cover 
nearly all that is to be said in behalf of a uniformity of meas- 
ures. I wish, however, to urge, in behalf of my constituents, 
the absolute necessity and great advantage to be derived from 
a uniform system of weights and measures. 
This want has long been felt by the profession in America; 
and in a country so rapid in its progress, the wonder is that a 
more advanced system has not been adopted. This may be ac- 
counted for, in part, on the ground that America naturally fol- 
lows in the footsteps of the mother country ; but the time has 
now come when parent and offspring must no longer remain in 
opposition to the metric system. We might just as well set our- 
self in opposition to gravitation, except that we can, as two 
great nations, delay and retard a matter of human progress 
while we could not retard gravitation. 
When I say that I am heartily in favor of the metric system, 
I think that I represent the sentiment of my countrymen in the 
medical profession. We desire to see it introduced into our 
country as rapidly as it can be done wisely. Our colleges and 
high schools all teach it, and should be earnest advocates for its 
more permament introduction into our public schools, since all 
such reforms must be forwarded by incoming generations, leav- 
ing the old system to die out gradually with the generations as 
they pass away. 49 
There is no longer any doubt with us in regard to the metric 
system. For there are, at present, many of our best manufac- 
turing chemists, among whom I might instance E. It. Squibb, 
M.D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., who have for many years used the 
system for all nice work. 
Nearly all of our best men regard the metrical system as well 
assured and secured upon the safe ground; first, of the growing 
necessity for something better than the old system; and 
second, that it is very much better, and probably quite good 
enough for the next two thousand years; and it has been 
as a system, so well constructed, and so well matured, that in 
less than eighty years, or two generations, it has had inherent 
force enough quietly to obtain the approval of a large majority 
of civilized nations, and is favored, if not adopted, by the best 
educated classes of all nations. AFTER-DINNEB SPEECH 
At a Banquet given in London, October 2, 1875, by the. Masonic Lodge over 
which the Prince of Wales presided, to Hon. Dr. J. A. Adrian, 
and Dr. Ed. C. Harwood, American Delegates to and 
Honorary Presidents of The International 
Medical Congress, in Brussels, 
Belgium, September, 1875. 
From the London Freemason. 
Worshipful Master and Brethren: 
Wherever I go, in my own country, in England, on the Con- 
tinent of Europe, in the halls of science, or at the social ban- 
quet, I always find myself overshadowed by my brother, friend, 
companion and colleague, Dr. J. A. Adrian, who has just spoken. 
These circumstances and the lateness of the hour will preclude 
any extended remarks on my part. 
It is with no ordinary degree of self-congratulation that we 
find ourselves surrounded by so many brethren of the mother 
country; and especially so, as we have met with such magnifi- 
cent hospitality and such warm and cordial greeting among 
you. Believe me when I tell you that warm is the heart that 
feels, and willing the tongue that speaks, and yet I cannot ex- 
press acceptably the feeling emotions that come welling up 
from the deepest fountains of the heart in response to the 
warm and fraternal greeting which you have extended to us on 
every and all occasions. There is indeed a bond of union be- 
tween brethren however distant; there is a common tie that 
comes up, unbidden, from the deepest fountains of the heart in 
response to those great and glorious principles of Freemasonry. 
And what are the great tenets of Freemasonry ? 
I answer, brotherly love, relief and truth. 
By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the 
whole human species as one family—the high, the low, the rich 
and the poor, as created by one common parent, and placed 
upon the same theatre of action, are to support and protect 
each other. These in connection with the three great tlieol - 51 
gical virtues—faith, hope and charity—are the golden links of 
that chain which binds earth to heaven—man to God. 
The strongest ties of fraternal feeling should ever exist among 
Masons of the mother country and those of America. And, 
brethren, did we but realize in all its force the fact that we are 
indeed brethren, and with the feelings and emotions and im- 
pulses which should move a brother earnestly to promote each 
other’s welfare and best interests, this world of ours would soon 
present a spectacle of bliss that even angels might wish to come 
down, make and call their own. 
Freemasonry in all its parts is an organization of principles 
brought from the highest source of human reason and divine 
revelation, and in their practical exhibition and Inoral influence, 
of untold value to the human family. 
Looking from its throne of brightness upon man in all its na- 
tural and assumed depravity, and regarding him in the light of 
a glorious future, not only as a social being connected by ties 
and impulses to his fellow man, but also as an immortal being, 
linked with beings of a higher source and a life that knows no 
ending ; an institution invested with attributes of such glorious 
consequences; and in the plenitude of that power, tearing 
down the bulwarks of human misery and awakening in the 
heart of man new thoughts, new hopes and new desires, and 
telling him that he may be not only happy, but how to make 
others happy, it is an organization that must flourish. It is the 
cause of civilization, virtue, religion and human happiness. 
Wherever its empire has been established, its reign has been 
marked with numberless blessings and its votaries made to re- 
joice in a cause which has done so much and is destined to ac- 
complish still more for poor humanity. In conclusion let me 
offer as a sentiment—“ The Brothers of the Mother Counfay 
and those of America—nowand forever—one and inseparable.” FROM THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN 
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
Twenty-seventh Annual Meeting, Held in the City of Philadelphia, 
June 6th, 1th, 8th. and 9th, 1876. 
Second Day, Wednesday, June 7tli. 
The delegates to the International Medical Congress at 
Brussels reported as follows :— 
Mr. President and Gentlemen of the American Medical Association : 
At the last meeting of your honorable body, held at Louis- 
ville, Ky., May 4 to 7 inclusive, 1875, the following resolution 
offered by Dr. Edward Seguin, of New York, was adopted, viz.:— 
“ Therefore, the American Medical Association resolve to 
nominate new delegates, commissioned to again advocate in 
Europe the unity of clinical observation, and charge them to 
report progress, in brief, at the meeting of 1876.” 
In accordance therewith, the following gentlemen were com- 
missioned as such delegates; namely, 
. Drs. H. D. Holton, of Vermont; A. E. M. Purdy, H. B. 
Sands, John Draper, J. C. Hutchison, E. C. Harwood, of 
New York; H. R. Storer, and L. F. Warner, of Massachu- 
setts ; E. T. Easley, of Texas; J. A. Adrian, of Indiana; and 
John Morris, of Maryland. 
Arriving at Brussels, Belgium, the American delegation was 
found to consist of only two members, Drs. J. A. Adrian, of 
Indiana, and E. C. Harwood, of New York. They felt great 
regret at not finding a larger number present. 
They were received with distinguished consideration and 
marked courtesy by the International Medical Congress, there 
convened on the 19tli day of September; and as soon as their 
presence was officially announced to that body, they were 
enthusiastically and unanimously made Honorary Presidents. 53 
Feeling the responsibility which devolved upon them, as the 
only representatives present from the American Medical Associa- 
tion, they at once proceeded to forward the measures which 
they had been appointed to advocate. They are not at the 
present time able to present the result of their efforts, owing 
to the fact that the transactions of the International Medical 
Congress have not yet reached this country. The serious 
illness of the Secretary-General, M. Warlomont, has also 
delayed that publication several months. They can, therefore, 
merely report progress. However, from conversations held 
with various distinguished gentlemen present on the occasion, 
they feel quite fully warranted in saying that their propositions 
in your behalf would be very favorably entertained. 
Your delegates wish to express the great pleasure and gratifi- 
cation which they experienced in the manner of their reception 
by the Congress, by the city of Brussels—having been made 
its guests—and by His Majesty, the King of Belgium, at the 
royal palace. 
They desire also to acknowledge courtesies from Drs. Edward 
Seguin, of New York; Henry Collignon, of Brussels; and 
Alexander Ogiston, Surgeon to the Aberdeen Boyal Infirmary, 
Scotland. 
They have .referred to the fact that, owing to the illness of 
the Secretary-General of the International Congress, the publi- 
cation of its Transactions, in extenso, has been delayed several 
months. 
They are happy to say that they were fortunate enough to 
secure and bring with them an official copy of the Minutes of 
the Congress, published in a small pamphlet in the French 
language. From this document, through the courtesy of Hr. 
George W. Wells, of New York City, a translation of the 
essential points of what transpired has been made and compiled, 
under the title, “Brief Resume of the Proceedings of the 
International Medical Congress at Brussels, 1875,” etc., a copy 
of which is herewith submitted as a portion of this report. 
To the English reading portion of our profession this Resume 
will be found of special interest; but the French reading 
physician is referred to the full Transactions, which may be 54 
obtained from tlie Secretary-General at a cost in gold of about 
the same as our own Transactions. 
All of which is respectfully submitted in behalf of the 
American Delegation to the International Medical Congress, 
Brussels. 
EDWARD C. HARWOOD, M.D., of New York, 
Chairman. CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON INFLAMMATION 
OF THE MASTOID CELLS. 
Read before the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Society. November 
\5th, 1876. 
Reprint from the Virginia Medical Monthly, Richmond. 
Mr. President and, Gentlemen: The paper as announced for 
this evening is founded upon one case, selected from several 
which have come under my observation. 
It is not my purpose to enter into.an elaborate and extended 
dissertation as to the nature and causation of the affection 
under consideration. Suffice it to say that the disease, in my 
experience, is more frequently the result of a strumous dia- 
thesis, cold, neglected otorrhoea following scarlatina and 
measles, etc. It is oftener observed in children than in adults ; 
in the latter, it frequently results from traumatic causes and 
syphilis. 
Case.—Julia Higgins, now before you, aged ten years, resid- 
ing in this city, had, as I was informed, always up to this time 
(April, 1874,) been a healthy and active child, with the excep- 
tion that at the age of six she suffered considerably from whoop- 
ing cough and scarlet fever, which were both severe. During 
the paroxysm of coughing, the cerebral congestion was of a 
remarkable character. She often had bleeding from the nose 
and ears, accompanied by vomiting. On recovering from her 
attack of scarlet fever, there remained a discharge from the 
left ear, which continued until about the middle of September 
last without interfering with her general good health. A few 
days before I saw her, while at school, she was attacked with 56 
ear and toothache, in consequence of which she was obliged 
to go home and remain there. So great was her suffering, that 
on the morning of April 18th, 1874, at two o’clock, her parents 
were obliged to seek the advice of a physician. 
When I arrived at her bedside, I found her in convulsions. 
A hot water and mustard pediluvium was ordered, and dry 
cups were applied to the nape of the neck, but without the 
desired effect. I then administered chloroform by inhalation, 
which promptly arrested the convulsions. 
I now discovered that her pupils wTere widely dilated, giving 
no response to light, and that there was complete paralysis of 
the right side—the latter condition being first made manifest by 
the fact that when the bed covering was turned down from the 
chest, she would immediately put it up again with her left 
hand. The left side immediately responded to irritation ; but 
over the entire right side there was no sensation. I therefore 
diagnosed compression of the brain, from an unknown cause, 
and regarded the case as a desperate one. The pulse at the 
time (three o’clock A. M.) was 160 per minute ; temperature. 
105°F. I administered* ol. tiglii, gtt. ij, placing it well back 
upon the tongue, together with an enema,t composed of ol. 
ricini, §ss ; ol. terebinth., gss; aq. bul., §iv. In twenty minutes 
the patient arose from her bed, and walked in a delirions man- 
ner about her room, moaning the while; then she evacuated 
freely both the rectum and bladder; after which she volun- 
tarily assumed the recumbent position—still, however, mani- 
festing traces of delirium. The pupils now appeared natural, 
and readily responded to a strong light. At five o’clock A. M., 
the pulse was down to 120 ; temperature, 102°. I then ordered : 
4-R. Potassii iodidi 5j 
Potassii bromid 5ss 
Aquae purae §iv 
Syrup, glycyrrliizae j M. 
Metrically rendered— 
*R. Ol. tiglii, gram 65 
+R. 01. ricini . 
Tereb. aa gram 14.76 
Aq. bull 118. M. 
dt. Pot. iod. gram. ...... 3.69 
Pvot. brom 14 76 
Aq 118. M. 57 
Sig. A dessertspoonful every hour until my return, wlii< It 
was about 9.30 A. M. 
On ipy return, I found her sufficiently conscious to recognize 
her friends, but some of those whom she knew most intimately 
she could not call by name. The treatment was continued with 
slight variation, administering the bromide mixture at longer 
intervals until the 22d, during which time I had ascertained 
that the cerebral trouble and hemiplegia were the result of 
inflammation of the mastoid cells. I determined to operate, 
and with that view I had this instrument (Fig. 1), made by 
C. E. Hiker, 1227 Broadway, New York. 
Fig, 1. 
On the morning of November 23cl, 1874, assisted by my friend, 
Dr. Charles A. Leale, having anaesthetized the patient with 
sulphuric ether, I made a crucial incision over the mastoid 
process, about one-half an inch posterior to the ear, down to 
the bone, which was found to be roughened. About two 
ounces of pus immediately made its exit. Then with a small 
trephine (7-16 of an inch, Fig. 1), I cut through the table of 
the bone, and the removal of a corresponding-sized button was 
followed by a small amount of pus. The wound was then 
closed by two sutures, with the exception of the lower portion, 
which was left open for the exit of pus, aud dressed with cold 
water. 
One o’clock P. M. Patient comfortable, with the exception 
of slight pain in the region of the wound. Pulse, 106; tem- 
perature, 99.8°. Ordered tinct. opii, if necessary to procure 
rest. 
Five P. M. Temperature, 104° ; pulse, 106° ; tinct. opii given. 
Nov. 24. 10 A. M. Patient had a good night’s rest—sleeping 
until 8 AM., when bromide mixture was given, together with 
generous diet. Pulse, 100 ; temperature, 98.5°. 
Three o’clock P. M., Pulse, 100; temperature, 99.5°. Sprayed 
the wound with carbolized soap and water, and dressed the 
same with carbolized tow moistened with warm water. 58 
I shall not attempt to give a detailed statement of the symp- 
toms and treatment; suffice it to say that the case was closely 
watched, all symptoms noted, and indications promptly fulfilled. 
She was ordered a generous diet, with as much fresh air as she 
could avail herself of ; and no unfavorable accident supervened 
to prevent her rapid progress toward health, and I discontinued 
my daily visits on the 12th of the following month : 
I again quote from my notes : 
Dec. 21. The family have been attending to the dressing since 
my last visit. Some discharge continues from the external ear, 
as well as from the upper and lower sinuses of the wound. I 
left the case, with instructions to call at my office if anything 
appeared to be wrong. 
In five days, my patient called and was entirely well, with 
the exception of deafness in the left ear, and continued so 
until about two weeks since. Complaining of pain in the ear 
and tenderness over the track of the old cicatrix, syringing 
with warm water relieved her. 
I recently mentioned the particulars of the case to my friend, 
Dr. D. Webster, who kindly requested me to send the patient 
to his office for examination. She accordingly went, and 
returned with the following note: 
“No. 19 East 39th Street, 
“New York, November 11th, 1876. 
“ My Dear Doctor:—Julia Higgins is, so far as I am able to 
judge, entirely deaf in her left ear. Slie c\oes not even hear 
the tuning fork with it when placed against the forehead. She 
has a large perforation of the membrana tympani, leaving only 
a rim on all sides, except the lower portion, where not a vestige 
is left. The auditory canal, is normal, except that it is some- 
what excoriated from being constantly bathed with offensive 
pus from the middle ear. That there has been loss of substance 
of this mastoid is evident enough. 
“Hoping to meet you Wednesday night, I remain 
“ Yours sincerely, D. Webster, 
“P. S.—Cleansing and astringents are indicated. D. W.” 59 
This, Mr. President, completes what I have to say at present 
on the subject; and as it is the custom of the Society to allow 
its members to express their views on all subjects brought 
before it, I hope to be followed by remarks or the narration of 
cases by others, which wrill no doubt add material interest to 
this meeting. 
DISCUSSION. 
Prof. J. L. Little, M.D., said: I liave listened with a great 
deal of pleasure to Dr. Harwood’s interesting paper on mastoid 
disease. The operation of trephining or opening the mastoid 
ptocess, in cases of suppuration or caries of the mastoid cells, 
has become of late years a recognized procedure. In two cases 
which have occured in my practice, after an incision was made 
through the soft parts and the bone exposed, a fistulous open- 
ing was found, leading into the mastoid cells. In a large 
proportion of cases, this condition will be found when the 
external incision is made, and all that is necessary for the 
surgeon to do is to enlarge this opening so as to permit a free 
escape of the pus. This can be very easily done, I think, by 
an instrument used by dentists called the “burr drill.” These 
drills can be obtained of different sizes, so that the opening 
may be enlarged to any extent. (The doctor exibited these 
drills to the Society, Fig. 2.) 
Mastoid disease is rarely, if ever, a primary affection. In 
all the cases which have come under my notice, a discharge 
from the ear had existed for some time previous. Inflamma- 
tion of the middle ear, with perforation of the membrana 
tympani, is the primary difficulty. Patients with so-called 
“otorrhoea,” or, more properly speaking, suppuration of the 
middle ear, are always exposed to two formidable complica- 
tions : First, Mastoid disease, and second, cerebral abscess by 
the extention of the inflammation through the roof of the 
tympanum. This last condition occurs more frequently than 
the first, and is always fatal. 60 
In all cases where complaint is made of severe pain in the 
head accompanying a discharge from the ear, a careful exam- 
ination of the mastoid process should be made, and 
if tenderness exists, or if the scalp is swollen and 
oedematous, at this point a free incision down to the 
bone should be made at once. In some cases, sim- 
ple periostitis exists, and the incision gives imme- 
diate relief. If relief is not afforded, perforation or 
trephining of the mastoid should be resorted to. 
A case of this disease came under my observation 
while lecturing at Burlington, Vt., last June. I was 
called in consultation with Dr. A. P. Grinnell to see 
an old lady about sixty-five years of age, who had 
suffered from a discharge of pus from the right ear 
for some months. About two weeks before I saw 
her, she had severe pain in the right side of the 
head, and especially in the vicinity of the mastoid. 
Swelling over the mastoid took place, and Dr. Grin- 
nell very properly made an incision, and a quantity 
of pus made its escape. On examination, I found 
the external meatus filled with pus, and so swollen 
that a speculum examination could not be made. 
The incision over the mastoid was enlarged, and a 
probe could be passed through the bone into the 
mastoid cells, and as the pus seemed to have a free 
outlet, nothing more was advised to be done. Prof. 
D. B. St. John Boosa, M. D., of this city, was pres- 
ent and concurred in the advice. In a few days after, however, 
brain symptoms manifested themselves, and the patient sank 
into a comatose condition and died. 
In conclusion, Mr. President, I would call the attention of 
the members of the Society to the importance of a careful ex- 
amination and the early treatment of all cases of aural disease 
accompanied by a discharge of pus from the ear. 
Dr. C. S. Wood said: I have, during a period of twenty-five 
years, been so fortunate or unfortunate as to have seen quite 
a number of cases of mastoid disease ; some of them terminated 
fatally, while others have recovered by the supervention of 
suppuration from the ear. We all are well aware that the 
Fig. 2. 61 
cause of the disease is suppurative otitis and is usually the re- 
sult of scarlet fever. As a rule suppuration has existed for a 
considerable period of time, the child enjoying good health in 
the meantime, when, from exposure to cold, the discharge 
suddenly ceases, or nearly so, at which time cerebral symptoms 
at once become manifest. There is fever, anorexia, vomiting 
and restlessness, often preceded by convulsions, soon followed 
by coma and local or general paralysis. On examination of 
the post-auricular region, usually there is found more 
or less redness and tumefaction, pressure upon which causes 
the patient to cry with pain. In such cases there is no ques- 
tion about the propriety of making a free incision down to the 
bone, which, with the application of warmth and moisture over 
the ear, will, by the reestablishment of the discharge relieve 
all the threatening symptoms. In the majority of the cases, 
such will be the result; but, if the suppuration is not repro- 
duced, the severe symptoms will not yield, when it may be- 
come necessary to make an opening through the outer table of 
the skull. Even after this operation many, perhaps, according 
to my experience, most of them die, as we do not always 
get pus as expected, it having formed, by a sort of metastasis, 
in some other portions of the brain. 
I have recently lost a case, a girl aged six years, where the 
suppuration had existed for more than two years, caused by 
scarlet fever, which ceased suddenly after exposure, when cere- 
bral symptoms immediately supervened, without any special 
evidence of mastoid disease, sufficient to justify an operation. 
Still she had strabismus, vomiting, coma, etc., and died within 
a week from the time of attack as I predicted she would unless 
the discharge from the ear could be reestablished, which, un- 
fortunately, was not the case. 
I have lost several patients under similar conditions, and 
some of them after operating and expecting to find pus enclosed 
in the mastoid cells, and am of the opinion that where we can 
reestablish the original discharge (which in the majority of 
cases we can do), they will recover ; but if not, whether with or 
without an operation, the prognosis is very grave. 
Dr. A. E. Eobinson said : Inflammation of the mastoid cells 
can follow either an otitis interna or a periostitis partis mas- 62 
toidese ossis temporis. This latter inflammation can be either 
primary, i. e. arise independently from mechanical injuries or 
chemical irritants to the part; or, as is generally the case, it 
is secondary to some inflammation in the neighborhood. The 
most frequent cause, however, of an inflammation of those cells 
is an otitis interna purulenta. This form of inflammation can 
arise ex contiguo from inflammation in cavo pharyngo-nasali, 
and is a frequent sequence of scarlatina and variola, especially 
in scrofulous children. Inflammation of the mastoid cells ap- 
pears to be a common accompaniment of a purulent inflamma- 
tion of the middle ear; but it is rare for the inflammation to 
pass further inward. When this latter occurs, it does so by 
passing along the vessels and connective tissue bundles in the 
sinus sigmoidus producing a phlebitis in the sinus ; or a throm- 
bus is formed with or without a breaking down of the latter, 
and from here the inflammation passes inward and produces a 
meningitis, or encephalitis, or both. I can confirm Gubler in 
the statement that inflammation of the brain is not a frequent 
consequence of an otitis interna in young children, for though I 
have seen a great many cases of otitis interna purulenta in 
children—and consequently of inflammation of the mastoid 
cells, I have not yet seen a case in which the inflammation has 
passed to the brain or its membranes. When the inflamma- 
tion is seriously threatening to extend inward from the mas- 
toid cells in spite of the operation of myringotomy, or spon- 
taneous perforation of the tympanum by the pent-up pus, the 
operation of trephining down to the cells should, according to 
all authorities, be performed without delay. These cases, when 
operated upon, however, are usually not so fortunate in their 
termination as was Dr. Harwood’s. Therefore on account of 
this very danger of the inflammation spreading from the mas- 
toid cells inward and proving fatal, I think cases of inflamma- 
tion of the middle ear especially, should not be neglected in 
the manner they usually are, either because the patients 
are unaware of the possible ulterior result, or that the physi- 
cian in charge is not competent to treat such cases and allows 
them to proceed unchecked. Such cases, I believe, should 
always be placed in competent hands, and I never fail to direct 
such patients where they will receive the proper treatment. 
But few medical men possess the requisite knowledge to treat 63 
those cases, and if the forms of ear diseases which sometimes 
lead to inflammation of the mastoid cells, and from them to 
the brain or its meninges were early and judiciously treated, 
there Avould be fewer fatal cases from implication of the brain, 
and the valuable sense of hearing would be oftener preserved 
than is the case at present. 
Dr. J. A. Adrian, of Logansport, Ind., being present, was 
called upon for an expression of his experience and observa- 
tion in the treatment of the case under consideration. He 
asked : When there has been for a long time considerable 
swelling or tumefaction, redness, tenderness and pain in the 
mastoid region, with or without a discharge from the ear, is 
the surgeon justifiable in cutting down and making an opening 
into the mastoid cells ? 
Dr. Little answered in the affirmative. 
Dr. Adrian said : In the course of a long experience, and 
somewhat extensive observation, I have been led, and especial- 
ly of late years, to make a free opening. In the cases where 
there had been a discharge from the ear, it almost invariably 
ceased, after an opening into the mastoid cells ; and in these 
cases where no discharge existed, there was no subsequent dis- 
charge. In these cases when a discharge has existed for a 
long time, the incision should be kept open for some time ; 
otherwise the discharge will not be permanently controlled. I 
think the disease is most frequently associated with a strumous 
diathesis. When such is the case, tonics and mild alteratives, 
and in short remedies which will elevate and sustain the vital 
forces, will be of much service in accomplishing a permanent 
cure. 
Dr. Harwood said : I have listened with much gratification 
to the remarks which have been made, and consider them of 
very much importance in connection with the subject as pre- 
sented. Prof. Little’s mode of operating differs considerably 
from my own. I see no reason, however, to take exceptions to 
it ; but as a matter of fancy I prefer to operate with the instru- 
ment I have devised, at the same time extending the privilege 
to others of selecting whatever mode of procedure or instru- 
ment that may be desirable. An ordinary carpenter’s gimlet 
has been successfully used for this purpose. The important 
point to bear in mind is to operate early when necessary. NORTH-WESTERN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL 
SOCIETY. 
Special Meeting, held August 9, 1877. 
The President, Dr. C. S. Wood, on assuming the chair, spoke 
briefly of the sadness of the occasion which had caused us to 
convene, after which Dr. Ed. C. Harwood followed with 
Remarks on the Life and Character of Wm. E. H. Post. 
Mr. President: 
For the first time since the organization of the North-West- 
ern Medical and Surgical Society, death has invaded its ranks and 
plucked from among its members one who was well beloved by 
his fellows, and one whom his associates delighted to honor. 
Wm. E. H. Post, M.D., is no more. He has passed through 
the portals of eternity, and is now cognizant of those realities 
which will be known to all at no distant day. For we too 
must soon close our eyes on all things here, and open them on 
things in the eternal state. 
Dr. Post was born in the quaint and pleasant village of Quogue, 
Long Island, February 27, 1848. He was the second of a 
family of three sons. His father’s name was George O. Post, 
and he was an old and respected resident of the above men- 
tioned town. He was in easy circumstances, and was thus 
enabled to give his son, our departed friend and associate, the 
advantages of a private tutor in his early childhood. 
In due time he was prepared for a higher course of study, 
removed to Williamstown, Mass., and engaged in a three years’ 
preparation for college under the supervision of Prof. N. H. 
Griffin. He entered Williams College in 1866, and graduated 
in 1870. From letters received from his associates and teachers, 
we learn that young Post was studious, generous, ever ready 
to aid in trouble and assist in distress. 
A classmate says: “ Dr. Post was a school and college mate 
of mine, and a very dear friend. Together we prepared for 
college at Dr. N. H. Griffin’s School—together we joined the First 
Congregational Church in this place (Williamstown). We 65 
roomed together more than two years of our College Course, 
and were as dear to each other as are brothers. Of all the 
friends I have ever had, or fellows I have ever known, none 
were kinder, more generous and affectionate to me than Will 
Post. 
“ He was always to be trusted in every place, and was loved 
by all who knew him. * * * * * He always took 
an active—though not prominent—part in Church Prayer 
Meetings, and I think his faith and trust in God rarely if 
ever wavered when the rest of us were in doubt. 
“ His was a life not to be filled with marked incidents, but 
the one thing which you always felt about him was his reliability 
and steadfastness.” 
Dr. Post was apparently always inclined to the Profession 
of Medicine ; for this same classmate who knew him so well, 
and who bears such precious testimony concerning him, pro- 
ceeds to say : “ He was ‘ cut out ’ for a physician from the first. 
Hone knew as well as he when another was ailing, and 
just how much, and what to do for him.” 
One of the Professors of Williams College says: “ W. E. 
H. Post, fitted for college with my father, the late Rev. N. H. 
Griffin. * * * * I was not in Williamstown during his 
school and college days, and had, therefore, only a slight ac- 
quaintance with him. I was, however, much drawn to him by 
his cordial, manly ways, when I did occasionally see him, and 
the news of his sudden death gives me much sorrow.” 
Thus we find him after a literary training of seven years, ready 
to engage in the preparation for his life work. Accordingly in 
the fall of 1870 he registered himself as student in the office of 
Prof. James R. Wood, of this city, and became a matriculant in 
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College soon after. He attended 
three courses of lectures in that institution, and received the 
Degree of Doctor in Medicine in the spring of 1873. 
He determined to commence the practice of his profession 
immediately, and accordingly opened an office at No. 243 West 
Forty-third Street, where he remained until April, 1875, 
whence he removed to 233 West Fifty-first Street, the office 
occupied by him at the time of his death. In October, 1874, 
he was appointed by the Board of Health, an Assistant Sani- 66 
tary Inspector, which office he filled with credit to himself and 
the satisfaction of his superiors. 
About this time he was attacked with malarial fever with 
manifestations of a typhoid character. He was confined to his 
house six weeks. 
Upon recovering he resumed his professional duties, and 
continued in the full discharge of the same up to the begin- 
ning of the fatal attack of peritonitis from which he died. 
He was taken sick on Thursday morning, the 19th of July, 
with a chill, on Friday morning, at 10 o’clock, with severe pain, 
and immediately sent for Dr. J. H. Ripley, who at once re- 
sponded to the call, and continued to attend him in conj unction 
with Drs. Bliss, Bryant, Metcalf and Hawes, until death re- 
lieved him of his suffering on the evening of Monday, July 
23d, at 6:50 o’clock. His funeral occurred at his late residence 
on the morning of Wednesday, July 25th, at 10J o’clock. The 
services were conducted by the Rev. George H. Houghton, 
and the remains conveyed the next morning to his native vil- 
lage, where they were quietly deposited in their last resting 
place amid the scenes of his early childhood, by the side of his 
ancestors, of which he represented the fifth generation, mourned 
by his relatives, former neighbors and friends. 
And as the moistened earth quietly settled with hollow sound 
upon the casket which contained all that was mortal of our late 
beloved member and officer, it did not reveal a greater void, or 
touch a chord more tender in the hands of his more immediate 
friends than that which exists in our own. 
We might here close our brief account of Dr. Post, were it 
not for an incident connected with his closing hours no less 
beautiful than as one more exponent of his honorable nature. 
As the evening of Monday was drawing nigh, and he was sur- 
rounded by his friends and medical attendants, he asked, 
“ What is my temperature, what is the rate of my pulse ?” A 
direct answer was not given. He was told that they had not 
been taken. They would take the pulse and temperature in 
a little while, and then they would tell him. They then took 
it, and found the temperature to be 107 degrees, and the pulse 
160. 
“ That’s a bad pulse and temperature, too bad to expect to 67 
get well with. You should have told me before.” Then he 
desired to be stimulated, and wanted to know how long he 
would live. He was told that he would survive probably four 
or five hours. After he had somewhat revived, he requested 
that his affianced, who was in the house, be called, together 
with a clergyman, and at that solemn time, two hours before 
his death, while the shadows of evening and the dark night of 
death were gathering around, he fulfilled an honorable promise 
made some time previous, and Miss Mary Mylford became his 
wife. Alas! how soon to be widowed. 
The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Houghton, as- 
sisted by Dr. Post’s personal friend, Rev. J. F. Stern. But 
while missed by many others, he will be missed also by our 
organization. He held two important offices in this society; 
namely, that of Secretary and Treasurer, to which offices he 
was elected March 15, 1876, the offices being made vacant by 
the retirement of Samuel B. Ward, M.D., to accept a Profes- 
sorship in the Albany Medical College. 
He was re-elected at the annual meeting in December of the 
same year; and although the duties connected with these positions 
were onerous, none enjoyed our scientific and social gatherings 
more than he; none took more pains or manifested more de- 
light or experienced more pride in preparing for them than Dr. 
Post. 
It has been my privilege to be present with him at the 
operating table, and to meet him in the pestilential chamber, 
and I have ever found him prompt and decisive in the dis- 
charge of every duty, intrepid in danger, and a man in every 
respect! 
On motion of Dr. Bosworth, it was ordered * * * that 
a committee be appointed to draft suitable resolutions to the 
memory and worth of Dr. Post. 
The Committee on Obituary reported the following, which 
was approved: 
Whereas, Recognizing the will of a Divine Providence in the 
decease of our late associate and Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Wm. 
E. H. Post, and desiring to record our appreciation of his worth 
while among us, and our bereavement at his death, peculiarly 
sad and sudden; be it 68 
Resolved, That the Medical Profession has lost an upright and 
faithful member, and our Society an esteemed and honored 
brother. 
Resolved, That we extend our heart-felt sympathy to his family 
for this their irreparable loss. 
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to his 
family and also to the “ New York Medical Record“ for publi- 
cation. 
F. H. Bosworth, 
Ed. C. Harwood, 
Geo. B. Fowler. 
Committee. to THE MEMO$y 
OF OUR LATE 
SECRETARY AND TREASURER, 
IVho Died July 2 jd, 1877, 
Aged 29 Years, 4. Months and 2 b Days, 
NORTHW-ESTBSR 
Medical aND URCrICAr, Society 
DEDICATE THIS PAGE, 
In recognition of his unselfish, 
Upright walk, charitable deeds, Christian and 
social graces; 
In testimony of his unceasing devotion to our profession 
and the duties of his official positions, 
and as a tribute of affection, 
.for a STrusteb anil 
-tfrienir. 
James L. Little, M.D., 
Ed. C. Harwood, M.D., 
Secretary. REPORT OF A CASE OF PISTOL-SHOT WOUND 
OF THE SECOND AND THIRD CERVICAL VERTEBRAE, CONSIDERED IN 
ITS MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS.—ATTEMPTED 
SUICIDE.—DEATH.* 
From the Bulletin of the Medico-Legal Society of New York, Vol. IV., 
No. 5, March, 1881. 
Gentlemen: I have the honor to report for your considera- 
tion this evening a case of pistol-shot wound of the vertebrae 
of the neck, caused by an attempt at suicide, which is interest- 
ing not only per se, but which presents some important Medico- 
Legal bearings, and upon which I would be pleased to have 
the expressed opinion of the Society. 
A few months ago I was requested, in the early part of the 
evening to visit Mrs. , age 48, the statement made by 
the messenger being that she was suffering from a severe attack 
of sore throat. Being professionally engaged at the time, and 
not able to respond promptly, I made some hasty inquiries, 
and was told that she had been well in the morning; that her 
husband had left her so, and on returning in the evening found 
her suffering from sore throat; hence the urgent call for a 
physician. I said I could not respond at the time, and that if 
the symptoms were of a very urgent nature, another physician 
had better be called ; but the family desired my services, and I 
was retained to attend her. 
Shortly afterwards I proceeded to her house, and at twelve 
o’clock in the evening found her sitting on the sofa, with ap- 
parently nothing in her appearance to indicate any grave state 
of affairs. On interrogating her as to her condition, she stated 
simply that she had “sore throat.” Her pulse was normal, 
or but little above, countenance calm, and there was a general 
* Meeting of Feb. 2, 1881, 71 
absence of external symptoms of a serious nature. On exam- 
ing her mouth and depressing the tongue, I found the latter 
organ very black, thickened and congested. It filled the mouth, 
and made it difficult to open it. I asked her several questions, 
which she failed to answer in a satisfactory manner, because of 
her inability to articulate freely. I asked her to write the 
answers, but she refused to answer any questions by writing. 
In short the whole affair had the appearance of mystery. 
Upon a further examination of the fauces, the first thing to 
suggest itself was gangrene; but when I considered that she 
had been well in the morning, and that there was absence of 
the usual collateral symptoms of gangrene, that conclusion was 
laid aside. 
The next idea to suggest itself was that there had been an 
attempt at suicide from corrosive acid. But there was ab- 
sence of pallor or any indication of the loss of blood. I felt, 
therefore, that she knew'more about the case than I did, and 
treated it upon the expectant plan. 
Having procured the necessary syringes, I applied warm 
water douches, and continued the same at intervals through 
the night. At six o’clock I allowed myself a few hours’ rest. 
On reflection, I concluded that I would question her more par- 
ticularly as to the cause of her condition, aud during the ab- 
sence of other members of the family. She seemed anxious, 
and wanted to know the probabilities of her recovery. I also 
considered that, whatever her knowledge of the case might be, 
we had better have counsel. She then told me that she had 
attempted her life with her husband’s pistol, by firing two 
shots in her mouth. On inquiring for the pistol, she told me 
it was in the bureau drawer. On examining the mouth, with 
this information, I found that one of the projectiles had pene- 
trated the tongue, entering about an inch from the apex, 
passed through the tongue lengthwise, coming out at the base 
and imbedding itself in the cervical vertebrae.* Its location 
was confirmed by the aid of Nelaton’s probe. I then went 
to my office to procure proper instruments for the extraction 
* With reference to the velocity of the ball, experiments subsequently made with the same pistol, 
held in close proximity, proved the penetrating power sufficient to perforate an inch board and be- 
come deeply imbedded in another board of the same thickness. 72 
of the bullets, together with the oral speculum of Dr. Whitehead. 
I fortunately secured the assistance of my friend Dr. C. A. 
Leale. We endeavored, by our conjoined efforts and the aid 
of reflected light, to extract the bullets. We had three sittings. 
On the first day we did not succeed; neither did wTe on the 
second, although we got hold of a bullet: but on the third 
day I succeeded in extracting one. It had passed through 
the soft palate; but the opening was so small that we were 
obliged to enlarge the original orifice with a scalpel. I failed 
to extract the second ball. 
She seemed very anxious that no one should be informed of 
what had happened, as none of the family were at all suspicious 
of the true state of affairs. But I told her that it would be 
very essential that she should give me in writing a statement 
of her case, the circumstances connected with it, and the 
reasons which induced her to make this attempt at suicide. I 
assured her that I would not use the statement unless I was 
compelled to, but that I must have it for my own protection. 
It is as follows, names being omitted for obvious reason: 
“ Dr. Ed. C. Harwood: I have not been feeling well in a 
long time. Am naturally very nervous, and I imagine all sorts 
of things that no one would ever think of. I feel at times as 
though I should go right through the window. Would go and 
close my blinds every night. Could not see into my rooms. 
My family all being away from day to day, it left me alone to 
my gloomy, sad feeling, and I got so excited, and my brain w*as 
so crazed, it seemed all on fire, that last Saturday, at two 
o’clock P. M., I took a pistol from ’s* drawer and fired 
two shots into my mouth, with the intention of taking my life. 
I was on my son’s bed when I fired them. I lay awhile, 
then got up, took off the sheets and pillow-slips, put them away 
in the clothes-basket, and when he came home I sent him out 
after you ; and when you came that night, I could not tell 
you ; but after working over me all night, as you did, not 
knowing what I had done, I knew I must tell you.” 
The case was treated according to the most approved 
* Naming her husband. 73 
methods, in mj judgment and that of professional friends— 
two different surgeons beside myself seeing her. She lingered 
for three months, suffering a great deal of pain. There were 
abscesses which were opened and discharged freely. She died 
at the expiration of the period mentioned. 
The case was reported as one of caries of the cervical verte- 
brae, cervical abscess, septicaemia, and asthenia. 
By inspection of the pathological specimen which I show 
you, it will be seen that the odontoid process is entirely ne- 
crosed, and has disappeared ; the anterior portion of the 
atlas had been fractured but reunited completely ; the spinous 
processes are almost entirely destroyed. The second ball, 
which could not be found until at the autopsy, which was very 
nicely made by Dr. E. C. Spitzka, the Curator and Pathologist 
of the Society, may be seen in situ, between the second and 
third vertebrae. 
Since the specimen has been macerated in alcohol, it has 
shrunk, so that it is not quite as good a specimen as it was 
when first prepared. 
The free ball shown you is the one which was extracted. The 
marks of the forceps on the bullet are plainly visible. 
The Medico-Legal bearing of this case, it seems to me, is of 
importance to the profession, and its consideration involves a 
reply to the question whether, under the circumstances, as re- 
lated, of a person dying eventually from self-inflicted violence, 
I was justified in pursuing the course I did, of not bringing it 
to the notice of the coroner. I feel, myself, that my course 
was the only proper one. The family was one that I had 
known intimately for many years. They were people of wealth 
and culture. There was not the slightest suspicion of foul play 
or criminal carelessness, and I thought that, under such cir- 
cumstances, and such people, it was better that a matter of 
this character should never be brought before the public and 
be heralded through the press. 
I am aware that the law regulating coroners’ inquests in the 
County of New York (Chap. 462, Laws of 1871) reads as fol- 
lows : 
“ Section 1. Hereafter, when in the City and County of 74 
New York, any person shall die from criminal violence, or by 
a casualty, or suddenly, when in apparent health, or when un- 
attended by a physician, or in prison, or in any suspicious or 
unusual manner, the coroner shall subpoena a properly quali- 
fied physician, who shall view the body of such deceased per- 
son externally, or make an autopsy thereon, as may be required 
| preparatory to an inquest].” 
But, while recognizing the superiority of the law, my own 
conscience supports me in the conviction, that here was ap- 
parently a conflict between law and a physician’s duty. We 
are obliged by the laws of the State to keep inviolate the secrets 
of patients necessary to the proper performance of professional 
duty, as will be seen from the following quotation from a 
report of the Permanent Commission of this Society, in reply 
to an inquiry by the Philadelphia Obstetrical Society (through 
Dr. John H’ Packard, as its President), which very valuable 
report may be found in the Second Series of Medico-Legal 
Papers, pp. 46-48, inclusive. The lawr there quoted is as fol- 
lows : 
“No person duly authorized to practice physic or surgery 
shall be allowed to disclose any information which he may 
have acquired in attending any patient in a professional char- 
acter, and which information was necessary to enable him to 
prescribe for such patient, as a physician, or to do any act for 
him as a surgeon.” (Part 3, chap. 7, title 3, art. 8, sec. 73, 
R. S.) 
Whether this law applies to this case, or not, I leave for de- 
termination to the legal side of the house. 
I hold in my hand a translation of the ancient Hippocratic 
oath, which, with your permission, I will read: 
HIPPOCRATIC OATH. 
“I swear by Apollo, the physician, and Aesculapius, and 
Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that 
according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath 
and this stipulation—to reckon him who taught me this art 
equally dear to me as my parents ; to share my substance 75 
with him, and relieve his necessities if required ; to look upon 
his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to 
teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee 
or stipulation, and that by precept, lecture, and every other 
mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the art to 
my own sons and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound 
by stipulation and oath, according to the law of medicine; but 
to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, 
according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the bene- 
fit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious 
and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if 
asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner, I 
will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With 
purity and holiness I will pass my life and practice my art. I 
will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave 
this to be done by men w'ho are practitioners of this work. 
Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the 
benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act 
of mischief and corruption ; and further, from the seduction 
of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in 
connection with my professional practice, or not in connection 
with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be 
spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all 
such should be kept secret. 
• “ While I continue to keep this oath inviolate, may it be 
granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected 
by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate 
this oath, may the reverse be my lot!” 
I also have before me the modern oath, which is adminis- 
tered to every graduate in medicine, by the authority of the 
State, before the degree is conferred. It is as follows : 
MODERN HIPPOCRATIC OATH. 
“ You do solemnly promise and declare that you will honestly, 
virtuously, diligently, and faithfully conduct yourselves in the 
discharge of the several duties of your profession ; that you will 
strive to preserve its purity and promote its advancement; that 
you will be kind and attentive to your patients, and treat their 76 
diseases, so far as your ability may avail, in such manner as 
shall most certainly secure their safety and promote their speedy 
recovery ; and that you will keep inviolate the innocent secrets 
of those persons and families to whom you may be called to 
render professional aid; you, moreover, do solemnly declare 
that you will never, by any considerations, be induced to ad- 
minister medicines or prescribe remedies for improper or per- 
nicious purposes. 
“And you do further agree, that in case of failure on your 
part to observe these obligations, the authorities of this college, 
from whom you received the right to exercise the healing art, 
may publicly revoke the same, and declare your diplomas null 
and void. 
“These obligations you do now, each of you, assume and 
acknowledge.” 
Mrs. — was a woman of thoughtful mind, liberal intelli- 
gence, and exemplified the characteristics of a good mother and 
loving wife in the highest degree; and I think that none of you 
will hesitate to agree with me, that my duty was to protect her 
and her family under the circumstances; but whether I acted 
entirely according to law or not, I am unable to say. I leave 
that, Mr. President, for this Society to determine. 
DISCUSSION. 
Hon. G. H. Yeaman remarked that whether the ethics of the 
medical profession required Dr. Harwood to disclose these 
facts or not, he did not know. As to the confidence between 
physician and patient, the law protects both, and prohibits the 
doctor from divulging any information that is communicated 
by the patient, which was necessary to a proper treatment of 
the case. They are sealed not only under professional confid- 
ence, but by the statute, and the seal cannot be broken without 
the consent of the patient. The doctor asks the question : 
Was he justified in the course pursued? He could only say 
that in the profession of law, they would take the course which 
Dr. Harwood had taken. Still he would defer to the other 
members of the bar who were present, and who understood 
coroner’s law better than he did. All could appreciate the fact 77 
that in the case of this cultured, respectable lady, who had been 
smitten with this peculiar frenzy which terminated in that act, 
and of the family, it would be a great stroke and mortification 
to have the circumstances of the case known, but publicly dis- 
cussed in the newspapers. It would require a very plain and 
positive statutory command to induce him (Mr. Yeaman), or to 
compel liipi, if he thought the best interests of all would be 
better served by withholding a similar case from the public, to 
report it, when he thought the happiness and peace of the fam- 
ily depended upon such a concealment. 
D. S. Riddle, Esq., had not given coroner’s law, in relation 
to the subject in hand, a very critical examination; but he 
wished to refer to a few points which had occurred to him. He 
did not wish to discuss the question raised by Dr. Harwood 
from the point of conscience or ethics, but from the point of 
law. There are three relations which the law regards confiden- 
tial ; those between physician and patient, lawyer and client, 
and clergyman and parishioner. Whatever disclosure is made 
by the patient to the physician in respect to the disease, or by 
the client to the lawyer in respect to the matter consulted about, 
or by the parishioner to the clergyman at the confessional, is 
confidential, and cannot be disclosed by physician, lawyer, or 
clergyman. The law will not allow it to be disclosed, and will 
not recognize it if disclosed. That is common law. He had in 
mind the case of a person who, at the confessional, disclosed 
to his confessor the fact that he had committed a murder. The 
secret was not and could not be disclosed, as the man knew, 
having been made to a priest at the confessional. Some time 
after this, however, this man met the same priest in the street 
and boastfully referred to his confession and the fact that it 
could not be divulged. But the priest replied: “What you 
told me at the confessional is sacred, but what you told me 
here is not. It is now my duty to inform on you ’’—and he 
did. This was strictly lawful. While it was the duty of this 
clergyman, as a good citizen, to disclose a crime which had 
come to his knowledge outside of his relations as a confessor, 
the law would not permit him to do so if he obtained the 
knowledge in his relation as such. The law will not penetrate 
the secret of this relation, and will allow no light to shine upon it. 78 
So in regard to communications made by a patient to his 
physician while the relation exists. 
There is no provision of law which Dr. Harwood violated 
when he refused to disclose what was said to him by his lady 
patient. 
It. J. O’Sullivan, M.D., has always been under the impres- 
sion that physicians were bound, according to the common ac- 
ceptation of the law, to report cases to the coroner if the case 
is criminal and life has been taken. He may be totally wrong ; 
but that is his impression. We should be careful how our 
sympathies are excited. 
Charles A. Leale, M.D., thought that the law of the State 
of New York amply protected the physician, lawyer, and clergy- 
man in cases of confidential communications, and even if pro- 
fessional men were not thus legally protected, no gentleman 
would for a moment doubt the propriety of burying forever 
secret communications (not beneficial to the living) made to re- 
gain health, by those no longer able to deny, or justify by ex- 
planation, the actions of life. Nor should any torture or threat 
have any avail in forcing such confidence to be betrayed, for 
just so surely as death is to be averted, so have absolute con- 
fessions to be made to the physician by those in all professions 
and conditions of existence. In justification of the laws of our 
State, Dr. Leale stated that shortly after receiving his diploma 
he was called to appear before the Grand Jury, and was impor- 
tuned by two of the jurymen for a direct answer to a leading 
question involving a dying statement made to him. He refused 
to impart the information, although threatened to be sent to 
prison for contempt. He appealed to the foreman, saying 
nothing could make him reveal it, when one of the jurymen 
present jumped up and said : “ Young man, do you refuse to 
answer a question of the Grand Jury ?” He replied, “ Yes, when 
it involves a professional communication.” A legal gentleman, 
then present, instructed the jury that by the laws of the State a 
physician was protected. Thereupon he was discharged, and 
the case never again was referred to. 
The doctor thought that Dr. Harwood had acted correctly in 
not permitting the publicity of an act for which no living person 
was responsible any more than if his patient had died of con- 79 
sumption, and which might cause pain and lasting sorrow to 
a large circle of intelligent and worthy members of society. Dr. 
Leale then expressed his opinion on a subject he had seriously 
considered for a number of years, viz: the eagerness with 
which not only the public but even the coroners render verdicts 
of suicide in cases where, perhaps, eccentricities or peculiar 
habits were seized upon as the easiest way of arriving at the 
supposed cause of an unexplainable or mysterious death. He 
did not believe that more than fifty per centum of the recorded 
deaths by suicide were in reality cases of self-destruction. The 
onus probandi being so difficult, we ought to be exceedingly cau- 
tious before permitting to be rendered the verdict of suicide, 
considered by so many an unpardonable sin, and which, accord- 
ing to the ecclesiastical laws, prevents a Christian burial. 
There are several Medico-Legal points illustrated by the case 
narrated by the author of the paper, but perhaps inadvertently 
omitted to be mentioned. First, the power of concealment 
which a patient might have after producing such an injury. 
He was called by the doctor in consultation to see this lady, 
and although the pistol was held within a few inches of the 
mouth, he could see no traces of the blackening by the charcoal 
of the powder, and as the wound of entrance was in such a vas- 
cular part and could only be seen by carefully examining the 
posterior fauces, by pressing the tongue forward, it can readily 
be understood how such a patient, if not minutely examined, 
could pass off her trouble as one of idiopathic tonsilitis, espe- 
cially during a severe epidemic of diphtheria, such as we in 
New \ ork were then having. The doctor gave the case a thor- 
ough examination, and by his treatment undoubtedly prolonged 
very much her life. He gave free exit to the discharge of pus, 
and frequently cleaned the then open wound thoroughly from 
the accumulations of the rapid destruction of tissue, which he 
had so often seen follow these injuries of the throat. Secondly, 
he was of the opinion that the woman was insane at the time 
she committed the act. She was at a critical period of her life, 
when we know women are frequently suffering from cerebral 
congestion. Just as menstruation ceases, women are subject 
to these severe attacks of transitory mania, and are often in the 
actual state of irresponsibility : and woe to the one who at this 80 
period wantonly irritates tlie unfortunate sufferer, as the experi- 
ence of many of us can verify. This lady had many of the sur- 
roundings to cause sleeplessness and disturbed mental equili- 
brium, and was in that state of frenzy placing her actions en- 
tirely beyond her own control. He thought that the doctor 
Avas perfectly justifiable and did right in keeping the secret; 
that he did all possible to save or prolong her life, and then 
protected the innocent family from the stigma of publicity, as 
Mr. Yeaman had so well expressed it. 
Dr. E. C. Spitzka stated that the case presented by Dr. 
Harwood Avas important from a Medico-Legal point of ArieAv. 
He did not think that the laAV required a case to be sent to the 
coroner unless it was the direct result of criminal \dolence. 
The death in this case was not the direct result of criminal 
violence, but was due to a series of causes which Avere remotely 
traceable to the injury. 
The remarkable feature in this case Avas that, while the an- 
terior half of the ring of the atlas had been entirely destroyed, 
and the articular process of one side of the epistropheus was 
carious, and that pus and detritus were in immediate proximity 
to the the spinal dura, the brain and cord, and their mem- 
branes, Avere entirely healthy. 
It may be interesting negatively to report that while this 
patient had eAridently committed the tentamen suicidii in a state 
of insanity—the form knoAvn as melancholia—a minute examin- 
ation failed to reveal the slightest evidences of disease in the 
brain-tissue, an experience in conformity with others he had 
made. 
Dr. Harwood said he Avas very much gratified at the interest 
which his report had awakened. He fully appreciated the re- 
marks of his friend Dr. Leale, in regard to the possible conceal- 
ment of the self-inflicted injury of his patient; but the fact that 
lie could not see any blackening from the powder should be no 
surprise to him or to any one else, Avhen he recalled the fact 
that Dr. Leale did not see the patient until twenty-four hours 
from the time the shooting occurred, and that he (Dr. HarAAOod) 
had practiced irrigation with warm Avater to the pharynx and 
buccal cavity for an almost uninterrupted period of six hours. 
Instead of the pistol being held within a feAv inches of the 81 
mouth, as Dr. Leale remarked, the real facts were that the 
muzzle had been inserted in the mouth, in order to avoid the 
liability of producing an unsightly corpse. 
He felt under lasting obligations to his friends Drs. Leale 
and Spitzka, for the support they both gave him in carrying 
out his convictions in regard to the propriety of keeping the 
record of this unfortunate woman hidden from the world. 
There was no act of his professional life that he could recall 
which afforded him more satisfaction than the one that this es- 
timable family had been saved through his instrumentality from 
the stigma of having it publicly known that this fond wife and 
mother, during an attack of frenzy had attempted her own life. 
The beautifully articulated vertebral column loaned him by 
his friend Prof. Lewis A. Sayre, showed more thoroughly than 
any description could, the difference between the abnormal and 
normal condition of the specimen presented. 
He felt that the law relating to the subject of confidential 
communications, and the professional oath as administered to 
those about to graduate in medicine, by authority of the State, 
thoroughly protected him in the course adopted in this case. 
FINIS.