WB iw KrfrTi as E^lllyi ^Tyr-^^jlil ffl ■SII^ ■yBBWRr*.' wl will ^Hit''2RV^E UriR1 gySyM&fj&y M*v t^MfigSl ^Wfl :/?#® Sft^'^qF °"^M AiAAAA^ SIp! 1 Wj 1 |g 1 IPl j£| TO ^uyp iV */&QrQQVQX)QrQQt)&D€>Z&rC3'dQrCQ'0Qr0- Surgeon General's Office y<7) n x cm ^nx ^§&W' i \ ^section,. 'it & No JJJA.&, sacyQx3X30agagQgQOQOX^gQC'QOX30e^ I I ! ANNIVERSARY ORATION DELIVERED BEFORE HE MEDICAL SOCIETY j DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SEPTEMBER 26, 1866, J. AE. TONEE, AI. 13 Printed by request of the Society. • ■■ART.S \YASHINGTOX, D. C. Cunningham & Mcintosh, Printers, 18 6 9. i : n WB T4.4a I2G9 •w„v,„„„„„„„„, 6„ „„ „,„,„„ ^ Q/ihe d c_ ^ versary _ Oration. WM. I>. JOHNSTON, M. D. THOMAS ANTISKLL, M. V. J. W. H. LOVEJOY, M. D. nni- ORATION. Mr. President, Members and Fellows Of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia : The occasion which brings us together this day is peculiar and agreeable. By jour partiality the honor of greeting the members of the Med- ical Society of the Distiict of Columbia, on this, their forty-ninth anniversary,* lias been assigned to me. For your sake I regret that the compliment had not fallen on some member whose ability and elo_ quence would have made the occasion historic. This is the first time in the history of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia that a meeting to commemorate its formation and to establish a precedent for future celebrations, has been held. It is obviously proper that our Society—whose origin dates back nearly half a century—should, in a special and appropriate manner, recognize each yearly return of that event. * We assume our Societj^ to have had an existence from the 26th September, 1817, when a resolution to form it by the Medical Faculty of the District was passed at a meeting held for that purpose. Thus, the 26th Septem- ber, 1866, has become our forty-ninth anniversary. The Government of the United Stages dates its existence from the passage of the resolution of the Continental Congress to be a free and independent na- tion, on the 4th of July, 1776. This resolution was not ordered to be engrossed until the 19th, and was not signed until the 2d of August, 177G. Articles for Colonial Confederation were only definitely agreed upon in Congress on the 12th of July, 1773. Our present constitutional form of government went into operation on the 30th 01 April, 1789, by the inauguration of President Washington. If a precedent be required in justification of the date selected for our an- niversary, we deem the one given as pertinent and conclusive, 4 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. It is proper and profitable for us, occasional!}', to take note of the condition and efficiency of this Society, and, in our associate capacity, review the achievements of science, at home and abroad; and, as far as possible, make the discoveries in every science and of every country a fund of knowledge, from which to draw aid in the discliarge of the duties of our high and noble calling. As medical men we have just reason to be proud of the long list of able and distinguished physicians who have practiced their profes- sion in this section, and particularly of those whose names are found upon the rolls of this Society. There is. however, a brotherhood and catholic spirit pervading the office of the true and honorable physician, which is confined to no age, and is uninfluenced by climate, nationality, or political boundaries. We shall, therefore, recognize ourselves as in fellowship with all the regular physicians who have practiced the healing art in this section. from its earliest settlement. On this occasion I shall endeavor to confine my remarks, without the embellishment of fancy, to matters of fact and historic interest to the medical profession, that have occurred within the territory known as the u Ten Miles Squared The political history of this section— and particularly of the District of Columbia—is covered up in no cloudy fable, such as obscures the origin of some of the nations and capitals of the Old World. It is but little over two centuries and a half since these shores were first visited by white men. In 1G08 Captain John Smith, with a chosen crew, ascended the 1'olomar Hirer to the Falls, a few miles above this city. Dr. Walter Russell, one of the oiiieers attached to the ex- pedition, was called upon on that occasion to render important profes- sional service to Captain Smith,m consequence of an accidental wound received from the fin of a fish, which occurred on their return, and pos- sibly within, or near, the District. Dr. Russell is therefore presumed to be the first physician who practiced the healing art in this vi- cinity, and perhaps within the territory of the United States. A century later, and the native Indian was still fishing from his bark MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 5 canoe, on the broad waters of the Potomac, and along these shores, where now stand three cities, and where ride at anchor, or are chained at busy wharves, large merchant and naval fleets, bearing the flags of every nation. Here, with bow and„*irrow, a numerous people, now almost exterminated, secured abundant game in the depths of a prim- itive forest, where now is spread out, in magnificent proportion and design, the Federal City. Here has been erected, on a fitting site, selected for its high object by him whose name the city bears, the most elegant and costly Capitol in the world, whose foundation stone was laid with Masonic benediction by Washington himself. From the dome of this proud structure, canopying our National Legislative Halls, from which in a few years will emanate laws that shall govern the whole American continent, may be seen the place of sepulchre at Mount Vernon of the founder, not only of this city, but of the American Empire. The earliest survey or location of land within the territory now known as the District of Columbia, was made in 1663, for Francis Pope, and included the ground where the Capitol now stands. The survey covering the section of the District of Columbia, south of the Potomac was made for Captain Robert Hoivson, in October, 1667. It was, no doubt, some time after the period named, before any considerable set- tlement was made within the limits of the "Ten Miles Square." The town of Alexandria was incorporated in 171S, and Georgetown in 1751, although considerable settlements had been made at these points much earlier, and, as you all know, Washington was laid out in 1791, and included within its bounds the then existing villages of Carrolhrille and Hamburg. It is probable that the William Ramsay named in the Act charter- ing the town of Alexandria, was a physician, as a doctor of that name resided there a few years later. In 1766, just one century ago, there were two physicians practicing in Alexandria, namely: James Jjaurie and William Ramsay. At a later period, and previous to 1800, Drs. James Craik, Elisha Calien 6 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. DicJr, James Gillies, Gus/avus Brown, and William Washington prac- ticed there. It is probable that Dr. Walter Smith was the first physician who settled in Georgetown, and that Dr. John Weems was the second ; Dr. Charles A. Beatty settled in Georgetown in 1782. Dr. Charles W<>r- thington, a native of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, and the first President of this Society, settled in Georgetown in 1783. Edward Gantt began to practice there prior to 1800. He was also a min- ister of the Episcopal Church. The earliest physicians in Washington were Drs. Samuel Brown and John Crocker—the latter had been a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. Frederick May came to this city from Boston in 1795. Dr. Cor- nelius Cunningham, an Englishman by birth, was also among the earli- est, having settled here prior to 1796. He was a man of enterprise, and engaged in various pursuits in addition to his profession; and as early as 1796 had a brewery in operation near the Navy Yard. The population of Alexandria in 1790 was 2,749 ; Georgetown, about 1,200, and Washington was inhabited only by a few farmers, their ser- vants, and perhaps some tradesmen and fishermen ; so that the demand from this sparse population for physicians could not have been great Hamburg and Carrollville had but a few houses. A Mr. Wells is still living among us, who, while a youth, assisted in 1791 and 1792, in carrying the chain used in surveying and laying out this city ; at that time more than one-half of the territory now included within its limits, was covered with woods and swamps. Our city, being neither a commercial nor a manufacturing one, has not increased in population like those wonderful marts in the 3fissis- sipjri valley, that number their 100,000 in a few years. Yet we have gone on regularly increasing in population and wealth, and of late years more rapidly than formerly; until now we number over one hundred thousand souls ; and from two or three physicians in 1800, to one hun- dred and twenty-seven in 1860, and about one hundred and fifty to-da}1-. The first meeting that I can ascertain to have been held by the physicians of the District, in an associate capacity, was in 1813. This Medical society d. c. 7 was called, by public advertisement in the National Intelligencer, to take suitable notice of the death of Dr. Benjamin Rush, and to appro. priately commemorate his life and professional services. The notice is in the following words :— "A Meeting of the Medical Faculty of the city of Washington and Georgetown is requested at the Council Chamber of Washington, on to-mor- row, (Thursday, April 28, 1813,) at 4 o'clock, r. m." A number of professional men met at the time and place indicated. Dr. Charles Worthington was elected President, and Dr. Thomas Sim Secretary. Resolutions were passed expressive of the sense of the profession in the District, and Dr. Sim received the unanimous request of the meeting to prepare a eulogy upon the life and character of Dr. Rush. At the same time a committee, consisting of Drs. Blake^ Huntt, and Clarke, of Washington, and Drs. Bohrer and Baker, of Georgetown, were selected to make all needful preparations, and to announce the time and place for the delivery of the eulogy. The discourse was prepared, and delivered on the 26th of June, 1813, in the Rev. Mr. Laurie's church, on F street, before a large and appreciative audience. The address was noticed favorably in the papers, and was published by request in pamphlet form; but no cop}T has been preserved, so far as I can discover. A law passed by the Assembly of Maryland in 1798, establishing the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty, and for regulating the admission of individuals to practice medicine within that State, was not super. seded by any Act of Congress, and was therefore, I have no doubt- applicable to the District of Columbia prior to the chartering of this Societ}'. The law alluded to invested the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland with authority to elect a boai'd of twelve Examiners, whose duty it should be to determine, by a thorough examination, the qualification and fitness of all applicants for license to practice within the State. This law, if applicable to the District of Columbia, was not enforced here, although quite a number of the earl}' practitioners of the city, not graduates in medicine, were licentiates of that Society. 8 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. The frequent injury and injustice which had been perpetrated upon citizens of the District, by charlatans and pretended doctors, at length, in 1817. induced the regularly qualified physicians of Washington and Georgetown to form themselves into a Society for the purpose of in- forming the public who were qualified to practice the healing art, and worthy of the confidence of the public, and, in the language of the charter, for "the promoting and disseminating medical and surgical knowledge.'' Although, as stated, there had been meetings of the medical faculty of Washington and Georgetown prior to 1817, such meetings took place upon special calls and for specific purposes, of which no record was kept. The propriety of forming a Medical Society in Washington had long been canvassed, and the profession was found to be unanimous in its approval of the project. The call for a meeting of physicians for the formation of the Med- ical Society of the District of Columbia, is to be found in the Xational Intelligencer of the 24th September, 1817, and is in the following lan- guage : " The Physicians of Washington and Georgetown are requested to meet at Tennison's Hotel, on Friday, the 26th instant, (September, 1817) at 11 o'clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration the organization of a Medical Society." The meeting was held at the time and place proposed, and was at- tended by sixteen physicians, nearly all that were then engaged in practice in the places named in the call. Their names are as follows : Drs. Charles Worthington, James H. Blake, Thomas Sim, Alexander Mc Williams, Robert French, Samuel Hersley, James T. Johnson, Jm P. C. McMahon, Peregrine Witrfield, Thomas Henderson, George Clark, Benjamin S. Bohrer, John Harrison, William Jones* Nich- olas W. Worthington, Henry Huntt. * Dr. William Jones is believed to be the only physician now livino- whu petitioned Congress for the Charter of this Society. [The Doctor died June 25 1867, aged 77.] MEDICAL SOCIETY, D. C. 9 Dr. Charles Worthingfon was selected as Chairman, and Dr. Henry Huntt Secretary. The object of the meeting having been explained, the following resolution was proposed and passed unanimously: "Resolved, That the physicians attending this meeting deem it important and expedient to organize at once a society in the District for the promotion of medical science. A committee of seven was then selected by ballot to draft a con- stitution and by-laws for the government of the society, to be known by the name of the '• Medical Society of the District of Columbia,'1'1 and to report the same for adoption at a meeting to be held at the same place on the first Monday in November, 1817. This committee con- sisted of Drs. Blake. Sim, Henderson, Clark, Worthingfon, Sr., War- field and Huntt. At the meeting held according to adjournment, Novem- ber 3d, the committee reported the draft of a constitution and by-laws. After the reading of the report it was determined to amend and adopt the constitution and by-laws section by section. It thus became necessary from want of time to complete the work to adjourn the society until the 10th of the same month, at which time all the sec- tions and amendments to the constitution and by-laws were adopted seriatim and ordered to be copied in a book, and to be signed by the members. As the copying required time, it was agreed that the next meeting of the Society should be held on the 5th of January, 1818, and that a call should be extended by public advertisement to all the physicians of the District (the previous call having been only to Washington and Georgetown) to attend and take part in adopting the constitution and by-laws as a whole, and in the election of officers for the ensuing year. The officers elected at the meeting were— Dr. CHARLES WORTIIIXGTON, President. Dr. ARNOLD ELZKY, ) Presidenis. Dr. JAMES H. BLAKK, S Dr. HENRY HTNTT, Corresponding Secretary. Dr. THOMAS II EX I >ERSOX, Recording Secretary. Dr. RICHARD WEIGIITMAX, Librarian. Dr. WILLIAM .TONES, Treasurer. The regulations of the Society at this time called for four regular 10 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. annual meetings. A ble papers were read, and valuable discussions held at each meeting; aj|ld not unfrequently adjourned meetings were held for medical discussions. Some of the papers read before the Society at that period were printed, and have therefore been preserved.* The advantages which the organization afforded for professional im- provement more than equalled the expectation of its members, but they were still sensible that it did not give that protection to the public against imposition from incompetent and dishonest pretenders to the healing art which was needed. The better to secure to the community the services of well educated and competent physicians, the following-named twenty-one members, whose memories arc ever worthy of our gratitude, petitioned Congress in 1818 for a charter for the society: Charles Worthington, M. B..................Died Sept. 10, 1836. .Aged 76 James II. Blake............................. July 29, 1819.. 52 John T. Shaaff, M. D........................ April 5,1819.. Thomas Sim, M. B.......................... Sept. 15,1832.. G'A Frederick May, M. D........................ Jan. 23,1847.. 74 Joel T. Gustine............................ Elisha Harrison............................. Aue;. 24, 1819. . 57 Peregrine Warfield, L. M. C. F.............. Alexander McWilliams, M. D................ March 3^ 1850. . -76 George Clark, M. D.......................... Henry Huntt, L. M. C. F..................... Sept. 21,1838.. 56 Thomas Henderson, M. D.................... John Harrison............................... Benjamin S. Bohrer, M. D................... Samuel Horsley............................. Nicholas W. Worthington, M. D............. William Jones, L. M. C. F................... James T. Johnson, M. D..................... Richard Weightman, M. D................... Oct. 30, 1841.. 49 George W. May, M. D....................... Robert French, M. D........................ Aug. 13, 1835. . 48 The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the law creating them and their successors a body corporate patterned very much Aug. 24,1819.. Aug. 4, 1856.. March $ 1850.. Oct. 5, 1822.. Sept. 21, 1838.. Aug. 11, 1854.. March 4, 1825.. Aug. 19, 1862.. July 30, 1849.. June 25, 1867. . Oct. 30, 1841.. * See New York Medical Repository. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. 0. 11 after the act or charter of the - Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland'' was passed. The act received the signature of James Monroe, President of the United States, and became a law of the District on the 16th February, 1819. A copy of the Charter is published in all the pamphlet editions of the constitution and by laws of the Society, and is so familiar to all of us as to require no comment. For the privileges granted to the Medical Society of the District of Columbia there were corresponding obligations imposed, charging it with the important trust of licensing to practice within the District onl}- such as a competent and regularly elected board of examiners of the society, provided for in the law. might, upon a full examination, judge qualified, or as might satisfy them of their education and know- ledge of the science of medicine and surgery by the production of a diploma from some respectable college. It was hoped by the society, and designed by the enactors of the law, that its provisions should be so ample as to protect the com- munity against the hazards of the ignorant and pretending charlatan, and secure the services of learned and skillful physicians within the District. The following notice in relation to the charter of the Medical Society appeared in the National Intelligencer of the 3d March, 1819 : " By an act of Congress the Medical Society of the District of Columbia has been incorporated, and by a provision in the act the term of service of the officers expires on the 8th of March. A meeting of the Society is called on Monday next, (March 8,) at 11 o'clock, at Strother's Hotel, where much busi- ness, of great importance to the Society, will be laid before the members, who are notified to attend precisely at the hour appointed. " The Library Committee are requested to meet at the same place on the same day, at 10 o'clock, and prepare to make a report. •' THOMAS HENDERSON, " Recording Secretary." At the meeting held pursuant to the above call, the Society elected the following officers for the ensuing year : CHARLES WORTHINGTON, President. WILLIAM ARNOLD, ) Vice Presidents, JAMES H. BLAKL. > 12 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. IIENKY HUNTT, Corresponding Secretary. THOMAS HENDERSON, Uncording Secretary. * X. W. WORTHINGTON, Librarian. WILLIAM JOXES, Treasurer. JOHN T. SUA AFT, "j CHARLES WORTHINGTOX, | THOMAS SIM, | Hoard of Examiners. FREDERICK MAY, | THOMAS SEMMES, J G. W. 31 AY, -| G. A. BROWN, j. Censors. X. W. WORTHINGTON, J It will be perceived that some of the officers elected at this time were practitioners in Alexandria, so that it is evident that the profession of the whole District was not only included in the operation of the law, but took part in the ailairs of the Society. The following form for the certificate of license, in Latin, to be printed on parchment, and given to such practitioners of the District of Columbia as should from time to time be found qualified to practice the healing art by the Doard of Examiners of the Society, was agreed upon and ordered to be engraved on a plate 13 by 15 inches: Prases et Quiesitores Societalis Medicorum in Columbia1 Territorio omnibus et singulis lias Uterus lecturi*, salutem :* Nut am sit. examinatione habita ---- ------virum doctumque Medicinse et chirurgise satis peritum nos comprobare. Itaque auctoritate nobis collata ex Societatis decreto, eidem----------- jusque potestatem artemque salutarem et Chirurgiam exercendi damus et con- cedimus. Ci/jus sigillum coinmuni huic membranse affixum nominaque nostra sub- scripta testimonio sint. Datum----------Anno Domini Millesimo Octingentesimo----et Re- publican Septuagesimo----et hujusce Societatis institute----. —----------, Presses. ■, > Q'iwsitores. *[Translation of certificate] The President and Examiners of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia to all and singular who may read these presents, greeting : Be it Known, That, upon examination held, we approve----------ns a man sufficiently skilled in the science of Medicine and Surgery: Therefore, Under the authority conferred on us by the deeree of the Society, MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 13 This certificate or diploma is handsomely engraved, with blanks left for the insertion of the name of the licentiate, date and place of issue, and for the name of the President and Board of Examiners, with a space for the impression of the seal of the Society. An official seal* for the use of the Society, to be impressed on all its official papers, was also designed and adopted and ordered to be engraved. This seal and the plate for the license certificate is still in use by the Society. The regulation for four stated yearly meetings was preserved in the charter—the members attending with much punctuality, and mani- festing great interest in the success of the Society. The papers read before it were well prepared, and the discussions which followed were able and practical. A hall was rentedf in 1819 for the use of the Society, we grant and confirm to the said----------the right and authority of prac- tising Therapeutics and Surgery. In evidence whereof, the Seal of the Society is affixed to this parchment, and our names hereto subscribed. Given at-------in the year of our Lord, 18—, and of the Republic the ----, and of the establishment of the Societjr the ■----. -----------, President. -------,1 -------,1 -----------, \ Examiners. -------J * The Seal of the Society is handsomely engraved on a circular die, which is two inches and a half in diameter. In the centre is seen a figure of Hygeia, the Goddess of Health, seated on an elevated altar in her temple, beneath its arched and panneled dome, supported on numerous massive fluted columns. She holds in her hand a cup extended toward a serpent, which is an emblem of Wisdom. The serpent is coiled around a pedestal, and has its head raised as in the attitude of depositing curative medicine in the cup. The following motto, in Latin, appears over the altar beneath the dome: "Concord, Labor, and Frugality.'''' The following, in larger letters, also in Latin, as a heading, is engraved around the margin: " Temple of Eygeia," and around the sides and beneath, '■'■Seal of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia.''' f The room rented at that time for the use of the Medical Society was McPhail's school-room, subsequently known as Mr. HasldlVs, situated just north of St. John's Church, on Sixteenth Street. The Society only rented the 14 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. and a library collected by donation and purchase. I regret, however, to say that but one of these works (t: Quinofs Le.riconv) is now in the library of the Society. This one has inscribed upon the inside of the cover, " Presented by Thomas Henderson to the^Medical Society, July 1, 181S." As the novelty of the meetings wore off with the younger members, and the older became infirm or were removed by death, interest in the proceedings and discussions gradually abated, and in a few years barely a quorum could be got together. It seems the younger mem- bers and strangers settling to practice here did not speedily fraternize or endeavor to advance their own in the general interest of the profes- sion, as the originators of the Society had done. The opening of the M^edical Department of Columbia College also seems to have increased the indifference of the physicians to the inter- ests of the Medical Society by supplying a new source of professional entertainment. Adverse theories sprang up among the profession as to the qualifications essential under the charter to legalize the prac- tice of medicine in the District. It was held by some that a diploma from a College was all that was required or contemplated by the enact- ors of the charter. Put this Society held then, and still maintains, room which tliey called the "Medical HalV for one year, fom October 1, 1819. After that they went wandering about, and met wherever they could find accommodations. The following are the names of some of the places: Strother's and Tennison's Hotels; the offices of Doctors Huntt and Causin ; and occasionally at the rooms of the City Councils when they occupied the building on Eleventh Street, now owned by the Washington Library Company; and subsequently, when the Councils occupied the rooms of General B. Weight- man, on Sixth Street, now a part of the National Hotel, they met there. The advertisements show that the Society also met in the room over the United States Engine House, which stood on the ground where the General Post Office now stands; and at times they met in a room in the Patent Office adjoin- ing. Occasionally, from 1827, the Society met in the Columbian Medical Col- lege. After the completion of the City Hall the meetings were generally held there, until the opening of Washington City Infirmary, where meetings were held until that building was destroyed, by fire, in 1861, after which they met at Georgetown Medical College until 1865, after which the room which we now oc- cupy, over Z. D- caiman's., was rented, MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 16 that the law contemplated the elevation of the standard of profes-, sional qualification as well as the exclusion of ignorant practitioners from the District of Columbia, and the better to accomplish this, Con- gress entrusted the licensing, which legalizes the practice of medicine in the District exclusively to the Board of Examiners of this Society.* The law itself directs that individuals engaging in practice here must obtain a license from the Examiners of the Medical Society, and to obtain this, must satisfy the Board of Examiners of their proficiency, either by the presentation of a diploma from some respectable College or by undergoing an examination, and if approved a license shall be granted, for which the applicant shall pay a fee not exceeding ten dollars. Congress very properly, left the standard of medical knowledge essential to the efficient discharge of the duties of a practising physi- * A few colleges, it is believed, in our country, have, by a special provision in the act of their incorporation, the privilege to, and others hold that a charter empowering them to teach the sciences and to grant and confer degrees, car- ries with it a right equivalent to a license to practice within the State from which the charter of the College has emanated. In a word, that a M. D.'s diploma from a regularly chartered college is in itself a license to practice. This Society holds the view that the two acts are in their essential nature, different; and of right ought to be kept separate and distinct. Colleges should confer honors, but not privileges or authority. Licensing is purely a legislative act—a sort of police regulation—liable to be changed or modified at any time by the authori- ties with whom it originated. The following is an exact copy of the first adver- tisement of the Board of Examiners of this Society, taken from the National Intelligencer of March 17, 1819, which makes it very evident that they believed themselves clothed with and acting under the power and authority of a law of Congress made and provided for licensing of all persons presuming to practice medicine in the District of Columbia, and that any person attempting to prac- tice within the said District without having first obtained such license would be plainly violating both the spirit and letter of the law. Nor can any one re- cover fees by process of law unless a licentiate of the Society. The Medical Board of Examiners, elected under the law of Congress incorporating the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, will hold their first stated meetiDg in the City of Washington on the first Monday in April. Applicants for licenses to prac- tice medicine or surgery in the District of Columbia will then attend; and in the meantime may obtain a special license from any member of the Board. J. T. SHAAF, 1 CHARLES WORTHINGTON, | THOMAS SIM, ^Examiners. FREDERICK MAY, THOMAS SEMMES, J 16 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. cian in this community to be determined by the medical faculty of the District. No preference is given in the charter to any mode of gain- ing the required knowledge of the science of medicine; but proficiency is demanded and made essential to the privilege. A government, solicitous for the welfare of its citizens, cannot be indifferent to the character and qualifications of those entrusted with their health. To obtain the highest proficiency in the healing art, colleges and hospitals are chartered, where all the different branches of medical science can be efficiently taught and studied; but it is eminently proper for the Government and medical societies to preserve a distinction between the privilege of teaching the science of medicine and the right to prac- tice the same. The good of the public and the dignity of the profes- sion alike require that they be kept separate and distinct. The Army and Navy, each for themselves, determine the standard of medical knowledge requisite, and examine into the efficiency of those seeking to enter either of these branches of the public service. The Government, the public, and the profession see and approve the jus- tice of such a regulation. There is no good reason why as high a standard of medical knowledge should not be maintained for the benefit of the public as for the Army and Navy. Indeed, our charter particularly charges us with this important duty, as regards the Dis- trict of Columbia. The Society, in its discretion, has for some years waived the formality of issuing the certificate or license, but has always insisted that the professional qualifications of applicants shall be passed upon by the Examiners before they can be recognized and register as duly qualified to practice or nominated for membership in the Society. I hope that we may soon return to the former usage of the Society and issue a certificate to all applicants whom our Examiners may find qualified to practice, in accordance with the intent of the charter. The granting of a license by the Board of Examiners in the early history of the Society was never construed as equivalent to membership. Members have always been elected by ballot, and only from among those who had received J,hc certificate of the Board of Examiners on the nomination of that Board or of some member of the Society. The two acts were held to be distinct, and should be so maintained. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 17 It is perhaps to be regretted that the office of Censors in the Society has been discontinued. For many years three Censors were annually elected, whose duties were similar to those at present performed by the Censors of the Medical Association of the District, but in addition, they also acted as the nominating committee for licentiates desiring to become members of the Society. Section 6 of the act of incorporation is devoted exclusively to the mode of becoming a member of the Society, to which the reader is referred for more definite information. Sections 3 and 4 treat of the granting of licenses, and to whom they shall and may be granted. Notwithstanding the stringency of the law of Congress, and the pow- ers granted by it to this Society, irregular practitioners* exist among us. But they cannot obtain the full confidence of the community or gain a recognition in the society of educated and respectable physicians. The line of distinction is plainly drawn and firmly maintained. The charter is so manifestly just and reasonable in requiring the Board of Exam- * Were we to adopt a plan of keeping a complete list or register of the licen- tiates of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia with the Grand Jury and the Chief of Police of the District, whose duty it is, or should be, to pros- ecute and fine alf persons attempting to practice medicine in any of its branches here, without first having complied with the law of Congress in the premises, it is probable the public would be still better protected against the captivating arts of ignorant and designing impostors in the healing art. We do not claim or desire to dictate to the people what school of physicians they shall employ ; but humanity, as well as the letter and spirit of the law chartering this Society, demands of us to license none to practice within the District who are not learned in the science and art of medicine. The least reflection will convince any one that a more than superficial knowledge of the organs of the human frame and the effects upon them by medicinal agents is essentially necessary to prevent fatal consequences at the hands of persons having the temerity to pre- scribe for the relief of disease. If the self-styled doctors and itinerant adver- tising quacks, who come here with such unblushing pretensions, were by the Court through the aid of the Police required to obtain a certificate or license, as prescribed by a law of Congress, from the Board of Examiners elected by this Society, declaring that upon an examination held they find the individuals suf- ficiently skilled in the science and art of medicine and surgery to entitle them to confidence before they be permitted to practice in the District, a very valu- able protection would be given to life, public health and morals. 9 18 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. iners to license only those whom ;- they may, upon a full examination, judge qualified to practice the medical and chirurgical arts," as to afford no occasion for excitement or popular sympathy in favor of any individual who'may be excluded. Experience and public sentiment have thus far fully supported the action of the Society. The power and efficacy of this organization for good rests mainly in the just confidence which the community have, that its officers will not give authority to any person to practice who has not acquired that knowledge of medicine which should entitle him to confidence, or withhold it from any who are properly qualified. The discordant views previously alluded to, with personal jealousies that unfortunately sprung up in the Society, prevailed to such an ex- tent in 1831,1832, and 1833, that, for want of a quorum at the annual meetings, the Society, it is believed, failed to elect officers ; at least no record of elections can be found. A better feeling, however, began to manifest itself among the members in 1834, '35, '30, and '37, during which years meetings were held, officers elected, and the diseases incident to this section, with the best modes of treatment, discussed without the least suspicion on the part of the members that their char- ter had been forfeited. This disagreeable fact was not discovered by the Society until a case, involving its powers and privileges, was taken to court, where it was decided that the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia-hud been ferfeited by neglect of duty, and consequently no penalties could be incurred under the law creating and establishing it. See Crane-he's Peporls, Vol. f>. By this time all the original incorporators of the Society, except seven, viz: Frederick May, Alexander McWiUiams, Henry Huntt, William Jones, G. W. May, Peregrine Warf>eld, and Ar. W. Worthing- ton, had either died or left the city. These seven physicians, with fourteen others, who had become members of the Society during the twenty years of its existence, petitioned Congress, on its assembling in 1837, for a revival of the charter of the-Society, with amendments; which was granted July 7, 1838. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 19 From that time to the present the Medical Society of the District of Columbia has met regularly, and to the best of its ability discharged the duties imposed upon it by the revived charter. A list of the members of this Society since 1838 is printed with the act of incorporation and the by-laws, in pamphlet form. It is therefore unnecessary to reproduce it here. But, as the book of records and proceedings, with the list of members of the Society prior to the revival of its charter has been lost, I have compiled from the National Intelligencer and from other sources, a list of the officers and honorary members, chiefly made up from publications authorized by the Society from time to time. The following is the list, which is be- lieved to be correct, although it may be incomplete : EXPLANATION OP INITIALS USED. P.—President. T .—Treasurer: V. P.— Vice President. L.—Librarian. C.—Corresponding Secretary. E.—Examiner, (Hoard of five.) R. S.—Recording Secretary. C—Censor, (Board of three.) 1817 to 1829......... 1818................ 1818 and 1819........ 1817 to 1830......... 1818 and 1819....... 1818 to 1825......... 1818................ 1819, 1820,1822, 1825 1819................ 1819................ 1819................ 1819, 1821, 1823..... 1819................ 1819................ 1819 and 1823....... 1819 and 1823....... 1819, 1822........... 1820, 1823........... 1820, 1821........... 1820,1826........... 1820, 1821........... 1820, 1822........... 1820, 1830........... P... V. P. V.P. c. s. R. S T... L... V.P ,L... .E... E... .E... E... ,E... C... .C... ,C... V.P R. S E... ,E... .E... E... Charles Worthington. Arnold Elzey. James H. Blake. Henry Huntt. Thomas Henderson William Jones. Richard Weightman. Frederick May. N. W. Worthington. John T. Shaaff. Charles Worthington. Thomas Sim. Frederick May. Thomas Semmes. George W. May. Gustavus A. Brown. N. W. Worthington. William Thornton. Nathaniel Pope Causiu. Peregrine Warfield. Edward Cutbush. George Clark. N. P. Causin, 20 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. 1821 1824 1825................V P............Edward Culbush. 1822, 1823.........................R S............N. AY. Worthington. 1822, 1823.........................L.".............Elisha Craven. 1822, 1825, 1834, 1835..............E..............Joseph Lovell. 1822 1825.........................E..............Thomas Henderson. 1823..............................C..............Benj. S. Bohrcr. 1824 to 1827.......................R. S............Charles F. Wilstack. 1824 to 1834.......................L..............J. S. Gunnell. 1824, 1830, 1835...................E..............Bailey Washington. 1825, 1827.........................E..............James M. Stoughtou. 1820..............................V. P............Joseph Lovell. 182G, 1834.........................R. S............John B. Blake. 1826, 1827..........................T..............C. F. Wilstack. 1826..............................E..............William Jones. 182G..............................E..............George W. May. 1827, 1828.........................V. P............Thomas Sim. 1827, 1830.........................E..............Thomas C. Scott. 1827, 1835.........................E..............Joshua Riley. 1827, 1834.........................E..............Benj. S. Bohrer. 1828..............................R. S............Thomas Henderson. 1829*............................................. 1830, 1832.........................P."............Thomas Sim. 1830..............................V. P............Peregrine Warfichl. 1830...............................V.P............N. P. Causin. 1830..............................C. S............Benj. S. Bohrer. 1830..............................T..............Thomas C. Scott. 1830, 1835.........................E..............Thomas Sewall. 1831.............................................. 1832.:............................................ 1833.............................................. 1834, 1835........................ .P..............Frederick May. 1834, 1835.........................V. P............Henry Huntt.' 1834, 1835.........................A'. P............Alexander McWiUiams. 1834, 1835.........................C. S............X. P. Causin. 1834, 1835.........................R. S............Richmond Johnson. 1834, 1835........................T..............Harvey LindMy. 1834, 1835.........................E..............N. AY. Worthington. 1835..............................L. 1............Thomas Miller. 1817..............................................Edmond B. Add-on. 1818.............................................Elisha Harrison. 1818..............................................Richard Randall. * No publication of the list of officers elected, in 1829, 1831, 1832. and 1833, can be found. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 21 HONORARY MEMBERS. 1819—Samuel L. Mitchill..........................New York. John Spence................................Dumfries, Va. William Beans..............................Upper Marlboro', Md. Joseph Parrish..............................Philadelphia, Pa. James Mann................................Boston, Mass. John H. Chausepic..........................Hamburg. 1820—John McClellan.............................Greencastle, Pa. Nathaniel Chapman.........................Philadelphia, Pa. Joshua Fisher...............................Massachusetts. 1821—AVilliam 31. Mercer..........................New Orleans. Nathaniel Potter............... ............Baltimore. Parker Cleveland............................Brunswick, Me. John C. Warren............................Boston. Philip S. Physick...........................Philadelphia, Pa. ' Thomas T. Hewson.........................Philadelphia, Pa. James Jackson..............................Boston. Daniel Coney...............................Augusta, Me. Benjamin Waterhouse.......................Boston. The Medical Society of the District of Columbia, at its meeting in April, 1819, elected Drs. J. T. Shaaff, Thomas Sim, and Henry Huntt, delegates to '-'the Convention of the Middle States," which convened in Philadelphia on the 1st of June of that year, for the purpose of form- ing and publishing an American Pharmacopa'ia. Our Society again sent delegates to the National Convention of Physicians, which held its meeting in the Capitol at Washington, Jan- uary 1, 1820, at which the several articles of the Materia Medica and the preparations and compounds deemed essential to be enumerated and described in the United States Pharmacopoeia were adopted, and a committee to attend to its publication was appointed. Here, in the Capitol of the United States was prepared, by the deliberations of ex- perienced and scientific physicians from all parts of the country, a work which is truly national in its character, an epitome of medicine, and a grand monument to its authors. By a wise provision in the regulations of the Convention, meetings are to be held every ten years at the National Capital for a revision of the pharmacopoeia, and to incorporate into it all valuable discoveries and preparations of .Medicine, thus keeping the work fully up with alj the 22 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. improvements in the science of medicine, and the wants of the profes- sion. Five conventions for the revision of the United Slates Pharma- copoeia have already sat in Washington. The sixth will meet here on the 1st of January, 1870. The Medical Society of the District of Columbia early and warmly advocated the organization of the American Medical Association, and elected three delegates to the first meeting, which was held in Phila- delphia in May, 1847, under the name of the "National Medical Con- vention.1'' The organization was fully completed at this meeting, a pre- liminary one having been held in the city of Xew York, May 12, 1S4G. The name was changed in Philadelphia to the " American Medical Association,'" which held its first meeting under that name May 2. 1848. in the city of lialtimore, in which our Society was represented by five delegates. The Medical Society of the District of Columbia has rarely failed to be ably represented in each of the annual meetings of the American Medical Association; and in 1858, when that influen- tial body sat in this city, our worthy associate, Dr. Harvey TAndsly, was elected and served as President. In 1825 and 1820, during a period of the most active discontent among the members of the Medical Society of the District of Colum- bia, a very determined effort was made by a few physicians of Wash- ington and Georyeloivn. to form a new medical society, which should supersede the chartered organization. The profession was thoroughly canvassed, and several meetings were held in the interest of the move- ment, which at first promised to be successful. The following is a copy of a call for a meeting, which appeared in the National Intelli- gencer of the 5th April. 1826: " Notice.—A meeting of the physicians of Washington and Georgetown who have agreed to form a medical association, is requested at the City Hall, on Tuesday, the 6th instant, [April, 182G,] at 12 o'clock M." The project Mas encouraged by the presence of Drs. /'. Man and T. Henderson, the former of whom was elected Chairman, and the hit- ter Secretary, of the meeting. Two subsequent meetings were held at the same place, one on the 10th and the other the 11th of April, MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 23 1826, but without effecting the purpose of the originators of the move- ment. The effect, however, was to confirm parties in their diverse opinions, and was to that extent injurious to the Society, which is always benefited by harmonizing sentiment and encouraging associate action. The profession must have continued to grow indifferent to, if not decidedly adverse to the success or even the existence of the So- ciety ; for we find the following in the National Intelligencer of Jan- uary 23, 182S: " Medical Society—A meeting of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia will be held on AVednesday, the 23d instant, [January, 1828,] at the City Hall, the object of the meeting being to decide whether the Society shall in future hold its sittings. THOMAS HENDERSON, Recording Secretary." A sincere love for the welfare of the Society controlled the action of a majority of its members, and the attempt to have the Society decree its own dissolution was defeated, which, however, occurred at a later period in an unexpected manner, as has been noticed. The next medical association organized within the District of Co- lumbia was the '; Washington edical Society." This association was formed in 1826, and although its membership was confined originally to the professors and students of the Medical Department of Columbian College, for the encouragement of systematic study, it eventually ad- mitted local practitioners, and assumed many of the duties and char- acteristics of ordinary medical associations. The Society annually elected an Orator -from among the students, who delivered a discourse, to which the profession and the public were invited. It was custom- ary to elect the President from among the professors, and all other officers from the ranks of the students. As soon as the students graduated they were made honorary members of the Society. A Board of seven Examiners was elected, corresponding to the divisions in which the science of medicine was then taught in the college, whose duty it was to recapitulate lectures and quiz the Society upon all sub- jects within their respective branches. The Society held its meetings in the Medical College. Many of the discussions and demonstrations 24 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. before this association were not only instructive and valuable to the student, but highly appreciated by the general practitioner. The So- ciety elected a long list of honorary members, to whom was given, as well as to all regular members, a handsomely engraved certificate of membership in latin, printed on parchment, and signed by the presi- dent and secretary. In 1831 the offices of the Society were all filled by Doctors of Medicine engaged in practice here, the students seeming to lose inter- est in it. in proportion as the local professors gave it support. This, too, was at a period when the Medical Society of the District of Columbia was under its heaviest cloud of neglect. But the zeal which had been manifested in the success of the Washington Medical Society exhausted itself in 1832, after which period it seems never to have met. The records of this Society are supposed to be lost. The following is a list of the active and honorary members, collect- ed from the different publications authorized by the Society, from the city press, arranged in alphabetical order : Baltzer, R. M. Henderson, Thomas Nourse, Benj. F. Barry, R. T. Higgins, James 31. Richardson, Peter T. Boon, John Higgins, Montgomery Robertson, McK Bulfinch, Charles Hodges, Gonsalvo Roberts, Thomas Borrows, Joseph Hodson, Lewis Rose, Benjamin F. Craig, John E. Hughes, James AW So wall, Thomas Davis, A. McD. Huntt, Henry Stanford, Arthur M. Davis, Charles AY. Jewett, S. G. Staughton, J. M. Ditty, Thomas D. Kerr, Samuel J. S. Stewart, James E. Dixon, John Lewis, T. M. Sutter, Alexander F. Dunn, J. Irwin Maffitt, William Waring, J. Edmonds, John F. May, Frederick Walters, Thomas Eliot, Johnson McKennejr, George W. Williams, P. Halmead, A. McLean, Charles AVorthington, N. W. Hamilton,*John Miller, Thomas R. Young, Noble Handy, C. AV. Morton, William Honorary Members. Barry, Robt. T.......Dist. of Col. Coney, Daniel........Maine. Borrow?, .Joseph...... Do. Coney, Robert A...... Do. Causin, N. P.......... Do. Craig, John E........Dist. of Col. Chapman, Nath.......Pennsylvania. Cutbush, Edward...... Do. Condict, H. F.........Dist. pf Col. | Davis, A. McD........ Do. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 25 Davis, Chas. W....... Do. Dunn, J. Irvin........ Edmonds, John N.....Virginia. Elliot, J. B...........Dist. of Col. Ewell, Jesse.......... Do. Gibson, AAT............Pennsylvania. Hagan, James.........Dist. of Col. Hall, J. C............. Do. Hamilton, John....... Do. Henderson, Thomas. .. Do. Higgins, J. M......... Hodges, Cousalvo..... Horner, AV. E......... Jacobs, Therris........ Jones, Thomas P......Dist. of Col. Kirkwood, Robert..... Do. Laub, Charles K...... Do. Massey, Reuben........Connecticut. May, F...............Dist. of Col. May, G. AV........... Do. McLean, Charles...... Do. McAVilliams, Joseph... More, T. F...........Maryland. Nourse, B. F.........Dist. of Col. Osborn, Leonard......U. S. Navy. Physiek, P. S.........Pennsylvania Randall, Richard...... Richardson, P T ...... Sewall, Thomas.......Dist. of Col. Sewall, Thomas R..... Spence, John..........Virginia. Stanford, A. M........ Staughton, J. M....... Stewart, J. E....... ... Stewart, Joseph N.....Dist. of Col. Stone, C. H...........Tennes ee. Upham, Timothy...... Wing, B. F...........Massachusetts. AYorthington, Chas___Dist. of Col. Worthington, N. AT.'.. Do. Young, Noble......... Do. Zollicoffer, William___Maryland. McAVilliams, Alex..... Do. In chronological order, the next medical organization effected in the District, and which is scarcely second to any in the important influence it exercises over the profession, was the Medical Association of Wash- ington, the parent of the Medical Association, of the District of Colum- bia. The first meeting preliminary to the formation of this Association was held at the Washington Lyceum, on the 4th of January, 1S33. The meeting was not advertised, but the practitioners of the city had been waited upon and requested to attend. The physicians who seem to have taken the lead in the establishment of this Association were Doctors Joseph Lovell, Thomas Miller, and Thomas Henderson. The attendance, even at the first meeting. w;;s good. Dr. Henry Huntt was requested to take the chair, and Dr. Thomas Miller was appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was fully stated, and the pro- ject unanimously approved. A second meeting was called by a written circular sent to each practitioner, requesting his attendance at the same place, on the 7th of January, 1833. This meeting was attended by the following physicians, as shown by the records: Alexander McWU- 26 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Hams, Henry Huntt, Thomas Sewall, Joseph Lovell, Richmond Johnson, Thomas Henderson, Harvey Lindsly, J. Warring, J. M. Thomas, T. Miller, and A. McD. Davis. Other physicians of the city, whose names do not appear among those attending this meeting, were known to favor the project, some of whom were named upon a committee of six, who, with the chairman, were appointed at this time to draft a system of ethics and a fee bill, and report at a meeting to be held at the same place on the 11th of the same month, of which meeting the chairman was directed to give pub- lic notice by advertisement in the papers of the city. This committee consisted of the following physicians: F. May, A. McWiUiams, N. P. Causin. J. Lovell, T. Sewall. T. Henderson, and the chairman, Henry Huntt. The call for the meeting to reee've the report is in the following words: " Notice.—An adjourned meeting of the practitioners of medicine in Wash- ington will be held on Friday, the 11th instant, (January, 1833,) at 4 o'clock p. m., at the Lyceum, to act finally on business of great importance to the med- ical profession in the city. II. HUNTT, THOMAS MILLER, Secretary. Chairman.' The committee reported, through Dr. Joseph Lovell, the draft of a code of ethics and a fee bill, which, with but slight amendments, were unanimously adopted, including the resolution for carrying them into effect. The substance of the resolution was that the proceedings of the meetings which had been held be transcribed into a book, together with the regulations and fee bill, and that a committee be appointed to present the same to the different practitioners for their signature, which when received, a meeting of the Association should be called for the transaction of other business. The following is a copy of the call, which appeared in the National Intelligencer of the 18th of January, 1833: "Medical Association of AVashixgtox.—A meeting of this Association will be held on Friday, the 18th instant, at 5 o'clock p. m., at the Medical Col- MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 27 lege, for the election of officers, and for the transaction of other business. JOSEPH LOVELL, THOMAS HENDERSOX, THOMAS MILLER, Committee." At this meeting the Association was fully organized by the election of the following officers : Dr. FREDERICK MAY, President. Ou. THOMAS MILLER, Secretary. Dr. ALEX. McWILLIAMS, -} Dr. HEXRY HUXTT, Dr. THOMAS SEWALL, [ Counsellor?. Dr. JOSEPH LOVELL, Dr. JOSEPH BORROWS, J This Association began at once to exercise a benign influence among its members, and establish harmony in their professional intercourse. From the time of its organization to the present it has retained the confidence and recervecl the support of the profession of the District. In May. 1844, Dr. Thomas J filler offered a resolution in the Asso- ciation, instructing the counsellors to confer with the physicians of Georgetown, and request them to place themselves under the govern- ment and rules of the Association in regard to their practice within the limits of Washington City. The counsellors accordingly addressed a letter upon the subject, with a copy of the resolution, to Dr. P. S. Bohrer. at the time the senior physician in Georgetown. At o meeting of the Association held in June, 1.S44, the counsellors reported that the physicians of George- town consented to the terms proposed by the Medical Association of Washington. The records of the Association contain no further allusion to the physicians of Georgeiovrn until the 27th of March, 1848, when a me- morial signed by them, proposing to enter the Medical Association of Washington, was received and is entered upon the minutes It is in the following language: " The undersigned, practitioners of medicine in Georgetown, D. C, wishing to unite, for the promotion of the dignity, usefulness, and general interests of the profession, feel that these objects and interests are common to themselves and their brethren of Washington, and for reasons too palpable to require enu- 28 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. meration, based chiefly upon our contiguity of residence and frequent profes- sional intercourse, and sensible that they can be promoted and protected only by a common professional polity and cherished spirit of mutual good will. The undersigned therefore desire, and hereby request to he admitted as members of the Medical Association of Washington, and respectfully ask that hereafter it be designated the Medical Association of Washington and Georgetown. HEZEKIAH MAGRUDER, M. D. GRAFTOX TYLER, M. D. JOSHUA A. RITCHIE, M. D. CHARLES H. CUAGIX, M. D. ALEXANDER MATHEWS, M. D. ISAAC S. LAUCK, M. D.» A letter was at the same time presented from Doctors Joshua Riley and Benjamin S. Bohrer, stating their willingness to enter the Asso- ciation, provided they were allowed to fulfill certain engagements to attend families by the year. The petition and letter were referred to a special committee of three, consisting of Doctors Thomas Miller, J. F. May, and Joseph Borrows. with instructions to report upon the subject at the next meeting. In anticipation of a favorable report, Dr. Cornelius Boyle offered a resolution in the Association that the name of the Medical Association of Washington be changed to " The Medical Association of the Dis- trict of Columbia.'''' This resolution, under the rules, had to lie over until the next regular meeting. On the 6th of June, 1848, the Asso- ciation met, and the resolution of Dr. Boyle was adopted, and at a subsequent meeting the report of the special committee upon the ad- mission of the Georgetown physicians was adopted, and is in the follow- ing language: "Resolved Ut, That the prayer of our brother practitioners of Georgetown, D. C, be granted, and that they may be admitted members of the Medical Asso- ciation of the District of Columbia, in the manner prescribed by the rules and regulations of said Society. " Resolved 2d, That all the regular practitioners, physicians, and surgeons of Georgetown, who may join this Association, and who have existing contracts with families or individuals to attend them by the year, be allowed to continue such contracts—it being, however, understood that they are to make no new contracts from and after joining this Association ; and when the present con- tracts expire, that they are not to be renewed." MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 29 The Georgetown physicians accepted the conditions, when, on mo- tion of Dr. Noble Young, they were, by a unanimous vote, admitted to full membership in the Medical Association of the District of Colum- bia. The extension of the advantages of the Association to the phy- sicians of Georgetown and the District has had a most salutary influence upon the profession. This Association is charged with the special province of sustaining the ethics of the profession, and fixing the standard of fees to be charged—duties which it has performed to the satisfaction of its members. In the thirty-three years of its existence there has been no instance of expulsion of a member ; and when professional differences have arisen, they have been settled either by a candid explanation of the parties themselves, or by an appeal to the counsellors, whose duty it is made to investigate and adjust such differences in a manner that will be just to the parties and support the dignity of the profession. The decisions of the counsellors have always commanded the confi- dence and respect of the Association. The " Medical Association of Washington," now the •• Medical As- sociation of the District of Columbia," sent four delegates to the American Medical Association, which met in Baltimore May 2, 1848. From that period until 1866, when the same body again met in Balti- more, this Association had not sent delegates, having left that duty wholly with the Medical Society ; but on again claiming representation it was allowed, and her ten duly elected delegates took their seats in the Nineteenth Annual Convention of American physicians. A complete list of the members of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia is to be found attached to the printed code of ethics, regulations, and fee bills, and need not be reproduced here. The next medical association, which invites our attention in review- ing the medical organizations of the District, was the section on phy- siology and Medicine in the " National Institute." This Institute, as you are aware, was formed in 1840 out of, or absorbed into itself, the " Columbian Institute" and the "American Historical Society," all of 30 ANNINERSARY ORATION. which have finally entombed themselves in the "Smithsonian Institu- tion." Different sections were established in the Institution for the discussion of subjects connected with the various branches of science. The medical men of the District who were members mostly attended the section on medicine, where for years there were carried on investi- gations and discussions of great interest and scientific value to the pro. fession. January 12, 1843, the Association addressed a circular to the profession generally, inviting contributions. For several years this section sent delegates to the American Medical Association, where they were received, and took part in the business and discussions in that body. A communication or report from this section of the Na- tional Institute on the hygenic condition of the United States^was made in 1848 by Doctors James Wynne, Thomas Sewall, J. M. Thomas, Bailey Washington, and Marcus Bucktoiha A m trie an Md- i<-al Association, which is published in the 1st vol. of its transactions. The following is a list of the resident physicians who were members of the Institute, compiled from the published list, and from other sources. They were not all, however, practitioners of medicine, and it is important only as indicating the individuals of the profession who were devoted to study and scientific research. Baird, Spencer F. Hall, F Barclay, James D. Howard, Flodoardo Bohrer, Benj. S. Johnston, AV. P. Jones, Thomas P. Jones, AVilliam King, B. King, Henry Lawson, Thomas Borrows, Joseph Breed, Daniel Buck, Marcus C. Causin, N. P. Causten, James II. Cr igin, James H. Davis, Alex. McD. Feinour, Thomas Fry, T. B. J. Gale, Leonard D. Gunton, J. II. Hall, James C. Harris, Thomas How, Henry Purington, Tobias Riley, Joshua Sewall, Thomas Smith, Gideon B. Smoot, Samuel C. Snell, J. Southgate, Robert Thomas, J. M. Liebermann, Charles II. Thornton, J. B. C. Lindsly, Harvey Magruder, AV. B. May, J. Frederick McClery, J. F. J. McAA7illiams, A. Miller, Thomas Page, Charles G. Pickering, Charles Towle, N. S. Tyler, Grafton Tysowski, John Van Buren, AV. H. Van Patten, C. II. Wynne, James Young, Noble MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 31 December 9, 1841, the Pathological Society of the District of Co- lumbia was formed. Doctors Ilobson, Howard, Johnston, Lindsly, Mil- ler, and Smoot attended the first meeting. Dr. Thomas Miller was chosen Chairman, and Dr. W. P. Johnston, Secretary. A committee of three, consisting of the Chairman, Secretary, and Dr. S. C. Smoot, were ap- pointed to report a Constitution and By-Laws for the government of the Society. The committee reported on the 16th of December, and the Constitution was adopted, and the following officers elected to serve until January, 1843: THOMAS MILLER, M. D., President. THOMAS SEWALL, M. I).. J. C. HALL, M. D., Vice President. HARVEY LIXDSLY, M. 1)., W. P. JOHXSTOX, M. D , Sec'y and Treas'r. JOSEPH BORROWS, M. D., S. C. SMOOT, M. D., Curator. Standing Committee. The object of the Society is thus stated in the second article of the Constitution: '• The collection and preservation of pathological speci- mens, the encouragement of the habit of close observation of disease, of rigorous deductions from well established facts ; finally, the promo- tion of good feeling among its members." The regular meetings of the Society were held every two weeks, in the hall of the old Medieal College, corner of Tenth and E streets, when either a recent pathological specimen was exhibited, an essay read, or an unusual and rare case detailed which would bring a subject practically before them for discussion. In January, 1843, Dr. Thomas Sewall was elected President, Dr. Thomas Miller, Yice President, and Dr. Flodoardo Howard Secretary. Dr. IF. P. Johnston was at the same tjme elected Curator, and Doc- tors Joseph Borrows, Baily Washington, and J. C. Hall, the Standing Committee. The books of the Society give a record of but two meetings after this date until 1846. Personal jealousies, or want of interest in the objects of the Association, caused finally an entire discon- tinuance of its meetings. March 11, 1846, a meeting of the physicians of the District was convened at the City Lnfirmary. Dr. T. Miller was called to the chair, and Dr. F. Howard appointed Secretary. The object of the 32 ANNTVERSARY ORATION. meeting having been stated, which was to revive or reorganize the Pa- thological Society. Dr. W. P. Johnston moved to adopt the Constitution and By-Laws of the former Pathological Society; which was adopted. The Society then elected the following officers: Dr. Thomas Miller, President; Dr. J. C. Hall, Alee President; Dr. F. Howard, Secretary ; Dr. F. King, Curator; and as a Standing Committee, Doctors Joshua Riley, J. 31. Thomas, and W. P. Johnston. There is no record after 1st of April, 1846, of any meeting having been held for some years. July 27, 1852, the Pathological Society met at the City Infirmary, pursuant to a call. Some physicians were nominated for membership, and a committee of five, viz, Doctors R. K. Stone, T. Miller, W. P. Johns- ton, J. M. Austin, and F. Howard, appointed torevise and report what amendments, if any, were desirable in the Constitution and By-Laws. A report was made on the 6th of August, and adopted, and the purposes of the Society thus set forth in Article 2d: ''• The object of the Society shall be the encouragement of the habit of close observation of disease, and of vigorous deductions from well established facts, by the presentation of pathological specimens, the relation of cases, and the reading of es- says on medical supjects, and finally the promotion of harmony and good fellowship among its members." Dr. Miller was again elected President; Dr. Hall, Yice President; and Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett, Sec- retary. The offices of Curator and the Standing Committee were dis- continued. The Society at this time held its meetings weekly, during the winter, in the hall of the Georgetown Medical College, and were well attended. Omissions of whole years sometimes occur in the records, and the Society ceased entirely to meet after 1857. Dr. Grafton Tyler, of Georgetown, possesses the book of records of the Pathological Soci- ety from its origin in 1841 to the close of the year 1852. I was for- tunate enough to buy, at an auction in this city, the volume of records of the Pathological Society, which covers the period from Januaiy, 1853, until it ceased to meet in 1857. This volume has been deposited in the library of the Society for preservation. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. The following is an alphabetical list of the members of the Patho- logical Society of the District of Columbia, made up from these records : Addison, R Austin, J. M. Berry, W. H. Blanchard, S. B. Bogan,.M. V. B. Borrows, J. Boyle, C. Busey, S. C. Butt, AV. B. Carmichael, E. H Causin, N. P. Causten, J. H. Combs, J. G. Coolidge, R. H. Condict, H. F. Cragin, C. H. Craig, B. S. Davis, A. McD. Dawes, F. Dove, G. M. Doviliers, S. Duhammel, AV Dyer, J. J. Edwards, L. A Eliot, J. Everett, S. AV. J. C Force, C. F.f Frye, T. B. J. Garnett, A. Y. P. Grymes, J. M. Grinnell, F. M. Hagner, D. 11. Hall, J. C. Holmead, A. Harris, T. Hill, F. H. Hoben, H. Howard, F. Howard. H. P. Johnston, AV. P. Jones, W. Liebermann, C. II. Lindsly, H. Lippett, av. F. Lovejoy, J. W. II. Magruder, AV. 15. Marbury, AV. May, F. May, G. AV. May, J. F. McKim, S. A. H. McAVilliams, A. Miller, T. Morgan, J. E. Munding, J. M. Newman, N. H.f Palmer, W. G. Radcliff, S. J. Riley, J. Riley, J. C. Ritchie, J. Ritter, F. W. Saunders, AV. II. Semmes, A. J. Sewall, T. Smoot, S. C. Snyder, J. M. Stone, R. K. Storrow, S. A. Thomas, J. M. Tyler, G. Tyson, S. E. AYashington, B. AVheelan, AY. AVilson, J. A V other spoon, A. S. Young, A. N. Young, N. Fairfax J.* The Pathological Society was represented by two delegates in the American Medical Association in 1853, as may be seen by reference to the complete list of members of that Association from the District of Columbia, at the end of this paper. Early in 1855 the alumni of the Medical Department of Georgetown College formed a Medico-Chirurgical Society in Washington. They met quarterly for the purpose of presenting and reading essays on medical subjects, holding discussions, and for social enjoyment. After a number of preliminary meetings, the organization was completed under the name of the ''Medical Alumni Association of Georgetown College," by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and the election of officers for the ensuing year, which were as follows : * Alsiting member. f Resigned. 34 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. s. J. RADCLLFF, President. O. A. DAILY, Corresponding Secretary. W. EVANS, 1st Vice President. T. C. McIXTIKE, Treasurer. J. HALL MOORE, 2d Vice President. JOS. A. SMITH, Librarian. J. V. D. MIDDLETON, Recording Sec'y. This Society, although starting with much promise, was soon per- mitted to die. After the retrocession, in 1840, of that part of the District of Co- lumbia south of the Potomac river to Virginia, when the physicians of that section ceased to take part in the proceedings of this Society, the medical men of Alexandria established among themselves a sort of Medical Club, which, however, was as much for the purpose of so- cial intercourse as for the advancement of medical science. But in 1858 they organized a regular Medical Society, of which Dr. Orlando Fairfax was elected President, and Dr. Chas. W. Chancellor, Secretary. The following are the names of as many of the members as I could ascertain, the records having been lost or mislaid during the war: Dr. Orlando Fairfax, Dr. M. M. Lewis, Dr. W. II. Gaines, Dr. T. J. Murphy, Dr. AV. B. Gregory, Dr. D. M. French, Dr. C. W. Chancellor, Dr. James Maguire, Dr. R, II. Si abler. Dr. J. Conway Brown, This Society met regularly every month, but some of the members met more frequently during winter for dissections and scientific dis- cussions. Its members were active and punctual in reading papers, producing pathological specimens, and reporting cases ; so that it was a real working and useful Society. Its meetings were coutinued until the political distractions of the country, and the commencement of the war disarranged the peaceful pursuits of the place, and rendered the operations of the Society impracticable. The one remaining medical organization claiming our attention, and the last formed in Washington, is the "Cliuico Pathological Society," formed in 1865 by twelve of the junior practitioners of the city. The object of the Society, as expressed in the By-Laws, is u for mutual improvement in diagnosis and clinical observation." The number of active members of the Society is limited to sixteen. The meetings are held weekly during the winter, in the rooms of the Medical Society. They have already collected some very valuable pathological speci- mens. The care with which they report cases, and the character of the papers read, are spoken of as manifesting close study, as well as professional acumen. This Society is permanent in its character, and MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 35 was represented at the meeting of the American Medical Association in 1866. The following is a list of its members : Drinkard, W. R. Middleton, H. P. Todd, S. J. Ford, C. M. Prentiss, D. AV. AValsh, R. S. L. Harris, J. O.* Robbins, II. Young, J. T. King, A. F. A. Roberts, AV. E. Zevely, E. A.* Lee, AV. Thompson, J. F. The foregoing is a brief sketch of all the various medical associa- tions which have been .organized, so far as we are acquainted, within the District of Columbia, and to some one or all of which most of the practitioners of the District have belonged. The following list of physicians is collected from professional cards appearing in the National Intelligencer and other papers published in the District from 1800 to 1840. They are arranged in the order in which they appeared. These advertisements do not determine with accuracy the year in which the physicians named commenced to prac- tice in Washington, but nevertheless do so approximately. In 1833 eight physicians settled in Washington to practice; a larger number than in any one year prior to that time. Some success- ful and well-known physicians did not announce themselves by public advertisements. The list comprises only those who published cards : 1800—Dr. AVilliam King. \ 1813—George Clarke, 1801—Dr. Harrison, George A. Carroll, James Tongue. Dr. AVarfield, 1803—John Willis. Dr. Huntt. 1804—Dr. Benson. . 1815—George AV. May. 1805—Thomas Ewell. 181G—Samuel Horsley, 1806—Dr. Brisco. j Dr. Baker, 1808—Dr. Lancaster, Dr. Henderson. James H. Blake, 1817—Elisha Harrison, Gerard T. Greenfield, Edmond B. Addison, William Grayson. Richard AVeightman. 1809—Robert French. 1818—N. P. Causin. 1810—James Ewell, 1820—Thomas Sewall. N. T. AVeerns. I 1821—Jonathan Barber. * Resigned. ilj ANNIVERSARY ORATION. 1823—Dr. Scott, Dr. Collins. 1824—Dr. Penn. 182")—Richard Randall, Dr. Kerr, AVilliam Baker, John D. Sinnott, 1826—Dr. Leonard Mackall, Dr. Hamilton, Jesse Ewell, Abraham B. Hooe, Dr. Gilroy, Dr. Elison. 1827—Thomas T. Tebbs, Dr. Brisco, Dr. Thomas. 1828—N. Young, John Bulfinch, Dr. Taylor, Harvey Lindsly, Jerome Mudd. 1829—Frederick Dawes, Dr. Cutbush, J. C Hall. 1830—Dr. Kearney, Dr. Stanford, Dr. Jones, Joseph Kent, Dr. Mayo. 1831—Dr. Waring, Joseph N. Siewarl. 1832—Thomas Miller, AY B. Magruder. Ig:;:}—D. McClean, George R. Clarke, J. Munding, E. A. Theller, Cocilus B. Calvert, M. L. AVeems, Elbert Dorman, Moreau Forrest. 1835—A. J. Schwartze, Thomas Dashiell. 1836—Francis Lambert. 1837—Dr. J. M. Thomas. 1838—Daniel Bren, Dr. Tucker, D. Spencer Mitchell. 1839—AVilliam Jones, James A. Young. 1840—AV. R. Rose, G. M. Dove, V. II. Liebermann. A. Holmead, It is estimated that a population of from six hundred to twelve hundred is required to employ the time and give support to a physician. The number would vary, of course, between country and city practice, and between healthy and unhealthy localities. Although we have not the exact data by which to test the correctness of this estimate as regards the Disfrid of (Udumbia and the city of Washington, yet from the evidence before us we are disposed to be- lieve that in the past the supply has been rather below than above this ratio. The following table shows the population of the District at every decade since 1800 : MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 37 Years. 1800. 1810. 1820. 1830. 1840. 1850. 1860. Whole DL«. liict. 14,093 24,033 33,039 39,834 43,792 .11,(587 75,080 Washington. Georgetown Washington I .,._„„.,„:,. and County. I County. ; -ucxanulM' 3,210 8,208 13,247 18,827 23,304 40,001 61,122 4,934 l......... 4,949 j......... 7,300 }......... 8,441 I......... 7,312 j 3,069 8,3C7 In 1797 the estimated population of Washington was 2,000. There were at that time at least three practicing physicians here. In 1815. when the population of Washington was between 11,000 and 12,000, there were nine physicians and two practicing apothecaries. Alexan- dria in 1790 had a population of 2,749, with at least five physicians. In 1815, with a population of less than 8,(MM), it had ten practicing physicians and several practicing apothecaries. The census of 1850 takes note of occupations, and shows that in the District of Columbia, which includes Washington City. Georgetown, and the County, with a population of 51,000, there were 104 physicians and 48 apothecaries.f The census of 1860, taken in the same way. shows that the District, with its population of 75,080, had 148 physicians and 89 apothecaries. The census report, it is proper to. say, includes as physicians all per- sons styling themselves doctors Avho are engaged in practice, no matter as to their character, sex, or qualifications. The population of the District at this time is probably not less than 120,000. From the best data I can gather it is fair to presume that there are now about 150 regularly qualified practicing physicians, and perhaps from 40 to 50 persons practicing the various pathies and styles of quackery known to the times. Up to about 1820 the physicians of the District generally dispensed their own medicines, writing prescriptions only in special cases or for particular medicines. The bad condition of the streets and the widely * Alexandria was not included in the census of the District in 1850 and 1860. t In cities there are generally two regular physicians to one apothecary. In Villages and in rural situationsJhe proportion of physicians is greater. 38 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. scattered situation of the houses in the city deprived them almost en- tirely of the use of gigs and carriages. Physicians then travelled their daily rounds chiefly on horseback, with packages of medicines in their pockets or in saddle-bags. Drug stores before this period were chiefly owned and conducted by physicians. The proprietors, however, whether regular phpsicians or not, engaged more or less in practice. Prior to 1850 the practice of medicine ill the District of Columbia, as a general fact, was laborious and unremuncrathc. But one phy- sician in Alexandria, and perhaps two in Washington, anterior to this date, had accumulated any considerable property, or made more than a respectable living by their profession. Of late years the fees for pro- fessional services have been more adequate, and paid with greater promptness and certainty, owing chiefly to the increased prosperity and wealth of the majority of the inhabitants. The examples with us now are comparatively numerous where physicians, by energy and skill in the profession, and tact in the management of their business and prudent investments, have accumulated handsome fortunes. On inquiry and search I have collected the names of over 200 physicians (now deceased) who, since the settlement of this section, have practiced medicine at some period of their lives within the terri- tory of the " Ten Miles Square.'' The following is the list, and, although designed to be comnlete. it is apprehended that it does, not contain the names of all, and may be inaccurate in other respects. It will be considered a favor for any person to supply the author with deficiencies, so as to enable him to correct errors of omission or commission in this or any part of the address. The letters on the margin opposite the name indicate the city in which the physician resided. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. '................Ashton, Henry.......... T................Anderson, Samuel Irvin. T................Anderson, Thomas...... ................Arnold, AVilliam......... T................ Ashby, Chas. AV.......'.. T................Austin, James M........ ................Baker, William......... J................Baker, AVilliam......... ,'......1828......Baldwin,----- ........ J................Barker, Jonathan....... T................Barry, Robert T........ T................Beall, J. H.............. ......1782......Beatty, Charles A...... ,T................Benson,-----........ ."................Berry, AVilliam II....... ......1800......Black, Robert........... f......1808......Blake, James H......... ................Bodie, G. AV............ ................Bohrer, Benj. S........ T................Branch, Richard H..... ,'................Brent, Daniel.......... T................Brereton, John A....... r................Brisco, Edward......... r................Brisco, R............... ................BroAvn, G. Alex......... ................Brown, Raleigh T...... '......1794......Brown, Samuel......... ................Brown, AVilliam........ ................Bruce, Philip........... ................Campbell, G. Brown..... '................C.irrnichael, E. H..... "................Carroll, Geo. A........ ................Carson, Samuel.......... -................Causin, Nath'l Pope..... ................Causten, Jam?s II...... ................Christy, Francis C---.. ................Clark, Edward......... ................Clark, George........... ................Clinton, Thomas G..... ................Collins, James........... ................Collins, Stephen......... .....4791..,,,,Cooke, Stephen.,,.,,.,,, Died. jEt. June 10,1854.......... 29 March 12, 1812 August 14, 1857. October 13, 1838....... 76 February 20, 1859. July 29, 1819.......... 52 August 19, 1862........ March 30, 1835........ January 26, 1839......22 March 21, 1839........ March 10, 1815........ 1835 December 9, 1799 January 23, 1831...... 83 November 14, 1849--- October 5, 1856........ October 5, 1822 40 ANNIA'ERSARY ORATION. Died, jfit. AV................Coolidge, Richard H.........January 23, 1866......46 G......1801......Cozens, -----.................................... A................Craik, James................February 6, 1814......84 W...............Craven, Elisha R............December 4,1823...... AV......1796......Crocker, John..................................... A................Crighton, Robert..........■.. November 18, 1801--- 67 AV......1796......Cunningham, Cornelius............................ AV................Cutbush, Edward............1843.................. 71 AV...............Dale, George...................................... A................Dangerfield, Allen................................. A................Dangerfield, Henry................................ AV................Dawes, Frederick............February 10, 1852...... 74 A................D nikins, Joseph................................... A................Dick, Elisha Cullen..........September 29, 1829.... 72 W................Dorman, Albert................................... ................Dorman, George................................... A................Dulauey, F..................---.................. A................Edmonds, John R...........1855................. AV................Eliason, AVilliam.................................. W................Elzey, Arnold...............June 6, 1818........... 02 ................Evans, Thomas................................--- W......1850......Everett, S. AV...............April 6, 1862.......... 42 W................Ewell, James................1832.............:--- AV................Ewell, Thomas..............May 1, 1826........... W................Fectig, Lewis R........................-........... A................Ferish, ----- .................................... A................Fitzhugh, Edmond................................ AV............... .Forrest, Moreau................................... ................Forry, Samuel..................................... G...............French, Robert..............August, 1835.......... 48 G .,..............Gantt, Edward..............August, 1837.......... 96 ................Gibson, ----- .................................... AV................Gillaspy,-----................................... A................ Gillies, James............... ..................... AV................Gilroy,---— .................................... AV................Graham, AATm. II G................Grayson, AVm... A......1700......Green,----- ... W................Greenfield, Gerard T.............. A........... .... Grimes, Robert C................. W................Grymes, James M ................. AV................Gunnell, J. S..................... G................Gustine, Joel T................... G................Gustine, Robert................... W................Hagan, James..,,,,...,,.,. .1830. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 41 Died. jEt. Hall, B. H........................................ Holmead, Anthony..........October 26, 1855....... Hamilton, James.................................. Hamilton, C. B.................................... Han son, Samuel................................... Harper, AAT........................................ Harrison, Elisha.............August 24, 1819....... 57 Harrison, John.............. March 4, 1825......... Hawkins,-----.................................. Hellen, Johnson B...........July 3, 1864........... Henderson, Thomas..........August 11, 1854....... 65 Hoban, Henry...............April 5, 1865.......... 48 Hodges, Benjamin...........May, 1864............ Horsley, Samuel................................... Hosack, David..............December 13, 1835..... 66 Howard, H. P..................................... Hoxton, William.................................. Hunter, A........................................ Huntt, Henry................September 21, 1838.... 56 Jackson, John..................................... Jackson, Samuel................................... lacobs, Ferris.................................... James, Samuel..................................... Tolmson, James T................................. Jones, Elkin....................................... Jones, T. D....................................... Tones, Thomas P............1848.................. 75 Kearney, John A........___August 27, 1847....... 54 Kerr, Robert...................................... King, II........................................... King, John F..................................... King, AVilliam.................................... Kirkwood, AV. C................................... Lancaster,-----................................. Lauck, Isaac S..............May 17, 1864.......... Lawrie, James..................................... Laurie, Shepherd............August 8, 1852........ 30 Lindsay, R. W.................................... Lindsly, Webster............August 7, 1800........ 31 Lovell, Joseph...............October 17, 1836....... May, Frederick..............January 23, 1847...... May, Geo. AV...............1845.................. Mayo, Robert...................................... McKnight, Geo. B...........May 18, 1857.......... 65 McMahon, J. P. C................................. 42 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Died. /Ft. AV................McAVilliams, Alex...........March 30, 1850........ W................McWiUiams, William.............................. W................Miller, B. J..................September 17, 1837.... ................Minor, John....................................... W................Mitchell, Stephen.................................. AV................Mountz, John..................................... ................Morrison,-----.................................. G................Mudd, Jerome..................................... AV................Munding, J. M.................................... W................Nourse, Benj. F.............May 19, 1836.......... 30 W.................Osborn, Leonard.............October 5, 1837........ A................Peak, Humphrey.................................. W................Penn,-----...................................... A................Powell, H. Brook.................................. A................Powell, AVilliam L................................. A......1766......Ramsay, AVilliam.................................. A ......1793......Ramsay, AVilliam.................................. W................Ratidall, Richard.............April 19, 1829......... 33 W................Richards, John, Sr...........1813.................. 73 W................Richards, John..............January 19, 1862...... 47 ................Rivinus, Edward T................................ W................Rodgers, William.................................. \V................Roberts, John M.............September 11, 1865___ ................Roberts, John..................................... W................Rose, W. R...................................... W................Saunders, Wm. H.................................. W................Schwartz, Augustus I.............................. W................Scott, Thomas C.............September 7, 1837..... 53 A......1820......Sedgwick,-----............March 21, 1824........ 41 A................Semmes, Thomas............July 31, 1833.......... 55 AV................Sewall, Thomas.............September 10, 1845___ 59 (i................Shaaf, John T...............April 30, 1819......... 56 W................Sim, Thomas................September 15, 1832___ 62 W................Sinnott, John D................................... A................Smith, Sidney AV................................. G......1780......Smith, AValter..................................... W................Smoot, Samuel C............September 29, 1866___ 48 G................Snyder, J. M...............1863.................. G................Staughton, James M.........August 7, 1833........ W................Stettinius, John W II........July 20, 1863.......... 37 G................Stewart, Augustus A............................... A................Stewart, David.................................... A................Stewart, James.................................... W................Thomas, John M............December 28, 1834. AV................Thomas, J. M...............1853.................. A................Thornton, Geo. B............December 1,1818,,,,, SI MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 43 Died. /Ft. A................Thornton, John B...........January 15, 1839...... 30 A............... .Thornton, J. B. C...........1839.................. 30 W................Thornton, Wm..............March 27, 1828........ W................Tongue, James.................................... ................Tony, Samuel..................................... ................Tyler, John W.................................... A ................Vowel, John...................................... G ................AVarlield, Peregrine..........August 4, 1856........ AV................AVasIiington, Bailey..........August 4, 1854........ 67 A................Washington, Charles.............................. A......1802......AVashington, William.............................. W................AA'atkins, Tobias............November 14, 1855.. . 75 AV................AVaugh, J. B................1850.................. ................AVedderburn, A. J...........July 5, 1859........... 47 G......1780......Weems, John..................................... G......1810......AVeems, N. T..................................... W................AVeightman, Richard........October 30, 1841....... A................AVheelwright, Joseph.............................. AV................Willis, John................April 1, 1811.......... W................Wilstack, Chas. F...........July 1, 1860........... 66 G......1783......AVorthington, Charles........September 10, 1836___ 7j G................ Worthington, N. AV.........July 30, 1849.......... 60 ................Wotherspoon, Alex..........May 4, 1854........... W................Young, A. X..................................... Nearly one-half of the individuals named in this long list were members of this Society, either under its original or revived and amended charter. What mementoes of them has this Society pre- served ? In man}- instances we do not possess even the evidence of their membership, the book of records with their signatures being lost. But two portraits of deceased members grace and adorn the walls of our room, which, by their very loneliness, admonish us of the inexcusable neglect with which the memory of our departed members has bean treated. I am proud to say, however, that of late years there has been mani- fested a desire to elevate and dignify the membership of this Society among the living, and to honor it more in the notice taken of our deceased brethren. For our Society to be efficient for good among its members, and respected and influential with the public, it must be conducted in a 44 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. broad and catholic spirit, and with such high and honorable aims as to enlist the hearty approval and co-operation of every member and well-wisher of the profession. The benefits of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia to this community have never been fully appreciated by them, and per- haps not to the full extent it deserves by the members themselves. Individuals are to be found everywhere, both in and out of the medi- cal profession, who seem unable to appreciate the value of any meas- ure which promises no peculiar advantage to themselves. It is, there- fore, not strange that such persons should be slow to admit that other individuals may be influenced by motives that transcend the limits of their own aims. Thus it happens that the most benevolent associ- ations are occasionally looked upon as monopolies, and prejudice, if not hostility, aroused against the most valuable institutions from without, and jealousies and bickerings among the members within. It is a mistake to suppose that the benefits of a medical association arc limited, or chiefly important, to its members. The skill and pro- ficiency of the medical profession is but a legacy held in trust for the use and benefit of the community. The interest of the public and the profession in this respect is almost identical. Each is benefited, but the public most, by whatever measure advances and disseminates a knowledge of the healing art, and the prevention of disease. It is true there is a peculiar obligation which every practitioner assumes toward the patient who seeks his advice and confides in his skill, for the faithful performance of which he alone is responsible. But there are other duties of a more public nature, which belong to the profes- sion in its associate rather than in its individual capacity. With spe- cial reference to these this Society Avas originally constituted.. The spirit of association is the most distinguishing feature in modern civilization, and is the secret of the success and rapid advance in all the arts and sciences of the present age. If the progress of medical science has been more rapid during the nineteenth century than previously, it is mainly owing to the fact that MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 45 the medical profession, through its associations, has encouraged inves- tigations and directed a more systematic course of study. It is only where the energies of men of science are concentrated with their fellow laborers in the same field that they are enabled to accomplish the most satisfactory results. If medicine in the future is to advance along with other depart- ments in science and literature, active, earnest co-operation and a free interchange of opinions among its members must be the means through which this desirable result will be achieved. It is worthy of remark, that for the last three years the members of this Society have manifested the most lively interest in its success, with an increased desire for improvement, and have, as a general fact, exhibited a commendable readiness to read papers, report cases, and to take part in all measures that advance its interests and usefulness. The Society now holds weekly meetings, which are numerously attended ; and it is of very rare occurrence that a well-prepared origi- nal paper is not read at each one of them, which usually elicits pleas- ant and profitable discussions. As a consequence of the frequency and profitable character of the meetings, the harmony and good fel- lowship existing among all its members is noAV more perfect than at any former period in its history. The question of erecting a hall or building for the use of the Society was definitely and practically brought before this body, and a scheme for raising the funds to accomplish the purpose by its members submit- ted in an address delivered before you by your present speaker, De- cember 20, 1S65. A committee, consisting of three physicians, viz, Doctors Toner, Lindsly, and Liebermann, were subsequently appointed to consider and report upon the expediency and practicability of the measure. This committee have not as yet reported, but I am per- suaded they entertain the opinion that a building owned by the So- ciety is extremely desirable, and would secure the hearty approval of the profession. We know that there are members anxious and willing to subscribe to the stock necessary to its erection. So that 46 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. I feel not only hopeful, but confident, that this desirable object will soon be accomplished. Next in point of interest to us on this occasion will be a brief notice of such institutions among us as are medical in their character, and depend entirely, or in a great measure, upon the profession for their usefulness and reputation. First, of medical colleges, of which we have two. Every member of the profession has an interest in the success and reputation of med- ical colleges, not only in this city, but throughout the country, ami particularly in their maintaining a high standard of education The faculties of our medical colleges cannot, therefore, be matters of indif- ference to us. In one sense they are our representatives, and in another our auxiliaries. Whatever affects their reputation must react upon us, and, indeed, upon the Avhole profession. The organization of these colleges is perhaps as complete as could reasonably be expected, and their facilities for teaching the science of medicine and surgery equal to any in the country, save those which ha\Te the advantage of very extensive hospitals where students can study a greater variety of diseases at the bedside. Clinical lectures arc delivered to the students of both colleges at each of our hospitals, which of late years have been filled with interesting cases. It is not uncommon to hear physicians and others railing against medical colleges, and the amount and quality of the instruction given, and the indifferently informed and unskilful physician pointed to as a sort of eyesore to the profession, or pest inflicted upon the community by them. The fact is, the profession at large is in a great measure responsible for the character and mental capacity of those who study medicine. It is impossible for medical colleges to make efficient and skilful physicians out of some of the indifferently educated and obtuse material that is sent to them from the offices of busy and successful practitioners. Therefore I say that, in a great measure, the responsi- bility and means for elevating the character and standing of the pro- fession rests Avith the general practitioners, to whom young men apply MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 47 to be received as students. We should have the honor and dignity of the profession and the good of the community so much at heart as not to hesitate to dissuade the young man of limited natural capacity, and perhaps even more deficient education, from commencing the study of medicine. But. on the Avhole, the medical profession has great reason to be proud of the eminent talent and learning which occupy or yearly enter its ranks, and of the almost unimpeachable integrity and efficiency of its members as a body. The Medical Department of Columbian College, the first medical school established in the District, Avas completely organized and lec- tures commenced, in a building, No. 447 Tenth street, on the 30th March, 1825. On that occasion an able introductory lecture, review- ing the history of medical colleges in the United Stales, was delivered by Dr. Thomas Sewall. The third course of lectures was deliverd in a neAv building on the comer of Tenth and E streets. Lectures con- tinued to be delivered in this institution to very respectable classes until 1834, when from some cause they Avere suspended for a few years. The faculty was reorganized, and lectures commenced under an able corps of teachers on the first Monday in November, 1839, in the building corner of Tenth and E streets, where the usual annual course was given until the season of 1844-'45, when the college was removed to the Washington Infirmary. In 1847 the facilities for teaching were greatly increased by the successful establishment of the Wash- ington Infirmary in conjunction AYith the college, and by the many appliances added for demonstrations in the lecture room. From that period the Medical Department of Columbian College has been styled the liXational Medical College." Lectures were annually delivered to good classes in this building, until it was taken possession of by the Government for a military hospital, in April, 1861. The faculty then removed to a building, formerly the " Union" Printing Office, on E street, between Eleventh and Twelfth, where lectures were con- tinued for some time. 48 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Owing to the political distractions of the country, and the derange- ment of the ordinary pursuits and studies, lectures Avere suspended during the years of 186:J-'G4 and l8C>4-'65. But in the fall of I860 the Medical Faculty removed to the Law Building of Columbian Col- lege, on Fifth street, where they have since lectured to good classes. Recently, by the munificent liberality of W. W. Corcoran, the Trus- tees of Columbian College have been given the elegant and commo- dious building on II street, near Fourteenth, for the use of the Faculty of the National Medical College, where medical lectures will hereafter be regularly delivered. The following is a list of all the professors who have held chairs in the National Medical College, with the date of their appointment, resignation, &c, from its organization to the present time : Appointed. Resigned. 1821--Thomas Sewall, M. D.........Anatomy and Physiology..................is:«t 1821---Jus. M. Stoughton, M. D......Chemistry, Geology, and Surgery........1830 1822---Elijah Craven, M. D..........Botany...........................deceased lS2:s 1824....Thos. Henderson, M. D.......Theory and Practice.......................1 833 1824.... X. W. Worthington, M. D.... Materia Medica............................1839 1824.... Alex. McWiUiams, M. D......Botany...........................deceased 1850 1825---Edward Cutbush, M. D.......Chemistry..................................1827 1825---Frederick May, M. D.........Obstetrics...................................l&'Sd 1827....Richard Randall, M. D.......Cliein., Inst. Med., and Med. Jurisp......1828 1828--Thomas P. Jones. M. D.......Chemistry..................................1838 1830--James C. Hall, M. D..........Surgery.....................................1837 1839... .Thos. Sewall, M. D............Pathology, Theory & Practice. .deceased 1845 1839... .Thomas P. Jones, M. D........Chemistry and Pharmacy.................1840 1839.... Harvey Lindsly. M. D........Obstetrics and Dis. of Women & Children 184.1 1839... .John F. May, M. D............Anatomy and Physiology.................1841 - 1839... .John M. Thomas, M. D.......Materia Medica and Therapeutics........1844 1839....Thomas Miller, M. 1)..........Principles and Practice of Surgery.......184! 1840....Frederick Hall, M. D..........Chemistry.......................deceased 1843 1841....John F. May, M. D............Principles and Practice of Surgery.......1842 1841....Thomas Miller, M. D..........Anatomy and Physiology.........'........1851 1842---Win. P. Johnston, M. D.......Surgery..........................'. ...184.-) 1843---Benj. Hallowell...............Chemistry................................7.7.1844 1844---Charles F. Page, M. D........Chemistry.................................. 1849 - 1844....John M. Thomas, M. D.......Physiology and Med. Jurisp......'.'..'.'.'.'.'.1849 1844... .Joshua Riley, M. D...........Materia Medica and Therapeutics........18.7.) 1845---Harvey Lindsly, M. D........Practice.....................................184<; 1845---AVilliam P. Johnston, M. D...Obstetrics.................. "l,s7i 1845....John F. May, M. D............Surgery.......7777... 77........ .7 18 ,8 1846.... Graf ton Tyler, M.D..........Practice........7.7.7.7.7.7.7."...............1859 1847... .Leonard D. Gale, M. I>........Associate Prof. Chemistry'.'.'.'..'.......... 1819 1848....Robert K. Stone, M. D........Adjunct Prof. Anatomy........77 7 7 1854 1849....E. Foreman, M. D.............Chemistry..............................lsy, 1850....R.K. Stone, M.D..............Physiology and Alea.Jurisp...............1854 1853---Lewis II. Steiner, M. D.......Chemistry......................... ' 185'r medtcaL society d. c. 49 Appointed. Resigned. 1854___James J. Waring, M. 1).......Physiological and Micros. Anat...........1859 1857___Eugene W. Hilgard, M. D___Chemistry..................................185s 1858___Henry Wurtz..................Chemistry..................................1860 1858... .John G. F. Ilolston, M. I).....Surgery...........................A'acated 1861 1858....Root*. K. Stone, M. D..........Ophth. Med. and Surg......................1859 1859... .Thomas Miller, M.D.........Emeritus Prof. Anat. and Phys........... 18.7)___R. K. stone, M.D..............Anatomy....................................18.7i 1859___John C. Riley, M. D...........Materia Med. and Therap................. 18.7)___X. S. Lincoln, M. D............Practice.....................................1830 185X...W. P.Johnston, M. D.........\ ^0^^!^;^^:^^^^°: i >-,i t r «- • „ ,, ,* S Obstet. and Dis. of AYomen and Child- ].s.>9....J. J. Waring, M. D...........-( ren............................Vacated 18«;l I860__R. K. Stone, M. D.............Practice, Surgery, and Clin. Surgery.....1860 1860__L. C. Schaeffer, M. D..........Chemistry.................................. 1860.....\. Y. P. Garnett, M. D........Prof, of Clinical Med.............A'acated 1861 1860__X. S. Lincoln, M.D............Anatomy and Physiology..................1861 1860__(.. M. Dove, M.D..............Practice..................................... 1861.... X. S. Lincoln, M.D............Surgery..................................... 1861__JohnB. Keasby, M. 1).........Obstetrics and Dis. of Women............ ---183-2___J. H. Warren, M. D...........Anatomy....................................1863 1863__John A. Liddell, M. D........Anatomy....................................1866 I-133---John Ordronaux, M. D........Med. Jurisp. and Hygiene................. 1S65__Thos. R. Crosby, M. D........Military Surgery........................... ls>6__J. Ford Thompson, M. D......Anatomy and Physiology................. The Medical Department of Georgetown College was organized Avith a corps of five distinguished professors, and commenced its first course of lectures to an encouraging; class of medical students in the fall and winter of 1850-'51. From that period to the present time a regular course of lectures has been annually deliArered in their college, on F street, near Twelfth, to increasing classes, and Avith augmented reputation. The institution may now be considered as well estab- lished. The following is a list of the professors and the chairs they have filled, with the dates of their appointment, resignation, kc.: Appointed. Resigned. 1849....Noble Young, M. D...........Princ. and Prac. of Med.................... 1849....Flodoardo Howard...........Obstet. and Dis. of Women &'Children.. .1857 1849__Johnson Eliot, M.D..........Anatomy....................................1861 1849__Chas. IT. Liebermann, M. D. .Princ. and Prac. of Surgery...............1853 1849__Jo>hua A. Ritchie, M. I).....Physiol, and Med. Jurisp..................1853 1849__Samuel AV. Everett, M.D__Associate Prof, of Anatomy...............1852 1850__J. B. AVaugh, M. D............Mat. Med. and Therapeutics.. .Deceased 1850 1851__A. M. Austin, M. D............Mat. Med. and Therapeutics..............1852 1851___James W. H. Lovejoy.........Chemistry.................................1854 1852___James E. Morgan, M. D......Physiol, and Med. Jurisp..................1858 185.3__Samuel C. Busey, M. D........Mat. Med. and Therapeutics..............1854 1853__J. M. Snyder, M. D...........Surgery.....................................1857 1S.71__B. F. Craig, M. D..............Chemistry.................................1858 18.73....George C. Schaffer, M. D.....Mat. Med. and Therapeutics..............1855 4 50 ANNIVERSARY oration. 1857--J. M. Snyder, M. D............Obstetrics.......................Deceased 1863 1857--Flodoardo Howard, M. D.....Kmcritus Prof, of Obstetrics.............. 1857... .C. H. Lieberman, M.D........Surgery......................................1861 1858....Thomas Antisell, M. 1).......Chemistry..................................1863 1858--Jas E. Morgan, D.............Mat. Med. and Therapeutics.............. 1351--Johnson Kliot, M. D..........Surgery.........................."........... 1831—Montgomery Johns, M. D__Anatomy.................................... 1863....Thomas Antisell, M. D.......Military Surg., Phys. and Hygiene........ 1863--Silas L. Loomis, M. D.........Chemistry.................................. 1863....Flodoardo Howard, M. D.....Obstetrics................................... 1865... .Daniel K. Ilagner, M.D......Clinical Medicine........................... There are many members of this Society, present Avith us to-night, justly distinguished for their ability, who have receiA'ed their doctor- ates from one or other of these Colleges. There have been some individual efforts in the teaching of partic- ular branches of the science of medicine by physicians in Washington that are worthy of being noticed. The first of this character was by Dr. J. C. Hall, who, in 18*28, opened a private dissecting room in the same square in Avhich Brown's Hotel is situated. His efforts Avere so well patronized that he continued the course for some years to good classes, and until he was elected professor of surgery in Columbian College. In 1830 Thomas Sewall, Harvey Lindsly, and Benjamin F. Nourse associated themselves together to give a summer course of lectures to medical students who might desire to avail themselves of the oppor- tunity. In 1831 the Washington Medical Institute was established to give a full summer course of instruction to medical students who might resort to the city to study medicine. It Avas designed by this means to place Washington upon an equal footing, as to medical instruction, with the eastern cities. The professors were Doctors Hendersom Hall, Miller, Stanford, Nourse, Borrows, and ilrereton. In 1834 Dr. Thomas Miller advertised to give a private course of instruction to medical students on the subject of anatomy ; and in 1835 Dr. Harvey Lindsly announced that he would give a course of lectures, to such students as might desire to attend, on obstetrics and diseases of women and children. October 20, 1819, the following physicians announced themselves, MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 5l h.v public advertisement, as willing to attend alternately every even- ing about five o'clock, at the room adjoining the apothecary shop of Jesse Ewell, to prescribe gratuitously for all who might apply for medical assistance: Thomas Sim, Henry Huntt, N. P. Causin, Bailey Washington, and Thomas Ewell. This is the first, and, as far as I am aAvare, the only attempt ever made to establish a dispensary in Washington City. When this Society was formed, and for man}- years after, there were no hospitals in Washington City for the accommodation of the public, other than the Poor House. That institution Avas established by a law of the Corporation passed October 31, 1806. Two thousand dollars was then appropriated to buy a lot anywhere in the city be- tween Third and Ninth streets, and F street north and the boundary, and to erect suitable buildings, which, in the language of the law, was •' the more effectually to provide for the poor, disabled, and infirm persons." It Avas denominated the " Washington Infirmary." This institution, as most of the older physicians knoAv, Avas situated on the square between M and X and Sixth and Seventh streets, but was generally known by the name of the "Poor House." It Avas continued until about 1846, Avhen the Washington Asylum Avas completed, upon a site given by the General GoA'ernment for that purpose in 1843, in the eastern part of the city. The Avant of a hospital was early and severely felt by the people of the District who saAV the Infirmary in part diverted from its legiti- mate purpose to meet this necessity, and a specific plan for a general hospital,* with a scheme for raising the necessary funds for its estab- * "Proposed Hospital. — To the Editors—Gentlemen : Annexed are the outlines of the institution proposed. It appears to me to be on the fairest prin- ciples ; so that it cannot he shackled with those incumbrances which so often defeat the main objects of charitable institutions—I mean tedious forms for those requiring relief, and having to curry favor with those granting admission. It is presumed that the corporations of Georgetown and Washington will vote supplies annually equal to their respective population ; nor can there be a doubt that the many who will contribute will have no other wish than that their money may be judiciously laid out in relieving some poor fellow beings unable to relieve themselves. The last remark I have to make is that the population of 52 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. lishment and support, was submitted to the public through a circular letter published and distributed by Dr. Thomas Ewell, one of the leading practitioners of the city. A copy of this circular, with a descriptive plan of the proposed institution and suggestions as to its location and management, may be seen in the National Intelligencer of September 2, 1820. the corporations separately cannot support a hospital, but jointly it can be done by the twenty thousand, inhabitants. It will*be remarked that the estab- lishment is not to relieA'e the old and infirm not watting medical assistance, but the sick who would injure and be injured by blending thus together. " Eespectfully yours, "THOMAS EWELL." '■'■Columbia Hospital.—Outlines of an institution designed in the least expen- sive and most expeditious way : "1st. To relieA'e the poor AA'ho are sick and haA'e no accommodations at home. "2d. To administer medicine to those requiring and unable to pay for them, at their houses. "3d. To promote medical science by making "the practice public, so as to lessen the impositions of pretenders to great skill among the unknoAving part of society. '■'■Article 1. The board of management of the institution, governing exclu- sively, except in the medical department, to consist of all the clergymen and all the members of the corporations of Washington and Georgetown, to meet and regulate as they shall by a majority determine. "Article 2. The medical department to be exclusively under the direction of the regularly qualified physicians of the two corporations, restricted to the republican rule of letting each in succession share in the duties of the hospital and the practice as dispensary physicians, every physician having the right to witness the practice of each other at the hours of prescription. "Article 3. All persons connected with the corporation, and all contributors, shall have the right of sending such patients to the hospital as they may deem worthy objects, excepting that the owners of slaves shall pay as much as the cost of their accommodation. "Article 4. The hospital to be seated conveniently to Georgetown and Wash- ington, to consist of small buildings of the plainest kind, detached from each other to prevent the propagation of infections diseases, and maniacs from being made more mad by hearing each other's cries ; each house not to contain more than six or eight persons, except a centre building for the resident officers, an apothecary shop, and a room for- teaching Avomen the duties they should per- form to each other in child-bed, or for other purposes of lecturing."—National Intelligencer, September 6, 1820. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 53 The measure met the hearty approval of the editors of that influen- tial journal, avIio ventured to suggest certain modifications in the plan, and particularly urged that the corporations of Washington and Georgetown unite in its establishment, and support it on a firm basis. In several able editorials they urged the necessity and practicability of the enterprise, and stated that it was within their own knowledge that one gentleman would give $1,000 if the project was carried into practical operation. For some cause, probably the want of money and harmonious co-operation, this benevolent enterprise was dropped. Military Hospitals in Washinctox During the War of 1812.— It seems probable, from the best information I can obtain, that there were at least tAvo hospitals organized by the army in Washington during the last Avar with Great Britain. Dr. William Jones, a sur- geon in the army at that time, and on duty in Washington, writes me that ;' there was but one military hospital in Washington during the war of 1812, which Avas situated on Greenleafs Point, in the old brick buildings on P street south, fronting the Arsenal grounds, and still in good state of repair.'' There is, however, a conviction in the minds of many persons con- temporary with that period, that the old brick house still standing back from the street, on the corner of Vermont avenue and H street, Was used during the Avar as a hospital. Others believe that a tempo- rary hospital AA'as opened on Capitol Hill after the battle of Bladens- burg; but I am unable to verify the statement, or to fix upon the exact situation. During the cholera of 1832 there were three temporary hospitals established iri the city—one in the First Ward, another in the central part, and the third near the Navy Yard. These were known by the names of the Western, the Central, and the Eastern. The medical staff of the different hospitals Avas appointed by the Board of Health, August 1, 1832. The Western Hospital .was opened in a brick double house, belonging to Alexander Clements, situated on the south side of M street north, between Eighteenth and Nineteenth. The building is still standing, ! 54 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. and in a good state of preservation. The attending physicians were Doctors N. W. Waters and R. Brisco. Dr. W. B. Magruder subse- quently took the place of Dr. Brisco. The consulting physicians were Doctors Thomas Sim, J. M Thomas, and Richmond Johnson. The Central Hospital Avas opened at Xo. 441 Tenth street, but was subsequently removed to a house on the corner of Eleventh street and Pennsylvania a\renue, owned by IF. J. Stone, Esq., father of Dr. R. K. Stone, and proffered by him for the purpose of a hospital, as long as the occasion required. The attending physicians at this establish- ment Avere Doctors A. McD. Davis. T. R. Miller, James Waring, and B. Miller. Consulting physicians, Doctors Henry Huntt, N. P. Causin, and Thomas Sewall. Dr. Joseph Borroirs Avas subsequently appointed one of the attending physicians. The Eastern Hospital Avas in a house now owned by Air. Clark-, and is situated on the Avest side of Fourteenth street east, betAvecn K street and Georgia aA'enue. The attending physicians Avere Doctors Noble Young and T. J. Jioyl. The latter resigned September 3d, and Dr. II. T. Barry Avas appointed in his place. The consulting physi- cians Avere Doctors Frederick: May and Alexander McWiUiams. In Georgetown there was one cholera hospital during the epidemic of 1832. The building occupied for that purpose Avas a three-story hotel, situated on the west side of High street, between Bridge and Water streets. The physicians in charge Avere Doctors Charles II. Laub, X. W. Worthington, B. S. Bohrer, and Joshua lliley. The two latter Avere consulting physicians. In Alexandria, Yircginia, the epidemic Avas also so severe as to make it a necessity for the corporate authorities to establish a hospi- tal for the care and treatment of the poor and destitute. The buildino- used there was a three-story house, situated on the northeast corner of Fairfax and Gibbon streets. It is still standing, and belongs to the heirs of Mr. Tucler. Robert C. Grymes Avas one of the physicians in charge. Just after the subsidence of the cholera, at the suggestion of the Board of Health, several public meetings were held. Avith a A'iew to MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 55 encourage the establishment of a general and permanent hospital in the city. At one of these meetings a committee was appointed to select a proper site for such an institution. After viewing all the available squares, they recommended two, but preferred that known as the "Church. Reservation," upon Avhich the Patent Office now stands. The project Avas. hoAvever, too expensive for individual efforts, and, as it Avas not encouraged and patronized by Congress or the Corporation, the project for the time fell through. The Board of Health continued in 1832-33-34-'35-'36, and '3*7 to appoint a com- mittee to memorialize Congress to obtain an appropriation to establish in our city a public hospital. On the 29th of August, 1S42, Congress passed a law appropriating $10,000, and authorizing the old Jail, on Judiciary Square, to be altered and fitted up for an insane asylum. But in 1844, when the alterations had been completed, it Avas decided by Congress not to be a proper place for an institution of that kind. At this juncture the Medical Faculty of Columbian College applied to Congress for the use of the building for an infirmary, and for other purposes. On the 15th June, 1844. a laAV, from which the following is an extract, Avas passed by Congress, and received the approval of the President of the United States: " That the Commissioner of Public Buildings be directed to allow the Medi- cal Faculty of Columbian College, District of Columbia, to occupy the insane hospital, with the adjoining grounds, situated in the Judiciary Square, in Washington, for the purpose of an infirmary, for medical instruction, and for scientific purposes, on condition that they shall give satisfactory security to keep the said building in repair, and return it with the grounds, to the Govern- ment, in as good condition as thev are now in, whenever required to do so." The Faculty of the College met William Noland, Commisioner of Public Buildings, Friday. June 20. 1844, and jointly signed the lease and a bond of §10,000 as a guarantee that they would faithfully com- ply with the requirements of the law and the conditions of the lease. The professors of the Medical Department of the College, as then constituted, all signed the bond, and in the following order: Thomas Sewall, Harvey Lindsly, Thomas Miller, John M. Thomas, William P. Johnston, Charles G. Page, 56 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. These gentlemen deserve the lasting gratitude of this community, and the highest respect and admiration of their professional brethren. for the tact, energy, and enterprise displayed in establishing the Washington Infirmary. Although the building Avas given free of rent, the faculty were at very considerable expense in furnishing the building and making the necessary improvements and alterations. The first patients were received into this institution about the mid- dle of July, 1844. And thus was opened, upon the most liberal terms* to the public, the first general hospital in Washington City. The institution Avas well sustained by the public, and in a short time Congress, upon the petition of the faculty and influential citizens. made a yearly appropriation of, at first, 82,000, then $3,000, and finally raised to 86,000, for care and medical treatment of the tran- sient paupers of the District. The groAving popularity of the institu- tion with strangers, mechanics, and laborers, with the rapidly-increas- ing population of the District, in a feAV years made a demand upon the Infirmary exceeding its capacity for accommodation. Conse- quently it became necessary to devise means to enlarge it. Therefore, in 1S52. Doctors Thomas Miller, Grafton Tyler, William P. Johnston. J. F. May, and R. K. Stone petitioned Congress for aid to accomplish this desirable object. Hon. Fdirard Stanly, of North Carolina, member of the House of Representatives, in Committee of the Whole, on the 17th February. 1853, brought forward this matter, and moved an amendment to the general appropriation bill, "To aid the directors of the Washington Infirmary to enlarge the accommodations for the benefit of.the sick * June 27, 1844, the Faculty, in advertising their winter course of lectures, appended the following paragraph relative to the infirmary : " The infirmary will be opened as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. The accommodations are sufiiciently extensive for a large number of patients. Patients from the city or country will be admitted upon paying a very small sum to the steward for board. The medical attendance of the fac- ulty will be furnished gratuitously. Clinical lectures will be given daily. The poor of the city avIio apply daily between the hours of !» and 10 a. in. w ill re- ceive advice and medicine without charge, the same as (Turing last Avinter. " W. P. JOHNSTON, Dean." MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 57 and the treatment of paupers, 820,000;'' which was agreed to. It passed the House finally on the 21st February, 1853. by a vote of 105 to 75. Through the liberal aid obtained from Congress, the capacity of the Infirmary building to accommodate patients was more than doubled. A commodious lecture room in the building was at the same time fitted up for the use of the College. The internal and domestic management of the Infirmary Avas, after a short time, put under the direction of those excellent and humane nurses, the Sisters of Mercy. The institution Avas conducted Avith liberality to the poor, enlightened judgment, and professional ability, and was of incalculable usefulness in the relief of suffering, by the accommodation it afforded to strangers and others compelled to resort to such an establishment. Its central position and large, airy rooms, with the assiduous attention given to patients by physicians and nurses, made it popular Avith the public and the profession. The exigencies <>f the Avar made its accommodation essential to the comfort of the sick soldiers in the city, so that it Avas given up solely to the use of the army in 1861. Its destruction by fire while under their control was a great calamity to the army, as well as to the poor of the city. GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. This admirable institution was built in pursuance of a law of (.'on gross passed in 1852, which appropriated 8100,000, and directed the Secretary of the Interior to select and purchase an eligible site Avithin the District of Columbia and erect thereon suitable buildings for the accommodation of the insane of the District and of the army and navy of the United States. The same year 819,000 Avas appropriated to support this class of patients from the District in asylums in other cities. After carefully examining and considering the advantages and disadvantages of all the available points, a beautiful and commodious site, about two miles south of the Capitol, overlooking the Avhole city, AA'as selected. Here a large and imposing structure, combining all the modern improvements known to such establishments, has been erected, 58 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. under the immediate direction of the superintendent, Dr. Charles H. Nichols. In it are at this time about three hundred patients of all classes under treatment. It is considered, and I believe justly, by competent judges to be the model Institution of its kind in the United States. PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL. This institution Avas established in the spring of 1861, by the Sisters of Charity, aided by a few friends. A sudden and pressing necessity for a public hospital Avas created by the Government taking possession of the Infirmary, and converting it into a military hospital. Perceiving the urgent want, your speaker avus the mover in measures which led to the establishment of Providence Hospital. -The Sisters of Charity in charge of St. Vincent's Or (than Asylum, to which he was phy- sician, were made fully acquainted with the necessities for such an insti- tution, and after a short consultation Avith their superiors and recogniz- ing the need, consented to open a hospital at once, in case a suitable building could be had. The Nicholson House, tolerably well calcu- lated for the purpose, situated in the centre of a square east of "Dud- inegton,"—the Carroll mansion, was rented and speedily fitted up and occupied as a hospital. It was opened on the most liberal conditions* to the public and the profession, each physician in the city enjoying an "equality of privileges" in the institution. * The following is a copy of the first public announcement made by those in charge of the Hospital, in 1866 : "WASHINGTON PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL, "Second Street East, Capitol Hill, Washington, I). C. " This institution, which is under the control and direction of the Sisters of Charity, is now open to the public. "All persons suffering from casualties or non-contagious diseases will be admitted. " The Buildings are spacious, and, with the alterations recently made, well adapted to Hospital purposes. "The location is elevated and salubrious, the grounds are extensive and Avell shaded, affording ample facilities for air and exercise. "Providence Hospital is admirably suited to patients wishing to avail themselves of the advantages of an Hospital, and yet enjoy the comforts and quiet of home, MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 59 It Avas well patronized from the first. The exigencies of the Avar, and the burning of the City Infirmary, and the abandonment of its organization, made such an institution a necessity to tjie city, and encouraged its friends to obtain a charter from the present Congress, Avhich, in its liberality, also granted it an appropriation of §30,000. The present administration have noAV a large and commodious build- ing in course of construction upon a site purchased for the purpose, on Second street east, bounded by E and F streets south. The insti- tution continues to be popular and prosperous, and is at this time receiving 812,000 a year from Congress, to provide hospital accom modations for the transient paupers of the District of Columbia. There is but one other institution of this class to be noticed, which is the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum. This benevolent institution, situated on the corner of Massachusetts avenue and Fourteenth street, was established early in 1866. Its purpose so commended itself to the public that liberal subscriptions Avere ob- tained from our citizens, and an appropriation of ten thousand dollars from Congress, which, it is expected, will be yearly granted for the support of the institution. Its encouragement has more than equalled the hopes of its projectors. An act of Congress incorporating it be- came a law on the 1st of June, 1866, so that it may now be considered an established institution, of Avhich the city may well feel proud. A Xaval Hospital, or Infirmary, for the exclusive use of the navy and the marines stationed at the Washington Xavy Yard, has been maintained there ever since the General Government Avas removed to "terms per week. " Private rooms, from 87 to $10, according to the nature of the disease and the attendance required. " General wards, $4. "Dr. J. 31. Toner is the Attending Physician and Surgeon of the house, but all the Physicians in the District will have an equality of privilege in the Institution ; consequently, any Physician who may send a patient to the hos- pital can attend the same, if he wishes to do so. " Application can be made at the hospital, or to Dr. J. M. Toner." 60 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. the city. A new building, of large proportions and beautiful exterior, has just been completed, Avith all the latest internal improvements in ventilation, heating, sinks. scAyerage, Ac, knoAvn to such institutions, upon a square of ground (Xo. 9-! 8 on the city pi at) fronting on Penn- sylvania avenue, and bounded by Ninth and Tenth streets east. This hospital is understood to be for the accommodation of all commis- sioned officers of the navy, and for United States seamen and marines in this section who require hospital treatment. The military struggle, from Avhich our country has just emerged, was so suddenly begun, and so obstinately contested, that its mag- nitude created at A'arious strategic points a necessity for extensive general military hospitals. I think it proper, therefore, to make some mention of those established. in the. District Our city being the seat, of Government, and the great camp of reserved forces and supplies, as avcII as the point of attack by the enemy, with the severe battles fought in the neighborhood, made it necessary to have large hospital accommodations here. Although very exten sive preparations were made, yet on several occasions the operations of the Avar suddenly threw such vast numbers of wounded and sick upon the hospitals at this point as to greatly exceed their capacity, and made it incumbent upon the medical officers to provjde extra ac- commodations, Avhich Avas done by taking temporarily churches and other buildings. The following is believed'to be a complete list of all the hospitals established and buildings used as such within the District of Colum- bia, or " Ten Miles Square," for the accommodation of sick and wounded soldiers during the Southern Bebellion. I have given, for the benefit of the future historian, the name and exact location of each hospital and building used as such. For the dates of opening and closing hospitals I am indebted to the Surgeon General of the United States army: MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. . 61 Armory Square, AYashington, D. C—Consisted of eight long, one-story frame buildings, erected on purpose, ends fronting on SeA'enth street, between the Canal and D street south. Opened August, 1862 ; closed September 11, 1805. Buildings retained by Quartermaster's Department as store- houses. Bayne, George.—Private residence, Alexandria, Ya., corner of King and Water streets. Branch of first division United States General Hospital. Bellhaven Fein ale Institute, Alexandria, Va.—Corner of Queen and St. Asaph streets. Branch of third division United States General Hospital. Beverly, Mrs.—Private residence, Alexandria, Ya., AYashington street, betAveen Oronoco and Princess streets. Building—Used as a hospital, Alexandria, Ya., on Cameron, near corner of AYater street. (Owner's name not ascertained.) Campbell, Washington county, D. C.—Frame buildings erected on purpose, on ground just outside of city limits, at north end of Sixth street. Opened December, 1862; closed July 22, 1865. (Buildings transferred to General Howard, avIio had a Frcedmen's Hospital opened.) Capitol of the United States, AYashington, D. C.—Hospital opened in Septem- ber, 1862 ; closed November, 1862. Carver, AA'ashington county, D. C.—Frame buildings erected on a site adja- cent to and north of Columbian College, on the Fourteenth street road. Opened July, 18G2 ; closed 16th August, 1865. Casparis Motel, AYashington, D. C.—Situated on south A street, between New Jersey avenue and First street east. Opened July, 1862 ; closed 26th February, 1863. Church, Ascension, (Episcopal,) AYashington, D. C—Situated on north H street, between Ninth and Tent!* streets. Opened July, 1862 ; closed 2d March, 1863. Church, Baptist, Alexandria, Ya.—On AYashington street, between Prince and Duke. Branch of second division United States General Hospital. Church, Dunbarton Street, (Methodist Episcopal,) Georgetown, D. C—On Dunbarton street, between Congress and High. Opened October, 1862 ; closed 8th January, 1863. Church, E Street Baptist, AYashington, D. C—On E street north, between Sixth and Seventh streets Avest. Opened July 1862 ; closed 2fith Decem- ber, 1862. Church, Ebenezer, (Methodist Episcopal,) AYashington, D. C—On Fourth street east, between South Carolina avenue and D street south. Opened July, 1862 ; closed 26th December, 1862. Church, Epiphany, (Episcopal,) AYashington, D. C—On G street north, be- tween Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets west. Opened July, 1862 ; closed 11th January, 1863. 62 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Church, Fourth Presbyterian, Washington, D. C.—On Ninth street west, be- tween G and H streets north. Opened July, 1862; closed 2d March, 1863. Church, Grace, (Episcopal,) Alexandria, Ya.—On Patrick street, between Prince and Duke streets. Branch of second division, and afterwards continued and known as L'Ouverture General Hospital, for Colored People. Church, Grace, (Episcopal,) Washington, D. C.—On D street, south, betAveeu Eighth and Ninth streets west. Opened July, 1862 ; closed January, 1863. Church or Meeting House of the Society of Friends, Alexandria, A'a.—On cor- ner of St. Asaph and Wolfe streets. Church, Methodist Episcopal South, Alexandria, Ya.—On Washington street, between King and Prince. Branch of second division United States General Hospital. Church, Presbyterian, Georgetown, D. C.—On Bridge street, between AYash- ington and Green, south side. Opened September, 1862; closed 29th December, 1802. Church, Byland Chapel, (Methodist Episcopal,) Washington, D. C.—On southeast corner of D street south and Tenth street Avest. Opened July, 18G2 ; closed January, 1863. Church, Second Presbyterian, Alexandria, Ara.—On corner of St. Asaph and Prince streets. Church, St. PauVs, (Episcopal,) Alexandria, \'a.—Corner of Duke and Pitt streets. Branch of first division United States General Hospital, Alex- andria. « Church, Trinity, (Episcopal,) AYashington, D. C.—Corner of C street north, and Third west. Opened July, 1862 ; closed April 1863. Church, Trinity, (Catholic,) Georgetown, D. C.—On Lingan, between First and Second streets. Opened October, 1862 ; closed January 12, 1863. Church, Thirteenth Street Baptist, Washington, D. C.—On east side of Thir- teenth street west, between G and II north. Opened and closed with Epiphany, on G street. Church, Unitarian, AVashington, D. C ; also knoAvn by the name of Cranch Hospital.—On corner of Sixth street west, and D street north. Opened July, 1802 ; closed December 26, 1862. Church, Union Chapel, (Methodist Episcopal,) AVashington, D. C.__On- Twentieth street west, between Pennsylvania avenue and II street north. Opened July, 1862 ; closed December, 1862. CUffburn, (Mrs. Hobbie'-s residence,) AYashington county, D. C.__Situated about one mile beyond the city boundary, from northern terminus of Twentieth street west. Large buildings and tents erected on the MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 63 grounds to'increase accommodation, in addition to the mansion. Opened April, 1862 ; closed December, 18i'«2. College, Columbian, AYashington county, D. C.—Situated on the Heights, just north of the Corporation limits, Avith tents and temporary buildings erected on grounds, on the Fourteenth street road. Opened Juty, 1861 ; closed July 10, 1865. College, Georgetown, (Catholic,) Georgetown, D. C.—Situated on the Heights, overlooking AYashington and the Potomac river. Opened in Septem- ber, 1862 ; closed February 1, 1863. Commissary Hospital, Alexandria, Ara.—In a house on Prince street, between Union and AA'ater. Daingerfield, Mrs. Edward, (private residence,) Alexandria, A'a.—Corner of AYolfe and Pitt streets. Branch of first division United States General Hospital. Desmares, (residence of Charles Hill, sr.,) on the corner of Massachusetts avenue and Fourteenth street. Enclosed with the house is a half square of ground, upon which additional frame buildings were erected. Opened March, 1863 ; closed December 2, 1865. (This building is now used as the " Columbia Hospital for AYomen and Lying-in Asylum.") Douglas, (private residence of the late Stephen A.,) Washington, D. C— Including two adjoining dwelling-houses and temporary frame build- ings, erected on the remainder of the square bounded by New Jersey avenue and Third street north and I and K streets west. Opened January, 1862 ; closed December 11, 1865. Dwelling-house, No. 461 E street north, betAveen Fifth and Sixth streets west. Occupied after the burning of the AA'ashington Infirmary, and until the Douglas Hospital was opened. Eckingtorp, (private residence of the late Joseph Gales,) situated about half a mile beyond the cit}- limits, opposite the northwestern terminus of New York aArenue.—Temporary buildings and tents were erected here to in- crease hospital accommodations. Opened January, 1862; closed April 3, 1863. Emory Hospital, AYashington, D. C.—Frame buildings erected on purpose, covering the squares bounded by Seventeenth and_Nineteenth streets east, and B and D streets south. Opened August, 1862 ; closed July 22, 1865. English, 'Miss L. S— Female Seminary, Georgetown, D.C. Situated on the northeast corner of Gay and Washington streets. Opened July, 18G1 ; closed July 18, 1865. Female Boarding School, Alexandria, A'a.—On AYashington street, between Green and Cameron. Branch third division United States General Hospital. 64 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Finley, AArashington county, D. C.—Buildings erected on purpose at Kendall Green, just outside of the city limits, opposite northern terminus of Fourth street east. Opened July, 1862 ; closed August, 1865. Fowle, IF. H.—Private residence, Alexandria, A'a. On Prince, between Columbus and Alford streets. Branch of second division United States General Hospital. Ilallowell, B.—Private residence, Alexandria, Ara. On AVashington street, between Green and Cameron. Branch of third division United States General Hospital. Ilallowell, James S.—Female Seminary, Alexandria, Y&. On Fairfax, be- tween Cameron and Green streets. Branch of first division United States General Hospital. Ilarewood, AYashington county, D. C—On the farm of AY. AY. Corcoran, about one mile and a half directly north of city limits. Extensive frame buildings erected on purpose for hospitals. Opened September, isfj'2 : closed May 24, 1865. Island Hall, AA'ashington, D. C.—Corner of D street south and Sixth street Avest. Opened July, 1862 ; closed March, 1863. Jewish Synagogue, AYashington, D. C—On the Avest side of Eighth street Avest, between II and I north. Opened July, 181)2 ; closed March, IS 03. Johnson, Rev. J. T.—Private residence, Alexandria, A'a. On Prince, betAveeu Columbus and Alford streets. Branch of second division United States General Hospital. Judiciary Square, AYashington, D. C—Commodious frame buildings erected on this square after the burning of the AVashington Infirmary. Opened April, 1862 ; closed July 8, 1865. Kalorama, AYashington county, D. C—Hospital for eruptive diseases. The private residence of General Bomford, and once the residence of Joel Barlow and his friend Robert Fulton, pleasantly situated on an elevated site just outside the city limits, opp«site the northern terminus of Twenty-first street west. Opened early in the war, and still con- tinued. Lincoln Hospital, AArashington, D. C—Extensive frame buildings, erected for the purpose, fronting AArest, in the square between Thirteenth and Four- teenth streets east, folloAving pretty nearly the line of North Carolina avenue to Seventeenth street east, and then along that street to A street south, and then in a triangular direction to the point of beginning. Opened January, 1863 ; closed August 26, 1865. Buildings now occu- pied bjr quartermaster's stores. EOuverture Hospital, for colored troops, Alexandria, Va.—Buildings erected on the corner of Washington and Prince streets. Opened March, 1864 • closed September, 1865. (Then opened by the Frecdmen's Bureau, and continued as a hospital.) MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. UO Lyceum Building, Alexandria, Ara.—Corner of Washington and Prince streets. Branch of second division United States General Hospital. Mansion House, (hotel,) Alexandria, A'a.—Corner of Cameron and Fairfax streets. Headquarters first division United States General Hospital. McYeigh, J. II., (private residence,) Alexandria, A'a.—Corner of St. Asaph and Cameron streets. Branch of third division United States General Hospital. Mount Pleasant, AYashington county, D. C—On the Holmead estate, Piney Branch road. Frame buildings erected, for the purpose, about one mile north of the city limits, from the termination of Fourteenth . street. Opened April, 1862 ; closed August 10, 1865. Xational Era Building, Washington, D. C.—Corner of Indiana avenuo and Second street west. Opened July, 1862 ; closed April, 1863. Odd Fellows' Hall, AVashington, D. C.—On Eighth street east, between F and G south. Opened July, 1862 ; closed March, 1863. Old Capitol Prison, Washington, D. C—Corner of A street north and First street east, to which was attached an extensive hospital for State prisoners. P j tent Office, AA'ashington, D. C, occupying squires bounded by Seventh and Ninth streets AA'est and F and G streets north. The north and Avest wings used as a hospital. Opened October, 1801 ; closed January 16, 1863. Robertson, T. B., (private residence,) Alexandria, A'a.—Corner of Prince and Columbia streets, was occupied as headquarters second division United States General Hospital. Taken September, 18G2. School House, (public,) Washington, D. C—On Judiciary Square, Fifth street west, betAveen G and II streets north. Occupied NoA'ember 3 1861, after the burning of the AVashington Infirmary ; vacated on the opening of Douglas Hospital, in January, 1862. Smith, F. L., (private residence,) Alexandria, A'a. Oa corner of AVolfe and Pitt streets. Branch of first division United States General Hospital. St. Aloysius, AYashington, D. C—This building was erected by and at the expense of St. Aloysius (Catholic) congregation, on a square between K and L streets north and First street Avest and North Capitol, to be used, instead of their church, which the exigencies of the war demanded for the acccommodation of the sick and Avounded. Opened October, 1862 ; (is still continued as a post hospital.) St. Elizabeth, AArashington county, D. C—This hospital consisted of the new east wing of the Government Insane Hospital, situated on a command- ing elevation, about two miles south of the city. Opened December, 1862 ; closed May 28, 1864. 5 66 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Stanton, AVashington, D. C— Frame buildings erected on square bounded by H and I streets north, and Second and Third west. Opened December, 1862 ; closed October 19, 1865. Stone, Washington county, D. C—Country residence of the late W. J. Stone, just outside the Corporate limits, at the northern terminus of Fourteenth street, and opposite Columbian College. Opened April, 1862 ; closed July 1, 1865. Union Hotel, Georgetown, D. C—Northeast corner of Bridge and AVashing- ton streets. Opened May, 1861; closed March, 1863. Washington Infirmary, AVashington, D. C. On Judiciary Square. Taken possession of by the army for a hospital in April, 1861, -and occupied until destroyed by fire, November 3, 1861. Waters, Joseph, (warehouse,) Georgetown, D. C—On High street, between Bridge and AVater streets. Opened September, 1862; closed October, 1862. There are situated in our city two medical bureaus, which are wholly under the control of the United States Government. They are, however, managed entirely in accordance with the highest dignity and proficiency of the medical profession. I allude to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Army and of the NaA-y. The heads of these departments are at all times filled by men eminent for their pro- fessional knowledge and executive ability. The high standard of pro- fessional acquirements demanded by them has done much to give our profession an elevated standing at home and abroad. But few of the surgeons of the army or navy engage in private practice; but they are all, nevertheless, devoted to the progress of the science of medi- cine, and we have had enrolled as active members of this Society some who were particularly eminent for their professional acquirements, and distinguished for their high social and benevolent qualities. There has always subsisted, and, I trust, ahvays will, the kindliest intercourse between the surgeons of the army and navy and the members of th is Society. The Army Medical Museum is a department of the army, under the direction of medical officers fully imbued Avith a love of their profession and desirous for its advancement, who have caused to be collected and preserved pathological specimens representing nearly every disease MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 67 and accident that occurred in the army and na\ry during the gigantic war through which our country has just passed. Over seven thousand specimens, with their complete history, have already been deposited in the Army Medical Museum. About five thousand of these belong to surgery, and the remainder to the domain of practical medicine. The collection is now being arranged, labelled, and catalogued, so as to be conveniently examined, and the history of each case referred to. This vast Museum, unequalled in extent and scientific value in any country, is, with great liberality, opened to the inspection of the pro. fession, and will, when completely arranged in the new building on Tenth street, between E and F, command the attention of students from all parts of the world. The surgical history of the Avar, now being prepared for publication by the Surgeon General, will make reference to these specimens, in verification of facts and conclusions, and will in many respects be the most valuable contribution to practical military surgery ever given to the public. The medical profession of the District has always enjoyed and maintained with ability and dignity an exalted position in this com- munity, and on more than one occasion has displayed remarkable lib- erality, and given especial encouragement for study and the advance- ment of those in the profession. Dr. Thomas Ewell, of this city, as early as January 15, 1807, offered for essays on medical subjects named by himself, as prizes, thirty acres of land, valued at five hum dred dollars, and situated within a few miles of Washington. The first prize of twenty acres was to be given for a plain and con- cise account of the best and most simple means of giving tone or strength to debilitated persons without the aid of Peruvian bark, wine, or foreign medicines. The second prize of ten acres for the best ac- count of the most efficacious native substitutes for foreign cathartics, with the mode of preparing and exhibiting them. Within the last year Dr. Harvey Lindsly sent a communication to this Society, informing its members that he desired to encourage medi- cal investigations, and to stimulate accurate observations proposed 68 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. to place fifty dollars at the disposal of the Society, to be awarded for the best essay upon some medical subject selected by the Society. Our city is not noted for its publications of a literary or scientific character, but there have nevertheless been a number of foreign medi- cal works translated and republished here. There have also been some original contributions to medical science issued from the AVashington press. The majority of the physicians of the District who have Avrit- ten on medical subjects have published their articles in the current medical journals of the day. The following is presented as a list of works written or edited and articles known to have been contributed to medical journals by profes- sional men who have liAred at least a large portion of their lives in the District of Columbia, and are now deceased. It is not presented as com- plete—indeed, it is known not to be so—but it makes a very credita- ble exhibit of the intelligence, high culture, industry, skill, and pow- ers of obser\ration of those who haA'e practised within the Ten Miles Square. Most of the books and articles referred to are in my posses sion : Baker, William.—X letter to Joseph Kent, M. D., on the use of cold water in- jections in Dysentery, July 10, 1825. Philadelphia Journal bf Medicine and Physical Sciences, vol 1, new series, p. 410. -----.-----■----Letter to Editor Medical Recorder, November 10, 1825, on the same subject. Philadelphia Medical Recorder, vol 9, p. 222. Bohrer, Benjamin S.—A communication, as President of Board of Health, to the Mayor of Georgetown, recommending certain measures preventive of cholera, July 26, 1832. Published in the Columbian Gazette, and in pamphlet form, and distributed by the Board of Health. Brereton, John A.—Flora; Columbiana, or Prodromus of the Flora Columbiana, exhibiting a list of all the plants which had been collected in the District of Columbia. 18 mo., pp. 86. AVashington: 1830. Causin, Nathaniel P.—An Essay on Autumnal Bilious Epidemic of the United States. Read before the Medical Society of the District of Col- umbia, in April, 1823. Philadelphia Medical Recorder, vol. vii, p. 55. Ooolidge, Richard II.—Case of death from entrance of air into the internal jugu- lar vein. New York Journal of Medicine, September, 1847. ----------.-----Statistical Report on the Sickness and Mortality in the Army of the United States, from 1839 to 1855. Quarto. Washington: 1856. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 69 Coolidge, Richard H.—Revised Edition of Hints on the Medical Examination of Recruits for the Army, &c, by Thomas Henderson. 12 mo., pp. 211. Philadelphia : 1856. ---------------The Vital Statistics of War, as shown by official returns of the British AVar with Russia, and by those of the United States with Mexico. American Journal of Medical Science, January, 1858. ---------------Statistical Report of Sickness and Mortality in the Army of the United States, from 1855 to 1860. Quarto. AYashington: 1860. Craik, James.—An Account of the Last Illness of General Washington, signed also by the Consulting Physician, Dr. Elisha C. Dick. New York Medical Repository, vol. iii, p. 211. AVas published in the Alexandria " Times," December, 1799, and is also in J. R. Coxe's Philadelphia Medical Mu- seum, voliv, p. 154. Cutbush, Edward.—Observations on the Effect of Mercury in Typhus, in a Letter to Dr. W. Currie, April 25, 1864. American Medical and Phi- losophical Register, vol. i, p. 356. ---------------A Case of Abnormal Swelling Cured by the Application of Nicotania, or Common Tobacco, October 14, 1806. Philadelphia Medi- cal Museum, vol. iii, p. 158. ---------------Obsenrations on the Means of Preserving the Health of Soldiers and Sailors. 8 vo. Philadelphia : 1808. ---------------On the Opening of Buboes by Caustic. Philadelphia Medi- cal and Physiological Journal, 1808, vol. iii, p. 19. ---------------A New and Expeditious Mode of Preparing Phosphate of Lime. 1812. Eclectic Repository, vol. ii, p. 367. ---------------An Address before the Columbian Institute, on the 17th Jan- uary, 1817. 8 vo., pp. 29, Washington, 1817. ---------------Fossil and Animal Remains found imbedded in the Earth. National Intelligencer, July 11, 1829. ---------------A Letter on Cholera, to Dr. J. M. Stoughton. Western Medical Gazette, February, 1833. Dick, Elisha C.—Facts and Observations Relative to the Diseases of Cynanchia Trinchalis, or Croup, October 7, 1808. Philadelphia Medical and Phy- siological Journal, vol. iii, p. 242. Ewell, James.—Planters and Mariners' Medical Companion. 8 vo., pp. 328. Philadelphia, 1807. (Has gone through ten editions.) Ewell, Thomas.—A.. Case of Lunacy, with a New Argument of the Vitality of the Blood ; 1804. NeAv York Repository, vol. 8, p. 135. ----------------Observations on the Union of Arteries, and the Treatment of Aneurisms, Communicated in a Letter to Dr. Mitchill; 1805. New York Medical Repository, vol. ix, p. 159. ---------------A Letter on the Materiality of Caloric, Addressed to Dr. Mitchill; 1805. New York Medical Repository, vol. ix, p. 237. ---------------Plain Discourse on the Laws or Properties of Matter, Ele- ments of Modern Chemistry, &c; 8 vo. New York, 1806. 70 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Ewell, Thomas.—Speculations concerning the Agency of Oxygen in Promot- ing Conception; 1806. New York Medical Repository, vol. x, p. 130. ---------------Usefulness of the Internal Exhibition of the Sugar of Lead, in several Diseases ; 1807. New York Medical Reporter, vol xi, p. 249. ---------------Letters to Ladies, Concerning Themselves and Infants; 8 vo. Philadelphia, 1817. ---------------The Huntsman and the Dog ; A Satirical Poem ; 8 vo., pp. 14. Philadelphia, 1817. ---------------An Edition of Hume's Philosophical Essays on Morals, Lit- erature, and Politics, with Answers to His Objections to Christianity, by Dr. Campbell, to which is Appended a Life of Dr. Hume ; 2 vols., 8vo. Philadelphia, 1817. ---------------Improvements in the Theory and Practice of the Science of Medicine ; 8 vo., pp. 168. Philadelphia, 1819. Gibson,---------On the Eye, Avith plates. Quarto. Baltimore, 1832. Ilall, B. H.—An Account of the Yellow Fever in Alexandria, D. C, in 1803, in a Letter to Dr. Mitchill. Ncav York Medical Repository, vol. viii, p. 18. Henderson Thomas.—On Ovarian Diseases and Abdominal Steatoma, Read before the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, July, 1818. Ec- lectic Repository, vol. v., p. 545. ---------------On Dislocation of the Knee-joint; 1819. Philadelphia Med- ical Recorder, vol. ii, p. 357. ---------------Report on diseases of GeorgetOAvn ; Read before the Medical Society of the District of Columbia ; Report for 1820 and 1821. Phila- delphia Journal of Medical and Physical Science, vol vii, p. 38. ---------------Criticism on Dr. Washington's Essay on I'ellow Fever ; 8vo., pp. 25. Georgetown, D. C, 1824. ---------------Lecture on the Theory and Practice of Medicine at the Opening of the Medical Department]of Columbian College ; 8 vo., pp. 23. AVashington, 1825. ---------------Report of Cases, with Observations : Asthma; Elongated Uvula a Cause of Cough; Trachitis; December, 1827. American Med- ical Recorder, vol. xv, p. 351 ; also in Hay's Journal, vol iii, p. 351. ---------------An Epitome of Physiology, General Anatomy, and Pathol- ogy of Bichat; 8 vo., pp. 320. Philadelphia, 1829. ---------------Cases of Pulmonary Consumption, with Observations ; 1831. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. viii, p. 340. ---------------Hints on the Medical Examination of Recruits for the Army Philadelphia, 1834. ---------------Report on the Medical Topography of Madison Barracks, Sackctt's Harbor, NeAV York, and the Diseases that Occurred there between the 1st of August, 1838, and the 30th of September, 1840. American Journal of Medical Sciences, January, 1841, p. 337, MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 71 Huntt, Henry.—An Abstract Account of the Diseases which Prevailed Among the Soldiers Received into the General Hospital at Burlington, Vermont3, During the Summer and Autumn- of 1811. Philadelphia Medical Re- corder, vol. i, p. 365. " A case of a AVounded Shoulder-joint, in Avhich the Head of the Aumerus was Removed (during the war of 1812). Philadelphia Medical Recorder, vol i, p. 365. Tw° Cases of Colico Pectoninia, Produced by a Acetete of Lead. New York Medical Repository, vol. xviii, p. 64. A Brief Sketch of the Weather and Diseases of the City of Washington, from May to November, 1821. American Medical Re- corder, vol v, p. 277 ---------------Observations on a Change of Climate in Pulmonary Con- sumption ; Read before the Columbian Institute in 1826, and published in the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Journal, vol. i, p. 282. ---------------Observations on a Change of Climate in Pulmonary Con- sumption, republished with additional remarks on the Red Sulphur Springs of Virginia. 8vo., pp. 22, Washington, 1834. ---------------Visit to the Red Sulphur Springs, of Virginia, in 1837 ; 8vo., pp. 27, Washington, 1838; reprinted, with an Introductory, by T. H. Perkins. 8 vo., pp. 40. Boston, 1839. Jennings, Samuel, K.— Patent Portable AVarm and Hot Bath; Elementary Explanation of the Nature and Cure of Diseases; 12mo., Dp. 12 Washington, 1814. Jones, Thomas P.—Charge, Addressed to the Graduates in Medicine, at the Commencement of the Medical Department of Columbian College, D. C 1830. Lawson, Thomas.— Meteorological Register for Years 1826, '27, '28, '29, and '30, from Observations Made by Surgeons of the Army ; 8vo. pp. 161. Philadelphia, 1840. ---------------Statistical Report of Sickness and Mortality in the Army of the United States, from Records in Surgeon General and Adjutant General's Office, from January, 1819 to January, 1839; 8vo., pp. 346. Washington, 1840. Lovell, Joseph.—A Case of Wounded Stomach. Philadelphia Medical Re- corder, vol. viii, p. 14. ---------------A Letter to the National Intelligencer, July 25, 1826, on the Value of Meteorological Observations. Reports of Meteorological Ob- servations. New York Medical Repository, vol. xxiii, p. 126; also vol. xxxi, pp. 107, 303, 490. ---------------Meteorological Register for years 1822, '23, '24, and '25, from Observations made by Surgeons of the Army. Washington, 1840. McKnight, George B.—Remarks on the Treatment of Gleet. Philadelphia Monthly Journal of Medicine and Surgery, vol. i, p. 175, 72 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. Sewall, Thomas.—A Lecture at the opening of the Medical Department of the Columbian College, D. C, March 30,1825 ; 8 vo. pp. 80. AVashington, 1825. ---------------Second Edition of the Same ; 8 vo., pp. 44. AVashington, 1826. A-*---------------On the Internal Use of Spirits of Turpentine in Incarce- rated Hernia ; August, 1829. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. iv, p. 301. ----------------A Case of Fungus Hsematodes, with an Engraving ; August, 1830. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. vi, p. 301. ---------------An Address Delivered Before the Washington City Tem- perance Society, Novemher 15, 1830 ; 8 vo., pp.24. AVashington, 1830. ---------------Eulogy on Dr. Goodman ; An Introductory Lecture, deliv- ered November 1, 1830, at the Columbian College ; 8 vo., pp. 24. AVash- ington, 1830. Another edition—New York, 1832. ---------------Case of Diseased Spine, Avith a Plate; February, 1831. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. ix, p. 300. ---------------Examination of Phrenology; 8 vo., pp. 70. AVashington, 1837. --r ------r---------A Case in Avhich a Portion of a Percussion Cap was Ex- tracted from the Anterior Chamber of the Eye, by an Operation ; Au- gust, 1839. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. xxiv, p. 288. ---------------Pathology of Drunkenness; Avith numerous large colored plates. Quarto. Albany : 1841. Sim, Thomas.—An Account of the Efficacy of Blood Letting, in the Cure of Dropsies; February 4, 180-1. Philadelphia Medical Museum, vol i, p. 316. ---------------Eulogy on the Life and Character of Dr. Benjamin Rush, delivered June 26, 1813, at the request of the Medical Practitioners of AVashington and GeorgetoAvn ; 8vo. AVashington, 1813. Staughton, James M.—Observations on Mania a Potu ; 1821. Philadelphia Journal of Medical and Physical Science, vol. iii, p. 238. ---------------A Case of Metastasis ; January, 1822. Philadelphia Medi- cal Recorder, vol. v, p. 130. Tongue, James.—An Inaugural Dissertation on the following subjects : I. An Attempt to prove that the Lues A'enerea Avas not introduced into Europe from America. II. An experimental Inquiry into the Modus Operandi of Mercury, in Curing the Lues A'enerea. III. Experimental Proofs that the Lues A'enerea and Gonorrhoea are tAvo Distinct Forms of Dis- ease. Philadelphia ; 8 vo., 1801. Republished in Caldwell's Collection of Theses ; 8 ah). Philadelphia, 180G. Washington, Bailey.—Observations on Yellow Fever, Read before the Medical Society of the District of Columbia ; 1823. Philadelphia Journal of Medical and Physical Sciences, vol. vi, p. 310. Reprinted in Pamphlet, 8vo., pp. 36. No imprint. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 73 Watkins, Tobias.—On the Efficacy of Yeast in Typhus Fever ; September 25, 1804. Coxe's Medical Museum, vol. i, p. 156, ---------------Pokeberry Juice in External Haemorrhoids ; December 24, 1804. Coxe's Medical Museum, vol. i, p. 291. ---------------Observations on the Exceptions in the Vaccine Disease ; June 9, 1805. Philadelphia Medical Museum, vol. ii, p. 51. ---------------A Case of a AVorm Discharged, Apparently from the Lungs ; May 7, 1805. Coxe's Medical Museum, vol. iii, p. 33. ---------------Baltimore Medical and Physical Recorder ; Edited first vol. and part of second ; 1809. The first Medical Journal published in Balti- more. ■---------------Observations on the Indigenus Plants of America, and the Cultivation of those of Foreign Growth : December, 16, 1805. Philadel- phia Medical Museum, vol. ii, p. 426. ----------------On the Utility of Spirits of Turpentine in a Fever Burn ; and an Account of an Extraordinary Instance of the Late Commence- ment of the Catamenia ; March 7,1806. Coxe's Museum, vol. iii, p. 58. Weems, Mason L.—Case of Enlargement and Hypertrophy of the Ileum ; May, 1S35. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. xvi, p. 246. ---------------Enlargement and Disorganization of the Left Kidney ; Au- gust, 1835. American Journal of Medical Science, vol. xvi, p. 529. ---------------Case of Caesarian Section, in which the AVomb was Found Encrusted with an Osseous Deposit. American Journal of Medical Science ; May, 1836, p. 257. Wedderburn, A. J.—Ligature of the External Iliac Artery. New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, September, 1850. ---------------Removing the Clavicle. NeAV Orleans Monthly Medical Register, October 1, 1852. Worthington, Charles.—Narrative of Facts concerning the Intermitting and Re- mitting Fevers which Prevailed at GeorgetoAvn and Washington, in Mary- land, in which Black Vomit is an Occasional Symptom ; December 19, 1804. Ncav York Medical Repository, vol. viii, p. 371. :, Worthington, Nicholas IF—A Case of Tetanus Successfully Treated in 1819. Philadelphia Medical Recorder, vol. iii, p. 55. /----------------A Case of False Joint United by a Section, Communicated * in a Letter to Professor Gibson, July 2, 1821. Philadelphia Journal of Medical and Physical Science, ATol. ii, p. 337. V,'otherspoon, Alexander S.—Some Cases of Rare Form of Exanthema. NeAV York Journal of Medicine, March, 1844. ----------------A Correction. lb.; -May, 1844. ----------------The 3Iedical Topography of Fort Kent, Maine. New York Journal of Medicine, July, 1846. The impression in the past has prevailed very generally throughout the country that the Xational Capital, as regards salubrity, had been 74 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. unfortunately located. This is not only a delusion, but a grave mis- apprehension of the facts, and must have originated either in ignor- ance or prejudice. The mortuary* reports of Washington City will compare favorably Avith those of any other city in the United States. The appended note gives a statement of the health of this locality in 1797, and we are quite confident it has not deteriorated since. The whole country, however, for the last six years, has'had ample evidence of the healthfulness of the District. There is scarcely another city in the United States or the world where the same amount of crowding of men and animals within the same compass, including military camps, hospitals, hotels, and slaughter houses, without creating some terrible and devastating epidemic. Not eA'en in the numerous hospitals estab- lished here, liable at all times to certain epidemics, did any disease prevail unfavorable to the general health. Of the epidemics that have pre\'ailed in this section I have collected the following facts: In the fall and winter of 1789—'90 an epidemic—influenza—origi- nating in the South, gradually spread over the Avhole country, and was * " To the Editor—Mr. More : As two of our largest cities are noAV vis- ited with a malignant and contagious fever, which sweeps off great numbers of their inhabitants, and is the terror of the country; and as none of our great commercial cities have been exempted from its direful effect, the folloAvinT statement of the general health and the number of deaths in this city for the year past cannot be unacceptable to your subscribers and to the community at large. " The city of Washington is computed to contain about two thousand inhab- itants, and for the year past there has not been one case of fever fatal, or even troublesome; no contagious or epidemic disorder, except the small pox by inoculation ; and but very few cases of the intermittent fever. From the best authorities which we can collect, the number of deaths in the last year have been as folloAVs: Of Consumption......................... -2 I Of Old Age................................ 1 Diarrhoea............................. 1 Convulsions (a child)....................1 Cancerous Rreast.................... 1 | Small Pox (by inoculation)............. l " The latter was the only one which died out of three hundred who were inoculated. We understand it has been equally healthy in Georgetown. "September, 1797, W." [Washington Gazette., 1797. MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 75 so severe in this section as to cause many deaths. In 1807 it again prevailed, but seemed to advance from the Northeast, and extend to the South and West. In 1793 a bilious dysentery prevailed in Georgetown, Alexandria, and the surrounding country, which carried off many of the inhabitants. There were this season numerous cases of severe bilious fever, in which black vomit was not of unfrequent occurrence. YcIIoav fever prevailed during the same year in all the seacoast cities as far east as Providence, Rhode Island. In 1797 three hundred persons in Washington City—then Avith a population of two thousand—were inoculated for the small pox. But one death occurred from the disease received in that way, and but seAren deaths during the year from all causes. In 1798 yellow feATer broke out in Alexandria in some tenement houses near the wharf, and for a time was confined to that locality, but it gradually extended through the city, and before it disappeared caused the deaths of over three hundred persons. In 1801 A'accination was first practiced in the District of Colum- bia. The vaccine lymph was brought here in the spring of that year by President Jefferson, and given to Dr.Edward Gantt, of Georgetown, to use and distribute among the other physicians. The President had received by mail at Monticello two specimens of matter from Benjamin Waterhouse, of Boston. The one was of the Doctor's own procuring, and the other direct from Jenner, the discoverer of its phophylactic, poAvers. AVith this supply the Sage of Monticello vaccinated over three hun- dred persons connected with his own and his neighbors' families__ [See Jefferson's letter to John B. Coxe.~] The District of Columbia is subject to great and sudden changes in the extremes of heat and cold; but the free circulation of air through our broad streets, public squares, and vacant lots, and the abundance of pure Avater supplied has kept this city healthy and as free from epidemics as any in the United Stales. In the fall and Avinter of 1814 a very fatal bilious fever prevailed in Alexandria, Georgetown, and the District of Columbia generally, as 70 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. v well as in portions of Virginia and Maryland ; but the mortality here was confined chiefly to the intemperate and the poor and badly fed. In 1819 bilious fever of a severe grade prevailed in the District, and yellow fe\Ter as an epidemic at Baltimore. The corporation of Georgetown, D. C. generously donated $600 for the relief of the poor of that city. August 14,1819, a Board of Health Avas established in Washington by a haw of the Corporation, passed chiefly through the influence of Dr. Henry Huntt, who Avas placed at the head of it. He retained this position, and discharged its duties Avith marked ability, until about 1833, when he resigned. The city at this time was divdded into six wards. The following eminent physicians and influential citizens con- stituted the first Board of Health of Washington City : First Ward.—Dr. Thomas Sim, Charles AV. Goldsborough. Second Ward.—Dr. Henry Huntt, Thomas H. Gilliss. Third Ward.—Dr. Thomas SeAvall, Thomas Hughes. Fourth Ward.—Dr. Frederick May, Elias B. Caldwell. Fifth Ward.—John Rodgers, Samuel N. Smallwood. Sixth Ward.—Dr. Charles B. Hamilton, Edward Semmes. The summer of 1821 Avas unhealthy. Dysentery and bilious inter- mittent fever of a severe grade, and to an unusual extent, prevailed in Alexandria, Washington, and Georgetown, as well as the surround- ing country. Late in the fall yellow fever broke out in Alexandria. The disease at first was confined to a small section of the city near the wharf, btit, before it was arrested by the frost, over fifty deaths had occurred. Iu 1823 a low grade of bilious remittent fe\*er existed in Wash- ington. Its prevalence was attributed to the Avet season, and the ex- traordinary crops of Aveeds that had sprung up on vacant lots everv- where through the city and were then decaying. In 1828, 1833, 1846, 1863, and 1864, small pox prevailed, if not as an epidemic, still to a very unusual extent, in Washington and George- town. In 1828 this Society held extra meetings and discussed the subject as to measures necessary to arrest its spread. The practice MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 77 of revaccination was then deemed unnecessary if the A'accine disease had once been perfectly induced. Gratuitous vaccinations were prof fered, not only by the Corporation, but by the profession generally to all who chose to avail themselves of it. AVhen the disease prevailed here in 1833, an incident occured so highly honorable in a person lit- tle suspected of a superabundance of tender sympathies, that it is Avorthy of record. President Jackson's coachman, " Charles," a favor- ite servant, who had been with the General through all his Southern campaigns, was taken ill with the small pox. The case proved severe, and of a confluent form. The other servants about the White House were so much frightened, although immediately A'accinated, that it was impossible to get them to nurse him properly. When the General learned these facts, he did all he could to procure a competent nurse, but being unsuccessful, he determined to assume these duties himself. He accordingly gave directions that he was not to be seen, and having changed his clothes, he remained Avith Charles, and gave him his medi- cine until he was considered out of danger. I am indebted for the aboA'e incident to the General's family physician, Dr. J. C. Hall. In 1830 the mode of making extension in fractures by the applica- tion of strips of adhesive plaster was first brought to the notice of the medical profession by Dr. Alexander McWiUiams, of this city. He had been long using it AA'ith the most satisfactory and uniform success in the Washington Poor House, an institution in which he was the medical officer for thirty-five consecutive years. But few improve- ments or applications in surgery so simple, and at the same time so effective in its purpose, or that adds so much to the comfort of the pa- tient, have been made in a century. It is clue to his memory, as well as to the standing and efficiency of the profession in this city, that the claim to the introduction of this valuable mode of making extensions and treating fractures be distinctly made for Dr. McWiUiams. In 1832 the Asiatic cholera first appeared upon the American con- tinent, and during the summer and fall spread over the greater part of the United States. The first case in Washington appeared on the 14th of August. The Board of Health and the citizens shortly after /o ANNIVERSARY ORATION. organized three hospitals for the treatment of the disease, which were of great practical utility and convenience during the prevalence of the epidemic, which lasted about six weeks. No complete report of the epidemic cholera as it existed here at that time was eA'er published. The minutes of the Board of Health show that such a report was ordered to be prepared, but it was not published; and, if prepared, is now lost from the archives of the Board. The following is a synopsis of a preliminary report made by Doc- tors H. Huntt, T. Sewall, and N. P. Causin, and published in the National Intelligencer : Whole number of deaths.............................................. 459 Males........................................................ 269 Females..................................................... 190 White....................................................... 251 Black (free)................................................. 162 Black (slaves).............................................,, 46 A few cases of the disease are said to have occurred in 1833,184S, and 1854, but at no time since 1832 has it assumed an epidemic char- acter. On the 15th September, 1832, this Society lost one of its oldest and most esteemed members—Dr. Thomas Sim—by cholera. He was at the time president of the Society, and engaged in an extensive practice, and was highly esteemed by the community for his social worth and professional skill. In 1835 scarlet fever of an unusally severe and malignant type prevailed in this city. The first cases were observed near the Nan/ Yard, but it spread over the whole city, and the following year swept over Georgetown and Alexandria, The mortality attending this visi- tation of the disease was unusually great. In 1845 dysentery and measles prevailed to a much greater extent than usual among us, and numerous deaths occurred when the two diseases attacked the patient at the same time. In 1846 intermittent fever prevailed more universally in the Dis- MEDICAL SOCIETY D. C. 79 trict than perhaps at any other period in our history. It was, how- ever, not particularly fatal. In 1849 puerperal fever preArailed extensively, although it could hardly be considered as an epidemic; and quite a number of parturient women died of it. This year small pox also prevailed to a very un- usual extent in Washington and Georgetown-, so much so that the city authorities established a small pox hospital as a branch of the Washington Asylum, and appointed Dr. G. M. Dove as the attending physician. During the latter portion of January, 1857, the -'•National Hotel disease," as it was familiarly called, broke out in that hotel. The disease manifested itself in a profuse diarrheea/coming on unusually early in the morning, about the time or before the patient got up, and without much pain. If the discharges from the bowels were checked, the stomach became irritable. Great numbers of persons were at- tacked with the disease who were mere casual visitors of the house, and some guests were attacked even after they returned to their homes. It was only in the most severe and long-protracted cases that pain or inflammatory action was developed. The testimony of physicians before the Board of Health goes to show that the cause of the disease pro- ceeded from emanations of mephitic gas, owing to defective sewerage. The disease was most preAralent during very cold weather, when the windows and doors Avere kept constantly closed. Many persons Avere disposed to believe that the disease originated from, and depended upon, a specific poison introduced into the system through the food or drink which had been taken in the house. This view of the case is controverted by the facts which occurred in the selling out of the furniture after the house had been closed up for months. The facts are these: Mr. T. J. Fisher, Avho sold at auction the furniture and effects of the house on the premises, Avas attacked during the progress of the sale, which lasted some weeks. Several buyers who came from Baltimore and attended the sale, were also attacked, together with some of our own citizens who had not been in the house previously, and neither ate nor drank in it. 80 ANNIVERSARY ORATION. The last disease Avhich I shall notice is one popularly known as the " army itch." This affection made its appearance here during the war, and still maintains a place in the catalogue of diseases in this section. Many practitioners are disposed to view it as not differing from ordinary scabies. Others, however, and those who have had considerable experience in treating it, belieAre it to be a distinct dis- ease, requiring a different treatment. In conclusion, permit me to congratulate this Society upon its pre- sent very prosperous condition and the recent accession of many highly educated and accomplished physicians. The Society is noAV fairly embarked upon a course of great usefulness to its members and of in- creased reputation with the public. The measures of late inaugurated for increasing and diffusing a knowledge of the improvements in the science and practice of medicine have been well supported, and enjoy the approbation of every member of the Society. We knoAV that a feeling of self-sufficiency of knowledge is apt to grow upon medical men, unless they are real students, or are constantly contrasting their knowledge, opinions, and practice with those of their co-laborers in the profession. Those who have attended the meetings of the Society regularly know best the importance to the general practitioner of the papers read, pathological specimens exhibited, and the discussions elicited. It is in our associate capacity that we are best able to direct, if not to control, the status of the profession in the District. We have all been benefited by the frequent meetings of this body during the last three years, and have elevated the Society in our OAvn and in the public estimation. Sincerely hoping that some abler pen will in the future collect and arrange the scattered facts of value in the history of medicine in the District of Columbia that I have overlooked or treated inadequately, and present them in a more acceptable form, I again thank you for your attention and indulgence in listening to these imperfect notes, which are given to this Society and the profession as a nucleus to a more perfect history. • \ r?v^*mmM^^M rJWftMWi/ V v. J^.-\ >V. Vy ■" .W.il/Vl;, ■V- fyf« - ' f»„ iVJi Ufcttif ;vv y w J'w^JV - ''■■y tf/^itoJ&iS