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Proceedings of Societies.

THE THIRTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The meeting was called to order by President Chismore, in Y. M. C. A. Auditorium, San Francisco, at 10:18 A. M., April 17th, 1900.

DR. HARRY M. SHERMAN, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, welcomed the members in a brief address.

The Annual Address

was delivered by President DR. GEORGE CHISMORE. He called the members' attention to that section of the Constitution relating to delinquencies. After stating the Society's age, affiliation with the National Association, and its other advantages, he asked: "Why do nine out of every ten medical men in our State fail to join us?" In answer he deplored the attempt on the part of individual medical colleges to obtain control, and said it would be well to have it understood that the Society is to be the tool of no one, but to subserve all. He also mentioned with regret the attempt to form a new medical society.

In speaking of the future, Dr. Chismore pointed out how much rested with the members and their use of the Society for the diligent cultivation of the arts for which it was organized.

After an allusion to the organization's past history, the nature and ability of its younger members, its social advantages in establishing acquaintances and friendships, the President assured all that no malignity was intended in any of hie allusions, such being made only that a better understanding might be reached by all.

He made the following recommendations: That the Chairman of the Committee of Publication be recompensed; that a proof sheet of all members' discussions be submitted to such members for approval.

In closing, Dr. Chismore suggested that each member during the coming year secure one new member.

His recommendations were, by motion, referred to the Executive Committee.

Report of Committee on Publication was read by Dr. Evans and referred to the Executive Committee.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 A. м,

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Report of Committee on State Medicine, Medical Education

and Hygiene.

DR. Ross, of Sacramento, read a paper,

Medical Legislation,

in which he referred to the present unsettled state of medical legislation in California. Though the people cannot distinguish between schools of medicine, they can understand the need of preparation and qualification, and will support laws to that end. The function of such regulations belongs to the State rather than to colleges or journals. The examination questions should be the same for all applicants in all subjects excepting materia medica and therapeutics. Dr. Ross cited the systems of various States, and especially of Ontario, Canada.

DR. CARPENTER reported that a new law had been framed in harmony with representative eclectics and homoeopaths and would be presented to the next State Legislature.

Report of Committee on Pathology, Bacteriology and Histology. Paper by Dr. W. N. SHERMAN, Fresno.

Among other things he said that the hemoglobin of the red cells is an iron-containing proteid, readily combining with and carrying oxygen. The diminution in this element is the important pathological condition in anemia.

The paper especially dealt with chlorosis occurring in young females.

Alterations in the relative number of red and white cells, and alterations in form and size occur, hence the value of early and frequent examination of the blood for diagnostic purposes, and the observation and record of change after treatment has begun. Anemia may not cause symptoms till the blood count of red cells is reduced considerably.

In grave anemia the count falls to 3,000,000, and even to 500,000. The size of the red cells increases in the later stages, and as the large distorted cells contain more hemoglobin they partly compensate the loss in numbers, so that the blood count is not an absolute test; the hemoglobinometer is accurate and preferable. In staining, a double stain is to be preferred.

Treatment requires rest, hygiene, and the Blaud pill of iron sulphate and potas. carbonate. Arsenic, oxygen, protonuclein and extract of thyroid are all useful.

DR. BRUNN, of the Children's Hospital, discussed the paper,

making these points: Chlorosis, secondary to tuberculosis or syphilis, often gives same blood symptoms, hence such causes must be sought and distinguished.

Origin of chlorosis: (a) Virchow thought hypoplasia of genitals to be the cause. (b) Alimentary theory supposes maldigestion, and formation of ptomaines changes the iron in protonucleins of food into iron sulphide, which is nonassimilable. (c) Probably there is a deficiency of blood-forming organs in chlorosis. Active destruction of red cells occur in pernicious anemia. In obtaining blood for test, do not squeeze or rub the part; prick deeply.

Treatment: Chloride of iron is best; enough exists in food, but excess is needed to stimulate organs. Experiments prove it better than pepto-mangan.

In chlorosis rubri patient is ruddy, but blood reveals chlorosis. In pseudo-anemia patient is pale, but blood is not chlorotic.

In the paper, "A New Pathogenic Mould (?)," Dr. W. OPHULS said that, in a case that formerly was supposed to be a form of protozoon infection, a mouldy growth was cultivated from diseased organs. It has been possible to reproduce the disease with formation of protozoon-like bodies in animals, by injection of pure cultures of the mould. It has also been possible to trace, under the microscope, the development of the mould and of the protozoon-like bodies. And yet no forms of fructification have been observed in the artificial media, so that the exact position of the mould in the system is doubtful.

Report of Committee on Necrology was read by Dr. Burgess. He reported the deaths of Drs. Plummer, J. S. Adams, M. M. Chipman, R. A. Ferguson and E D. Robertson.

"Demonstration of Tubercle Bacilli in Urine," by DR. MAURICE W. BROWN, of Alameda. In pyuria, due to tubercle bacilli, the pus is suspended, does not deposit, urine is milky, reaction alkaline, and sp. grav. below normal. The use of the centrifuge and microscopic examination of the sediment are not positive means of diagnosis unless bacilli are found. Precautions in relation to the diagnosis of the smegma bacillus are necessary.

DR. MACGOWAN spoke also, advising use of HyCl 1-5,000 sol., not over 60 M.

DR. W. W. CROSS, of Visalia, read a paper on "Pathological

Conditions in Typhoid, with Specimen." (To be published in June.)

A recess was taken to study the specimen.

"Some of the Pathological Conditions of the Oral Cavity, and Their Importance in Diseases of the General System," by A. C. HART, M. D., D. D. S. Dr. Hart said the oral cavity is an ideal habitat for bacteria. One class attacks the enamel and destroys the tooth; another class attacks soft tissues about the root, causing pyorrhea alveolaris. Masses of bacteria are carried into the digestive tract and taken up by the subepithelial leucocytes leading to disease. Uneven teeth retain food and cause imperfect mastication. Reflexes of second dentition cause epilepsy, chorea, etc.

The practical deduction is that the general practitioner should appreciate these conditions early, and refer his patient to a competent stomatologist.

EVENING SESSION.

The Committee on Clinical Medicine and Theraputics reported in a paper by DR. W. OPHULS, of San Francisco, on Pneumonic Complications in Pulmonary Phthisis,

based on the study of 60 post-mortems.

DR. OPHULS described the differing pathology of pneumonia due to the tubercle bacilli alone, and those due to mixed infection. He also distinguished cases resulting in caseation and ending fatally by an acute or chronic course, from cases in which granulation tissue forms between the caseous area and surrounding exudate, resulting in carnification and recovery (rare).

In discussing the cause attention was called to the part played by aspiration and gravity which carry the contents of phthisical cavities into the air vesicles, setting up pneumonia from either a pure or mixed infection.

The Treatment of Broncho-Pneumonia

was the subject of a paper by Dв. WM. FITCH CHENEY of San Francisco.

Tender age, exhaustion, etc., were emphasized as causes for the contraction of broncho pneumonia, hence the clue to treatment is stimulation, maintain the strength so that the lungs may be kept clear, and the system antagonize the bacterial toxin. The treatment suggested in order was milk diet, whiskey from the beginning, strychnine sulphate, ammonia carbonate as a stimu

lant, atropine, poultices and sponging; Dover's powders only to obtain rest.

DR. ABRAMS said that broncho-pneumonia is often a primary disease, attacking the strong.

DR. HODGHEAD called attention to the embarrassment to respiration in babes caused by poultices, and advocated frequent minute doses of belladonna, and mild chloride of mercury for advanced cases, to prevent formation of secretion.

The Committee on Prize Essay reported awarding the prize to DR. DUDLEY TAIT'S Essay on "Experimental and Clinical Notes on the Subarachnoid Space."

"The Early Diagnosis of Carcinoma of the Stomach, with Case" was read by DR. FRANK RATTAN, of Antioch. (Published in full.)

"Typhus Fever' was treated in a paper by DR. DANIEL E. OSBORNE, of St. Helena. Dr. Osborne said that typhus has long been endemic and epidemic in Russia and China. It originates from filth and improper food. In considering the symptoms it must be diagnosed from bubonic plague, cerebro-spinal meningitis, typhoid and pneumonia. The mortality is 70 to 80 per

cent; when properly cared for the mortality is only 10 to 20 per Death ensues from cardiac failure, bronchc-pneumonia, or congestion of brain. Treatment calls for fresh air, isolation, hydrotherapy, and stimulation.

"Inhibition of the Heart as an Aid in Cardiac Diagnosis" was the title of a paper read by DR. ALBERT ABRAMS of San Franeisco. (See abstract.)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18-MORNING SESSION.

The Committee on Obstetrics and Puerperal Diseases submitted their report.

"A Few Practical Points in the Management of Labor' was the title of a paper by the Chairman, DR. W. J. G. DAWSON, of St. Helena. (Published in full.)

The discussion was lively and universal.

DR. JAMES F. McCoNE, of San Francisco, said rigidity of os due to cicatrix required surgery rather than chloroform. He also emphasized the need of asepsis and visual examination, and advocated the Crede method of delivering placenta.

DR. DAVID POWELL, of Marysville, called attention to the value of morphia hypodermically, chloral, and bromides; also

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