good selection. The board is usually made up of good men, for only good men are willing to give their time and attention to such a thankless task as that of medical examiners. The duties of the board consist largely of examining applicants for licenses to practice medicine in Minnesota. Incidentally the board is to protect the licensed physician from sharks and sharpers who are not sufficiently qualified and who deserve to be driven out of the state. The board, however, should not be too sharply criticised for seeming inactivity. The general opinion of the public is against the enforcement of laws that are supposed to protect them as well as the qualified physician. In the first place, the physician is largely to blame for the attitude of the people. The practice of medicine is frequently unstable, and the people do not understand the relationship of doctor and patient. If the physician cannot cure disease he is blamed for his ignorance, but if the quack, by his methods, brings about a cure of a nervous trouble or of a diseased imagination, he is praised for his knowledge, and any attempt to prevent him from carrying on his trade by medical laws is frowned down by juries and prosecutors. In the second place, many physicians hesitate or refuse to furnish proofs of disqualification in the ignorant or quack physician for fear of notoriety or ridicule, hence the county attorney cannot conduct a convincing case. Evidence must fit the laws, and if it is lacking in any particular the case falls flat, and all concerned are discouraged.

Recently medical legislation has recognized a variety of schools of practice, and the governor will have to fill vacancies in a variety of boards, some of which are twin brothers to the quacks. The secretary of the Board of Medical Examiners has honestly endeavored to bring about the prosecution of flagrant quacks in the cities, but his efforts have been handicapped by the difficulties which surround the securing of evidence. Not many patients who have been duped by quack methods are willing to publicly announce their foolishness. They would rather suffer the loss of money and gain wisdom by their experience. If the large county societies and influence of the state organization would assist the examining board and the state's attorney, the state could be practically cleared of medical fungi.

The same difficulties surround the legislative committees of the state society. The average legislator is fearful of restricting the liberty of the irregular, but does not hesitate to throw away the protection of the regular practitioner. The campaign, if instituted, must be one of education. No radical measures can be enforced by abuse or tirades. The representative must be led by gentle means to see the force of honest medical legislation. Too much lobbying is bad for the medical profession. A proper dose given at the critical moment will move the spirit to a proper consideration of the needs of the public, as well as the needs of medical men.

MEDICAL WIT IN THE DAILY PRESS

That the daily press is a fruitful source of medical wit, if not therapeutic wisdom, is shown by three Minnesota papers of current date. The New Ulm Journal contains an account of a farewell banquet to Dr. E. J. Davis, of Mankato, on his departure for his new position at the Soldiers' Home. Dr. Strickler is made, by the absence of a dash, to end his toast, "Our GuestAn Example of Medical Ethics," with this bit of timely poesy:

From indigestion, aches and pains,

Your system will be free,

If you'll but take a timely drink
Of Rocky Mountain Tea.

No doubt Dr. Strickler's comment on this report would furnish dashes enough.

The Crookston Times gives an account of a damage case against a physician who was sued. for setting a man's broken arm in an improper manner. As usual, a brief account of the case is prefaced with scare head-lines. One of them runs thus:

HIS ARM NIT CROOKED

The jury gave a "nit" verdict.

And here is another from the St. Paul News, which is a little bit harder on life insurance than on medicine:

Chicago doctors, it is alleged, pay commissions to people who send patients to them. Well, why not? Medicine is only a form of life insurance, and the life insurance business is all commission.

SCIENTIFIC HYPNOTISM Every intelligent man must feel that there is something of scientific truth in hypnotism, yet one can hardly mention the hypnotist without thinking of the fakir, and with good reason, because the line between the two has never been drawn distinctly enough to clearly distinguish the two.

We are glad to record the fact that this has been changed, not because we have faith in or exact knowledge of hypnotism, but because this so-called occult art or science is about to come to the judgment seat of pure science, and, it may be, some other occult things will come along with it.

Prof. Hyslop of Columbia and Prof. James of Harvard are two of the big-brained men of this country, and their plan to establish a hypnotic hospital in New York City under the direction of the American Institute of Scientific Research, cannot but be of interest to every medical man. We sincerely hope the funds for the work will soon be forthcoming to carry on so admirable a work of scientific research.

REPORTS OF SOCIETIES

HENNEPIN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

F. A. KNIGHTS, M. D., SECRETARY

A stated meeting of the Hennepin County Medical Society was held on December 6, about eighty members being present. Dr. C. H. Hunter, the president, after taking the chair, resigned it to Dr. W. E. Rochford, vice-president, who occupied it during the meeting.

The Executive Committee, reported by Dr. J. W. Bell, chairman, recommending promptness in opening meetings and briefness and conciseness in speaking, and in reading papers. The following applied for membership: Dr. P. M. Holl, 303 Central Ave., Bellvue, '88; Dr. Geo. A. Kohler, Pillsbury Bldg., Hamline, 1900; Dr. W. A. Norred, Century Bldg,. University of Minnesota, 1902; Dr. H. C. Arey, Excelsior. The Censors reported favorably upon the applications of Dr. Addie R. Haverfield and Dr. A. T. Caine, and on ballot they were declared elected.

The matter of the proposed amendment to the constitution of the State Medical Association

regarding lodge and contract practice being taken up, the society voted, on motion of Dr. R. J. Hill, to instruct its delegates to support the amendment. Dr. H. A. Cohen moved a reconsideration, and the motion to reconsider was lost by a rising vote of eleven for and fifteen against.

The nomination of officers being in order, Dr. D. O. Thomas was nominated for president, and nominations declared closed by motion. Dr. A. B. Cates was nominated for vice-president, and Dr. S. M. White for librarian.

The following were nominated for the Executive Committee: Drs. C. H. Bradley, J. W. Bell, R. E. Farr, W. H. Condit, J. Clark Stewart, and G. G. Eitel. Dr. L. A. Nippert declined nomination The following were nominated for Censors: Drs. R. J. Hill, W. B. Pineo, J. C. Litzenberg, G. D. Head, C. J. Ringnell, and J. D. Simp

son.

The present board of trustees was re-nominated; as were also the present delegates to the State Medical Association.

Dr. G. Schwyzer read a paper entitled "The Indications for the Goitre Operation, and its Technique, with Reference to Thirty-seven Operated Cases." This paper was discussed by Drs. Rochford, Dunsmoor, Little, H. W. Jones, Nippert, and Benjamin, and the discussion was closed by Dr. Schwyzer.

Dr. J. E. Moore's paper on "Fractures of the Neck of the Femur" was postponed to the February meeting.

MINNESOTA ACADEMY OF MEDICINE

ARTHUR W. DUNNING, M. D., SECRETARY

The regular meeting of the Academy of Medicine was held at the West Hotel in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening, Dec. 7th, 1904. In the absence of both the president and the vice-president, the secretary called the meeting to order, and Dr. Thos. McDavitt was elected chairman pro tem. There were 35 members present.

On motion of Dr. R. J. Hill it was determined to consider at the next meeting an amendment to the constitution relative to the requirements for attendance. Due notice will be given.

Dr. Haldor Snévé reported a case of hydro

cephalus in a boy treated by operative measures.

Dr. J. C. Stewart reported a case of hypernephroma in a woman 61 years old.

Dr. Arnold Schwyzer, of St. Paul, read a paper upon "Total Excision of Bladder for Carcimona." The subject was discussed by Drs. J. W. Little, L. C. Bacon, J. C. Stewart, S. Marx White, A. T. Mann, J. E. Moore, A. E. Benjamin, and by Dr. Schwyzer in closing.

Dr. A. C. Heath, of St. Paul, then read his inaugural thesis, "Nasal Deformities, Paraffin Prothesis." The subject was discussed by Dr. F. C. Todd, Dr. A. T. Mann, and by Dr. Heath in closing.

NEWS ITEMS

Dr. S. P. Seaberg has located at Taylor, N. D. Dr. R. H. Townsley has located at Wagner, S. D.

Drs. Asbury and Lincoln, of Wabasha, have dissolved partnership.

Drs. Hyde and Greene, of Brookings, S. D., have dissolved partnership.

Dr. Sterling H. Olsen, formerly of West Duluth, is now located at Milaca.

Dr. F. W. Davis, State University, '03, has moved from Adams to Kasson.

Dr. D. C. Brooke has been reappointed county physician at Helena, Mont., at a salary of $1,750. Dr. J. R. Elsey, of Chokio, has moved to Glenwood, where he resided before studying medicine.

Dr. T. H. Hanbridge, of Victor, Montana, will spend the winter in New York doing post-graduate work.

Dr. J. W. Bell, of Minneapolis, has gone to Europe with his family, and will spend the winter in travel.

Dr. Lea Prouty, a recent graduate of Rush, has located at Bryant, S. D., and formed a partnership with Dr. R. O. Broadway.

Dr. A. J. Stowe, of Rush City, has located in Minneapolis, and formed a partnership with Dr. C. A. Kelsey, 2300 Central Ave.

The Minot (N. D.) Hospital Association has been incorporated, and the association proposes to expend $40,000 in new buildings.

The Red River Valley Medical Association and the Red River Valley Dental Association will hold a joint meeting at Crookston this month.

Dr. C. E. Burleson, of Chicago, has been chosen to fill the vacancy upon the St. Peter State Hospital staff made by the resignation of Dr. Nicholson.

Dr. Robert Stephenson has located at Ellendale, N. D., and formed a partnership with his brother, Dr. J. L. Stephenson, who is a graduate of the State University,

Dr. G. E. Benson, of Minneapolis, started for Europe last week to spend six months in study of the eye, ear, nose, and throat. Most of his time will be spent in Vienna.

Dr. A. Torland, who graduated from Hamline in 1903, has moved from Audubon to Osakis. Dr. Torland recently returned from Europe, where he went for special study.

Dr. Olaf Sand is at the head of a movement to establish a hospital at Pelican Rapids. The citizens promise to raise the money, and a committee is at work maturing plans.

The citizens of Albert Lea are very much in earnest in their efforts to obtain support and funds for a general city hospital. The churches, the fraternal organizations, and the Commercial Club are working together.

Dr. F. S. Taylor, an army surgeon stationed at Fort Columbia, Wash., died last month on a Northern Pacific train near Fargo while on his way to enter the government hospital at Washington, D. C.

At the annual meeting of the St. Louis County Medical Society, held last month, the following were elected officers: President, Dr. J. J. Eklund, of Duluth; vice-president, Dr. M. K. Knauff, of Two Harbors; secretary-treasurer, Dr. Clarence Taylor, of Duluth.

The Fourth District Medical Association of South Dakota met at Huron on Dec. 16, and elected the following officers for 1905: President, Dr. C. B. Alford, Huron; vice-president, Dr. J. L. Robinson, Pierre; secretary, Dr. E. B. Taylor; treasurer, Dr. J. L. Foxton, Huron

The Commercial Club, of Albert Lea, is at the head of the movement, in that city, to establish a hospital that shall meet the needs of the city and county. They recite, in their circular letter to the public, that private efforts to maintain a hospital have failed, and they set forth the needs for public aid.

Dr. C. L. Chambers, of Kasson, died last month, as the result of an accident, having been thrown out of his buggy. Dr. Chalmers graduated from Rush in 1883, and practiced in Canby until 1891, when he located at Kasson. The schools and business houses of Kasson were closed in his honor on the day of his funeral.

The physicians of Eddy, Foster, and Wells counties, N. D., met at Fessenden, N. D., last month, and organized the Tri-County Medical Society with the following officers: President, Dr. Chas. McLachlan, New Rockford; vicepresident, Dr. John Johns, Bowdon; secretary and treasurer, Dr. Murdock MacGregor, Fessenden.

The St. Louis County (Duluth) physicians have rebelled at the practice of the probate court of that county in employing osteopathic and like practitioners in the examination of insane patients. Why not take this judge over to West Superior about April 1st, and bring him before a board of osteopaths and chiropractics for examination?

Dr. Harlow L. McLeod, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, has bought the Hudson Sanatorium, and will change its name to the Hudson Hospital. All physicians will be glad to know that the handsome and well-equipped building, which is in a location of unusual natural beauty, is to lie idle no longer.

Dr. R. K. Paine, a homeopathic physician, who formerly practiced at Mankato, died last month at Manitowoc, Wis. The honors paid to his memory by the citizens recalled the old-time love and veneration which were a part of the physician's compensation for sacrifices few physicians are now called upon to make in their daily practice. All honor to the pioneers of medicine in the Northwest.

The Scott-Carver Country Medical Society held its annual meeting at Jordan on Dec. Ist The retiring president, Dr. John Landenberger, of New Prague, paid, in his address, a handsome tribute to the late Dr. James H. Dunn. The following were elected officers for 1905:

President, Dr. W. H. Phillips, Jordan; vicepresident, Dr. G. R. Maloney, Belle Plaine; secretary and treasurer, Dr. H. W. Reiter, Shakopee.

About fifty physicians attended the annual meeting of the Minnesota Valley Medical Society at Mankato last month. This would be a creditable attendance for many state associations. The following were elected officers for 1905: President, Dr. C. J. Spratt, Minneapolis; first vicepresident, Dr. W. H. McIntyre, St. Peter; second vice-president, Dr. G. R. Curran, Mankato; secretary, Dr. E. D. Steel, Mankato; treasurer, Dr. G. F. Merritt, St. Peter.

The Mitchell District Medical Society met last month in annual session at Mitchell, S. D. Dr. E. F. Reamer, formerly of Minneapolis, read a paper on "Bills Payable and Bills Receivable," the discussion of which resulted in the appoint

ment of a committee on uniform fees, to report at the next quarterly meeting. The following were elected officers for the current year: President, Dr. Frederick Treon, of Chamberlain ; vicepresident, Dr. W. R. Ball, of Mitchell; secretary, Dr. E. F. Reamer, of Mitchell; treasurer, Dr. F. W. Freyberg, of Mitchell.

A newspaper in the northern part of this state has a chapter on "frenzied finance" in medical circles, with the usual accompaniment of threats to kill, etc. The charge is made by the newspaper that a physician refused to go eight miles into the country unless his fee and the cost of a livery conveyance was advanced. The physician denies that he demanded the fee, but admits that he would not hire a horse and buggy at his own expense. Many a country physician who does not keep his own horse has the question to meet. The physician denies that he knew the serious character of the illness he was asked to treat.

The Crow River Valley Medical Society met at the Commercial Club, Minneapolis, December 14. The Society was entertained by its Minneapolis members. A banquet was held at 7 o'clock preceding the scientific programme. About thirty physicians were present. The programme was as follows: "Hereditary and Maternal Influences as Factors in Health and Diseases," by Christian Johnson, M. D., of Willmar: "Prognosis of Valvular Lesions of the Heart,” L. A. Nippert, M. D., Minneapolis; "A Snap Diagnosis" by Geo. E. Putney, M. D., of New Paynesville; "How to Prevent Tuberculosis," by Moore, M. D., reported three interesting cases Jas. W. Robertson, M. D., of Litchfield. J. E. of appendicitis. A. E. Benjamin, M. D., reported two cases of appendicitis with unusual symptoms. These papers were freely discussed by the members present. There was a great deal of interest shown in the scientific, as well as in the preliminary, part of the evening's entertainment; so much, indeed, that some of the "great" men of the Society barely got into the last elevator going down.

POST-GRADUATE WORK

DOCTOR: If you want practical post-graduate work during fine season in the delightful city, write for particulars. NEW ORLEANS POLYCLINIC, P. O. Box 797, New Orleans.

Wanted-Assistant to take charge of mining contract work in northern part of state. Salary or percentage. A rich field, promising much for the future. Prefer single man with some hospital experience. Address S, care of NORTHWESTERN LANCET.

VOL. XXV

No. 2

As we expect to have a hearty feast of intellectual pabulum at this Minneapolis meeting of the Crow River Medical Association, and expect our city confreres to furnish the heavy stuff, I thought I might furnish the salt and the pepper. Such articles as salt and pepper are not foodstuff correctly speaking, but simply serve to tickle the palate and gently stimulate the stomach for the digestion of the heavier articles on the bill of fare.

My subject is not, strictly speaking, exclusively medical, but one of those broad and many-sided themes that touch on all the relations of life, philosophical, legal, theological, as well as medical. However, philosophy is theoretical, chiefly, and contents itself with spinning its fine and intricate webs in the closet. Law is bound down by precedent and statutes, and can only adopt the conclusions of science through a long and laborious process of digestion. Theology is riveted in the mask of steel to the mysteries of the past. Medicine, to be sure, is also conservative, but the essential law of her being is the duty to relieve the sufferings of humanity irrespective of philosophic theories, legal enactments or religious beliefs.

Medicine also is the practical science par excellence. Its votaries deal directly with humanity. While the philosopher theorizes, the lawyer quotes precedents, and the minister preaches to his congregation, the physician is directly confronted with disease and suffering that he must relieve or give place to the next best man who will, and can.

Read before the Crow River Valley Medical Society at Minneapolis, December 14, 1904.

Hence the race problem is an active reality to the physician. Preventive medicine has become the problem of the day. During the last half of the last century the mystery of the old materies morbi has been solved, or almost solved, and we know now that disease is simply the struggle for existence of the ages between living beings, the battle of the unicellular organisms of vegetable and animal life with the multicellular and highly differentiated animal at the summit of creation.

Preventive medicine is as yet pricipally confined to the offensive warfare against our enemies, the pathogenic bacteria. Great and wonderful results have been achieved in this work during the last half of the nineteenth century. Yet it is dawning upon us of late that in order to be completely successful, and to properly meet many of our most serious diseased conditions, there is also a defensive aspect of preventive medicine of perhaps even more importance than the germicidal warfare. The defensive aspect looks to the strengthening of the human body, to the perfecting of the individual organism so that it shall be able to resist the attack of the pathogenic bacteria by virtue of its own inherent powers and mechanism.

For instance, pulmonary tuberculosis is due to the growth and development of the tubercle bacillus in the pulmonary tissues of a susceptible subject. In the past we have mainly tried to exterminate the enemy by shots and shells of antiseptics of all kinds. But we are now learning that the tubercle bacillus is well nigh universal, and is an army without limitation as to number, and practically indestructible. It will