RECTAL ANESTHESIA. DR. CHAS. WOOD FASSETT: OMAHA, NEB., September 23, 1907. I observe, upon page 464 of the September number of the MEDICAL HERALD, a paragraph entitled "Rectal Anesthesia." Dr. Berry is quoted from the Alabama Medical Journal as referring to the use of the method in Roosevelt Hospital, New York, and strongly commending it. The present letter is written for the purpose of warning the profession, as strongly as I can, against this practice My warning is based upon an experience during my interneship in the Charity (now City) hospital, New York City. My "visiting," a surgeon of note, since deceased, came to the hospital on one occasion full of enthusiasm for this method of giving ether, his attention having been called to the method by something he had read. We used it in three cases. In the first patient did well. He presented signs cf a slight irritation of the bowels but no serious trouble developed. In the second case there was severe inflammation of the bowels, but the patient was discharged "nearly cured," at the end of three weeks. The third case was in the service of one of my associates upon another division of the hospital, who is now a prominent surgeon in New York. This patient died at the end of a period of about thirty-six hours of the most terrible suffering. The autopsy showed very extensive ulceration extending interruptedly from a short distance above the anus to within four or five feet of the stomach. This ended rectal etherization in that hospital for the time, at least. These events occurred in April, 1884. So far as I know the cases have never been published. I have not asked for space to give them in detail, though I have sufficiently full note upon them, but I write with the hope that practitioners who may see the commendation of this method to which I have referred may be spared the humiliation that will follow its adoption, sooner or later. Very truly yours, W. F. MILROY, M. D. In cases of so-called obstetrical paralysis of the arm it is important to make a thorough examination, since in a certain number of instances there will be found congenital dislocation of the shoulder or fracture. HYGIENIC REQUIREMENTS IN BOOKS AND JOURNALS.-Medical men preach bygiene, but practice it no better than laymen of the same social grade. Many books and journals published for medical men offend against all rules of ocular hygiene. The eye has not developed under conditions now prevailing in civilized life. Reading, writing and all other near work strains it beyond the point of fatigue. The best type for books is what is known as "eleven point"-"ten point" is satisfactory, but nothing below should be used. Leading" the type is of value, but the space would better be used for larger type without "leading." Small books are better than large ones, as they can be held in the hand at such an angle as is best suited to the reflection of light. Gloss papers, while necessary for half-tone illustrations are, from a hygienic standpoint, an abomination. (Note: the type used in the text of the MEDICAL HERALD is "ten point." -Ed.) MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE MISSOURI Minutes of the Twentieth Annual Meeting, held in Council Bluffs, The society was called to order at 1:30 p.m., by Dr. Daniel Jackson, chairman Committee of Arrangements. In the absence of the president and vice-presidents, Dr. J. M. Emmert, of Atlantic, was called to the chair. Upon motion, the address of welcome and response were postponed to the evening session. Upon motion, Dr. Donald Macrae was elected treasurer pro tem. The chair appointed Drs. Barstow and von Mansfelde to fill vacancies on Credential Committee. Upon motion, the reading of the minutes of last meeting was dispensed with, the same having been printed in the official journal, and no corrections reported. The Secretary then presented his annual report, as follows: ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. To the President and Members of the Medical Society of the Missouri Valley: I have the honor to present to you the nineteenth annual report of the secretary. Our last annual meeting was held at the Grand Hotel in Council Bluffs on September 6 and 7, 1906, under the presidency of Dr. John E. Summers. Program of twenty papers was presented, including addresses by the president and Dr. Richard C. Moore; attendance 125; new mem. bers admitted 23. Society was entertained at the Elks' Club, and by the Carnival Association. Dr. O. B. Campbell was elected president, and Omaha selected as the next meeting place. The semi-annual meeting was held in Omaha on March 21, 22; Dr. O. B. Campbell, of St. Joseph, presiding. The address of welcome was given by Mr. Charles L. Wilhelm, president of the Commercial Club. The program consisted of eighteen excellent papers, and addresses by Drs. Alex. H. Ferguson and Robert T. Sloan. This meeting holds the record for the largest attendance, there being 250 present at one session. New members admitted 23. The social event was a smoker and an entertainment given by the Omaha-Douglas Medical Society, on the first evening, during which refreshments were served. The annual excursion of our society to the American Medical Association continues to be an entertaining feature, and this year was no exception to the rule. The party was taken over the Big Four and C. & O. through St. Louis, Cincinnati and Washington, to Atlantic City, and a full report of this trip will be found in the July number of the MEDICAL HERALD. Nearly all of our members. were quartered in one hotel. this time, which seemed to be a very pleasant arrangement, and if possible should be carried out in the future. Arrangements will soon be made for the trip to Chicago next year with a side excursion either to Milwaukee or some of the resorts across the lake. The society has lost during the past year 19 members, as follows: By resignation 1, dropped for non-payment of dues 15, by death 3, total 19. New members 46, as follows: from Iowa 15, Missouri 5, Nebraska 23, Illinois 1, Kansas 1, Ohio 1; total gain during the year 27. It is my sad duty to chronicle at this time the death of three charter members: Dr. B. F. Crummer, of Omaha, who died on January 24, 1907; Dr. T. B. Lacey, died March 24, and Dr. Donald Macrae, who died August 14, 1907. The memory of all these men will long remain with every fellow of this association, and the work which they did for the upbuilding of our cause is a matter of history. Dr. Macrae, as one of the founders, first president of our society, and for many years its treasurer, gave the best years of his life to the cause of humanity, and his interest in our association and its work never waned. Up to within a few weeks before his death, although unable to attend to his practice, he was greatly concerned in preparing for the present meeting of our society. His name shall be deeply graven upon the tablets of our hearts; peace to his ashes! The work of the secretary's office during the past year may be summed up as follows: Number of letters received.. 98 .... 156 Number of notices of meeting mailed to members.. 752 752 Number of invitations mailed to physicians not In conclusion, I desire to thank the officers and members for their hearty co-operation and assistance, without which the duties of the secretary's office would be very arduous indeed. CHAS. WOOD FASSETT, Secretary. Upon motion, the report was adopted and ordered spread upon the minutes. Dr. von Mansfelde offered a motion that a committee be appointed to draft resolutions on the death of Drs. Macrae and Lacey. Carried. The chair appointed Drs. Chas. Wood Fassett, A. S. von Mansfelde and C. S. Hardin. Upon motion, an auditing committee was appointed to examine the books of the treasurer, and report at the next meeting, consisting of Drs. Barstow, Jennings and Waterman. The Credential Committee reported favorably upon the following applicants for membership: Melvin J. Bellinger, Council Bluffs; Geo. Haslan, Fremont, Neb.; Fred S. Clinton, Tulsa, I. T.; J. G. McCue, Silver City, Iowa; B. G. Smith, Oakland, Iowa; R. J. Midgely, Omaha; Chas. S. Kennedy, Logan, Iowa. Upon motion, the secretary was instructed to cast the vote of the society for the election of the above-named candidates. Dr. Fassett then introduced the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted: FOR A NATIONAL HEALTH OFFICER, Whereas, The President of these United States has recognized the importance of more adequate protection of the public health, and a better organization of the medical department, as advocated for years by the American Medical Association, and Whereas, He has called for an expression from organized bodies as to the wisdom of creating a new department, or attaching another branch to one of the departments already in existence; therefore, be it Resolved, That the members of the Medical Society of the Missouri Valley desire to go on record as favoring an entirely new and distinct department of health, as a separate department of the federal government; and be it further Resolved, That it is essential that this department shall be in charge of a capable medical man, who shall be a member of the president's cabinet and of equal rank with other members of the official portfolio; be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be printed in the daily papers and in the medical press and copies sent to the President, to Prof. Irving Fisher, and to the members of the scientific committee appointed for the purpose of investigating this question; be it further Resolved, That we, as members of the Medical Society of the Missouri Valley, assist in the promotion of this cause by having similar resolutions adopted by our local boards of trade and commercial clubs in our respective cities. PRESENTATION OF PAPERS. The following papers were read at this session:* "Habitual Constipation," J. C. Waterman, Council Bluffs. "The Sane Type of Insanity," S. Grover Burnett, Kansas City. "The Malignant Growth of the Testicle," Wm. Jepson, Sioux City. "The Diagnosis of the Presentation and Position in Obstetrics," Chas. W. Pollard, Omaha. "David C. "Alkaloids vs. Galenical Preparations," A. L. Muirhead, Omaha. "Tonsillectomy vs. Tonsillotomy, a Simple Technique,' Hilton, Lincoln. Upon motion, the election of officers was made a special order of business for Friday morning, 11 o'clock. Adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. EVENING SESSION. The society was called to order by Dr. Daniel Jackson. He introduced Hon. Matt Tinley, who delivered the Address of Welcome, in which he emphasized particularly the unselfish service rendered by the medical profession, and the part it took in securing needful legislation in the interest of the health of the people. Dr. J. M. Aiken, of Omaha, responded in a happy manner to the welcoming speech. All papers will appear in full in subsequent issues of the Medical Herald. NOTE.-Any member noting omissions or errors in the minutes, will please report same to the secretary at once. A telegram was read from the President, Dr. Campbell, stating that on account of pressing duties it would be impossible for him to be in attendance, and expressing his sincere regret. Upon motion, Dr. R. C. Moore, of Omaha, was called upon to preside. Upon motion, it was decided to proceed with the reading of papers, and the following were presented: "Orthopedic Surgery in General Practice," Jas. Cokenower, Des Moines. "Are We of Necessity Largely Symptomatologists, in the Treatment of Disease?" C. B. Hardin, Kansas City. Dr. Jackson, chairman of Arrangement committee, announced that admission tickets had been provided for all to attend the Carnival after the session. Adjourned to meet at 9:30 Friday morning. SECOND DAY, MORNING SESSION. The society was called to order by Dr. Jackson, and upon motion, Dr. C. B. Hardin, of Kansas City, was elected to preside. The Committee on Resolutions was called upon and presented the following report: IN MEMORIAM: DR. DONALD MACRAE. Whereas, The Great Physician has called to his heavenly reward one of the beloved founders of our society and its first president, Dr. Donald Macrae; and Whereas, His loss to our society, as a ruling spirit and a devoted supporter is irreparable, and cannot be expressed by word or pen; therefore be it Resolved, That we are deeply grieved at his taking away, but his memory shall be deeply graven upon the tablets of our hearts forever; Resolved, That we take this opportunity to extend our condolence to his bereaved family and pay this slight tribute to the memory of our beloved fellow and brother practitioner; DR. T. B. LACEY. Whereas, God in his infinite wisdom has called from our midst a beloved charter member, Dr. T. B. Lacey, who for many years served as the faithful treasurer of our society; therefore be it Resolved, That we deeply deplore his death, and sincerely sympathize with the family of the deceased; Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes and printed in the official journal and a copy sent to the families of the deceased. CHAS. WOOD FASSETT, The resolutions were unanimously adopted by rising vote. Bills were allowed, upon motion, for current expenses, amounting to $109.77, and a warrant ordered drawn on the treasurer for the amount. The following papers were presented: "Educational Hygiene," S. R. Towne, Omaha. |