delphia; treasurer, Dr. Ella D. Goff, Allegheny; Censors, Drs. Anna G. Clark, Scranton; G. W. Smith, Philadelphia, and H. F. Schantz, Reading; trustees, Drs. W. H. Keim and Clarence Bartlett, Philadelphia, and W. A. Seibert, Easton.

For the entertainment of ladies there were afternoon teas and card parties, with a visit to Lafayette College. At the conclusion of the meeting a number of those in attendance went by special trolley car to Allentown to see the Homeopathic State Hospital for the Insane of Pennsylvania.

Those admitted to membership were Drs. F. V. Woolridge, Pittsburg; R. S. Summers, Philadelphia; D. W. Straub, Bethlehem; L. H. Sterner, Porter's Sideling; L. A. Snyder, Ashland; J. R. Rochester, Philadelphia; J. J. Reitz, Walnutport; W. R. Palmer, Hollidaysburg; T. Matlack, Philadelphia; E. S. Mautz, South Bethlehem; H. E. Kistler, Johnstown; E. Humphreys, Philadelphia; H. P. Hess, Pine Grove; W. N. Nelson Hammond, Philadelphia; T. C. Gray, Easton; F. A. Garis, Bethlehem; M. M. Fleagle, Hanover; H. A. Fehr, Allentown; W. F. Doyle, Pottsville; F. F. Crandell, Turtle Creek; C. M. Brunnell, Stroudsberg; C. M. Brooks, Philadelphia; G. H. Boone, Pottsville; Eva N. Blake, Philadelphia; N. A. Betts, Philadelphia; R. Bernstein, Philadelphia; T. B. Bradley, Philadelphia; J. R. Bibighaus, Glenside; J. H. Ervin, Jenkintown; P. F. Felsberg, Philadelphia; A. R. Garner, Norristown; H. M. Gay, Philadelphia; W. L. Gerhart, Lewisburg; E. J. Hackney, Philadelphia; G. C. Haller, Germantown; F. M. Harry, Mount Joy; M. R. T. Hart, Germantown; G. W. Harpel, Mt. Carmel; G. W. Hartman, Harrisburg; J. B. Heritage, Langhorne; F. Howell. Reading; J. R. Hood, Sewickley; J. D. Keifer, Mt. Carmel; G. M. Kistler, Lansford; J. S. Kistler, Shenandoah; M. S. Kistler, Shenandoah; W. F. Kistler, Minersville; J. P. Langwell, Wellsboro; Julia C. Loos, Harrisburg; C. R. Miller, Steelton; M. L. Miller, Mohnsville; H. C. Nicholson, Philadelphia; F. B. Quackenbush, Philadelphia; C. M. Richards, Reading; W. W. Speakman, Philadelphia ; E. K. Steckel, Orwigsburg; E. L. Straub, Minersville; A. H. Super, Tamaqua; T. W. Swalm, Pottsville; C. E. Tegtmeier, Philadelphia; H. Ellen Walker, Sharon; F. Watson, Willow Grove; H. G. West, Schuylkill Haven; A. W. Yale, Philadelphia; F. E. Yerkes, Ambler.

New York Meeting. With a record registration of 413 members and visiting physicians, a program so full of excellent papers that it was impossible for all to be read, and a series of clinics of more than ordinary interest, the 38th semi-annual meeting of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York will stand out in the annals of the history of homeopathy in the Empire State. The meeting was held in the N. Y. Hom. Med College, and the Helmuth Surgical Amphitheatre was the scene of the surgical and gynecological clinics. After the formal opening of the meeting, the reading of reports, etc., the bureau of Neurology reported under the chairmanship of John T. Greenleaf, papers being read by C. A. Potter (Care and Treatment of General Paresis), David M. Gardner (Ay, there's the Rub), and C. C. Howard (Differential Diagnosis between Lacuna and Hemiplegia). As chairman of the bureau of Obstetrics, Dr. L. L. Danforth called for the papers of C. E. Alliaume (Prenatal Homeopathic Treatment), F. W. Hamlin

Societies and Current Events

105

(Management of Occipito-Posterior Positions) and M. O. Terry (Can Women Escape Pain in Parturition). The members then adjourned to the Flower Hospital for a gynecological clinic, the operator being J. M. Lee, of Rochester, who showed his method of perineorrhaphy. A break of an hour and a half furnished time to enjoy the complimentary lunch provided by the college and renew acquaintanceships. Under the heading of Laryngology and Rhinology, two papers were reported for reading by the chairman, Irving Townsend-"Why the Upper Respiratory Tract should be Cared for as a Prophylactic Measure," by A. Worrall Palmer, and "Removal of the Inferior Turbinated Body," by C. E. Teets. In the section of Clinical Medicine and Pathology, Fredk. M. Dearborn gave a very interesting clinic demonstrating "Pigmentation of the Skin," E. E. Snyder reported excellent results with fagopyrum (buckwheat) in eczema, and gave its indications, Geo. F. Laidlaw drew attention to “A Point in Diagnosis: An Air-Swallower mistaken for a Flatulent Dyspeptic," and Wm. Harvey King presented cases showing results obtained in the Clinic of the Physical Therapeutics Department of the college. The next bureau to report was Ophthalmology and Otology, L. W. Dean, chairman. John L. Moffat read a paper on "Photophobia," E. J. Bissell pointed out "The Relation between the Eyes and the Generative Organs," and Geo. W. McDowell discussed the "Treatment of Chronic Suppuration of Middle Ear. The day's business closed with a surgical clinic dealing with brain and scalp cases, conducted by W. Louis Hartman.

In the evening the members and visitors were entertained by the N. Y. County Society at Delmonico's, and a very enjoyable evening was thus spent.

The following morning E. B. Nash took charge of the bureau. of Materia Medica, and the following practical papers were read: Staphisagria, by Paul Allen; Kreosote, by W. I. Pierce; Psorinum, by J. T. Greenleaf; Actea Racemosa, by J. M. Keese; and Eupatorium, by Gordon W. Hoyt. In the bureau of Public Health, Egbert G. Rankin dwelt on "The Tuberculosis Situation," urging the formation of a national department of Public Health, and state or local control of the tuberculous, and Charles McDowell spoke interestingly of "Hygienic Advances in Germany and Italy." The bureau of Pediatrics followed, and P. C. Thomas read his paper on "The Personal Equation in the Treatment of Infants and Children." The other paper was by W. L. Love on "Parasitic Diseases of the Skin and their Relation to Children." Adjourning to the Helmuth Amphitheater the members witnessed a skilfully-executed laparotomy by De Witt G. Wilcox. Then came lunch tendered by the college authorities as on the previous day, and served in the Alumni Laboratory. In the afternoon Newton M. Collins showed a case of inoperable sarcoma, explained the latest advances in stomach surgery, and curetted an inoperable case of uterine cancer, packing with gauze soaked in 40% formalin. Following this, Wm. Harvey King explained what the true Finsen treatment is, demonstrating a lamp acquired by him from the Finsen Institute at Copenhagen.

This closed a meeting which must have proved of exceptional profit to all in attendance.

106

Societies and Current Events

Denver State Society.-The Nineteenth Annual Session of the Colorado Homeopathic Society has just completed its labors (on September 15). This was the largest and most enthusiastic meeting in the history of the society. Strong resolutions looking toward the re-proving of the Materia Medica as undertaken by the A. I. H. were adopted. Among the guests of the society was Dr. B. F. Bailey of Lincoln, Neb. Officers for ensuing year are: President, Grant S. Peck, M.D., of Denver; second vice-president, S. L. Blair, M.D., of Trinidad; treasurer, F. A. Faust, M.D., of Colorado Springs; secretary, G. P. Howard, M.D., of Denver. The evening following the last day session of the State Society was the opening exercises of the Denver Homeopathic College. Prof. H. I. Dodge delivered the address before the students, faculty and friends. Lectures begin Monday, September 19, and the prospect for a large attendance is good. State Society, Local Society and College are working in perfect harmony.-G. B. Howard, Secretary.

CINCINNATI NOTES

The 32d Session of the Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, begins September 28, with some changes in the Faculty. Dr. J. D. Buck, for many years Dean, tendered his resignation, and Dr. W. C. Walton, former registrar, is appointed to the deanship. Dr. S. E. Geiser is now registrar, and Dr. W. H. Smith fills the position of secretary in place of Dr. Thos. M. Stewart, who resigned early in the spring. Dr. C. M. Boger of Parkersburg, W. Va., author of "Boenninghausen's Characteristics and Repertory," will give a series of lectures on Materia Medica, with special hints on the use of the repertory. Those who heard Dr. Boger's lectures on this subject last winter will be pleased to again have the opportunity of his aid in this difficult study.

The Ohio Hospital for Women and Children, Cincinnati, Ohio. has, through the summer months, been renovating and replenishing the operating-room endeavoring to bring it as nearly as possible into complete and modern arrangement. The hospital bears a very homelike atmosphere, and the Dean, Dr. Ellen M. Kirke, and the lady Board of Managers, bear the interests of the hospital closely at heart, and are ambitious to bring them to the highest standard. Last year they added a static machine with X-ray, Minin lamp and Chattanooga mechanical vibrator to the equipment.

Medical Protective Associations.-The physicians of Thornton, Ind., are forming an association to protect themselves from the local dead beats. Dr. C. R. Armstrong, of that city, is desirous of receiving copies of the constitutions and by-laws of similar organizations in other communities.

In the December number of THE NORTH AMERICAN appeared an article read at the State Convention in Connecticut on the subject of iridium. It attracted considerable attention. In the present issue appears a second article upon the same subject. It now claims more than passing attention in medical affairs, and we confess that proofs are at hand that excite closer investigation.

Institute of Drug Proving of the A. I. H.-Following earnest appeals by the Presidents of the American Institute of Homeopathy. notably by Drs. Bailey, Norton and Sutherland, and efficient work

Societies and Current Events

107

accompanied by the O. O. and L. Society, under the supervision of Dr. Bellows, a committee appointed to consider the subject, unanimously recommended to the American Institute of Homeopathy, at the Meeting at Niagara Falls, in June, 1904, the organization of an Institute of Drug Proving.

In their report the Committee said: "The Committee, in agreeing to the desirability of the establishment of such an Institute, also agree that the main object should be the study of the effects of drugs upon healthy persons, and the presentation of the same in such form as shall make them useful in the practice of medicine regardless of schools. The ultimate object of all this work must be the relief of suffering and the cure of disease, and the Committee fails to find any method that promises such good results as that already adopted by the Homeopathic School, and as that school has among its adherents those best qualified, by reason of experience, to conduct drug-provings, the work should be vested in a board selected from among the membership of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Surely, it would not be reasonable to entrust such important work to those who are seeking for specifics as remedial agents, or who base their hope upon either the physiological effects or chemical affinity of the drugs investigated.

"When we remember that our School has used the same remedies with the same indications in the treatment of the same disease, ever since the first records were published by Hahnemann, with results indisputably better, as far as death rates, length of life secured and general results are concerned, our claim to be the ones entrusted with the work is established. Our obligations to do it result from the fact that we are the possessors of this knowledge. Its possession makes it obligatory that we formulate what we have, and, when possible, present it in such a manner that no one who is entitled to recognition as a scientist can question the results.

"How to bring about these results has been the subject of much inquiry and discussion. First, a considerable sum of money must be secured. Such funds when secured must be segregated from all other educational funds. It should be a trust fund placed in the hands of a board of trustees, representing the various interests combined in the American Institute of Homeopathy. The board of trustees should have power to fill vacancies, should select the drugs to be proven, or select those who are to conduct the investigations; should pass upon the equipment of laboratories whose use is offered, and they should have power to aid by appropriation or to meet the whole expense of such investigation when necessary."

After some discussion, with hearty unanimity, promising well for the success of the project, the American Institute appointed a Board of Trustees, consisting of Drs. Custis, Bailey, Dewey, Royal, Sutherland, Wolcott and Mohr. The trustees were empowered to appoint their own officers, to collect funds, to make such rules as may be required, and to become the custodians of such provings as may, from time to time, be made by societies, colleges or individuals.

At the first meeting of the Trustees of the Institute of Drug Proving, Dr. J. B. Gregg Custis was elected Chairman and Dr. Charles Mohr, Secretary and Treasurer. After this action was

reported to the American Institute of Homeopathy, an appeal was made for funds, and subscriptions were taken then and there. The total subscriptions amounted to $1,100.00, but much more than this amount will be required to carry out successfully the objects of the Institute, and every homeopathist should consider it a pleasure as well as a duty to contribute to the extent of his or her ability. The treasurer has opened an account in the Commercial Trust Company of Philadelphia, where all moneys received will be deposited, to be disbursed as shall be directed by the trustees.

At a meeting. of the Trustees the Secretary was authorized to ask state and county societies and colleges as well as individuals to aid in the work of Drug Proving, and also to urge the various societies and colleges to make provings, according to matured plans to be submitted, and to send the records of these provings to the Trustees of the Institute of Drug Proving for preservation and publication. Charles Mohr.

One of the Genuine and much appreciated guides to the American Institute of Homeopathy business at Niagara Fails was the yellow folder which Dr. Porter of the NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HOMEOPATHY issued, giving the times and names and places of sectional and general meetings. Some such scheme might be profitably incorporated in the next program of the institute.-The American Physician.

The Eighth Annual Practitioners' Course of the Homeopathic College of the University of Michigan will be held, probably during the first week after the election. Dr. Geo. W. Roberts, Professor of Gynecology in the New York Homeopathic Medical College, will assist in the course.

FOR SALE. A Willyoung X-Ray apparatus, with rheostat, Wehnelt interruptor electrode, fluoroscope, tubes and tube-stand, etc., complete. Excellent condition. Low price for quick sale.

Address, E. F. C., P. O. Box 1358, New York.

For Relieving Pain.-In the search for drugs to relieve pain hamamelis virginica has been proved to be possessed of more anodyne and healing virtues than any other. It is not only an anodyne, but also a styptic, astringent, and antiseptic. The most reliable preparation is Pond's Extract, far superior to commercial witch hazel for the relief of pain, soreness, lameness, hemorrhages and inflammations.

The Rational Treatment of Dyspepsia.-Ext. Carnis fl. comp (Colden) a short time before meals will stimulate the appetite, increase the quantity and quality of the gastric juice, and promote a proper functioning of the stomach muscles.

A Gentle Laxative.-The time will never come when the physician will be unable to see indications for the employment of a mild laxative in some of his cases. There is none more reliable than California Fig Syrup. It can be recommended for family use.

A Help to Physicians.-Many physicians wish to purchase electrical apparatus, but hesitate because they have not the technical knowledge that would enable them to judge between one instrument and another. In just such an instance the physician should write to the Kidder Mfg. Co., Bible House, New York, and state his difficulty, and can rely upon expert disinterested advice.