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Societies and Current Events.

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the cause. The association is anxious to make its influence felt for the good of homeopathy and homeopathic institutions throughout the entire country, and it therefore desires the assistance and hearty co-operation of every practitioner of homeopathy as well as every lay homeopath in Great Britain and Ireland. Mr. Campbell has been instructed to commence his operations in Liverpool.

Massachusetts Surgical and Gynecological Society. The 27th annual meeting and the 61st session of the Massachusetts Surgical and Gynecological Society was held at Hotel Nottingham, Huntington Avenue, Boston, Dec. 9, 1903, at 3.30 P. M. The attractive program which this society presents at its two meetings each year insures a good attendance and enthusiastic sessions, and the annual meeting of 1903 followed the well-established precedent.

The meeting was opened by the President, Dr. N. H. Houghton, and a short business session was held. The various minutes and reports showed the society to be in a flourishing condition, and seven physicians were admitted to membership, viz.: Chas. W. Bush, Boston; Thos. E. Chandler, Boston; Henry H. Jewell, Nashua, N. H.; Frank E. Roberts, Boston; Jas. P. Stedman, Boston; Caroline G. Wentworth, Newton Highlands, Arthur H. Wood, Providence, R. I. The following list of officers was declared elected by the Chairman of the Election Committee, Dr. T. Morris Strong: President, F. W. Halsey, of Boston; Vice-Presidents, Carl Crisand, of Worcester and Geo. E. May, of Newton Centre; General Secretary, F. W. Colburn, of Boston; Associate Secretary, H. D. Boyd, of Boston; Treasurer, Isabel G. Weston, of Wellesley; Auditor, F. A. Gardner, of Salem. Censors: S. H. Calderwood, of Boston; Mary Lakeman, of Salem; Geo. E. Percy, of Salem. Dr. Mary E. Mosher, Necrologist, presented resolutions on the death of Dr. Julian H. Jones, of Bradford, Vt., who died March 3, 1903, and the same were adopted by the society.

The scientific session was presided over by Dr. Chas. R. Hunt, Chairman, and was exceptionally interesting, covering as it did the work of both bureaus of the society, the June meeting at which the surgical bureau usually reports having been omitted this year in favor of the American Institute. Six papers were presented and discussed as follows:

I "The Year's Progress in Surgery and Gynecology," Chas. R. Hunt, M.D. 2 "Intestinal Obstruction by Enterolith," Report of a Case, Edward A. Fisher, M. D.; discussion opened by Dr. G. Forrest Mathie. 3 "A Safe and Simple Method of Prostatectomy with Perfect Results," Horace Packard, M. D.; discussion opened by Dr. William F. Wesselhoeft. 4 "A Fatal Case of Tetanus, Treated with Anti-Tetainic Serum," Joseph W. Hayward, M. D.; discussion opened by Alonzo G. Howard. 5 Three Consultations: with Remarks on Ectopic Gestation, Cystic Degeneration of Chorion, and Vicious. Insertion of Placenta," H. A. Whitmarsh, M. D.; discussion opened by Henry E. Spalding, M. D. 6 "Diagnosis," Eloise A. Sears, M. D.; discussion opened by Martha E. Mann, M. D.

Dr. Hunt's résumé of the year's progress in surgery and gynecology was interesting and comprehensive. Among the interesting cases detailed was the successful removal of the stomach for malignant disease, the patient being at the present time able to enjoy a wide variety of diet and to follow his trade as blacksmith. There was also reported the cure of a case of paralysis below the costal border by the removal of a tumor pressing upon the spinal cord in the dorsal region.

Dr. Hunt stated that the bulk of evidence regarding the treat

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ment of cancer by the X-ray goes to show that if not universally curative it at least prolongs the life and renders the last days of the patient painless. There are said to have been malignant growths resulting from X-ray burns, which would indicate a homeopathic element in the curative action of the X-ray in similar cases. That X-ray diagnosis is not always accurate was illustrated by two cases in which capital operations were performed to extricate missing sets of false teeth, located in the digestive tract by the radiograph, which were subsequently discovered external to the patient.

The three cases of enterolith reported by Dr. Fisher were both unique and instructive, and some interesting statistics were given in connection with the subject which would seem to prove that enteroliths are much more frequently the cause of intestinal obstruction than is commonly supposed.

Dr. Packard's paper on Prostatectomy was scholarly as well as practical, and was much appreciated and drew forth much comment and some discussion. Dr. Packard, after giving a careful outline of the anatomy of the parts immediately concerned in the operation, drew therefrom the arguments for his peculiar technique and as carefully detailed the various steps of his operation. The special point of difference between this operation and the older methods lies in the complete excision of the gland by knife or scissors instead of enucleation or tearing away. He argues that because of the interlacing of the muscular fibres among the adjacent structures, enucleation cannot be performed without great danger of injuring the urethra; and he holds that such injury accounts for the many cases of incontinence following operations by the former method.

The report of Dr. Hayward's case of tetanus which resulted fatally. caused considerable discussion as to the desirability of immediate amputation in case of serious injury to a limb with dirt infection, Dr. Hayward making the statement that in another similar case he should not attempt to save the member.

The three cases reported by Dr. Whitmarsh were listened to with much interest and followed by some discussion.

Dr. Sears in her paper made a strong plea for prompt and radical measures in the case of malignant disease after the climacteric, and enforced her opinion by reports of four successful cases in point now under her observation.

After adjournment of the scientific session at 7 P. M. the annual dinner was served, covers being laid for 145. The tables were handsomely decorated with cut flowers and ferns, and most enjoyable music was rendered between courses by the Technology Quartette. At the close of the banquet the retiring president, Dr. N. H. Houghton, gave his address. Subject: The Responsibility of the Physician for the Abuse of Medical Charity. Dr. Houghton deplored the practice of physicians sending patients who should pay, if only a moderate fee, to the specialist at the dispensary for free treatment, thereby encouraging pauperism as well as doing an injustice to the profession, and made a strong plea for a practical fraternal sentiment. GRACE E. CROSS.

Positive Results.-As far as positive results are concerned, it is safe to assert that no preparation of iron ever introduced to the medical profession has met the requirements to the extent that the pharmaceutical product. Gude's Pepto-Mangan, has done. Unlike many articles claiming to be "Just the same," or "Just as good," it has stood the test of years in the hands of the practitioner, and has been substituted to the severest clinical investigation by eminent men in the profession, both in hospital and private practice.

CONDUCTED BY

ALFRED DRURY, A.M., M.D

Readers of the JOURNAL are cordially requested to send personals, removals, deaths, and all items of general news to Alfred Drury, M.D., 122 Broadway, Paterson, N. J.

Secretaries of societies and institutions are invited to contribute reports of their proceedings, and, as it is intended to make this department crisp and newsy, reports should be complete but concise. In order to be inserted in the current issue all matter should reach the editor by the 10th of the preceding month.

Personals.

Dr. F. W. LE FEVRE has removed from Charlevoix to 557 Third avenue, Detroit, Mich.

DR. T. DRYSDALE BUCHANAN reports a change of his telephone number to 812 Chelsea.

DR. GEO. B. PECK, the genial physician of Providence, R. I., was recently confined to his house with sickness. We trust he may soon regain his accustomed vigor.

DR. L. L. BUTTON, of Rochester, N. Y., recently received the appointment of division surgeon to the New York Central Railroad.

DR. SARAH J. MILLSOP, the efficient exponent of Militant Homeopathy at Bowling Green, Ky., is taking a needed and wellearned rest upon the sunny slopes of California.

DR. DANIEL C. NOBLE, formerly of Middlebury, Vt., desires to announce that he is now located at 319 Forest Avenue, Lakewood, N. J. Hours: 8-9.30 A. M., 1-3 P. M.

DR. J. A. STEWART, of New York, spent the Christmas holidays in Denver, visiting his brother, Dr. A. C. Stewart. It was their first meeting in over eight years.

MRS. WILLIAM CURTIS DEMOREST gave a reception at her home on Sixty-sixth Street, New York, on February the second, for Mrs. William Tod Helmuth, the President of the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women. The occasion was a most enjoyable one.

DR. M. J. LEWI, Secretary of the New York State Board of Medical Examiners, has been appointed Associate Medical Director of the Security Trust and Life Insurance Company. Dr. Lewi will also assist Mr. D. B. Luper in his duties as General Manager of the company.

DR. NATHANIEL BRODER, of the House Staff of the Cumberland Street Hospital, Brooklyn, recently took the Civil Service examination for Physicians in Department of Charities and Corrections, and ranked so high among the fifty or sixty competitors that he has received the appointment of Resident Physician at Riker's Island Hospital at a salary of $75.00 a month.

DR. A. P. HANCHETT, of Council Bluffs, Ia., has been appointed a member of the State Board of Health by Governor

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Cummings. Dr. Hanchett has held many prominent offices in various medical societies, and has been for several years Surgeonin-Chief of the homeopathic staff of the W. C. A. Hospital in Council Bluffs. We congratulate both the State and Dr. Hanchett on this latest appointment.

DR. CHARLES S. OWEN, of Wheaton, Ill., died at the Chicago Homeopathic Hospital from injuries sustained at the Iroquois fire. Dr. Owen held a family reunion at Christmas time. and the entire party of twelve attended the theatre on the illfated day. Dr. Owen was the only one who escaped from the building alive. He was one of the most prominent physicians in the vicinity of Chicago and is said to have held more offices in Wheaton than any other man. He was a member of the American Institute.

DR. PHOEBE JANE BABCOCK WAIT, of New York, died on January 30. She was born at Potter Hill, R. I., in 1838, received the degrees of A. B. and A. M. from Alfred University and of M. D. from the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women, from which latter she was graduated in 1871. In 1880 she was elected to be Professor of Obstetrics in her Alma Mater, which chair she held for twelve years, during part of which time she was also Dean of the college.

Dr. Wait was a member of the New York State and New York County Homeopathic Medical Societies, the American Institute of Homeopathy and the American Obstetrical Society. She was a member of the consulting staff of the Brooklyn Memorial Hospital, and an examiner in lunacy. She was president of the Society for Promoting the Welfare of the Insane, and an officer of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the New York Legislative League, and a member of the New York Equal Suffrage League, Phalo and Sorosis.

In 1863 Dr. Wait married William B. Wait, who survives her. She also leaves a daughter and two sons, Mrs. Frank Battles and Dr. Oliver Bell Wait, of Philadelphia, and William Bell Wait, Jr., of New York.

March Meetings.-New York County Society, March 10. Kings County Society, March 8. Academy of Pathological Science of New York, March 25. New York Hom. Materia Medica Society, March 16. Chicago Hom. Medical, March 17. Philadelphia County Society, March 10. Cincinnati Hom. Lyceum, March 9.

The Western New York Homeopathic Medical Society held its mid-winter meeting at the Homeopathic Hospital, Rochester, on January 8. Among those who spoke were the guests of the meeting, Drs. C. E. Sawyer, of Marion, O.; F. Mortimer Lawrence, of Philadelphia, and W. H. Doane, of Pittsfield. The principal item of interest was the topic presented by E. H. Wolcott, M. D., on "The Desirability of Establishing a Psychological Pavilion in Connection with the Rochester Homeopathic Hospital." Dr. Walcott is a member of the Board of Visitors of the Gowanda State Homeopathic Hospital and is deeply interested in all measures for the relief of the mentally afflicted. He brought forward numerous and strong arguments for the establishment of the Pavilion, which he estimates can be added for a reasonable sum. The society indorsed the suggestion and pledged itself to aid in carrying out the plan.

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Neighborhood Medical Club.-The November and December meetings of the Neighborhood Medical Club, held at the Crawford House, Boston, were well attended. At the November meeting Dr. E. P. Ruggles gave an interesting and instructive paper entitled, "Extra-Uterine Pregnancy," with clinical reports of several cases.

Dr. N. R. Perkins, at the December meeting in his paper, "Some of the Uses of the Static Machine," showed the therapeutic value of electricity in many obstinate cases where remedies had failed to give satisfactory results.

WILSON F. PHILLIPS, M. D.,

Secretary.

Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital of Chicago has strengthened its department of materia medica by adding Drs. J. F. Kent, G. P. Waring and Harvey Farrington. With Dr. A. L. Blackwood at the head of the department and such men as Drs. W. E. Taylor, M. J. Moth and C. W. Ward connected with it, the college is unusually well equipped for teaching this important subject.

Pennsylvania State Homeopathic Hospital for the Insane.Bids were opened on January 20 for the construction of the first three buildings of this State Hospital. The asylum when completed is expected to accommodate 1,000 patients and will cost in the neighborhood of $1,000,000. It is located in Hanover Township, about two miles from Allentown, overlooking the Lehigh River. The buildings will be fire-proof, of first-class construction and both they and the equipment will be thoroughly up-todate. The Commission created by the Legislature of 1901 is composed of State Senator William T. Marshall, of Allegheny, President; Auditor-General William P. Snyder, of Chester County, Treasurer; State Senator William H. Keyser, of Philadelphia, Secretary; F. T. L. Keiter, of Allentown, and Dr. Louis H. Willard, of Allegheny, and Dr. I. W. Heysinger, of Philadelphia.

The Indian Homeopathic Recorder contains an extremely interesting and valuable article in its November number by Sarat Chandra Ghose, M. D., its editor, upon "The Rise and Development of Homeopathy in India." This paper is of interest as one of the two homeopathic journals of Calcutta. Part is printed in English and part in the Bengali vernacular.

Remember the Reunion of the graduates of the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital at the Alumni dinner on Thursday, May 12, at the Waldorf. Last year over four hundred renewed old acquaintances. Save the date.

Rochester Homeopathic Hospital.-At the annual meeting of the board of supervisors of the Rochester Homeopathic Hospital, held on January 20, the following were elected: President, Mrs. Hiram W. Sibley; First Vice-President, Mrs. S. J. Macy, Avon, N. Y.; Second Vice-President, Mrs. Martin W. Cooke; third Vice-President, Mrs. Robert Matthews; Treasurer, Miss Elizabeth C. Watson; Recording Secretary, Mrs. John C. Woodbury; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. H. Stedman.

The annual report showed the hospital to be in a most encouraging condition; 1,825 patients were admitted, which, with the 150 births is an increase of 322 over the previous year. In the dispensary, 1,385 patents were treated, 128 more than the

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