We are indebted to Dr. HENRY D. PAINE, of Albany, Secretary of the Institute, for the following report of its proceedings.-[ED.]
The Sixteenth Annual Meeting of this Society was held in Boston on the 1st and 2nd days of Jane at Mercantile Hall.
The attendance was larger than usual-members being in attendance from almost every part of the Union.
The efforts of the efficient Committee of arrangements and the large hearted hospitality of the Homoeopathic physicians of the New-England Metropolis, greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the numerous delegates from abroad.
The members convened at the Mercantile Hall, and at 10 o'clock were called to order by the General Secretary, DR. W. E. PAYNE of Bath Me.
After calling the roll, the Institute proceeded to the election of Officers, with the following result:-
P. P. WELLS M. D., Brooklyn, N. Y., Chairman.
H. D. PAINE M. D., Albany, N. Y. General Secretary.
I. T. TALBOT M. D., Boston, Provisional Secretary.
C. H. SKIFF M. D., New Haven, Treasurer.
Censors-WM. H. WATSON M. D., Utica, N. Y.; MILTON FULLER M. D.. Boston; D. M. DAKE M. D., Pittsburgh, Pa.; J. BEAKLEY M. D., Philadelphia; N. H. WARNER M. D., Buffalo.
Dr. Wells on taking the Chair, expressed his acknowledgments in a few pertinent remarks.
The following Committees were announced:-
On Treasurer's Account:- Drs. L. B. Wells, E. T. Richardson, G. W. Swazey, B. F. Bowers and J. P. Dake.
On Scientific Subjects for consideration at the next meeting:-Drs. W. Williamson, D. M. Dake and B. F. Joslin.
After the transaction of some other routine business, the chairman in a few feeling remarks suggested the fitness and propriety, before proceeding with the ordinary business of the Institute, of taking some suitable notice of those members of the Institute who have, since the last meeting, been removed by death. He referred particularly to the late Dr. A. Gerald Hull of New York, whose character and whose labors have done much to extend the knowledge and improvement of Homoeopathy.
Prof. Beakley thereupon, moved the appointment of a committee to report suitable resolutions, in reference to the death of Dr. Hull and other members who have died during the year past.
The chairman appointed Drs. J. Beakley, H. D. Paine, S. Gregg, W. Williamson and J. Mairs as such committee.
The unfinished business of the last meeting being next in order, a communication from Dr. Isaac Colby of Concord, on Cold as a Therapeutic Agent, which was presented at the previous meeting, was read, and on motion was referred to the Committee of Publication.
A resolution offered by Dr. W. E. Payne of Bath, Me., proposing an alteration of the Constitution, so as to provide for the election of a President and Vice President of the Institute instead of a Chairman at each meeting, and laid over from last year, was called up, and, after discussion, was postponed till the afternoon.
The Censors then nominated several candidates for membership whose credentials they had examined, and the following physicians were duly elected members of the Institute:-
H. Beakley M.D., Brewsters Station N. Y.; A. G. Bellows M.D., Roxbury, Mass; C. A. Brooks M.D., Clinton, Mass.; Dr. W. E. Bulkley, Danbury, Conn.; J. A. Burpee M.D., Malden, Mass.; C. H. Burr M.D., Portland, Me.; W. B. Chamberlain M.D., Keene, N. H.; W. J. Church M.D., Pittsburgh, Pa.; J. L. Clark M.D., Fall River, Mass.; C. Cullis M.D., Boston Mass.; E. P. Cummings M. D., Exeter, N. H.; B. DeGersdorff M.D., Salem, Mass.; G. Wm. Dennett M.D., Boston, Mass.; H. B. Eaton M.D., Rockport, Me.; C. H. Farnsworth M.D., East Cambridge, Mass.; H. Floto M.D., Salem, Mass,; S. M. Gale M.D., Newburyport, Mass.; J. F. G. Geary M. D., Phil., Pa.; G. A. Hall M.D., Westfield, N. Y.; W. F. Harding M.D., Granville, N. Y.; J. T. Harris M.D., Abington, Mass.; S. Herwitz M.D., Boston, Mass.; C. J. Hill M.D., Utica, N. Y.; M. A. Houghton M.D., Keeseville N.Y.; M. G. Houghton M.D., Lyndon, Vt.; B.W. James M.D., Philadelphia, Pa.; G. P. Jefferts M.D., Kennebunkport, Me.; D. A. Johnson M.D., Chelsea, Mass.; J. E. Linnell M.D., Worcester, Mass.; G. F. Mathes M. D., New Bedford, Mass.; E. E. Morse M.D., Cambridge, Mass.; C. Munde M.D., Florence, Mass.; J. S. Nichols M.D., Woonsocket, R. I.; L. B. Nichols M.D., Worcester, Mass.; J. C. Neilson M.D., Charlestown, Mass.; F. H. Orme M.D., Savannah, Geo.; L. Pierce M.D., Francistown N. H.; L. M. Pratt M.D., Albany N. Y.; D. S. Richards M.D., Richmond, Me.; O. S. Sanders M.D., Boston, Mass.; C. F. Saunders M.D., Waltham, Mass.; T. S. Scales M.D., Woburn, Mass.; J. H. Sherman M.D., Nantucket, Mass.; A. Shattuck M.D., Buffalo, N. Y.; G. E. E. Sparhawk M.D., Gaysville, Vt.; C. L. Spencer M.D., New Bedford, Mass.; W. L. Thompson M.D., Dover. N. H.; B. Weeks M.D., South Boston, Mass.; C. Wesselhoeft M.D., Dorcester, Mass.; W. P. Wesselhoeft M.D., Boston, Mass.; E. A. Wild M.D., Brookline, Mass.; G. H. Wilson M.D., West Meriden, Conn.; J.H. Woodbury M.D., East Boston, Mass.
Dr. Guy, the late Treasurer, presented his report, which was accepted, and referred to the Auditing Committee.
The report of the Treasurer represented the expenditures of the Institute to have been $455, and the receipts $634.
At 20 minutes past 1 o'clock the Convention took a recess until 3 P. M.
The Convention met in the afternoon at three o'clock. The first business before the meeting was to act on the reported amendment to the Constitution. After considerable discussion the subject was indefinitely postponed.
Dr. B. F. Joslin, of New York, from the Central Bureau of Materia Medica, reported an amendment to the ninth by-law to that effect that each member of that bureau should be required to select a certain medicine which he should prove and arrange; also that all provings of each medicine by others, should be transmitted to that member of the bureau having that particular medicine in charge, so that his experience should have as wide an aid as possible. He also presented a report in reference to the use of high dilutions in proving, and Dr. Hempel a minority report. All were laid upon the table.
Dr. B. F. Joslin also made a report on the proving of Rumex crispus, by ten persons in seventeen provings. Referred to the Committee on Printing.
Dr. W. E. Payne, of Bath, Me., reported provings of Polygonum punctatum. This, with sundry reports of provings of the same article, presented by Dr. Joslin for other parties, was referred to the Printing Committee.
Dr. J. P. Dake, of Pittsburgh, read a report relative to Water as a therapeutic agent. It was laid upon the table for debate at a future time
In regard to the report of the Central Bureau, it was taken from the table and the resolutions contained therein were adopted. An additional resolution, offered by Prof. Hempel, to the effect that certain records be preserved, was adopted, and the whole matter was then referred to the Committee on Printing.
Dr. D. M. Dake presented a lengthy report on the combination of potencies. Laid on the table.
In the evening, Dr. Guy, of Chancellorville, Va., delivered a lecture on the subject of the “Human System.” The attendance was not large. Dr. Guy introduced his subject by assuming the ground-on the authority of the Bible -that man was originally made complete and perfect; that subsequently he fell from his high estate and became subject to death; that in this subjugation he became involved in all the pain and misery which has afflicted the human race to the present time. Dr. Guy then proceeded to set forth the causes which led to man's descent from a primeval state of happiness to a state of misery which ultimates in death, and also to show by analogy the best means for man's ultimate restoration.
The Institute re-assembled at 9 A. M. The attendance was larger than on previous occasions.
Dr. Foote, of New Haven, offered a resolution opposing the introduction of theological or other questions not directly connected with the proper objects of the Institute, which was adopted.
A report and communication from Chicago and other auxiliary societies were received, read and filed.
The Chair appointed Dr. McManus, of Baltimore, to deliver the next annual address, and Dr. Rodman, of Waterbury, Ct., the alternate.
Philadelphia was selected as the place for holding the next meeting.
The Central Bureau of Materia Medica was continued in office, as last year, by re-appointment.
A report was presented on the case of Dr. Moore, who had at a previous meeting been expelled from the Institute. The report recommended that he be reinstated as a member in good standing. Unanimously agreed to.
A communication from Dr. Skiles, on Eclecticism, was read and ordered on file.
Dr. H. D. Paine, of Albany, read an account of the sore throat epidemic that has prevailed extensively in the city of Albany during the last six months. He considered the epidemic to be the same disease known in France since the time of Bretoneau as Diphtheritis. He estimates the deaths that have resulted from it in Albany as not less than two hundred and fifty. He claimed that the Homoeopathic treatment was altogether more successful than that generally pursued by the Allopathic school. After a brief discussion, the paper was ordered to be printed in the Transactions.
Dr. S. M. Cate read a communication on the treatment of a particular form of inflammation of the stomach, which was also ordered to be printed.
Dr. Wm. E. Payne, of Bath, Me., described the history and treatment of a very tedious and obstinate case of Secondary Syphilis, which was cured after eight years existence.
A communication from Dr. Moore, of St. Louis, on mixed potencies, was presented, accepted, and ordered on file.
Dr. J. A. Ward, of New York, presented the following memorial from certain physicians of New York, and asked that it might be read:
To the American Institute of Homoeopathy,
The undersigned, homoeopathic physicians of the city of New York, beg leave, respectfully to present to the Institute, the following suggestions:-
At the present time, it is estimated that there are not less than 3,000 physicians in the United States, who call themselves homoeopathists. Of this number there is every reason to suppose that the vast majority are actually what they pretend to be, believers in the homoeopathic law, and the homoeopathic practice, in contradiction to all other laws, and modes of practice. It is a well known fact, however, that there are some, (a very small number) who rank themselves in this category, who at heart are opposed to homoeopathy both theoretically, and practically-who ridicule and contemn the teachings and practice of Hahnemann, and of his truest and most talented disciples, and who are striving by every available means to merge our Heaven born system into the pernicious mates of eclecticism and other empirical schools. These enemies of our doctrine, these despisers and slanderers of Hahnemann and his disciples, these open advocates for an amalgamation of Homoeopathy with empirical systems of the day, these dessenters in our ranks, are sowing their poisonous seeds broadcast throughout the entire nation, and under the garb and designation of “friends to Homoeopathy,” are stabbing her at every turn. Witness the tone and tendencies of the leading Homoeopathic Quarterly during the past two years! Behold the frequent disparagements of the theory and practice of Hahnemann: and the no less frequent advocacy and adoption of Allopathic and Antipathic measures! It is unnecessary to quote instances of this prostitution of a noble cause, for the pages of the Journal in question abound in them. Is there a member of this Institute who does not recognize the truth of these statements, and appreciate the pernicious tendencies, and the anti homoeopathic influence of these eclectics to our ranks? Is there a man in this Association who does not deprecate the course of any person or of any Journal which tends to throw discredit upon our well established doctrines and to establish in their place a hypothetical system of empiricism? Shall we repudiate and abandon the stout rudder of our noble ship-“SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR”-and trust to any stray plank which the waves of empiricism may bring to hand to guide her through the stormy sea of medical practice?
Let no one undervalue the influence of a large Quarterly Journal, in changing, forming, and directing public opinion in medical matters. Let no one suppose that the issue of 150 pages quarterly to the profession throughout the States, and treating upon every branch of Medical Science, is not an engine of tremendous power for good or evil. Did not the founder of our school, the immortal Hahnemann, always repudiate, and most earnestly caution his disciples against the systems, hypotheses, and the absurd practices of those whom he termed “Mongrels.” And are these nondescripts any the less trust-worthy and reliable, or are their teachings and practices any the less dangerous to the welfare of the school in our own day?
In view of these facts, what are the duties of this National Institute-and what of every honest believer in the homoeopathic theory and practice of medicine? Shall he continue to leave the field open and unopposed to the mongrel, the eclectic, and the empiric, who falsely employ the name of “ Homoeopathy” in order to carry on more effectually their insidious opposition to our cause? Or shall we ourselves establish a Quarterly which shall be a National exponent of Homoeopathy-a Journal which recognizes but one law of cure, and that one the homoeopathic “SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR”-a Journal which shall not subserve the ends or the ambition of any individual, or medical clique, but which shall number among its editorial contributors, distinguished gentlemen from every State in the Union-a Journal which shall be under the patronage of the American Institute of Homoeopathy and other kindred Associations, and which, while it sustains the universal applicability of “Similia” in all curable diseases, will denounce and expose the pernicious errors of Allopathy, eclecticism, and other empirical systems.
The time has fully arrived when the real friends of the cause must bestir themselves in earnest, if they would rescue the young giant of Homoeopathy from the contaminating embrace of eclecticism. They must not rely upon mere words and favorable wishes, but let their actions also speak. The pen and the purse must be called into requisition if we would arrest the progress of error and false doctrines in our ranks, and place the entire school upon a more elevated and progressive foundation.
In this connection we take much pleasure in attesting to the ability, seal, and true devotion to Homoeopathy, which characterize the homoeopathic monthly periodicals of our country, and we earnestly trust that they may all be amply sustained.
Should the Institute in its wisdom deem it expedient to establish a Quarterly Journal of medicine which shall be a National exponent of our school, or make propositions for the conversion of one of the present Homoeopathic Monthlies into a Quarterly, or such other periodical as shall meet the views of the Institute, the undersigned will cordially and actively co-operate in the good work. All of which is respectively submitted:
Clark Wright, M. D. Alonzo S. Ball, M. D. A. D. Wilson, M. D.
H. Sherrill, M. D. Alfred Freeman, M. D. James Mairs, M. D.
J. T. Alley, M. D. E. E. Marcy, M. D: A. Leon, M. D.
Jno. A. Ward, M. D. George Beakley, M. D. Sam'l Lilienthal, M. D.
A. Houghton, M. D. E. D. Bartlett, M. D. J. W. Dowling, M. D.
M. Freligh, M. D. E. G. Freligh, M. D. Oliver R. King, M. D.
J A. Carmichael, M. D. M. E. Lazarus, M. D. F. W. Hunt, M. D.
Ad. Reisig, M. D. J. T. Evans, M. D. J. McMurray, M. D.
J. G. Baldwin. M. D. B. F. Bowers, M. D. L. Hallock, M. D.
L. de V. Wilder, M. D. G. H. Leach, M. D. W. Freeman, M. D.
Otto Fullgraff, M. D. Chas. W. Torry, M. D. Chas. Pfaff, M. D.
On motion the above memorial was referred to a special committee. The Chair appointed as such committee Drs. J. R. Coxe, Samuel Gregg and B. F. Joslin.
It was also moved and carried that Mr. Henry M. Smith, the editor of the American Homoeopathic Review, now present, be heard in reference to the character, object and plan of that periodical.
Whereupon Mr. Smith made substantially the following statement:-
That the American Homoeopathic Review had been commenced in compliance with the request of many homoeopathic physicians who wished a periodical that should be more strictly Homoeopathic than any then published, and one that should be published oftener than once in three months.
With this object the Review was started last October and had been issued regularly every month since. Its pages had been open to any articles that were strictly homoeopathic, but the editors had eschewed everything pertaining to eclecticism and empiricism. Being thus exclusively devoted to the dissemination of pure Homoeopathy it sought the co-operation of all who likewise desired its advancement, and would therefore like to receive from the Institute such papers presented to it as were suitable for publication.
In reply to a query Mr. S. desired to state that the Review was independent of all cliques, societies or colleges, and would continue to be so, and that the publication of the papers of any society would not give to that society any control over the Review, further than the publication of those papers.
Subsequently the committee presented the following report:-
Your committee appointed to consider the memorial of certain physicians of New York, beg leave to report the following Resolutions:-
1. Resolved. That we sympathize with and approve of the views of the memorialists, and order their communication to be printed with our proceedings.
2. That we appoint a committee of three who shall publish our papers in accordance with our instructions, and hold their appointment for one year.
3. That we accept the polite offer of Mr. Smith, editor of the American Homoeopathic Review, to this extent-that our publishing committee be instructed to issue in his periodical such papers us they may deem proper of those ordered on file by the Institute, and all such reports of Scientific Committees as have usually been read at our meetings.
4. That the committees on Scientific subjects be requested to pass their reports into the hands of the publishing committee so that they be published at least two months before the meeting of the Institute at which they are to be considered.
5. That Mr. Smith be requested to place the names of our publishing committee on the title page of his Review.
The Report was accepted, and after some consideration, the Resolutions reported by the committee were adopted.
The Chair appointed the following as the Publishing Committee, provided for in the second Resolution, for this year:-
“E. E. MARCY, Publishing Committee.
A resolution was adopted giving the Committee on Publication power to consult with the authors of papers which are deemed too long or too loose in their arrangement, with a view to so contract and condense them that the printed proceedings may not be too voluminous.
They were also authorized to prefix suitable headings and remarks to the communications and reports included in the proceedings.
Resignations from several members were accepted.
Dr. W. E. Payne referred to the course pursued by the publishing committee last year in regard to delinquent members, as explained in the “Remarks,” added by them to the Transactions. He desired the Institute to express its approval or disapproval of their action. He also called the attention of the Society to the large number of non-paying members still on the roll, and urged the necessity of taking judicious, but at the same time decided measures in regard to them.
The course adopted by the committee was approved, and Dr. Dake offered a resolution instructing the Secretary to strike from the roll of members those who refused to pay their dues.
The Treasurer and Secretary were appointed a committee with authority to dispose of unsettled and disputed accounts.
Dr. J. Beakley proposed Mr. J. T. S. Smith, pharmaceutist of New York, as an Honorary Member which was objected to by Dr. McManus as being unconstitutional. On referring to that clause, the chairman so decided it. Dr. Guy then gave notice that at the next meeting, he would move as an amendment to the constitution, that pharmaceutists be eligible to Honorary Membership.
Dr. Donovan offered a resolution urging members to make clinical reports, which, after some consideration was adopted.
The following gentlemen were appointed to prepare papers on different subjects to be read at the next annual meeting.
Dr. D. M. Dake of Pittsburgh, on Medical Education; Dr. R. Ludlam of Chicago, on Stomatitis Materna; Dr. N. H. Warner of Buffalo, on Bi-Carbonate of Potassa, Tartrate of Potassa and Carbonate of Soda; Dr. H. D. Paine of Albany, on Diphtheria; Dr. T. W. Donovan of Staten Island, on Intermittent Fever; Dr. Wm. A. Reed of Philadelphia, on the Determination of Medical Truths; Dr. S. M. Cate of Augusta, Me., on Pereira Brava; Dr. I. T. Talbot of Boston, on Auscultation, Percussion and their Therapeutic Relations; Dr. W. E. Payne of Bath, Me., on Croup; Dr. Daniel Holt of Lowell, on the Relation of Pathology to Therapeutics; Dr. S. S. Guy of Chancellorville, Va., on Anaesthesia in Midwifery; Dr. G. W. Swazey of Springfield, on Medical Dynamics (continued); Dr. J. A. Tarbell of Boston, on Diseases of the Eye; Dr. Richard Gardiner of Philadelphia, on Ulceration of the Mucous Membrane; Dr. W. H. Watson of Utica, on Phthisis Pulmonalis; Dr. T. W. Donovan, on Diabetes (continued).
Provings of the following plants were intrusted to the members named, viz: Rumex crispus to Dr. B. F. Joslin; Chinaphilla umbellata to Dr. M. J. Rhees; Inula campana to Dr. E. Bayard.
Dr. McManus of Baltimore was, at his request, discharged from the further consideration of the proper form of a diploma, and Prof. Reed of Philadelphia was appointed in his stead.
Dr. J. P. Dake's paper on Water as a Therapeutic agent was then taken up, and after some conversation was referred to the printing committee.
The communication of Dr. D. M. Dake on the combination of Potencies, was taken up, and after some consideration was referred to the same committee.
Several other papers read yesterday were taken up and referred.
A report was presented and read from the Massachusetts State Homoeopathic Society, presenting a favorable condition of the profession in that State.
The Secretaries and Treasurer were appointed the committee to publish the proceedings of the Institute. They were instructed to send copies of the proceedings, when published, only to those members who shall have paid their annual dues.
A vote of thanks was passed unanimously in reference to the efficient manner in which the late Treasurer and Secretary have performed their respective duties during the past year; also to the Chairman and Secretary of the present session.
At 2 1-2 o'clock, the meeting adjourned, to meet in Philadelphia on the first Wednesday in June, 1860.
| Source: | The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 10, 1859, pages 464-471 |
|---|---|
| Description: | The American Institute of Homoeopathy, the Sixteenth Annual Session. |
| Author: | AInstHom |
| Year: | 1859 |
| Editing: | errors only; interlinks; formatting |
| Attribution: | Legatum Homeopathicum |