November 28th, 1859.

The meeting was called to order by the President, Dr. Woodbury, at 7 1-2 o'clock.

There were present Drs. Woodbury, Russell, Talbot, Bellows, Walker, Weld, Neilson; W. P. & W. Wesselhoeft, Jackson, Farnsworth, Gregg, Fuller, Macdonald and Sanford.

In the absence of the Secretary, Dr. Chase, Dr. Sanford was appointed, protem.

The reading of the proceedings at the last meeting was necessarily postponed. A discussion regarding the establishment of an Homoeopathic Hospital was then entered upon.

Dr. Bellows made explanations concerning a fund held for that purpose.

Dr. Talbot followed with a series of resolutions, as follows:

Since in the opinion of this Academy a great advance has been made in the science of medicine by the discovery and application of the principle “s imi ia similibus curantur” now so generally known under the name of Homoeopathy, which, from its first introduction into this city twenty-one years ago by one of the present members of this Academy, has gradually spread until it has been adopted by thousands of the most intelligent families in this city and State, who with increasing confidence have tested it by experience in the most severe forms of disease; and since, in the daily routine of the members of this Academy a great need is felt for a Hospital where the poor and others may receive homoeopathic treatment, and believing, from the prompt and hearty support which has been given by the public to the Homoeopathic Medical Dispensary, that it would gladly respond to a call for the support of a Homoeopathic Hospital; therefore.

Resolved, That the time has arrived when an earnest and persistent effort should be made to commence, support and permanently establish a Hospital in this city, where such persons as prefer that method may receive homoeopathic treatment.

Resolved, That a committee of seven persons on the part of the Boston Academy of Homoeopathic Medicine, be appointed to consult with the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Hospital, and devise some plan by which this Hospital may be opened to the public at the earliest possible time.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. In accordance with the second resolution, a committee was appointed by the chair, consisting of the following gentlemen: — Drs. Gregg, Russell, Geist, Jackson, Talbot, Weld and Fuller.

The Scientific Session was opened by the reading of the proceedings at the last meeting. The President, Dr. Woodbury, then read an essay upon Hydrocephalus, theorizing upon, and minutely describing an acute attack, tracing its progress to its final issue. An interesting and instructive account of the post mortem condition was given, after which the mode of treatment adopted by the writer was described. Dr. Gregg, in allusion to the symptoms of an acute attack related in the paper, added, that he had known instances where there was also some affection of the lungs; and that for a time he had been deceived in his prognosis. It was his experience, that when effusion occurred the case was hopeless. The remedies he has found most efficacious have been Acon. Bell. Hell, and Op.

Dr. Talbot alluded to the color of the urine, describing it as of a pinkish hue, especially about the border of the wet spot upon the linen. The iced pillow he regards rather as palliative than curative. Dr. T., by request, then related the case and exhibited a specimen, taken in todays' autopsy from a man. who many years since received a violent injury upon the head. The post mortem revealed the cause of death vis: tumor upon the brain, thus accounting for a persistent and severe cephalalgia, and also many obscure symptoms.

Dr. Neilson said he had noticed the urinary peculiarities in Hydrocephalus, first remarked upon by Dr. Talbot. Dr. Russell believed that an effusion of serum could not be absorbed. Dr. Talbot inquired why serum could not get out, if it could find its way in. Dr. Bellows regarded it as of minor importance to inquire whether there were any effusion or not. If he were positive there was effusion, he would not give up a patient. Dr. B. said he had never found in Hydrocephalus, a tuberculous condition of the brain, and asked for information. The President replied that some authors had mentioned the fact. Dr. Russell said he could not call tuberculous cases acute ones. Dr. Fuller said he believed he had had cases where there was an effusion of serum, and which had yielded to the exhibition of Cuprum aceticum. Dr. Walker related the case of a child of a scrofulous diathesis, the head was enormously distended. The first unfavorable symptom appeared in an excessive discharge of urine. The child's thirst was great, and every night he drank full two quarts of water. Any refusal to comply with his demand for water, threw him into a convulsion of rage.

Many other interesting cases were related by different gentlemen.

It was now moved and seconded that the paper read this evening be placed on file. Also, a vote of thanks was extended to the writer and the President.

Subject for next meeting — Carbuncle. Adjourned.

December 12, 1859.

Academy met, present, Drs. Woodbury, Weld, Puller, Scales, Sanborn, Talbot, Walker, Russell, C. & W. P. Wesselhoeft, Bellows, Gregg, Jackson, An gell and Chase. Dr. Jarvis by invitation.

The meeting was called to order by the President, and after reading the records of the last meeting, Dr. Talbot from the committee appointed on the Hospital, reported that the committee from the Academy had met with the Board of Trustees twice, it was deemed expedient at these meetings that a circular or pamphlet should be prepared and distributed among the friends of the cause, stating the object sought, and soliciting aid in its behalf.

After conversation by different members, it was thought that a circular would be the best form.

The Secretary then offered to the Academy two medicines which he had prepared for proving. Stating that the names had been enclosed in an envelope, which was in the possession of Dr. Talbot, to be opened when the proving shall have been finished.

Dr. C. Wesselhoeft of Dorchester, then read a paper on Popular Homoeopathic Literature, reviewing and critisizing the domestic publications on the subject of Homoeopathy.

On motion of Dr. Talbot, it was voted that the thanks of the Academy be tendered Dr. Wesselhoeft for his able paper, and that he be requested to publish the same in the American Homoeopathic Review.

Dr. Gregg remarked in connection with the reading of the essay in regard to Dr. Hering's Domestic Practice, that it was the first book which he had on the subject of Homoeopathy, more than twenty years ago, he at that time derived some benefit from its perusal, in regard to late editions he could say nothing because he had not examined them, there was certainly room for improvement in the earlier edition.

Dr. Weld said that this was the only book of the kind which he had ever used, he had obtained from it many valuable hints which was all a physician could expect from works of this kind.

Similar remarks were made by other gentlemen. The President then announced that the regular subject for discussion was Carbuncle.

Dr. Gregg said that he had not much experience in this disease, had treated a number of cases, and as Dr. Weld remarked they had got well, in regard to the treatment he could not say much, mentioned case of lady whom he treated last year, a very large carbuncle formed on the abdomen, the hardness of which was 6 or 8 inches in diameter, having a slough 2×4 in., it was exceedingly painful, he gave Apis and Crot. horridus mostly, as an external application green walnut leaves; after sloughing, used cold water dressing, and when granulating, strip of muslin wet with collodion, which contracted the edges so that the cicatrix was about 1-2 in. wide by 8 in. in length.

Dr. Talbot said that he thought it would be interesting to consider the malignant pustule in this connection. Spoke also of common boil, that it was developed from a small point of inflammation, around which lymph is thrown out, forming the core; in carbuncle the same thing took place only that there was a great number of points; it was the opinion of best French surgeons that free incisions, (crucical or stellate,) should early be made in these cases, that it was always followed by diminution of pain.

The President remarked that the relief obtained by incision was from relieving the tension of the skin, that the greatest sensibility existed in the dermoid texture, which in these cases was violently stretched.

Dr. Gregg said that years ago he used to treat furunculi with a very small blister, and generally cured them very promptly.

Dr. Russell spoke of a case of chronic carbuncle of nine months duration, on the thigh, which was an inch and a half in diameter, and several inches long, covered with a scab an inch high, he caused the mass to be removed by fomenting poultice, and treated the case with Ars., in five or six weeks it was well.

President remarked on the palliative use of Tinct. Hamamelis, and Dr. Jackson on Calendula. Adjourned.

H. L. Chase, M.D., Secretary.

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