Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1860-07-13
VERMONT MEDICAL SOCIETY.


Caledonidn, the following account of the
proceedings of this Society at its recent ses-
sion
The Vermont Medical Society held its semi
annual meeting in St. Johnsbury, the 26th and
9th of June. 1860. The President, DR.. E. A.
knight. ofSpringfeld, was in the chair.
The following gentlemen were elected as mem =
bers Of the Society: Drs. G. B. Billiard, 5 Newell
James Lang, T. T. Cushman, g. NJ Bufum, W.
A. Weeks and Charles 5. Cahoon.
The sessions were spent very probably IN the
discussion of various medical topics
The question: Have Diseases Changed, or
have Physicians Changed ?" was discussed, and the
view expressed by the Secretary, in paper read at
the last annual meeting, was severely criticized
with much good feeling and ability.
DR.. Perkins made remarks on the pathology and
treatment of Pneumonia. He regards Veratum
Viride as very powerful remedy. His observa-
lions show its effect to be similar to Veneseeti0n
The use of cold toatr he regards quite important
and would be sorry to be deprived of its topical
application in the treatment of the disease.
DR. Phelps spoke of the use Of Verafrum lUide
in pneumonia and other forms Of inflammation.
The suggestion was made to him many years ago.
that it seemed to act efficaciously in cOnges
tive cases. Some years ago he commenced the use
of that medicine He found that the addition Of
an acid to the tincture of the dried root, seemed
to obtain its properties more fully. The freshly
dried root he found more reliable. The medicine
seemed more eficacious when given IN the early
stages of the disease.
DR.. Newell considered that Nature made an
effort to get rid of the disease by expectoration.
hen small in quantity, venesection seemed indi-
Gated. Dihusible stimulants and veslcatlon were
advantageous in the advanced stages. lie very
seldom resorted TO venesection Had not for years.
DR.. Clark regards the remedy a valuable one in
the early sta res Of the disease.
DR.. Billiard gave it to one patient and was so
frightened by its effects that he had not grown in
stature any since. The patient got well, but he
dared not try it again.
DR.. Kellogg regarded the medicine hckish
one, and caution was necessary in its
DR.. Knights experience gave him much conf
dence in the remedy. Was convinced that cases
had recovered which would have proved fatal had
it not been for the veratrum. Would now scarcely
know how to treat pneumonia without it.
DR.. Weeks inquired whether veratrum had been
used in other diseases He had found good effects
from its use in hemorrhods by injection and IN
guent.
The discussion elected the statement that the
different preparations IN the market not
made with the same article. The agent Of Or.
Thayer told DR.. knight that his preparation was
made with garget or poke. Tildcn's is made with
hellebore. Thayer's was thought by some not to
answer eXpec .ations.
(The American Hclie5ore, which is the crqtrBm
VU1de, is known by the names Of Hdi1H poke, poke
loot and sr1mP heie5ore. Sec. -
The effect OF lfoHHe IN small doses often repeat
ed and long continued, was discussed by Or. New
ell and others.
Dr' Perkins introduced the SUBJECT OF tue apph.
cation OF colt wqtD IN tie treatment OF internal
lnhanmatlons ana congestonS. lie REGARDS the
therapeutlcai uses OF cold water as very FaIuaoIc
and worthy the attention OF the profession In
Group he has found Eue results from the topical
application of cold water.
Dr. Pineo had always regarded the good effects
obtained from the application Of cold water, As due
to the fact that it almost instantly became hot
bath when applied to the body. If the beneficial
effect Of the cold water is due to its becoming hot
would it not he better to apply hot water at first
and thus avert the danger that may arise from the
application Of cold to the surface
Dr. Newell had used the hot sponge with fine
effects in Laryugitis
Dr. Phelps then gave an oral report on the duty
Of medical witnesses and experts before court Of
Justice lie said she duty Of witnesses is 90 make
clear the facts Of the case; while that OF experts
;5.,.
Vri,t r,,ri r., t,e ,ri,ir..-. ANIL commemorative,
g tto,,o;.,I ,it,lc.. III. 3be s,,,,. a.. Win ar
otbo- -
VIII re,,arl In tbc medical c,per. ne .unuo.ol
+t, h., I'll not s,,s,yr rho .,,l,,, ~ s,,iI,,..s
OF the court unie's he please a high English
court mas uec4ueu InaI A'o.cai man - Aot
oDIigei 10 come lAIo Court 10 'esiy on matters ol
opinion. Cnlei justice oha" OF Massathuseits
has given similar decision ana the OhIeI Jus
uce OF the supreme COURT oil Nerl'nt' III private