The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1868-03-20
Giles County Medical Society.

Mr.. EDITOR The Medical Society met
on the 1st Monday of the month, when a
large nuTnber of the members were present
and participated in the proceedings. The
Pathology and Treatment of Dismenor-
rhea" was freely discussed. after which
Dr. Grant, the President, Reproduced his
Inaugural address by request. On motion
the society requested the address for publ
cation in the CITIZEN. To carry into effect
the idea suggested by the President, Drs,
Davenport and Alternately were appointed
a committee to confer with the County
Cours at the April session and ask the use
i Of a room ia the-coartl9ouse, to be occupied
solely by the society.
c. G. Abernathy, Sec.
Gentlemen Of tie Medical Society:
need not tell you that 1 fell profoundly
gratifed for the honor you have conferred
upon me.
For high and useful purpose we have
formed this society. The elevation of a
noble profession the promotion Of science;
the good of humanity; these have been,
are, and will continue to be, the objects
of our association. WI ether we have,
thus far, done much or little, our sole aim
has been the adyancements of the best in
terests of our fellow men.
To best further this object, I wish to
make some suggestions. which 1 offer with
becoming difidence, but at the same time
with a deep sense of their importance tc
the welfare and perPetuitv Of our Society
Now, il is an established principle in Ar.
chitecture, that in proportion as the mate
rials of a structure are compact and firm
will be its strength, and the degree of con
fdence placed in its durability. If, there
fore, in the public estimation, we, individ
ally and collectively, are held responsible
for the amount o: confidence which tn
science of medicine inspires, we must not
cannot, lightly estimate this responsible
ty. 1t then becomes our duty to devils
and adopt such practical measures as vii
unite the profession without this we cal
never hope to command the full confdenc
of the public.
That it does not command the. e..respect
did in the days of Sydenham, Cullen anC
Rush, will not be questioned, notwith
standing thatas a science, it is very far il
advance of the position it then held. In
deed, within the short period of my owl
recollection, children were instructed to pa,
the most marked attention and respect +
the family physician, Though he might b
dissipated sot. THIS is far from beinj
the case now. Whence this change il
public sentiment? 1t is not without
cause. Where does the cause lie? Tn
science is very far in advance Of what
was then-is, therefore, deserving of ia
more respect, to which its representative
are most surely entitled. Why do the
not receive it? The cause and the remed
for this state Of things may be enumerate
under the following heads:
1st. Defective medical requirements.
Cd. The fact that Quackery, in its var
Gus forms, by its prelensions, and the CO
lusion with it of those who pass as Sc ier
tifc Physicians, is levefng upward, an
claiming and receiving a portion of th'
respect which is due alone to the Scientif
Physician.
Sd. Aud to more than all else, is want
union and harmony among Scientific Ply
sicians.