The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-07

spouse to hearty applause, DR.. Flint bowed his
thanks.
DR.. Garnett, in welcoming the members of the
association, referred to the peculiar advantage
possessed by this body, which is not affected by
sectional interests or by party ambitions. They
had no constituency to whom they were respon-
sible; they moved in a higher plane and they
were answarable alone TO the dictum Of scientific
truths. The truths they discovered could not be
patented for individual use or converted into
practical profit by monopolies. He alluded elo-
quently to the mission, the duties and the re-
sponsibilities Of the physician, and to his singu-
lar experience. What, he asked, III coMparisGn
to such experience, was the knowledge of human
nature acquired in the confidential council cham
Der of the lawyer, or that learned in the secrecy
of the confessional, even when remorse wrings
truth from the p|enitent! Their daily
experience forced them to recognize with humil-
ity that, beyond all their knowledge,
these were mere experiences. They could not
understand the law; they could not explain
or regulate powers and influences they could
not control. He referred to the value and i'm
portance of these periodical gatherings. and the
useful results which had thus far followed the
successful administration of this grand organ
ization. I'm welcoming you then, gentlemen,
to this beautiful metropolis" said Dr.. Garnet,
Il hope l shall be pardoned the indulgence of
that natural pride which prompts me to predict
that, at no very distant day. to the many
physical beauties and natural advantages which
she at present possesses, and which assure her
future grandeur, splendor and power. there will
be added the sublimest achievements of intel
lectual effort, the wonderful evolutions and
demonstrations of professional science, the
highest conceptions and most skillful executions
OF perfected art, representing all the nations of
the earth, and conspiring to make Washington
the center of those educational and intellectual
movements which, in their development, eXer-
else so large an influence in mOlding national
character and in shaping the destiny of our
people"
A list which was read by the secretary showed
the presence of five hundred and ninety mem
bers, but additional delegates will come in
tonight or tomorrow.
DR.. j. H. Trumbull, of Ohio, DIR. J. A. Mar
shall. of Massachusetts; DR.. Garlick of Racine,
Wisconsin, and all members of the Medical
members of the association.
President Flint then began his annual address,
and from personal recollections he could speak
Of the enthusiasm which characterized the first
convention, in 1877. The motive for organizing
the association was stated in the call TO be i'm
provement in medical instruction and advance
ment of the standard of medical requirements.
Its growth and development have been rapid.
1t has passed the age of youth,
and its present fourishing condition is suf-
ficiently attested by the present meeting. He
then spoke of the advance which was constantly
being made in medical knowledge. He thought
the time devoted in colleges to Greek and Latin
might be more proftably devoted to the study of
physics, chemistry, French and German. The
members of the profession in this country are
honOred, and their social position is higher in no
country. Sweeping charges against the profess
sion at large and at medical schools by members
of the profession are harmful as well
as unjust. The evildoing Of a few
schools ought not to be made the
basis of attack upon all. The ove1crowding
of the profession by new aspirantsw was attributed
to the excessive number of medical colleges,
and, granting that this is true, the profession
must rely upon itself to correct such an evil by
refusing to accept such students, and by declin-
ing to sanction doubtful institutions. The
speaker suggested that a committee on education
be appointed to confer with the faculties of
schools and colleges, in order to secure uniform
ity in the standard of requirements for matricu-
lation and graduation. 1t had also been sug-
gested that the title NJ. D. be made simply hon
orary, and that it should not entitle
a person to practice. The speaker
reverted to the excellence of the medical code
adopted in the early days of the association, and
which was still in force. He would suggest
that a resolution be adopted specifying with
more precision the grounds for refusing co-opera-
ton witRirregular practitioners. He thought that
the assuming of some sectarian name ought to
place a practitioner outside the pale of the med
ical code, and this sentiment was applauded by
the listeners, He spoke of the medical
library at the Army Medical Mu-
scum as the largest exclusively medical
library in the country, and expressed the hope
that Congress would soon provide a permanent
building for the reception of these books.
DR. Sayre, of New York, moved that a com
mittee be appointed to carry out the suggestion
that the international Medical Congress be
asked to meet here in 1887.
The presidents address was referred to a com
mittee of seven to report upon the recommends
tons therein contained
After announcement of meetings of the vari-
GUS State delegations, the association adjourned
until tomorrow.