Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-05

ysnced civilization. and in welcoming them to
the city he but vel omsd them TO their own.
This city is the political head Of their own
nation, with its stately Capitol browning the
eastern hill Of the city like . glorious diadem.
The people Of the city realize the blessings that
the physicians confer upon one and oil, and he
was sure he was but voicing the sentiments Of
every resident Of the capital city when he told
them that they were truly and heartily well
come.
DIR. PArTEnsoS's BRIEF ADDRESS.
DR.. Patterson, then advancing, made brief
address welcoming the delegates on the part Of
the physicians Of Washington. He called at
tention to the badges distinguishing members
OF the local committee and said these COM
mitteemen were ready to give any information
desired. "rhey are expected" said DR.. Pat
serson- Ito know everything you ought to know
about Washington, perhaps some things that
You ought not to know; they will be discreet in
such matters, / have no doubt" DR.. Patterson
then made the announcements Of the various
places OF meeting OF sections and the enter
tainments arranged for the week.
DIR. BRIGGS ANNUAL ADDRESS
DR.. Patterson then introduced the president
OF the association, DR.. VIM. 7. Briggs of Nash
vile, who proceeded at once to deliver his an
nual address. He referred to the pride he felt
In presiding over q body representing O noble
PROFESSIONALS link between philanthropy and
science. They recognized here no section: they
were here for the purpose of promoting science
ana Tor the good Of the human race. They
were here to lay the accumulations of their ex-
perience upon the common altar for the COM
mon good. As physicians they had almost
superhuman mission to fill. 1t was their pro-
vince as well as desire to know all the secrets of
organization. They would, if possible, search
into the very mysteries of vital principles. By
FAITHFUL work the conscientious physician would
approach nearer and nearer to perfect knowl-
edge. He would be able to solve more and
more Of the difficult problems presented and
his profession would have position more
nearly akin to that occupied by the exact
sciences.
SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL PROGRESS
He referred to the scientific and practical
progress of the day. The science Of medicine
he said, had been almost completely revolu-
tlonized in our day. In every part of the
habitable world blessed with civilization menu
bers of the medical profession were enthusiast
tically engaged in the work of ,nitigating dis
ease and prolonging life. Through the brilliant
genius of one known as the father of the asso-
citation this association had been formed and
had grown to its present proportion. He re-
ferred to the venerable members OF the body,
associates of its founder, who from the first had
made annual pilgrimages to this mecca. Chief
among these he mentioned DR.. Nathan Smith
Davis was present in the theater.
DIR. Briggs continuing, reviewed in general
terms the work of the association and the great
benefits it had conferred ON the medical pro-
fession. Referring to the code adopted and
recognized by the association DIR. Briggs said
that it would seem that every honorable men,
Der of the profession would be willing to abide
by this code, but there were some men, men Of
a high order OF talent and who are justly dis
tinguished, who have repugnance to part of
the code and hold themselves aloof from the
association. They undoubtedly had as much
pride in the profession as did members OF the
association. Could they, however, say that
their action was not inspired by some selfish
motive?
ELEVATION OF THE STANDARD OF EDUCATION.
He referred to the gradual elevation of the
standard of education through the influence of
the association. He was ready TO maintain
that the advantages and facilities for medical
and surgical instruction in our institutions
was fully equal to those in any other country.
These institutions had graduated men who
were the peers of any the world had produced.
In all the practical branches of medicine. he
held. America was in advance. He believed
majority of the American medical colleges
were ready to accede to the demand Of the as
ISOLATION for higher education. The success of
the association in these and other directions
had been very great. The association now. he
great deliberative bodies Of the world. 1t was
full time, he said, that it should take the po-
sition OF legislating for the whole profession
III America. Speaking of those who had alien
ated themselves from the association. he said
that they should put aside petty differences
and show how good it was to dwell together in
unity. 1t was proper, he thought, to pass a
resolution. now that SO many medical colleges
had adopted the advanced course recon-
mended, that no medical man not graduate
from a college that had adopted the approved
course and no professor attached to college
that had not adopted such a course be admitted
as member or delegate of the association.
SOME CHANGES SUGGESTED.
DR.. Briggs suggested various changes in the
routine program of the association and urged
that the prize ESSAYS contemplated in the forma-
ton OF the association would tend to excite
interest and encourage study. He believed
that medical science would be advanced by the
Of schools of original research.
He thought 1t might be we'll to add to the as
courage members to make or repeat original
He urged that every effort be made
to advance the journal OF the association to the
highest point. Next to providing for an ample
income he said it was important to select an
able editor with ample powers. The salary Of
$4,000. enough to make him pecuniarily indie
pendent. In closing DR.. Briggs expressed the
hope that the deliberations of this meeting
would carry the profession still further onward
in the great road Of progress.
DIR. Culbertson of Ohio moved that vote of
thanks be rendered the president for his ad-
dress and that committee Of three be ap-
pointed to consider its suggestions and report
on them at the Friday session. The motion
was carried.
Secretary Atkinson read an invitation from
Supt. Godding at st. Elizabeth's Hospital for
the Insane to members of the association to
visit that institution.
He announced, also, that the jockey Club
invited the members to their grounds to
enjoy the Inequalities of the club.
He made, also, other announcements re-
specting reduced railroad and steamboat
rates.
DIR. W. B. ATKINSON.
William Biddls Atkinson, NJ. D., A. NJ, has
held the Office Of permanent secretary ever since
that Office was instituted, in 1864. He is a
graduate in medicine of tie jefferson Medical
College in the year 1853. His early training
was received at the Central High School Of
at which institution he received
the degree Of A. B. in 1850, the first class on
which was conferred that degree. As a medical
society man he has served as secretary of the
County Medical Society, as presi-
dent of the same, and as secretary OF the State
Medical Society of Pennsylvania since 1863 As
q teacher he is known in connection with the
Jefferson Medical College as lecturer on dis
eases of children and in the Medico-chirurgical
College as professor of sanitary science and