The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-06-12

NV Irpdertaker Simkins. The author or
tho funeral was DIR. Blank. Of course
7 would insert the correct names IN every
instance. How soon would the doctors
decline to advertise if the editors IN
variably said the attending physician
was the author OF the funeral| L tmnk
we editors have the remedy if we VIII
use il. though it is a drastic one.
The medical profession in North Car
DINA embraces some of the first men IN
tbe State. No visitor could fail TO be
impressed with the bearing Of those as
semhlcd here. They are not only an
accomplished body of physicians; they
are a gathering OF the highest type of
our citizenship. They exert potent
and growing influence IN their communi-
ties. aud it is almost always cNerted for
the elevation Of the true standards of
life. 1t is an exception that is marked
when a North Carolina physician is not
a gentleman in the true sense of that
word He holds the most sacred and CON
fdential relationship with his fellow
man, and with somewhat wide ac-
quaintance in North Carolina, | have
never known that relationship or that
confidence to be abused.
1t is doubtful if any other Of our
learned professions is as progressive as
the medical profession. They are "a
studious lot of Investigators. While not
discarding the good that is old, they
have minds receptive of all that is new
in science. Many of them go to the
great hospitals often. Those who are
denied that advantage, study their
journals and keep abreast of the times.
Their annual gatherings are not mere
meetings for pleasure and the inter
change of social greetings. They are
marked by intense interest in every thing
that touches man, and there are discus
sions upon topics that make for the in
creased knowledge and growing skill
of the profession.
confess for myself to having more
profound respect and higher apprecia-
ton for the medical profession than be-
fore coming to this meeting, and seeing
the spirit that animates the men who
have the care of our health and the pro
lection of our Lives. They honor their
mobile calling and the State is rich be-
cause of their worth.
There have been many expressions OF
APPROVAL Of the address o. DR.. L. l.. Muir
ply, superintendent of the Western Hos
pital, who retires as president. Knowing
many readers of this paper, professional
and lay, would be glad to read it, l Sc
cured DR.. Murphy's permission to print it
in the News and Observer. DR.. Murphy
said:
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
Gentlemen Of the Medical Society Of
the State Of North Carolina 1t was with
many misgivings and fears that | accept
cd the office of president Of your body,
composed as it is of eminent and learned
men. The responsibilities would have
been felt too great had | not known how
lenient you would be to any shortcomings
ON my part and how willingly each and
all of you would extend any help
might need.
1t has been customary for some years
that your president draw attention to any
thing amiss in society affairs or with the
profession and its concerns throughout
the State, that he point out what he con-
ceiyes to be the best interests Of this
body and its members.
/ have communication from the Med
zeal Society of Bernalillo county, New
Mexico, asking our cooperation with the
American Chronological Association in
obtaining tabulated statements Of the
United States Weather Bureau data with
reference to their bearing on the treat
ment of disease. In view Of the fact that
North Carolina has so many health re-
sorts, due in great measure to its eli
mate, it might be wise for the society to
give its aid in this matter. l append the
communication to TINS address for the use
Of such as may take an interest in the
question.
HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY.
In reading over the addresses of my
distinguished predecessors, | was pro-
foundry impressed by the one delivered
at Concord in 1882 by the late DR.. Thorn
as +. Wood. 1t is a paper showing great
research and much learning. | commend
it to those of you who have never read it,
or did not hear it, and / assure its read
ers that it is well worth a reperusal. /
copy foot note from this address as CIV
| ing an interesting item of history known,
l venture to say, to but limited number
of your body.
1.-The earliest notice of medical soci-
ETY. in North Carolina" says the note,
lis that mentioned in the Medical Re-
pository of New York, Vol. 4, page POP,
A. d. 1900. 1t is possible that the society
had an existence for some time prior. A
mention is made of it in Joseph Pignati-
us, a rare book"