Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-11

sion to be appointed to supervise the cor
struction Of the interoceanic canal was
urged by DR.. Satterthwaite as necessary
precaution on the part OF this Governmens
In Undertaking the construction of the
isthmian canal for the purpose OF handling
the problems which will arise regarding
epidemics of malignant malartal fevers
The most burning question now before the
American physician at the present time,
he said, was this one Of tropical and semi
tropical diseases.
Consumption Is Durable.
tuberculosis was declared by DR.. Satter-
thwaite to be the most prevalent and the
most dangerous disease we have. One-third
of the deaths in Germany, he said. were
due to it. and the ratio is even more un-
favorable in France, Russia and Austria
campaign of education among the laity
as well as among those afflicted with the
disease, he declared: is n necessary In sue
First of ALL. continued DR.. Satter-
thwaite I'VE must understand that tuber-
culosis Is not communicable like scarlet
fever. &c. Its methods of propagation are
unique. Persons in ordinary good health do
not take It from others, or, if they do.
throw 1t off again. Otherwise We should all
have it."
1t is in the overcrowded cities and among
the overworked, where vitality is depleted.
that most danger lies. AS marking the
progress that has been made in the treat
ment OF consumption, DR.. Satterthwaite de-
ciared that 1t was generally admitted at
the present time that pulmonary consump-
ton is durable. AS to treatment, he said.
the ffrst-stage patients did better in high
and dry attitudes. while those in the last
stages of the disease did better generally
at sea levels. There was little room to
doubt that substantial progress was being
made In the battle against this disease.
The discovery of anti-toxine was declared
by the speaker to be the greatest discovery
of recent years in the medical world and
he predicted that within the next ten years
still greater results will follow.
Treatment Of Chronic Diseases.
Some advancement had been made during
the past year in the treatment of chronic
diseases. according to DR.. Satterthwaite.
Before concluding he paid a high compli-
nent to the advancement in modern sur
gerry, saying that the department of medi-
cine certainly took pride In the success of
every other department and welcomes adj
vances from every quarter. But" he con-
cluded, "if progress means the saving of
life. or the prevention of disease, can any
record be more brilliant than the recent
successes of our medical men in dealing
with the yellow fever. cholera and the
plague problems? For during the few
years that We Americans have been recog-
nized as a world power we have not only
shown degree of capacity for ruling alien
races that has been unknown heretofore.
Out nave ueNlSeu I1otnOOS IOT COutTOluuS
some of their most terrible scourges in
way that indicates we may eventually Grad
icate them entirely.
Afternoon Session.
The afternoon session of the society was
carried out according to the following pro-
gram: pm. Vice President Hall in the
chair report of the judicial council; report
of the committees continued. Symposium,
1.-THE Teaching of Therapeutics Intro
ductory by Reynold Webb Wilcox of the
New York Post Graduate. 1.-THE Teaching
of Pharmacology and the Relation of the
Subject of Practical Medicine" John J. Abel
of Johns Hopkins: discussion by Fraz Pfaf
of Harvard and Oliver T. Osborne of Yale.
From Pharmacological Science to Thera-
peutic Art Eli H. Long of Buffalo. Dis
cussion by Howard Van Rensselaer, of Al
bany and Eghert LeFebre of Bellevue Uni
versity. 1880 pm. presidents reception at
the New Shoreham 18th and H streets.