New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-18
MEDICAL BODIES UNITE.
Warring Elements Settle Difficulties
at Last.

With only two members opposing the project, the
New-York State Medical Association. at it's twenty
second annual meeting yesterday afternoon IN the
Academy Of Medicine No. Il West 43d-st analga-
mated with the Medical Society of the State OF
New-York and ended the differences existing be-
tween them since 1881 The consolidation was re-
ceived with great approval Those in the state
Medical Association who were opposed to the con-
solidation last year managed by techntcality to
defeat plan. but this occasion they appeared
10 be much in favor of il.
The ANA gamation was favored by 1517 members.
There were 80 members who did not cast ballot,
twelve OF these being just admitted
The differences between the societies arose over
the principles of ethics in the medical profession
and until this meeting. though several efforts were
made a1naIgamation could rot be effected The
new organization is TO be known the State Med
ical Society of the seniority Of that organ
iZaton.
Dr. I. NJ Seaman later made some remarks re-
garding sanitation. saying that nothing worse
could confront the country under present conditions
than war In the Spanish American War, he said,
the sanitation was poor, and this was due to ig-
uorance and incompetency. This fact was due, he
said to the lack of organization. and not the in
efflcency of the army staff of physicians Dr. sea
man at the Of his remarks offered resolutions
which were adopted. TO ask the government to re-
organize the medical departments OF the CIlteu
States army and navy.
James Taylor Lewis read a paper on organized
malpractice defence within the State OF NeW-York
and its effect the medical profession. MI Lewis
as counsel for the New-York State Medical Asso-
citation. has been for four years defending members
Of the organization who have been sued in actions
alleging malpractice and also in prosecuting medi
cal fakirs.
Touching on malpractice defence Mr.. Lewis said:
The reports show that about 81 per cent OF these
sccaIIed malpractice cases are brought for black
r-aiI nIreIv With the successful continuance of
his work the percentage will increase, though, of
course there will remain small! percentage Of
Cssas where there is q proper legal question 70 De
decided by court and facts TO be decided by a
jury.
Touching on medical quacks and fakirs as such.
Mr Lewis said:
From 1857 TO 1905 there have been conducted in
the State of New York. and especially IN the Loun-
ty of New-York or less continuous erforts
AGAINST these non medical persons IN the nope OF
diving from the State the medical mounteoanks 0f
various varieties but IN my JuuGLLiit &c sAst
in our midst as many of these criminals as were
found when the work began
Several other papers were read. and discussion
followed the readings
At the session this morning hygiene and proven
tive medicine as well the protection of the
water supply Will be discussed by Health Com
missioner Darlington, DR.. Ernst j. LedeTle. DE-
Walter Bensel. DR.. Edward F. Brush. Dr. 5 w s
Toms and Henry Hopkins Adams. the afternoon
session will be devoted tho reading OF papers on
subjects