ADDRESS 
ON RETIRING FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR 
OF THE 
|etr jjorh of j|tdraite, 
BY 
JAMES ANDERSON, M.D., 
DELIVERED JA.SXTXJ16, 1867. 
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PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE COUNCIL. 
1869. ADDRESS 
ON RETIRING FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR 
OF THE 
:yettt :) ork of Jjoimno, 
BY 
JAMES ANDERSON, M.D., 
DELIVERED JA.3SrXJA.RiY 16, 1867. 
fjto fork: 
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE COUNCIL, 
1869. Jo THE OF THE JCADEMY, 
This Address has been rewritten, and is published with 
special reference to the position of the Academy, both as to 
what it has done and what it has yet to do in regard to a 
Home. 
I respectfully ask every Fellow to read it, with his mind 
fixed on the topics presented for action and accomplish- 
ment. VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. 
Fellows of the New York Academy of Medicine : 
Gentlemen—In taking a final leave of tlie chair 
I have had the honor to occupy during the last 
six years, permit me to solicit your attention 
while I present to you, in a very brief manner, a 
summary of the origin, rise, and progress of the 
Academy. 
The medical profession suffered for many years 
from the want of an organization adapted to pro- 
mote social harmony and scientific culture. This 
want, strongly felt, was the topic of frequent con- 
versation, until, at the fourth anniversary dinner 
of “The Society for the Relief of Widows and 
Orphans of Medical Men,” celebrated November 
18, 1846, at 579 Broadway, it resulted in a move- 
ment for, and the final organization of “Tlie New 
York Academy of Medicine.” 
The first record we have of any action tending 
toward the formation of this body is found in the 
Annalist, (vol. 1, page 111), in which it is stated, 
that at the above dinner, Doctor Alex. H. Stevens, 
in responding to a sentiment given by Doctor 
Valentine Mott, “The College of Physicians and 
Surgeons” said, “he congratulated the profession 4 
on tlie large assemblage upon an occasion of tliis 
kind; tliat it was the initial step toward an 
esprit de corps in the profession of this city, which 
was the sine qua non, without which it could not 
sustain its dignity and command respect.” 
“ Instead of being anatomists of each other, the 
disjecta membra of the profession, they would be 
brought together, and become a body corporate.” 
A sentiment of like spirit was entertained and 
expressed by Doctor John Watson, in responding 
to the fifth toast, “The National Medical Institu- 
tion,” in which he remarked, “We have no common 
senate.” 
Doctor Willard Parker, being called upon, and 
during his remarks, “ suggested that the profession 
in this city organize with a code of ethics, to regu- 
late theprofessional conduct of its members. We 
had a precedent for such a movement in the legal 
profession; and said that among the lawyers, if a 
member violates their code of ethics, he was thrown 
over the Bar.” 
The second record, showing the results of expres- 
sions made at the dinner, may be found in the 
Annalist (vol. 1, 165), in which there is an account 
of a meeting held December 12, 1846, in the 
Lyceum of Natural History, No. 561 Broadway, in 
response to a call in the secular papers, signed by 
Doctors Valentine Mott, Alexander H. Stevens, and 
Isaac Wood. So far as I can learn, there is no 
record to show at what meeting, or by whom, these 
gentlemen were authorized to call that meeting. 
Tradition and living testimony, however, supplies 5 
the historical deficiency, and is as follows : During 
the festivities of the evening of November 18, 1846, 
the subject of the want of a medical society to pro- 
mote the harmony and usefulness of the profession, 
was freely discussed by several members in differ- 
ent parts of the assembly. At a late hour of the 
evening, and after the president of the society, Doc- 
tor Delafield, had retired with a major part of the 
members, about forty remaining, an impromptu 
meeting was organized, Doctor Stevens presiding. 
After a full discussion, and a free interchange of 
opinions upon the propriety of organizing a local 
voluntary medical society, in order to test the 
sense of those present, Doctor William Rockwell 
moved that a committee be appointed, consisting of 
the presiding officers of the three leading medical 
institutions of this city—at that time, The College 
of Physicians and Surgeons, The Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of New York, and The 
Medical Society of the County of New York, who 
were respectively: first, Alexander H. Stevens; 
second, Valentine Mott; and third, Isaac Wood— 
with authority to call a general meeting of the pro- 
fession, which resolution was adojyted. In conform- 
ity with the instructions given by this resolution, 
these gentlemen issued the call for this meeting, 
which was held in the Lyceum, December 12,1846. 
This was the first action, out of which arose the 
future organization. 
At this meeting (December 12), Doctor John 
Stearns was called to preside, and F. Campbell 
Stewart appointed Secretary. Doctor Mott, in a 6 
neat, earnest, and eloquent address, stated the oh. 
ject and purpose of the meeting, which, from the 
tenor of his remarks, was to promote that harmony 
and good will in the profession which was so es- 
sential to its advancement in medical science and 
its beneficent application to humanity. Also, for 
the elevation of professional character, and that 
honorable position to which it was so eminently 
entitled.* “Any swerving from the path of profes- 
sional rectitude must be excluded.” He was fol- 
lowed by Doctor Stevens, in a like train of thought, 
who “moved the reading of certain resolutions,” 
which were read and discussed separately, and are 
as follows: 
1. “Resolved, That it is expedient to organize 
an Academy of Medicine in this city, which shall 
represent, if not embrace, the great mass of regular 
practitioners residing here. 
2. “Resolved, That it is expedient to procure a 
building to be devoted to the Academy of Medi- 
cine, and that shall also be known as a hall, in 
which the regular members of the profession may 
meet on common ground. 
3. “Resolved,, That a subscription be now com- 
menced for this purpose. 
4. “Resolved, That a committee of eleven be now 
appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws. 
“The third resolution being involved in the for- 
mer, it was passed over for the present.” 
The others were then adopted. 
* I do not pretend to give the exact words of the speakers, but the spirit, 
except where designated by quotations. 7 
So mucli for tlie initiatory movement towards a 
noble voluntary medical association: “The New 
York Academy of Medicine,” in which the talent 
and influence of the medical profession of this city 
are brought out in behalf of science and humanity. 
It was a glorious triumph and an important era in 
the history and character of the medical body of 
this city. And I believe it is destined still to ac- 
complish great results, in promoting a fraternal re- 
gard in our ranks, as well as the furtherance of 
medical science, with all its accompanying blessings. 
I have now, in a very brief manner, presented all 
that I have been able to learn from printed records 
and living testimony still accessible. This latter is 
the only source which gives the facts of the ap- 
pointment of the committee who were empowered 
to call the meeting of December 12, 1846. Your 
minutes commence with the second meeting, which 
was held January 8, 1847. 
It may be asked, with great pertinence, Have the 
object and purpose contemplated in the organiza- 
tion of the Academy been obtained ? Upon this 
point there may be some difference of opinion. As 
for myself, after much personal observation and ex- 
perience, I believe much, very much, has been ac- 
complished, and upon a careful review, can be shown 
to the satisfaction of every one. 
To the honor of the profession, it is evident that 
there is more general harmony and sociability pre- 
vailing, and to a much greater extent, than ever 
before. 
Look at the roll of Fellows; it unquestionably 8 
represents the body of the talent and influence of 
the profession in our city. I need not individualize 
or name them. 
Observe the regularity of our meetings, the num- 
ber of members present, the topics introduced, and 
the interesting discussions. Examine the papers 
and discussions* to be found in the first and second 
volumes, and a part of the third, published in the 
Society’s bulletin; also, the first and second volumes, 
and a part of the third, of the Society’s Transac- 
tions, in which there is much that is eminently 
scientific and peculiarly practical. 
If we have not accomplished all that could have 
been desired, it may be that those who feel the 
most, disappointed have not rendered their full 
quota; for if all had done what they could, there 
would be no reason to feel that the effort had not 
been a success. 
Yet it cannot be denied that we should have done 
more. The same may be said of any other society. 
We shall, nevertheless, compare favorably with the 
most active medical societies of the country. 
Examine our list of exchanges, on which we have 
some of the first medical and scientific societies of 
the world: “ The Royal Medical and Cliirurgical 
Society of London,” “The Imperial Academy of 
Medicine of Paris,” The College of Physicians of 
Philadelphia, The Smithsonian Institute at Wash- 
ington, &c. 
The increased devotion to the higher and more 
scientific investigations, particularly in the diseases 
* See addenda. 9 
of the heart and lungs; the study of the nervous 
systems and their complications in diseases; the 
obstetrical department of medicine; the genito- 
urinary organs, and their diseases; the eye and 
ear; the study of physiology and pathology; the 
highly-interesting results of microscopical studies,* 
and the collateral branches of the science, such as 
chemistry, hygiene, Ac., Ac. 
The works published by some of our Fellows 
it does not become me at this time and place to 
particularize. They are many and of acknowledged 
ability. 
I regret to say, however, that there has not been 
rendered heretofore that efficient patronage and 
support, either financial or literary, to the medical 
journals of our city, which the best interest of our 
profession requires. But I have reason to believe 
that at present these deficiencies no longer exist. 
It is no more asked, “ Who reads an American 
book?” The high rank of our medical literature is 
eloquently expressed in the frequent republications, 
not only at home, but abroad, and in foreign lan- 
guages, of works emanating from our Fellows. 
It is also particularly gratifying to learn how 
frequently the papers read before-the Academy, as 
well as the discussions, have been referred to and 
translated in foreign journals, Ac. 
It is said by some of the most distinguished 
medical gentlemen of Europe, that the time has come 
when students will have to come to this countiy 
* By C. E. Isaacs, J. C. Dalton and others, Transactions, vols. 1, 2 and 3; 
also, R. Cresson Stiles on Cattle Disease. Report of Board of Health. 10 
to pursue and finish their studies, not merely on 
account of the greater abundance of means and 
facilities, but also on account of the rapidly in- 
creasing ability and acquirements of the profession 
here. We will accept these remarks as passing 
compliments; but there is frequently much truth 
delicately expressed even in compliments. 
We have very recently listened to statements be- 
fore the Academy by gentlemen just returned from 
Europe, after an absence of from four months to as 
many years, which were in the highest degree com- 
plimentary, giving the results of their observations 
abroad, based on interviews with foreign medical 
gentlemen in most of the distinguished cities, and 
conveying to us, through our medical brethren and 
fellows, expressions highly gratifying to the medi- 
cal profession of the United States, and that too 
with special reference to those of our own city; 
acknowledging them their equals not only, but in 
some respects in advance, especially in surgery, 
and the obstetric art, the use of anaesthetics, 
and in the practical application of professional and 
scientific knowledge with which the New York 
Academy of Medicine has reason to be satisfied. 
This is gratifying, and, instead of causing us to rest, 
should stimulate us to redoubled energy, to still 
higher attainments. 
And now, gentlemen, what is next most needed 
is that which was with so much earnestness urged 
and advocated in the incipient stages (December 
12, 1846) of the organization of this Academy ; I 
mean, the object set forth in the second resolution 11 
passed by the meeting referred to, and second in 
importance only to the first, which is as fol- 
lows : 
“Resolved, That it is expedient to procure a 
building to be devoted to the Academy of Medi- 
cine, and that shall also be known as a hall in which 
the regular members of the profession may meet on 
common ground.” 
And now let us hear the first breathing note of 
desire on this important matter—the indispensable 
necessity of a hall for the Academy and a head- 
quarters for the profession. 
Doctor Alexander H. Stevens, in reply to the sen- 
timent given by Dr. Mott, in his concluding remarks 
expressed the hope “ that the increasing unanimity 
of the corps would lead soon to the establishment of 
a medical hall unconnected with hospitals or colleges 
which would contain meeting-rooms, a library, and 
be a headquarters of resort both for ourselves and 
our brethren from abroad.” Doctor John Wat- 
son, on the same evening, in answer to the fifth 
toast, said, “ that the imperfect action of the medi- 
cal body depended upon the want of a proper place 
of meeting. If the medical profession would all 
set to work, we should soon have an ornamental and 
useful one. He hoped the time would soon come 
when the medical clubs would come together; if 
so, the profession would be organized, and we 
should be subject to no reproach from strangers.” 
Such were the sentiments which found utterance 
during the initial stage of the formation of this, 
Academy. 12 
Already, the profession of our neighboring 'city, 
Philadelphia, has a home, a medical library, com- 
mensurate with its wants and position in the com- 
munity; and shall the City of New York any 
longer suffer from the want of this necessary ap- 
pendage ? It is for you to answer. 
The position which this city occupies, in a nation- 
al point of view, as being the largest in the New 
World ; the great centre of finance and commerce 
in this country, gives it a very material influence 
on foreign countries, as well as our own, in all the 
departments of life. 
Our whole country looks to this city for a pro- 
fessional status that shall be acknowledged through- 
out the land. 
We have, in this city, three medical colleges, and 
the following hospitals : The New York, Bellevue, 
St. Luke’s, St. Vincent’s, Mount Sinai, and the Ger- 
man : The Roosevelt, with upwards of a million 
capital, and the Lenox, now in process of organi- 
zation, <fee., both of which will rank first in this 
country, with all the modern appliances and hy- 
gienic improvements : The Women’s Hospital, the 
first and largest of its kind in the world: eye and 
ear infirmaries, dispensaries, asylums, (fee., all of 
which are attended by the medical profession, with 
a mere fractional exception, gratuitously. • 
The facilities afforded by our foreign commerce 
give us many advantages for clinical 
in every variety of disease. 
The two great desiderata which give efficiency and 
permanency to the advancement of medical science, 13 
are : first, an organization ; secondly, a home. As 
to the first, we have, in the Academy, all that 
can be desired—a State charter, with full and ample 
powers. Our roll of Fellows comprises the talent 
and influence (with but few exceptions) of the city 
and its surroundings—an active and harmonious 
body. 
To secure the second great necessity, a home, it 
is essential that there should be a more concentrated 
esprit de corps, that shall develope the irresistible 
power of union. 
This principle was displayed during the late re- 
bellion, by the military, but especially when the 
Government showed its wisdom in the concentration 
of its forces, by which victory was soon achieved, 
and the supremacy of the nation maintained. 
Let us, then, combine, and all with one accord 
respond to the duty devolved upon us, and this 
object will be accomplished. We can do it; we 
have the means, and let us do it, and that right 
speedily. Let no Fellow endeavor to evade his duty. 
Let every member of the profession feel it his privi- 
lege, as well as his duty, to meet the obligation he 
owes to himself, to his profession, and to society; 
for we are to be not only the subduers of disease, 
but the conservators of health. 
No member can ignore the responsibility resting 
upon him, without proving recreant to himself and 
the trust imposed upon him, nor will he go un- 
scathed in medical history. 
I hope and trust that the roll of our Fellows will 
not be marred by a blank opposite a single name. 14 
However humble, we can all be worked up in our 
appropriate place in the grand structure of a noble 
institution, as “polished stones, with our names 
written upon themfor every stone has its relative 
bearing, from the ponderous foundation, or the 
merest fragment of the filling-up, to the topmost 
stone of the edifice. Let us remember “the widow’s 
mite,” as well as properly appreciate the rich man’s 
munificence. Let us, then, rise en masse, with a 
determined spirit to obtain that indispensable pro- 
fessional necessity, a “ Home.” 
The venerable first president of the American 
Medical Association, Doctor Nathaniel Chapman, 
on taking the chair, made the following declara- 
tions : “ He loved his profession, and should be un- 
grateful if he did not. Whatever he possessed in 
this life had been bestowed by its favors ; when 
he forgot it, or deserted it and its disciples,” he 
remarked, with emphasis, “ may Almighty God for- 
get and desert me.” * 
Let, then, no Fellow think that he can stand alone, 
or that his position is independent of his profes- 
sional surroundings. No man can either be pro- 
moted or dishonored without its direct or reflex 
influence upon his neighbor. “ For none of us 
liveth to himself; and no man dietli to himself.” 
Let all of us, then, and especially those of our 
number who have been blessed with rank and posi- 
tion, however deservedly obtained, recognize that 
they are pre-eminently indebted to their compeers. 
This should lead to a duty of gratitude to the pro- 
* Transactions American Medical Association, vol. 1, 1847. 15 
fession, not only in communicating freely the re- 
sults of the observations and experience, which 
their position and opportunities have furnished 
them with, but also in the facilities for scientific 
improvement, in the kindly bestowment of equiva- 
lent reciprocities. Let not the sin of ingratitude to 
the profession be written against any one of us. 
“To whom much hath been given of him much 
shall be required.” 
The following picture, drawn by an old English 
Divine, * though strong, is yet true: “ Friendship 
consists properly in mutual offices, and a generous 
strife in alternate acts of kindness. He who does 
a kind act to an ungrateful person sets his seal 
against a flint. The only voice of ingratitude is 
give, give; but when once the gift is received, then, 
like the swine at his trough, it is silent and insati- 
able. In a word, the ungrateful person is a mon- 
ster which is all throat and belly, a kind of thorough- 
fare, or common sewer, for the good things of this 
world to pass into. The ungrateful person is the 
only thing in this world for which nobody is the 
better. He lives to himself, and subsists by the 
good nature of others, of which he has not the least 
grain. He is an encroachment upon society, con- 
sequently should be thrust out of the world as a 
pest and a prodigy, and a creature not of God’s 
making, but of the d—l’s.” 
We have, as before stated, associated in the 
Academy, the power and influence of the medical 
* South. It is not designed to limit this quotation to the Medical Profes- 
sion, but to make its truths bear at some future period upon the public. 16 
profession in tliis city. We number nearly three 
hundred living Fellows, besides, on our roll of the 
departed, names of some of the most distinguished 
men of any country, who have gone to “give an 
account of their stewardship.” But, gentlemen, we 
have reason to rejoice that we still have so many 
among us of high scientific and professional attain- 
ments, with the many bright sons of the profession 
coming into notice, and promising much for the 
future. 
The great duty now resting upon us is, that we 
secure a site, and erect a building thereon, that shall 
not only be an ornament to the city, but an honor 
to the Academy and the profession—a hall for 
our meetings, a place of resort, and rooms for social 
intercourse, a library, and a museum. A great 
medical centre that shall be both attractive and 
scientific. 
I rejoice that the Academy has taken action in 
the right direction, by appointing a committee, con- 
sisting of Doctors Willard Parker, S. T. Hubbard, 
Jared Linsly, Ernest Krackowizer, and S. S. Purple, 
to which Doctors Anderson, S. Smith, and C. L. 
Mitchell were subsequently added, with full powers 
to procure a house or habitation in which the pro- 
fession may meet on common ground, free from all 
local or individual institutions or influences, where 
our friends and professional brethren from abroad 
may be welcomed to pass their time in social in- 
tercourse, and for scientific investigations. 
We want a building of sufficient capacity: 
First—To furnish accommodations for the meet- 17 
ings of the Academy, a council chamber and rooms 
in which medical societies, associations, clubs, Ac., 
may be accommodated; where scientific and pro- 
fessional lectures may be delivered by our enter- 
prising young men, free from embarrassing influ- 
ences—all of which will tend to promote harmony 
and elevate the medical character. The rapid 
increase of medical students in our colleges and in- 
firmaries demand it of the profession and the city. 
Second—For a Library, with reading-rooms and 
the necessary conveniences and appliances attached,, 
where I believe one of the largest and most valua- 
ble Libraries can early be gathered, superior to any 
in this country. I think I know of sufficient re- 
sources at this time, in books promised, so soon as 
proper accommodations can be provided, to amount 
to several thousand volumes. Two Fellows of the 
Academy have tendered their libraries, which can- 
not be excelled in this country for both rare and 
valuable works, especially of American production 
and interest; besides several who have promised 
to contribute liberally from their libraries. We 
need, also, conveniences where memorials, busts, 
portraits, and paintings of professional interest may 
be deposited with safety. 
Third—A Museum of Normal and Pathological 
Anatomy and Specimens of Natural History, where 
the many valuable preparations which now are, or 
hereafter may be, in the city, may be deposited and 
preserved.* 
"• For this purpose we shall need three lots: and a three-story fireproof 
building. 18 
Tlie profession have cause for perpetual regret at 
the loss of the Mott Museum, which was the labor 
and pride of more than half a century. 
And now, gentlemen, permit me to call your at- 
tention for a moment to another point of great in 
terest accomplished by the New York Academy of 
Medicine. 
One of the objects of the Academy being the 
promotion of public health, and through it the en- 
couragement of better morals and the interests of 
humanity in general; the saving of individual as 
well as public expenses, and especially the lower- 
ing of the death-rate to its minimum, it is with 
pleasure that I can refer your minds to the grati- 
fying results of the disinterested efforts of the 
Academy in the primary movements for the organi- 
zation, by the Legislature, of the “Metropolitan 
Board of Health”—the child of the Academy, 
brought forth by the continued efforts of the 
Academy and its Fellows during several years of 
protracted labor, with final triumph, by the aid of 
the Citizens7 Association, effectually seconded by 
the prevailing fears of the approaching pestilence 
knocking at the doors of the city 
This should excite us to greater diligence, and 
the whole city to a sense of thankfulness and acts 
of gratitude. The whole country is affected by 
this institution, and is in correspondence with the 
Board for sanitary information, besides an exten- 
sive foreign correspondence, and interchange of 
opinions, Ac., Ac 19 
In wliat respect was the city at the last invasion 
of cholera, either in a hygienic condition or in the 
legal guardianship of public health, in a situation 
to afford us the slightest hope of escape ? History 
is but too recent to permit us to be in ignorance of 
our danger. 
Who will dare to entertain a doubt, for a moment, 
that our city was preserved from that “direful 
scourge,” “ the epidemic cholera,” through the agency 
and energy of the Board of Health—by the scien- 
tific application of medical knowledge. The 
time was short, only a few months, which the Board 
had to place the city in a position to confer 
upon us any immunity against the ravages of that 
most dreaded “pestilence that walketh in darkness, 
and the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” 
In the outside cleansing, the Board did all that 
lay in their power. But to the efficient activity 
of her medical staff is the city indebted for her 
safety, who were ever on the alert, by day and by 
night, to “stamp out” the first appearance, in any 
case, of disease, by that most effectual plan, “ the 
house to house visitation,” which was so ably pre- 
sented the Academy through the Committee on Pub- 
lic Health, by Dr. S. Smith, one of its members. 
If I am rightly informed, there was scarcely an 
instance in which the cholera extended beyond the 
house in which it made its appearance. 
This “ house to house visitation ” was not limited 
to the prompt use of medical treatment, but extend- 
ed also to the thorough application of scientific 
hygienic means. 20 
It is now an established fact that the science of 
medicine has illustrated by her investigations and 
observations, both in this country and abroad, on 
the rise and progress of cholera, that it should be 
classed with preventable diseases. 
In a moral and commercial point, who can esti- 
mate or compute the disaster of a generally deranged 
and depressed condition of the business of this city 
at a time of its greatest prosperity, and when all 
was in high activity ? 
Let us look back to some of the earlier visitations 
of cholera, in 1832-34, Ac., when, not only in the 
city, but everywhere, almost the entire business was 
suspended, our streets deserted, the people having 
fled to the country, and hundreds daily carried to 
the dark tomb, and panic was written on every 
countenance, and several M. D.’s absconded from the 
battle-ground. 
Superior Court Chambers, September 18, 1866 
(Stewart v. Schultz, President Board of Health), 
Chief Judge Daly remarked, “In regard to the 
Health Law, however, it is only justice to mention 
the pleasing fact, that had it not been in existence, ten 
thousand persons who are now alive would have 
died from cholera alone in this city.” 
In August, 1832,1 left my house, St. John’s Square, 
just after three o’clock, passed down Greenwich 
street, the great thoroughfare of the west side, to the 
Battery; from thence up the east side, through Pearl 
street to Fulton street—a distance of not less than 
from two and a half to three miles. The only per- 
sons I met were some gentlemen, between Murray 21 
and Barclay streets, playing football in the middle 
of the street; then again at the Battery steamboat- 
landing, west side ; and a few in the neighborhood 
of Fulton street; stores and banks all closed. I 
remember it well. It is no exaggeration. I tell 
you, gentlemen, it is the medical profession (under 
God, for He works by means,) to whom the city is 
indebted for her preservation from the last threat- 
ened epidemic of “ cholera,” and the protection of her 
commercial interests, as well as the preservation of 
many thousand lives, and the prevention of an im- 
mense orphanism. 
I refer with pleasure to the first eight numbers 
of the Bulletin (vol. 3), as containing a most valu- 
able contribution to what is known of cholera, its 
rise, progress, treatment, and prevention. Now, 
gentlemen, what we want most of all is union! 
union ! union ! and with its irresistible power con- 
centrated into action, all our most sanguine wishes 
will be realized, God willing; “For except the 
Lord build the house they labor in vain that build ;” 
“ In union is strength ;” “ United we stand, divided 
we fall.” 
Let, then, every Fellow labor in love, so that the 
structure of the Academy may be of such grand 
materials and proportions that it will command re- 
spect and admiration, and be “The New York 
Academy of Medicine ” in spirit and in truth. 
I must now, in the name of the Academy, present 
my acknowledgments to those Fellows who have so 
readily and ably contributed to the edification of 
the members, and who have given that position to the 22 
Academy which it now possesses. My prayer is, 
that it may continue to rise in dignity and scien- 
tific proficiency, until it shall be said, “thus fai 
and no farther,” when all is attained that it is per- 
mitted for man here to know; for, after all, we are 
fearfully and wonderfully made, and who can find 
out even our physical nature unto perfection ex- 
cept Him who created it ? 
Gentlemen, I tender you my sincere thanks for 
the uniform kindness and consideration which you 
have manifested toward me, not only in our social 
intercourse, but especially in the official position to 
which your suffrages have repeatedly called me, as 
presiding officer. I shall ever cherish it as a grate- 
ful remembrance that your appreciation has re- 
placed me for a second and a third time in the 
Chair of the Academy. It is with kindred feelings 
that I refer to the harmony and good will which 
have generally marked our proceedings. 
For myself, I have done what I could, and 
spared no labor to keep up an active and continu- 
ous interest in the association. I now commit to 
my successor the trust imposed upon me during the 
six years of my service, feeling that he will success- 
fully watch over your interest; and trust that you 
will, in turn, render him that aid by which alone he 
can be able to serve, acceptably and with profit, 
“ The New York Academy of Medicine.” 23 
ADDENDA. 
1861—Stated Meetings, 20; Special, 3. 
Papers and Topics Discussed. 
1. Church, A. S., on the Laryngoscope. 
2. Minor, J. M., Ch’n. Report on Artificial Limbs. 
Discussed on parts of two evenings. 
3. Buck, Grurdon, on Fracture of the Femur, and 
a New Treatment. Discussed two evenings. 
4. Morbus Coxarius. Discussed on three evenings. 
5. Mott’s, V., Eulogy on J. W. Francis. 
6. Artificial Openings of Joints. Discussion 
opened by A. C. Post, and continued for 
three evenings. 
7. Martin, J., on Face Presentation, 
8. Post, A. C., Ch’n. Report on Military Surgery. 
9. Camp Measles; by J. Watson, and discussed. 
10. Parigot on Moral Insanity, and its Relation to 
Criminal acts. By invitation. 
11. Discussion on the same, by D. T. Brown, and 
others. 12. Barker, B. Fordyce, on Anaesthesia in Mid- 
wifery, Ac. 
13. Elliot, G. T., opened the discussion on the same. 
14. Griscom, J. H., Chn. Report on Cretinism and 
Idiocy. 
Admitted to Fellowship. 
J. P. Loines, M. D., E. Noeggerath, M. D., 
R-. J. O’Sullivan, “ John Burke, “ 
Christopher Prince, “ F. N. Otis, “ 
A. L. Sands, “ H. S. Hewitt, “ 
1862—Stated Meetings, 17; Special, 2; Ad- 
journed, 2. 
Papers Read and Discussed. 
1. Anaesthesia in Midwifery. Discussion resumed. 
2. Conant, D. S., on the Science and Causes of 
Human Monstrosities. 
3. Byrne, John, on Pelvic Haematocele. 
4. Ranney, M. H., on Epilepsy. 
5. Noeggerath, E., on Inversion of the Uterus. 
6. Taylor, I. E., on the AW-sliortening of the 
neck of the Uterus at the full term of preg- 
nancy. 7. Sims, I. Marion, on Vaginismus. 
8. Gardner, A. K., on Amputation of the Cervix 
Uteri. 
9. Clark, Alonzo, on Albuminuria, occupying three 
consecutive meetings. 
10. Discussion on Pelvic Hmmatocele, by B. F. Bar- 
ker, E. Noeggeratli and others. 
11. Albuminuria was presented and discussed un- 
der the following heads, viz.: 
(«.) Its Etiology and Pathology (or Bright’s 
Disease), by Austin Flint. 
(/>.) Its effects on Vision, by H. D. Noyes, 
(c.) Its relation to Pregnancy, by G. T. 
Elliot. 
(d.) The Therapeutics of Albuminuria, by 
J. M. Smith. 
12. Barker, B. F., on Albuminuria, as affecting Preg- 
nancy, Parturition, and the Puerperal State, 
and discussed at large. 
G. T. Shrady, M. D., 
Jas. L. Banks, “ 
Louis Elsberg, “ 
E. E. T. Arnold, “ 
Austin Flint, “ 
John Ordronaux, “ 
L. A. Bodenstein, “ 
J. W. Sheppard, “ 
Admitted to Fellowship. 
E. Rosenberg, M. D., 
Sylvester Teats, u 
H. D. Noyes, 
J. H. Vedder, “ 
J. W. Draper, “ 
J. W. Barstow, “ 
G. P. Cammann, “ 
D. H. Hastings, u 
E. B. Belden, M. D. 26 
1863— 
Papers Read and Topics Discussed. 
1. Sands, A. L., Fracture of the Lower Jaw, treat 
ed with vulcanized rubber splint. 
2. Hewitt, H. S., read a report of one thousand 
five hundred surgical cases in the hospital at 
Frederick, Md. 
3. Smith, J. L., on Cyanosis. Parts of two meet- 
ings. 
4. Buck, Gurdon, on Hernia. Discussed, Ac., on 
parts of two meetings. 
5. Percy, S. Ik, on Veratrum Yiride. Larger 
part of four evenings. 
6. Jacobi, A., opened the discussion on Cyanosis. 
7. Parker, Willard, on Hospital Gangrene. 
8. Austin Flint read a paper on the management 
of Pulmonary Tuberculosis, with a special ref- 
erence to the use of alcoholic stimulants. 
9. Discussion on the same, by W. Detmold, B. 
W. McCready, and others. 
10. Elsberg, L., on the Laryngoscope, Ac. 
Reception of the Medical Stall of the Russian 
fleet in our harbor, and entertainment by the 
President, and a subsequent reciprocity on 
board ship. 27 
11. Blmnenthal, M., on Vulvo-Vaginitis. 
William H. Van Buren, Ch’n. Report on the 
exemption from military service, Ac., at the 
request of the Surgeon-General. 
12. Squibb, E. R., remarks on the new United 
States Pharmacopoeia. Two meetings. 
13. Foster, S. C., Annual Biscourse. 
14. Van Buren, W. H., on Certain Diseases of the 
Rectum, and the treatment. 
15. Draper, J. W., delivered the Annual Discourse. 
Admitted to Fellowship. 
A. N. Bell, M. B., 
W. H. Chamberlain, “ 
J. C. Braper, 
Jean Louis Guggenbuhl, 
Austin Flint, Jr., M. D., 
II. D. Ranney, “ 
Jos. A. Kerrigan, w 
M. D., Cor. Fellow. 
The following obituaries were delivered: 
Of Richard S. Kissam, by A. K. Gardner. 
Of Jacob Harsen, by John G. Adams. 
Of Jean Louis Guggenbuhl, by John G. Adams, 
Cor. Secretary. 
Of George P, Cammann, by J. L. Learning, 
Of G. W. Tucker, by W. C. Roberts, 
Of John Miller, by J. R. Van Kleek. 28 
1864—Stated Meetings, 19; Adjourned, 1. 
Papers Read and Topics Discussed. 
1. Squibb, E. II,. continued his remarks on the 
U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
2. Wood, J. R., on Necrosis, and rejiroduction of 
Bone. 
3. Gardner, A. K., on the Non-Specific Character 
of Gonorrhoea. 
4. Markoe, T. M., opened the discussion on Surgi- 
cal Diseases of the Rectum. 
5. Noyes, Id. D., on Strabismus. 
6. Discussion on the Diseases of the Rectum re- 
sumed. 
7. Peaslee, E. R., on Ovarian Tumors and Treat- 
ment, excepting Ovariotomy. 
8. Draper, W. H., on Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis 
and the discussions thereon. 
9. Draper, J. C., on Insensible Perspiration. 
10. Bumstead, F. J., opened the discussion of Vene- 
real Diseases of the Rectum. 
11. Parker, W., opened the discussion on Cancerous 
Diseases of the Rectum, by appointment. 
12. Peaslee on Ovariotomy. 
13. Bell, A. N., on Communicability of Typhus 
Fever. 
14. Detmold, W,, opened discussion on Strabismus, 29 
15. Hamilton, F. H., on the Ultimate Effects of 
Anaesthesia, in major operations. 
16. Discussion on the same. 
Admitted to Fellowship. 
S. W. Francis, M. D., 
B. A. Satterlee, “ 
U. S. A., 
Frank II. Hamilton, “ 
N. M. Freeman, “ 
J. R. McGregor, “ 
H. P. Farnham, “ 
W. H. Thomson, “ 
W. F. Thoms, “ 
Nelson J. North, “ 
William Gilfillan, M.D., 
James L. Little, “ 
W. B. Bibbins, 
Martin Payne, “ 
S. H. Smith, “ 
W. J. Sloan, 
U. S. A., 
James J. Connolly, “ 
L. Fleet Speir, “ 
W. C. Anderson, “ 
1865—Stated Meetings, 18 ; Special, 1. 
Twice no quorum, in consequence of very in 
clement weather. 
-Papers Head and Topics Discussed. 
1. Loomis, A. L., on the Non-Stimulating Treat- 
ment of Typhus Fever. 
2. Parigot, J., on Lunacy Legislation; by invita- 
tion. 
3. Flint, A., opened the discussion on Loomis’s 
paper; continued for three meetings. 
4. Krackowizer, E., opened the discussion, by ap- 
pointment, on Pyaemia, which was continued 
for two meetings. 5. Hewitt, H. S., read extracts from his Medical 
Report of the Army of the Ohio, Ac. 
6. Harris E., Hygienic Experience of New Orleans. 
7. Sayre, L. A., Dislocations of the Thigh, Ac. 
8. Post, A. C., on Gunshot Fracture of the Thigh. 
9. Congenital Cleft Palate, by N. W. Kingsley; 
Rubber Plate, Ac. 
10. Bulkley, H. D., opened discussion on Pneu- 
monia. 
Admitted to Fellowship. 
C. McMillen, M. D., 
G. Furman, “ 
J. Lawrence, u 
F. A. Burrall, 
R.Cresson Stiles, u 
Sigismund Teller, “ 
Thomas S. Bahan, M. D., 
Timothy Childs, “ 
Henry M. Field, “ 
J. W. Ranney, “ 
D. B. St. JohnRoosa, “ 
Thomas B. Stirling, “ 
1866—Stated Meetings, 19; Special, 2; Ad- 
journed, 2. 
Papers Read and Topics Discussed. 
1. Thomson, W. H., on Elimination of Disease. 
2. Elliot, G. T., on Induction of Premature Labor. 
3. Buck, Gurdon, on Autoplastic Surgery. 31 
4. Metcalf, J. T., opened the discussion on Epi- 
demic Cholera, by appointment. 
5. Clark, Alonzo, exhibited some plates of Piro- 
goif and Cruveilhier, on the Pathological 
Anatomy of Cholera, with remarks. 
6. Roberts, W. C., Infectio-contagiousness of 
Cholera. 
7. McCready, B. W., by appointment, opened the 
discussion on Alcohol. 
8. Griscom, J. H., Malignant Influence of the Dis- 
eases of the Uterus. 
9. Cholera discussed at several meetings, and the 
following papers presented by the Committee 
on Public Health: 
(a.) Smith, S., on Prevention and Relief. 
(/;.) Squibb, E. R., on Disinfectants. 
(<?.) Griscom, J. H., on Ventilation. 
(d.) Harris, E., on Quarantine. 
10. Pomeroy, O. D., Inflammation of the Inner Ear. 
11. Ordronaux, J., on Malpractice. 
12. Dalton, J. C., on Vivisection. 
13. Lidell, J. A., on Osteo-Myelitis. 
14. Brown, Sequard E. C., two lectures on the 
“ Origin and Diagnostic Signification of the 
Symptoms of Brain Disease, and the conclu 
sions to be drawn therefrom for the treat- 
ment.’’ 15. Eulogy on the late Valentine Mott, by A. C. 
Post. 
16. Annual Discourse, by John Ordronanx. 
17. O’Reilly, John, presented the Academy with 
$600 for a prize essay. 
Admitted to Resident Fellowship. 
A. Hedges, M. D., 
O. D. Pomeroy, 11 
Foster Swift, “ 
J. J. Hull, 
J. A. Sidell, “ 
J. N. Huested, “ 
J. B. Reynolds, “ 
J. Smith, “ 
B. Howard, “ 
C. R. McClellan, « 
J. C. Smith, M. D., 
Howard Pinckney, u 
P. W. McDonald, “ 
L. Weber, “ 
S. W. Dana, “ 
E. C. Dalton, “ 
J. H. Anderson, 
J. L. Brown, “ 
J. H. Pooley, “ 
E. Herrick, “ 
Robert Wier, M. 13. 
CoRUESPOxmxG Fellows. 
Jos6 A. De Cunha, M. D., of Valparaiso; E. C. 
Brown, S6quard, M. D. 
All the papers were more or less extensively dis- 
cussed, as also many other topics, for which see 
Bulletin, vols. 1, 2, and 3. 33 
New York, February, 1867. 
At a stated meeting of the Academy of Medicine, 
held January 16, 1867, the following resolution, 
offered by Dr. A. Underhill, was unanimously 
adopted: 
Resolved, That the thanks of the New York 
Academy of Medicine be tendered Doctor Ander- 
son for his faithful, energetic, and eminently suc- 
cessful administration as presiding officer for the 
last six years, as well as his urbane and courteous 
manner to all its members. 
WM. M. CHAMBERLAIN, M. D., 
Recording Secretary N. Y. A. M. 
New York, February, 1867. 
Doctor James Anderson : 
At a meeting of the Council of the New York 
Academy of Medicine, held January 24, 1867, on 
motion of H. D. Bulkley, M. D., it was 
Resolved, That on his taking leave of the Council 
of the New York Academy of Medicine, over which 
he has presided with so much courtesy and impar- tiality during the last six years, Dr. James Ander- 
son is entitled to the thanks of liis associates, and 
those thanks are hereby tendered for his long and 
faithful services in this capacity, as well as in that 
of President of the Academy itself—services which 
have contributed greatly to the success of that asso- 
ciation, and must have involved many sacrifices on 
his part. 
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Council be 
requested to communicate to Dr. Anderson the 
above expression of the feelings of the Council, 
with their best wishes for his continued welfare 
and prosperity. 
W. B. BIBBINS, Secretary.