L t f~ r3.\$v^ .11 the Jinnual Convention of the FelUnvs of the Connecticut Medical Society, held at Xew-Havtn, on the Hth and 15th of October, 1818, The following Officers were chosen : MASON F. COGSWELL, M. D. President. THOMAS HUBBARD, M. U. Vue-President. JOHN S. PETERS, M. D. Treasurer. JONATHAN KNIGHT, M. D. Secretary. The following Gentlemen were returned as Fellows from the several Counties. Hartford. .John Bcstor, m. d. Samuel B. Woodward SWvtster Wells, m. d, Eli Todd, m. d. Solomon Everest, m. d. Litchfield. William Buel Warren K. Fowler, m. d. Benjamin Weld; John Calhoun Joshua Cornwall Fairfield. Rennet Perry Gideon Beardsley Noah A. Lacy Isaac Jennings Ansel Hojt Tolland. John S. Peters, M. p. Daniel Peek John Grant New-Haven. Eli Ives, m. o. Joseph Foot, M. D. Jonathan Knight, M. d. Pearl Craft Edward Field Windham* Thomas Hubbard, m. d. Joseph Palmer V i id row Harris Silas Fuller Penuel ilutchins, m. d. JYew-London, John Smith George Downer Sylvester Woostcr Nath'l S. Perkins Benjamin F. Stoddard Middlesex. Thomas Miner » illiam Tully Jesse Bigelow 'I'll-.: following (^ntlemen were return^il u% the Clerks of the several Conn: Samu< 1 B. Woodward, 11 ,-tprd C<:vnly. Virgil M. Dow, .Yew-Haven. Conant Catlin, Litchfield. Isaac Jennings, Fairfield. William A. Brewster, Windham. Nath'l S. Perkins, JYew-London. John Grant, Tolland. William Tully, Middlesex. Voted, That Mason F. Cogswell, Thomas Hubbard, Thomas Miner, and William Tully,be a Committee on the part of this Society, to join with such persons as shall be appointed by the Corporation of Yale College, to nominate Professors in the Med- ical Institution. llded, ThatDrs. Everest, Hubbard, Fowler, Ives, and Miner, be a Committee to nominate Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine. Voted, That Drs. Thomas Hubbard, Thomas Miner, and War- ren R. Fowler, be the Examining Committee, for the year ensuing. Toted, That Drs. Bcstor and Buel be a Committee to auAt the Treasurer's accounts, and report to this Convention. The following young gentlemen were recommended to attend. gratuitously, the ensuing course of Lectures in the Medical Insti- tution : viz.—Charles B. Smith, Joseph Sibley, Orrin Hunt, Lyman Catlin, Thomas S Francis, Daniel M'Grcgor, Urris S. Taylor, and Julius Willard. lirsolved. That in all cases whenever a Candidate for a degree of Doctor of Medicine, shall be proposed by a Committee, the question on such ppopo.si;i m shall be taken by ballot. V>ted, To recommend to lie President and Fellows of Yale College, Drs. William Buel, vViliiam Tully, and Thomas Miner, as persons deserving a degree of Doctor of .1 dicirie. Voted. To accept and approve the rep: it of the Committee ap- pointed to audit the Treasurers account. Vded, To allow the Treasurer giO for his services the past year. Voted, Tliatt'.,- thanks of the Cnnventi-.i. he given to Dr. Bu- el, for his «liss> rtation read this d<_,, andtiiat a copy of the same bereqm-pt'.-d. V'al, To u;r,ir)int Dr. Thomas Miner, to read a dissertation on "oific Medical subject, before the next Convention. •j Voted. That the Medical Professors of Yale College, together with r..i- C'> ii oitt'e of Examination, froi\ the Medical Society, he. ex officio, ;i sta ml tug Com:nitt',e to prescribe, from time to tim . ;< certain medit I cons as indisp usable for evt'ry student aiiiui:',(■! to '. \aniiuatiou in this !*tate ; and to recount :i such otii-r ii itl.s. as they think best, to the attention of all students. C.iV nmit'.ec to make out debentures ; and that this Coininttteee he iiisiiii :ted to make out the deheniuK s according to the actual distance of Hie; resi- dence of each Fellow, from tiie place of holding ilie Coin enf i »n Voted, Th i the consideration of the report of tiie Committee, appointed at the ;ast cunvei'loa to draft a petition to the Legis- lature on the subject of Apothecaries, be postp-.ned to the next Convention, Voted, That the Memorial from the examining Committee of the Medical I nstitulion. be planted with the doings of this Co;i- veini.ui; that the sevral County meetings be requested to take the s nit into consideration, and t> give their opinion on the pro- jma, fy of adopting the measure ther in proposed ; and that the farther consideration of said Memorial be postponed to the next Convention. Voted, That in euy proceedings on the subject of a National Pharmacopoeia, tins Convention will not hold themselves re>i «>n- sible for any expense that may he incurred lV»r th. attendance of delegates or publishing such a work. Voted, That we I'ig'dy appreve of the design of forming a Pharmacopoeia for tiie use of the •. nitcd Sates, and tliatwe will co-operate in carrying it into execution. Co.V .'. That Eli Iws. M. I), and William Tully, he the dele. gates from this Society to the Northern District Convention. V>Ud, That the Town of Boston, and the st of .June, \ D. 18 = °, wdl be the proper phec and time lor the meeting of the Convention for the Northern District. Vied. That the Committee appointed at a former Conven- iion to ascertain the numh-r of Lunatics in tJtis State, be con- tinued. i Voted, To accept the report of the Comnittec appointed by thr last Convention to revise and print the hye-laws of this Society ; and to appoint the same persons a Committee to revise, alter, ami amend the bye-laws of the Society, and to report to the next Con- vention. Voted, To accept the report of the Committee on debentures. Voted, That a Tax of one dollar fifty cents be laid on each mem- ber of this Society. Voted, That the system of Medical Police adopted by the last Convention, be printed and distributed with the doings' of this Convention. Voted, That the next Convention meet at the Medical College in New-Haven, on the Wednesday following the second Thurs- day in October. A. D. 1819, at 10 o'clock A. M. Voted, To adjourn—sine die. Test. J. KNIGHT, Secretin-;;. Memorial of the Committee of Exaunnaiion of the Medical Institu- tion of Yale College to the Convention of the Fellows of the Con- necticut Medical Hocictij. Medical Institution of Yale College, March 27th, 1818. The undersigned, the Censors and Professors of this Institu- tion, constituting the Committee of Examination, having found by the experience of a number of years, that the qualifications of those students who have attended only one course of public lec- tures, are manifestly inferior to those who have gone through two courses, and considering that in the study of so many and so ex- tensive branches of science as now c ,nstitntc a course of Medical Education, it is scarcely possible that a student should become a thorough proficient in all the branches of learning which he is re- quired to understand, without going over the subject on ore than once, especially as it takes some time to become familiar with terms, instruments, substances and demonstrations, do recommend to the consideration of the Medical Convention the following proposition: That application be made to the Legislature, with the appro- bation of the Corporation of Yale Collgce, so far to alter the Laws establishing the Medical Institution, as to make it necessary I'.,r ev■■■i,y Student o! Medirinc, previous to being admitted to an rvnmiiiati"M for a Licevt e, to attend two courses of all the pub- he Lectures on M- dicino and Surgery, either in this institution or ci'jew here. NATHAN SMITH, JOSEPH FOOT. BENJAMIN SILLIMAN, ELI IVES, THOMAS MINER, .1U N AT1I AN KNI GUT. POLICE OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF CON- NECTICUT. The Committee t;> whom was referred the subject of a Medical Police, for the Medical Society of the State of Connecticut, beg leave to report. That having roushleied the subject, they are of opinion that the Boston Medical Police, with a lev alterations adapted to our local situation, is the most proper for the Society to adopt. And i hey beg leave to r< commend, that with the exception of such sen- tences as are inclosed in brackets, aud with the addition of such as * are added in writing, it should be laid before the Convention for their arprobatioo. They would alsi further recommend that the whole, or such parts thereof, as the Convention may approve, with such addi- tions as they may think proper, be printed with the doings of the next Conqenlion, and distributed to the members of the Society in the usual manner. All which is respectfully submitted by their humble servants. In behalf of the Committee. THOMAS HUBBUtD. One oj the CommitUe. CONSULTATIONS. Consultations should be encouraged in difficult and pofr.jrtrd ases. as they give rise to confidence, en-rgy, and more e::!;i:red views in practice. On such occasions, n > riva s;iip or jo,..oi.--y should be indulged ; candour, justice an I .11 due reaperr siai.dd be cvt-c" •! 'awards the physician who first attended; a-.d a* he u may bs presumed to be best acquainted with the patient ami Ins f-iuiiy, he should deliver all the medical direction as agreed upon. It should be the province, however, of the senior consult- ing 1'ip .sician to propose the necessary questions to the sicl.. The consulting Pin sician is never to visit without the attend- ing one, unl-ss by the desire of the latter, or when, as in sudden emergency, he is not to be found. No discussion of the case. should take place before the patient or his friends; and no prog- nostications Ki.ould be delivered, which were not the v.■suit of pre- vious deliberation and concurrence. Theoretical debates, indeed, should gem r lly be avoided in consultation, as occuHmning per- plexity and loss of time; for there iv.ay be much diversity of opinion on speculative points, with perfect agreement on tboso modes of practice, which are founded, not on hypothesis, but on experience and observation. Physicians in consultation, what- ever may be their private resentments or opinions of one another, should divest themselves of all partialities, and think of nothing but what will most effectually contribute to the relief of those un- der their care. If a pin sician cannot lay his hand to his heart and say, that his mind is perfectly open to conviction, from whatever quart..:• it nia\ ( ome. be should in honour decline the consultation. All «Mscus<--:»ns and debates in consultations, are to be held se- cret and confidential. >l in advantages may arise from two consulting together, who are men of candour, and have mutual confidence in each other's honour. A remedy may occur to one, which did not to another. and a physician may want resolution or a confidence in his own opinion, to prescribe a powerful, but precarious remedy, on which, however, the life of bis patient may depend ; in this case, a con- current opinion may fix his own. But when such mutual confi- dence is wanting, a consultation had better be declined, especial- ly if there is reason to believe, that sentiments delivered with openness, are to he communicated abroad,or to the family concern- ed; and if, in consequence of this, cither gentleman is to be made responsible for the event. The utmost punctuality should be observed in consultion visits ; and to avoid loss of time, it will be expedient for the Physicians in every town, or county, to establish a certain space of time, as an allowance for delay, after which, the meeting might be con- si den d as postponed for a new appointment. If a consulting Phy- sic i;.n should arrive after the attending physician has withdrawn, lie should deliver his opinion in writing. 7 INTERFERENCES. Medicine is alibc:; ! profivninn-: the practitioners are, or ought to be, men of education; and their expectation of business and omp! -vment she dd be founded on their degrees of qualify- fion, not on art'lie ■ an*insinuation. A certain unde'wv !:ie species of assiduities and attfcntions, therefore, to famil'ms usually emu!-)'. ;ng another, is to be < ousid.Te.il as beneath the dignity of a regular practitioner, and as making a nv re 1 ratio of a learned pro! 'ssioa ; and all ollici »us interferences in cases of sickness in such famd'-i^, evince a meanness of disposition, unb" .Miisig the character '•!' a Physician or a Gentleman. No meddling in -paries shoi' be made concerning them, nor bints given ; -la< ve to thvir nature and treatment, nor any selfish conduct p-i'-su •*', t!iat may, di- rectly or indirectly, tend to weaken confidence in the Physicians ii- Surgeons, who have tiie care of them. When a Physician iscalicdlo a patient, who has been under the care of another gentleman of the faculty, bet ':re any examination of the case, he should ascertain, whether that g-'n'sinan has dis- continued bis \isits, and whether the patient co-e :<' rs himself as under bis dare, in which case, he is not to ass.mm the < !i; ; e of the patient, nor to give bis advice, excepting in inst ncs of sud- den attacks) w itbout a regular consultation : and if sab are\ ious l\ attending g"iitiemen has been dismissed, or has voluntarily re linquished the patient, bis practice should bo treated \ith can- dour, atul justified so far as probity and truth will p "rmit; for the want of success in the primary treatment of the disorder, is no im- peachme:.! of professional skill and kmiwVdge. It frequently happens that a Phy ,i iU in incidental eommuni- lioiis with the patients of others, cr with their friends, may have their cases stated to him in so direct a manner, as ir»t to admit of his declining to pay attention to them. Under sub circumstances, bis observations should be delivered with tiie most delicate pro- priety ami reserve. He should not interfere in the curative plans pnisued ; and should even recommend a steady adherence to them, if they appear to merit, approbation. DIFFERENCES OF PHYSICANS. The differences of Physicians, when they end in appeals to the public, generaitv hurt the contending parties ; but what is of more consequence, they discredit the profession, and expose thefactdty itself to contempt and ridicule. Whenever such differences occur, as may affect the honour and dignity of the profession, and can- not immediately be terminated, or do not come under the char- acter of violation of the special rules of the association otherw; 8 pi mided for, they should he referred to the arbitration of a suffi- cient number of members of the Society, according to the nature of the. dispute ; but. neither the subject matter of such references, nor the adjudication, should, if it can be avoided.be communica- ted to the public, as they may be personally injurious to the indi- viduals concerned, and can hardly fail to hurt the general credit ef the faculty. DISCOURAGEMENT OF QUACKERY. The use of quad; medicines should be discouraged by the fa- cult \, as disgraceful to the profession, injurious to health, and often destructive even of life. No Physician or Surgeon, there- fore, should dispense a secret nostrum, whether it be his inven- tion or exclusive property ; for if it is of real efficacy the con- cealment of it is inconsistent with beneficence, and professional liberality; and. if mystery alone give it value and importance* such craft implies, either disgraceful ignorance, or fraudulent avarice. CONDUCT FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE MEDICAL CHARACTER. The esprit du cor})s is a principle of action, founded in human (...tare, and, when duly regulated, is both rational and laudable. Everv man, who enters into a fraternity, engages, by a tacit compact, not only to submit to the laws, but to promote the honour and interest of the association, so far as they are- consist- ent with morality and the general good of mankind. A Physi- cian, therefore, should cautiously guard against whatever may injure the general respectability of the profession, and should avoid all contumelious representations of the faculty at large, all general charges against their selfishness or improbity, or the in diligence of an affected or jocular scepticism, concerning the effi- cacy and utility of the healing art. FEES. General rules are adopted by, the faculty in every town or, county, relative to the pecuniary acknowledgements of their pa- tients ; and it should be deemed a point of honour to adhere to, them ; and every deviation from, or evasion,of these rules, should; 9 be considered as meriting the indignation and contempt of the fraternity. Gratuitous services to the poor, are by no means prohibited; the characteristical beneficence of the profession, is inconsistent with sordid views and avaricious rapacity. The poor of every description should be the objects of our peculiar care. Dr. Boer- have used to say. they were his best patients, because God was their paymaster. It is obvious, also, that an average fee, as suited to the general rank of patients, must be an adequate compensation from the rich, (who often require attendance not absolutely necessary) and yet too large to be expected from that class of citizens, who would feel a reluctance in calling for assistance, without making some decent and satisfactory remuneration. EXEMPTION FROM CHARGES. The Clergymen of the town*, and all members of the Medical profession, together with their families, should he attended gratu- itously ; but visits should not be obtruded officiously, as such ci- vility may give rise to embarrassments, or interfere with that choice on which confidence depends. But distant members of the faculty, when they request attend- ance, should be expected to defray the charges of travelling; and •such of the clergy from abroad, as are qualified by their fortunes or incomes, to make a reasonable remuneration for medical attend- ance, are not more privileged, than any other order of patients. Omission to charge, on account of the wealthy circumstances of the Physician, are an injury to the profession, as it is defrauding, in a degree, the common funds for its support, when f«ees are dis- pensed with, which might justly be claimed. VICARIOUS OFFICES. Whenever a Physician officiates for another by his desire, in onsequence of sickness or absence, if for a short time only, the attendance should be performed gratuitously as tothephysi ian,f and with the utmost delicacy towards the professional character of the gentleman previously connected with the patient. * The circumstances of the cases, which occur in the families of Clergymen, as also the |H>cuiiiary situation of them, and of the attending Physician, may render a rigid ad- herence to the rule not always expedient. i : TVhensmh va i-.i>us office? are performed by a Physician who resides at a distance from the puiknt, it is proper that he should receive some remuneration. 10 ( SENIORITY. A regular and academical education furnishes the only pre- siMiptive evidence of professional ability, and is so honourable and beneficial, that it gives a just claim to pre-eminence among Phvsiclans at large, in proportion to the degree in which it may be enjoyed and improved. Neverthel ss, as industry and talents may furnish exceptions to this general rule, and this method may be liable to difficulties, in the application, seniority, among prac- titioners of this State, should be determined by the period of pub- lic and acknowledged practice as a Physician or Surgeon in the same. This arrangement being clear and obvious, is adapted to remove all grounds of dispute amongst medical gentlemen ; and it secures the regular continuance of the established order of pre- cedency, which might otherwise be subject to troublesome inter- ruptions by new settlers, perhaps not long stationary in the place. Mil- h* a H 7 it*' (KC