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[ . ' . si \ ' s] R 0 •' C, ' 8 MINUTES OF A CONVENTION 
Held in the City of Albany, 
February 4th and Sth, 1884, 
AT WHICH THE 
W YORK STATE MERICAL ASSOCIATION 
WAS ORGANIZED 
ON A PERMANENT BASIS. 
In compliance with an invitation issued during the last week 
of January, a number of members of the medical profession 
assembled in the parlors of the Delavan House, Albany, at 8.30 
P.M., February 4, 1884. 
After calling the roll, 76 being present (more entered the 
rooms later, making a total of about 100), the object of the con- 
vention was briefly stated by Dr. J. W. S. Gouley, of New 
York Co., as follows : 
In view of the dissention which has been created in the 
Medical Society of the State of New York by the radical 
■change made in its code of ethics, it was suggested that a con- 
vention be held on the day preceding the session of the State 
Society, to discuss the question of this change in all its aspects, 
and finally to take such action as the majority assembled 
should decide upon. Therefore it is, gentlemen, that you have 
been invited to meet here by the members of the profession 
who have signed the call for the convention, which is as 
follows : 2 
Dear Doctor : 
The undersigned, permanent members of, and delegates tor 
the Medical Society of the State of New York, request you to 
attend a meeting to be held in the parlors of the Delavan 
House, Albany, on Monday evening, February 4th, at 8.30 
o'clock, to take into consideration the question of the Code of 
Ethics which will come up before that Society on the day 
following. 
I. H. Abell, P. M. 
John G. Adams, Del. 
C. S. Allen, Del. 
H. B. Allen, Del. 
L. Barton, P. M. 
R. B. Bontecou, P. M. 
M. H. Burton, P. M. 
Arch. M. Campbell, Del. 
W. N. Coit, Del. 
I. G. Collins, Del. 
W. S. Cooper, P. M. 
A. J. Dallas, P. M. 
H. D. Didama, Ex President. 
E. D. Ferguson, P. M. 
Austin Flint, P. M. , 
Austin Flint, Jr., Del. 
C. C. F. Gay, P. M. 
J. W. S. Gouley, P. M. 
Wm. Govan, P. M. 
Caleb Green, P. M. 
J. C. Greene, P. M. 
Desault Guernsey, P. M. 
W. H. Helm, P. M. 
H. C. Hendrick, P. M. 
John H. Hinton, P. M. 
Geo. G. Hopkins, Del. 
B. L. Hovey, P. M. 
Sam'l T. Hubbard, P. M. 
Jos. C. Hutchinson, Ex Pres, 
N. C. Husted, P. M. 
Frederick Hyde, Ex Pres. 
H. H. Langworthy, P. M. 
Chas. A. Leale, Del. 
E. M. Lyon, P. M. 
E. M. Moore, Ex Pres. 
C. E. Nichols, P. M. 
A. Pollard, P. M. 
Thos. F. Rochester, Ex Pres, 
John D. Rushmore, P. M. 
Conant Sawyer, Del. 
Avery Segur, P. M. 
W. P. Seymour, P. M. 
E. R. Squibb, Ex Pres. 
Ely Van De Warker, Del, 
R. H. Ward, P. M. 
Francis V. White, Del. 
Chas. S. -Wood, P. M. 
R. M. Wyckoff, P. M.„ 
and others, 3 
Dr. H. D. Didama, of Onondaga County, was called to the 
chair, and Dr. Chs. S. Ward, of New York County, was 
appointed Secretary. 
On taking the chair, Dr. Didama said : 
As I understand it, the object of this conference is to ex- 
change opinions regarding the proper course to be pursued by 
the adherents of the National Code of Ethics. 
I need not remind you that, unkindly, unfairly, and in all 
probability by a pre-arranged plan, certain men grabbed the 
State Society two years ago. 
The catalogues, prepared with immense labor and the great- 
est care by our New York City brethren, show that the ad- 
vocates of the "New Code" misrepresent the profession of 
this State. 
Of course, the vast majority of the profession can protect 
themselves. They will not submit to the rule of a minority, 
whose leaders are unscrupulous. They will not consent to be 
cut off from affiliation with their brethren outside of this State. 
They will not tamely submit to have the great State of New 
York without a representation in the National Association, of 
which one of her most worthy sons is the honored President. 
If they can obtain their rights within the State Society, well 
and good ; if not, they wilt form a new society. 
What course shall be pursued ? Shall we go into the meet- 
ing to-morrow night, present our facts and figures, appeal to 
the love of fair play which dwells in the heart of every decent 
physician, ask the minority to put things back as they 
were before the vote in 1882, and restore the harmony which 
once existed and avoid a rupture which is otherwise inevitable, 
a rupture whose far-reaching consequences are not pleasant to 
contemplate ; or shall we at once, without an effort to secure 
justice or to give the minority an opportunity to recede from 
their hasty and miserable course, proceed to organize a new 
society which shall be in accord with our brethren everywhere 
outside of this State ? If we pursue the former course, we 
may, and probably shall, fail; but we shall throw upon the 
minority-faction the responsibility for the rupture, and we 
shall not be accused of precipitate and unnecessary action. 4 
One other matter is worthy of consideration. The remark- 
able activity of a few leaders of the minority is well known. 
They have been aided by certain medical journals in New York 
and elsewhere. These journals, in violation of all sense of pro- 
priety, have received our money for their support and have 
then, week after week, thrust their misrepresentations, their 
boasts, their puerile arguments, and their pitiful sophistries 
into our unwilling faces. 
I need not intimate that there is a remedy for this evil also ; 
that there are medical journals, able and deserving our sup- 
port and disposed to give us at least civil treatment. 
The freest expression of opinion is now invited. 
The following telegram from Dr. John P. Gray, of Oneida 
Co., was read: "Received the circular invitation. Sorry Icannot 
be with you this evening, or this week, to join you and other 
brethren in efforts to uphold the dignity and unity of the pro- 
fession in regard to the National Code and the medical educa- 
tional institutions of the State." 
The following telegram was also received : " Personal sick- 
ness detains me. Do not give up the National Code." 
Signed, J. H. Orton, Binghampton, Broome Co. 
A letter was received from Dr. C. C. F. Gay, of Erie Co., 
saying that he was prevented from 'attending this meeting by 
sickness in his family. 
Dr. Gouley then rose to make a report of the canvass of 
the State, which has lately been completed, and said : 
Mr. Chairman and gentlemen-In order to bring before you 
the subject which we are to consider to-night, let me crave 
your indulgence while I give you the results of a twelve-months* 
careful study of the whole question, and also a synopsis of the 
canvass which has been made under the auspices of the organ- 
ization to uphold the National Code of Ethics,-a body com- 
posed of representative men. This organization, as you know, 
has taken measures to ascertain the will of the members of the 
State Society and also of the profession throughout this State; 
and to that end an extensive correspondence has been entered 
into, canvassers have been employed and circulars of enquiry 5 
(containing these three questions : 1st, are you in favor of the 
National Code ? 2d, the "New Code" ? 3d, or no code?) have 
been sent to all the physicians of this State whose names 
and addresses could be obtained, the number being upwards 
of five thousand. 
These names were all classified by counties and printed for 
distribution, with a view to corrections and additions and the 
reaffirmation of his position or vote by each physician or by 
others authorized to do so. In accordance with this plan, the 
following circular was printed on the first page of the proof : 
" New York, Nov. 15, 1883. 
Dear Doctor :-This proof, which shows the vote of the profession on 
the various codes of medical ethics, is forwarded to you for correction, if 
correction be needed. Please to observe : 
1. If your name has been placed under the wrong heading. * 
2. If it has been credited to the wrong county or to more than one 
county. 
3. If it has appeared more than once in the same county-list. 
4. If it has been wrongly spelled. 
5. If its initials are incorrect. 
6. If you know of names that have been omitted in any of the several 
county-lists, give each name in full, P. O. address, town and county. 
7. If you know of any practitioner, whose name appears in this cata- 
logue, who has not received it. 
8. If you know of any to be dead whose name is in this catalogue, give 
the date of his death. 
The above are suggestions of possible errors. If you find such, or any 
other mistakes, be so kind as to communicate the fact without delay, by 
letter or postal card, to the Corresponding Secretary, Dr. J. W. S. Gouley, 
324 Madison Avenue, New York City. 
You may keep this proof as a useful register, to date, of the vote of the 
profession on the codes of ethics. 
In sending corrections, please give your P. O. address, town and county. 
If no response is received from you in the course of ten days from the 
above date, it will be inferred that you have no corrections to offer, and 
your name will stand as it now is in the forthcoming issue of the corrected 
catalogue. 
Corrections will be thankfully received also from Secretaries of County 
Societies. 
COUNCIL : 
Abram Du Bois, Austin Flint, Austin Flint, Jr., 
J. W. S. Gouley, John H. Hinton, Samuel T. Hubbard, 
William T. Lusk, Samuel 8. Purple, T. Gaillard Thomas. 
A copy of this proof will be sent for correction to every member of the 
profession whose name and address are printed in the catalogue." 
* The headings are, National Code, New Code, No Code, Unclassified, 
Uncommitted. The unclassified are those who have been heard from but 
have not signified exactly where they stand. The uncommitted have not 
been heard from. 6 
Thus, every one interested in this question had ten (10) days' 
time to make such corrections as he might wish to make, in all 
fairness. Therefore, those who have failed to offer corrections 
should not find fault with the corrected catalogue which was 
issued a few days ago. The corrections received were scru- 
pulously noted, and all vouchers have been filed. x Let us now 
look at the figures as they stand in the proof and in the cor- 
rected catalogue. 
The proof is found to contain the names of 5,219 
Since the appearance of the proof, new names have come 
in to the number of 67 
Which number, added to the original, gives a total of... 5,286 
Since the beginning of the canvass there have died 83 
5,203 
A number of names have been stricken off the proof, 
the majority on account of removal from the State, 
a few at their own request, and others by request of 
members of both parties for reasons which seemed 
fair and which I need not here state. 
The number of names thus stricken off is 201 
Leaving a total (which is given in the corrected cata- 
logue) of ..... 5,002 
Number of those who have not expressed their preference. 1,142 
Total number of votes recorded 3,860 
The recorded votes are as follows : 
For the National Code 2,547 
For the "New Code" 1,040 
For no code 239 
Unclassified , ., 34 
Total . 3,860 
It is evident from these figures that there is a majority for 
the National Code over the whole number of committed and 
uncommitted. That there is a majority of more than two- 7 
thirds for the National Code over the "New Code," and a 
nearly two-thirds majority for the National Code over the 
"New Code," no code and unclassified combined. 
It is now proper that you should know how stands the vote 
in the State Society; and here let me say that, although we have 
a majority, our adherents will do as they have done before-stay 
away-and we shall be out-voted. I doubt much if on Tues- 
day night we poll more than one hundred votes. According to 
the Transactions of 1883, the State Society has thirty-three 
retired members, who are not entitled to vote, and should have 
386 voting members and delegates ; but I cannot count more 
than 382. 
Of these there are for the National Code 193 
For the "New Code" 134 
For no code 19 
Uncommitted 36 
382 
In spite of our manifest majorities, the "New Code" party is 
still endeavoring to make it appear that we are in the minority, 
although they have had ample opportunity to make corrections 
in our catalogue, a copy of the proof having been mailed to 
■every one whose name and address appeared therein. 
Now, gentlemen, that you have before you these facts and 
figures, I leave you to decide what measures it may be wise for 
this assembly of representative men to take. 
After some remarks upon the report just given, Dr. E. D. 
Ferguson, of Rensselaer Co., moved that all the members and 
delegates present m Albany, who are in favor of the re-enact- 
ment of the National Code, be requested to attend the meeting 
of the State Society on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of 
protesting, by their vote, against the action taken by the Society 
in substituting the "New" for the National Code, and of 
endeavoring to secure the re-enactment of the National Code. 
Dr. Thos. F. Rochester, of Erie Co., seconded the resolu- 
tion, and said that the members and delegates would fail in 
their duty if they did not present this protest. 8 
Dr. Austin Flint, Jr., of New York Co., said : 
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention-It is more 
than a year since I have publicly spoken to an audience of 
friends on the questions which have at last divided the medical 
profession of the State of New York. As you all well know, 
thus far the battle-field in the warfare against the honor and 
dignity of the profession has been mainly in the City of New 
York. In the City of New York, the conspiracy, which has 
brought about the deplorable conflict that has been forced upon 
us, had its inception. The attack upon the most sacred tradi- 
tions of our profession was there made with a malignant ran- 
cor that can only be fully appreciated by those who have been 
personally involved in this unhappy contest. I say it in all 
modesty, but we of the City of New York come before you as 
veterans from the front, bearing scars. If we venture to oiler 
suggestions with regard'to future action, if we beg you to learn 
a lesson from our own experience, it is because we are unhap- 
pily too familiar with the arrogance and the unscrupulous 
methods of our enemies within the profession. Our experience 
teaches us that but one course is now open to those who are 
unwilling to remain in the false and humiliating position in 
which we are placed. The proper course is for us to organize a 
new State Association, to be composed exclusively of those who 
refuse to countenance professional relations with irregular prac- 
titioners. 
We all know the signification of the term irregular prac- 
titioner of medicine. It is not necessary to define it. We all 
know that no physician can be true to his calling and man- 
hood, and yet be willing to meet as a professional brother a 
charlatan or one who practices medicine under a dishonest 
designation. 
The conspiracy which culminated in the adoption of the 
"New Code" by the State Society first made its appearance in 
the medical law of 1880, although its secret history is of a much 
earlier date. Many practitioners of more or less standing in 
the profession have long chafed under the restraints imposed 
upon them by our code of ethics. It is an almost unavoidable 
logical conclusion that the prominent advocates of the "New 
Code " were not content to confine themselves to consultation 9 
with their "regular" brethren, but yearned for the temporal 
advantages to be gained by consulting with any and all prac- 
titioners who could or would bring them patients. It seemed 
easy to bring this about if they could find a cloak for their 
action in the laws of the State, and could assume that they 
were not at liberty to refuse to consult with any practitioner 
formally recognized by such laws. It became necessary, then, 
to be able to point to a distinct definition of a legally qualified 
practitioner. This they were enabled to do by referring to the 
law of 1880, which was drawn by one who is now an earnest 
supporter of the "New Code." By the law of 1880, certain 
irregular practitioners, after complying with the prescribed 
conditions of registration, are recognized as legally qualified 
medical men. This being accomplished, the "New Code," 
which permits consultations with all legally qualified prac- 
titioners, was forced through the • State Society, by methods 
which are known to us all. In my belief, the conspiracy, from 
its inception many years before 1880 to its culmination in the 
existing division of the profession of the State, has been car- 
ried on mainly in the City of New York ; and this has been 
the work of a few bold and active men. 
The profession of the City of New York began to realize the 
enormity of the action taken by the State Society, at a meeting 
of the Medical Society of the County of New York, held a few 
weeks before the meeting of the State Society, in 1883. The 
question came up at this meeting of the County Society; and 
the leader of the "New Code" movement, supported by a large 
number of adherents who blindly followed his dictation, dis- 
played a degree of arrogance and assumption that has seldom, 
if ever, been witnessed in such a body. Many voices were 
raised in defense of the honor of the profession, but they were 
unheeded. One of the most eminent men in our ranks, re- 
spected alike for his age, attainments, and the purity of his 
professional and private life, was merely tolerated in making 
his protest; while the curt and peremptory orders of the 
"New Code" leader, to vote in a certain way on each question 
raised, were received with stormy applause and were implicitly 
obeyed. The disgust and alarm of the upholders of the Na- 
tional Code, however, was brought to a culmination by the 10 
appearance of the President of the New York Academy of 
Medicine, who, in a long speech, advocated the breaking down 
of the time-honored barriers which have heretofore separated 
the regular profession from charlatans. 
Following this meeting of the County Society, three phy- 
sicians of the City of New York, after consulting together with 
regard to the proper action to be taken, associated with them- 
selves six others, the nine constituting the council of an organ- 
ization "to uphold the National Code of Ethics." The Council 
afterward established what was called the " Central Organ- 
ization," under the direction of which the entire regular pro- 
fession of the State was carefully canvassed, with results that 
have been reported to you this evening. Subsequently, at a 
meeting of the County Society, called to fill vacancies in the 
number of delegates to the State Society, we were able to elect 
three delegates pledged to uphold the National Code; and 
from this we took no little courage. 
Our next move -was an endeavor to save to the regular pro- 
fession the New York Academy of Medicine. Although the 
Academy has in force, as one of its by-laws, which every mem- 
ber has in writing pledged himself in honor to uphold, the 
National Code of Ethics, the public appearance of its President 
in support of the "New Code," and the presentation as can- 
didates for fellowship of physicians known to be actively 
opposed to its constitution and by-laws, excited among its Fel- 
lows who remained loyal the gravest apprehensions. It is un- 
necessary for me to give more than a brief sketch of what 
was done in the Academy. At a stated meeting, resolutions 
were introduced and carried, re-affirming the by-laws and 
instructing the Committee on Admissions to do their duty and 
to report for election as Fellows, no candidates known to be in 
opposition to the Code of Ethics of the Academy. These 
resolutions were violently attacked by certain members of the 
opposition, who undoubtedly saw in them a serious obstacle to 
the success of the plot to revolutionize the Academy as they 
had revolutionized the State and County Societies. They pro- 
fessed to be unable to see the inconsistency and dishonor of 
new members signing a pledge to support a constitution and 
by-laws to which they were known to be actively opposed. At 11 
a subsequent meeting, however, having in theii' interest the 
President and most of the officers, they rescinded these resolu- 
tions, in violation of all recognized rules of order, as well as of 
the special rules of the Academy. The rulings of the President 
on this occasion need little comment. They were unfair and 
unparliamentary and simply illustrated the desperate methods 
which the conspirators are always prepared to adopt. I believe 
the action rescinding these resolutions to be null and void, 
and that it will be so decided in due time. 
The next conflict was at the annual meeting for the election 
of officers of the Medical Society of the County of New York. 
Here the issue was sharply made in the nomination of can- 
didates. This meeting was the largest ever held by the Society, 
Just before the election of officers, the names of upward of 
eighty new members were proposed. A motion was promptly 
made to lay these nominations on the table until after the 
■election. The motion to lay on the table was decided by the 
President to be out of order ! Not content with this extra- 
ordinary and unnecessary ruling-for the motion would un- 
doubtedly have been lost-the eighty odd candidates voted for 
their own admission. The "New Code" officers were then 
elected by a majority considerably in excess of eighty votes. 
The loyal members of the profession in the County of New 
York, having thus exhausted all proper means of resistance 
in the existing Societies, and with an untarnished record as 
Regards the methods employed by them in the contest, have 
organized on a permanent basis, the New York County Med- 
ical Association, composed exclusively of those who uphold the 
National Code of Ethics. 
To-night we should organize a New York State Medical 
Association. The issue has been forced upon us. We stand in 
the presence of the actual fact of a divided profession. The 
State Society and the Society of the County of New York have 
seceded from the regular profession of the United States. We 
made no movement looking to the formation of a loyal State 
Association until the most vigorous efforts to redeem the exist- 
ing Societies had signally and hopelessly failed. We are now cast 
out of fellowship with the regular profession of this great coun- 
try, as represented in the American Medical Association and in 12 
the Medical Societies of other States. We must redeem the 
State of New York. There remains but one course to pur- 
sue, and that is to form an Association of our own. The bitter 
fight, the disgraceful spectacle of a contest between members 
of a devoted and honorable profession, are things of the past. 
The war is ended. Let us organize and live together in peace, 
working hand in hand for the advancement of the science of 
medicine. Let the men who are so blind or misguided as to 
think their course is right, or who cannot resist the temptation 
to take tribute from those who persist in supporting the 
enemies of truth and of our universal science of medicine, go 
their own way and consult on terms of equality with any and 
all legally qualified practitioners of medicine, whatever form of 
charlatanism they may assume ! 
I hope, Mr. Chairman, that a New York State Medical 
Association will be organized to-night, in affiliation with the 
regular profession of the United States ; that the existing 
County Societies whose membership is loyal will put themselves 
at once in affiliation with the new State Association ; and that, 
in Counties in which the existing Societies cannot be brought 
in bodily, new Associations will be promptly organized, to be 
composed exclusively of members of the profession who up- 
hold the National Code of Ethics. 
While holding to these views, I am cordially in favor of the 
resolution offered by Dr. Ferguson, simply in order that we 
may put ourselves on record in the State Society, as I believe,, 
for the last time. 
Dr. C. G. Bacon, of Oswego Co., was in favor of Dr. Fer- 
guson's resolution, and of continued efforts from year to year 
until success should be achieved. 
Dr. Ferguson, with the consent of Dr. Rochester, tem- 
porarily withdrew his resolution. 
Dr. Austin Flint, of New York Co., after stating that he 
thought it improbable that a two-thirds vote could be obtained 
in the State Society in favor of re-enacting the National Code of 
Ethics, and that consequently the time had arrived for the 
formation of a new State Association, introduced the following 
preamble and resolution : . 13 
The following facts and remarks are submitted as a preamble 
to a resolution : At the annual meeting of the Medical Society 
of the State of New York in 1881, a committee was appointed 
to present to the Society, at its next annual meeting, "sugges- 
tions" in regard to changes in the code of medical ethics.* 
Without having brought the subject to the attention of the 
medical profession throughout the State, by means of discus- 
sions in medical journals and local societies, this committee 
reported, not "suggestions," but a "New Code" of ethics as a 
substitute for the code which was adopted by the Society in 1850. 
A large part of the latter code was omitted in the new code, 
and a radical change as regards professional relations with irre- 
gular practitioners was introduced. This new code was adopted 
by a two-thirds vote, fifty-two voting in the affirmative and 
eighteen in the negative, the number of voters thus being 
seventy. It is at once evident that, under the circumstances, 
this number of voters could not be regarded as fairly represent- 
ing the sentiments of the Society ; and still less could it be con- 
sidered as representing the sentiments of the medical profession 
of the State. The Society, however, at that meeting, against 
the earnest solicitations of members who were present, refused 
to defer the action just stated. 
* The subject referred to was presented by the committee on the Pre- 
sident's address, on the second day, at the morning session, 1881, of the 
Medical Society of the State of New York. A part of the report of this 
committee is now quoted from the Transactions of 1881, p. 25. 
* * * "3d. Relating to such changes in the code of ethics of the 
State Society as shall bring it into harmony with the present and changed 
condition of the profession." 
" The Committee present that this suggestion of the President opens up 
an immense range of inquiry, and do not feel that it would be competent or 
prudent to make at this time any radical propositions, but the Committee 
offer the following resolution for the consideration of the Society : 
"Resolved, That a special Committee of Five be appointed by the Presi- 
dent, to be designated a ' Committee on the Code of Ethics,' whose duty it 
shall be to consider the whole question of desirable changes in the code, 
and who shall present to the Society, at the session of 1882, such sugges- 
tions on this subject as their observations and investigations may direct." 
< Signed, Alex. Hutchins, 
Harvey Jewett, 
Samuel Gr. Wolcott. 14 
This action of the Society was received with not less dis- 
approbation than surprise, and was deemed of such great 
importance that pains were taken to ascertain the opinions of 
members of the profession throughout the State. The State 
has been thoroughly and fairly canvassed; and the result shows 
a large majority in favor of upholding the code of ethics for 
which the "New Code" was substituted. 
The "New Code" in effect removes the barrier dividing mem- 
bers of the regular profession from irregular practitioners ; and, 
in this point of view, it is the sentiment of a large majority of 
the medical profession of the State, that the adoption of the 
"New Code" will prove greatly detrimental to the honor, the 
interests and the usefulness of the profession. 
An effect of the adoption of the "New Code" is the disfran- 
chisement of the Society from its affiliation with the American 
Medical Association and other associations at home and abroad. 
It is the sentiment of a large majority of the members of the 
medical profession of the State, that this effect is an evil of no 
small importance. 
Another effect, and an evil of great magnitude, is a division 
into two parties of the members of the State Society and of 
the medical profession of the State. This division actually 
exists; and it must continue if the action of the State Society be 
not reversed, inasmuch as disapproval of the action involves 
principles which carry with them moral obligations. 
The reversal of this action, two years having elapsed, has not 
been effected ; and, owing to the constitution of the member- 
ship of the State Society and the necessity for a two-thirds 
majority in order to secure this end, it does not seem prob- 
able that the action will be speedily rescinded. 
In view of the foregoing facts, an unavoidable conclusion is 
that, among the delegates and permanent members of the 
Medical Society of the State of New York, there cannot be 
the harmony and co-operation which are essential in order to 
carry out the objects of the Society, so long as an irrecon- 
ciliable conflict of opinion on such an important matter as 
medical ethics shall continue. The organization of a distinct 
State Association has become a necessity. 15 
A distinct association is demanded in order that a large 
majority of the members of the medical profession in the State 
of New York shall not be placed in a false position-disloyal 
to the National Code of Ethics. 
It is demanded, by a sense of respect in the minds of the 
majority of the members of the medical profession in the State, 
for the status of legitimate medicine. 
It is demanded by a due regard for the public good as de- 
pendent on the character and usefulness of the medical pro- 
fession. 
Justice, to the majority of the members of the medical pro- 
fession of the State in respect of the right to be represented by 
delegates in our National Medical Association, and in other 
associations, demands it. 
It is demanded as the only mode now available of securing to 
the majority of the members of the medical profession of the 
State the advantages of an association composed of members 
united by community of sentiment in matters relating to the 
honor, the interests, and the usefulness of our profession. 
Guided, therefore, by our convictions of duty, deploring the 
dissention which has been most unwisely and needlessly brought 
about in this State, appreciating fully the importance of the 
step to be taken, and regretting its necessity, be it 
Resolved: That the members of the medical profession of the 
State of New York, here convened, do now unite in forming an 
organization to be known as the New York State Medical 
Association. 
Dr. Frederick Hyde, of Cortland Co., said : 
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen-I rise to second the motion 
for the adoption of the preamble and resolution just offered by 
Dr. Flint, believing that the paper embodies most clearly the 
points which this representative body of the medical profession 
desires most earnestly to consider : 
First: Whether we shall continue our associate relations with 
the New York State Medical Society, since a minority of its 
members, under the shield of a two-thirds rule of a vote ob- 
tained in a meeting of the Society of a smaller attendance than 16 
had occurred for several years, repudiated and still continue to 
denounce the code of ethics adopted by the American Medical 
Association in 1847. 
Since the vote taken by the Society at its annual meeting in 
1883, repeating its repudiation of the Ethical Code of the 
American Medical Association, for myself I have seen but one 
safe, one honorable course to pursue, which is to organize a 
Voluntary State Medical Association. 
This course would continue our representation, as it formerly 
existed, in the American Medical Association, giving to us the 
full benefits of the united learning, wisdom, and labors of 
the whole medical profession, which is already national. 
Shall we join with the adherents of the so-called " New 
Code/' in severing our union with an organization which proved 
the opening of a new era in developing the power of associated 
action, as seen in the unification of the medical profession of 
the United States? 
The history of our National Society proves that the first 
words spoken or written upon the subject of its organization 
were within the Medical Society of the State of New York. 
When its organic structure was finished and it received its title, 
all its signers freely pledged their honor with a sacredness of 
purpose not always realized when acting under statutory enact- 
ments. 
We believe that in the councils of a united, properly 
educated medical profession is a fitter place for the correction 
of errors of plan, or revision of its ethical enactments, and the 
creation and maintenance of the standards of professional 
attainments, than in a seceded section, with a code so pliant as 
to permit the freest intercourse with all sorts of doctors, even 
within the sacredness of the council room of the sick, because 
the levelling process of statute enactments declares them legal 
practitioners. 
Is it not true that a large majority of the physicians of this 
State are unwilling to rest tamely under the imputation of 
carrying on a war against the united profession of the whole 
country, because it respects the ethics of the American Medical 
Association ? 17 
Why are some of the counties of our once united State Med- 
ical Society, embracing an important membership always punc- 
,tual and always influential, to be absent from its meeting to- 
morrow ? 
I can speak for the section of the State in which I have the 
honor to claim a professional home, that they are heartily tired 
of a contest which was brought upon them wrongfully. 
They are anxious to see, without more loss of time and con- 
tinual humiliation, a new State Voluntary Organization in har- 
mony with the parent Association and the avowed object and 
prestige of the New York State Society at its formation, with 
the added incentive to young men to become its fellows at 
once if worthy, instead of passing a probation which may ad- 
mit them when gray-headed, or still leave them vaguely 
expectant. 
We declare that a course of conduct which disintegrates the 
medical profession is wrong ; that it weakens the power of 
the profession to elevate itself by improved methods of con- 
ducting medical education, which to-day is the desideratum 
above all others. 
I ask you : Has not the time come for organizing a new 
voluntary Medical Association in the State of New York, on 
such a basis as will keep us in honorable alliance with the whole 
profession and redeem us from the charge of having seceded 
from the National Association ? 
Pardon me, gentlemen, for my attachment to the American 
Medical Association; as I had the honor of putting my 
signature to its constitution, by-laws, and code of ethics, on the 
day of its formation, and as I continue a permanent member up 
to this hour! 
Would that the spirit of our gathering to-night might visit 
the great number of our professional brethren who are waiting 
for the key-note of a United Profession ! 
Our words of greeting to them are, an undivided medical pro- 
fession on this continent under the folds of one flag ! 
Gentlemen-Let us, before this meeting adjourns, adopt pro- 
visional measures for the formation of a State Association of 
the Empire State, which shall restore it to its once proud posi- 18 
tion in an united medical profession in line with her sister 
States. 
But for the large, loyal permament membership of the Amer- 
ican Medical Association and the invincible purpose of the 
County Medical Societies of our State to be represented in the 
councils of the Association, our meeting to-night would not 
have been graced by the presence of the distinguished and re- 
nowned President of the American Medical Association, Dr. 
Austin Flint, Sen. 
While engaged in the deliberations of this evening, a crowd 
of hallowed memories are here, reminding us of our service of 
delightful fellowship in both the State and National Societies. 
These sacred associations speak thrillingly to us of duties we 
owe to our exalted profession, that its grandest mission may be 
achieved. 
Dr. E. M. Moore, of Monroe Co., said : 
Mr. Chairman-I cannot believe that the time has arrived for 
the formation of an association separated from the State Society. 
In a matter like this, impatience is a fault. We should bide the 
time which is necessary to have a full expression of opinion 
from the whole State. You have already polled the State and 
find those of our opinions in a large majority. I have ever a 
faith that questions before the people are decided rightly. If 
they are incorrectly determined to-day, the decision is not final. 
Consciousness of wrong will never allow the matter to remain 
undisturbed. Medical men in remote districts have not yet 
made their influence felt. Delegates are elected for four years 
and have often misrepresented their constituencies. We should 
be patient and try again and again until a sufficient time has 
elapsed to collect the correct opinion of the profession over the 
whole State. If we gain at the coming election an increase of 
votes as compared with the last one, my opinion is that we 
should renew our resolution for a vote the succeeding year and 
so on until there can be no question with reference to the status 
of the profession in the State. The right will in the end pre- 
vail over the wrong in this unhappy contest in the profession 
as it did in the great contest on the subject of slavery, which 
many of us remember. Gentlemen must recollect that New 19 
York City is not the State of New York. The facility for 
coming together in a great city has, I fear, precipitated hasty 
action. I am, therefore, Sir, in favor of postponing the organ- 
ization of the association until Wednesday morning, at which 
time we shall be better informed and therefore better prepared 
with reference to our future action. 
Dr. Gouley hoped that the preamble and resolution would 
be adopted to-night, and said that the object of such action is 
simply to save time ; that he had come to Albany to assist in 
the formation of the new association, and not to attend the 
meeting of the State Society; and that if no association is to be 
formed he would prefer to leave by the next train. If action is 
taken to-night, of course it will not be binding in the event of 
the re-enactment of the National Code; but of the failure to 
secure such re-enactment he felt that there is not the shadow of 
a doubt. If it is decided that we should all attend the meeting 
on Tuesday night, he would abide by this decision and go and 
repord his vote. 
Dr. Rochester remarked that he was very glad to think 
that there was a prospect of a medical association, which would 
be strictly voluntary without any hampering by State legislation. 
There might, however, be wisdom in considering what would be 
the effect of sundering one's connection with a County Society. 
In Erie County, it is necessary for all regular physicians to join 
the County Medical Society or to give early notice of their 
intention to do so. Otherwise, members of that society are not 
allowed to consult with them, and if they attempt to practice, 
the censors of the society are ordered to proceed against them, 
no matter where theii' diploma comes from or by whom coun- 
tersigned. It is also necessary for physicians to perfect their 
membership in the County Society before they can become 
members of the City Medical Association. Now the advocates 
of the "New Code" not only table all remonstrances addressed 
by the County Societies to the. State Society, but the Chair- 
man of the "New Code" Committee, Dr. Wey, of Elmira, 
pronounces all such petitions as rebellious ; says that all the 
County Societies must give in their adhesion to the "New 
Code," and in case they do not, advises the State Society to 
proceed against them for contumacy. Dr. Rochester said he 20 
had not much fear of the effect of such threatened proceed- 
ings, but thought it well to take their possibility into con- 
sideration. For his part, he should in future have very little 
to do with State or County Societies, and was entirely in 
favor of forming a New York State Medical Association. 
Dr. C. Gr. Pomeroy, of Wayne Co., would not consult with 
irregular practitioners, legalized or not, and favored action 
to-night. 
Dr. Ely Van de Warker, of Onondaga Co., said: 
Certain issues growing out of this contest in the State Society 
must be grappled fearlessly, for they are inevitable. Peace can 
never be restored. We know this to-night just as well as we shall 
know it Wednesday morning. We shall go into the contest in 
the State Society on Tuesday night simply for form's sake and 
without a hope that we shall reverse the policy of the Society; 
therefore I can see no reason to delay the preliminary form- 
ation of the new State Association. 
Another thing which appears to me just as certain to grow 
out of this division is this : unless the unscrupulous minority 
which controls the State Society is made up of brag and bluster, 
they must go on with the work. Their aggressive policy must 
extend to the County Societies. It is one thing, by the pre- 
ponderating influence of three great county organizations, to be 
able to control the State Society ; it will be another thing to 
invade each county medical society, and coerce them all into con- 
formity to the new order of things. To make the "New Code" 
the medical law of the land they must do this. To allow each 
county medical society to quietly exist with the code of the 
American Medical Association as a part of its organic law is to 
admit cowardice, defeat, and a cringing fear of the storm they 
have raised. To do less than this will make them the laugh- 
ing-stock of the world and an object of contempt of all right- 
thinking men. They cannot go back, the day of strife is yet 
before them, as they will find out, and they must meet it. For 
this, let us prepare, let us fore-arm, let us prepare here in this 
great central association and make a home for those county 
medical societies that will resist coercion! Here they can come 
and find comfort and protection. We owe them this protection, 
and we shall do less than our duty if we neglect the oppor- 
tunity. 21 
In reply to Dr. Moore, I must steal some of his thunder. It 
is a very grand idea that right will live down wrong, but if 
right is going to thus live and conquer, it must do so by moral 
weapons. It will not do to stand upon this theory and do 
nothing. He has spoken of the great anti-slavery contest as an 
instance in which a terrible wrong was lived down, as though 
some quiet and inscrutable force did this. But how was it 
done ? This survival of right over wrong was the result of men 
banding together in a great central association, bringing 
scattered forces to forces, and thus becoming a great moral 
power. The anti-slavery advocates did not attempt to advance 
their cause by sending delegates to the National Whig conven- 
tions or to the Democratic conventions, where they would have 
been treated with something like the bluster and bravado that 
has been measured out to us ; but they banded together and 
developed forces that in the end accomplished a great moral 
revolution. I have to thank Dr. Moore for an apt illustration. 
With our delegates in the old society we are powerless ; with a 
clear and undisputed majority of thousands scattered among 
the county societies, we have as yet been unable to do anything; 
but by cementing this great majority in a central organization 
and fusing together our scattered forces, we shall create a quiet 
but irresistible moral power that, as a final result, will conquer. 
To me it is evident that we must not postpone the organization 
of this association for a single hour. 
Dr. Flint, Jr., said : 
Mr. Chairman-I am opposed to any postponement of the 
provisional organization of a State Medical Association. I am 
discouraged and heart-sick to see a disposition on the part of 
any member of this convention to delay action. I have already 
seen defeat and disaster follow a policy of delay and the 
advocacy of temporizing measures. In my opinion, if we 
fail to make a provisional organization this evening, we are 
lost. The contest has already produced personal enmities that 
will never be healed and has broken up life-long friendships. 
As I stand before you now, I think I can hear the jeers and 
taunts with which we shall be greeted if it should occur that we 
separate to-night without forming our loyal organization. We 
have been told that the profession is not with us ; and we are 22 
now in convention for the purpose of making an emphatic de- 
nial of that charge. If any one present imagine that those 
who have captured the State Society will fail to carry out their 
purposes to the end, he cannot have appreciated the inexorable 
logic of past events. I, for one, shall never consent to remain 
in fellowship with those who are striving and will continue to 
strive to break down the barriers which have so long separated 
us from quacks. In the old Societies, these men will always be 
found, and they can never be repressed. The time has 
come, in my opinion, to inaugurate a new era of peace and 
good-will. This is now demanded by the majority of the pro- 
fession of the State and by our brethren in sister States and in 
the National Association. I am confident that we can best up- 
hold the honor and the legitimate interests of the profession by 
organizing, now and here, the New York State Medical Asso- 
ciation. 
Dr. W. P. Seymour, of Rensselaer Co., favored the pre- 
amble and resolution, the principles of which would eventually 
triumph. 
Dr. G. W. Cooke, of Ulster Co., was uncompromisingly in 
favor of immediate adoption of the preamble and resolution as 
the strongest protest that could be made against the position in 
which the State Society had been placed, and thought that 
action should be taken now or never. 
Dr. Ferguson spoke for the preample and resolution, and 
moved that they be adopted to-night, but that such adoption 
should be in force only in case the State Society shall fail on 
Tuesday evening to re-enact the National Code, otherwise the 
action to-night to be void. He also called attention to the fact 
that the formation of this Association does not debar any mem- 
ber from continuing his connection with the State Society, pro- 
vided his interests or the interests of the profession make such 
a continuation of membership or delegateship desirable. 
Dr. M. W. Townsend, of Genessee Co., moved that Dr. 
Flint's preamble and resolution be laid on the table until 
Wednesday. 
The motion to lay on the table resulted in a tie,-29 for, 29 
against. 23 
Dr. Gillis, of Franklin Co., thought no action should be 
taken until after an appeal to the State Society. 
Dr. J. C. Greene, President of the Erie Co. Medical Society. 
Mr. Chairman-The motion of Dr. Townsend to table the 
preamble and resolution of Dr. Flint meets with my hearty 
approval. As a member of the State Society from the County 
of Erie, and a representative of this County as its President, I 
am in favor of the resolution to table, for I think a great effort 
should be made to harmonize the existing factions in the pro- 
fession and put an end to all strife and disturbance. Although 
elected as a National Code man, I think precipitate action in 
this matter unwise and to be avoided. Now, from my stand- 
point, I can see only one method for us to adopt to-night, and 
it is to thoroughly canvass this question pro and con, but 
we should defer action until the vote has been taken in the 
State Society. I am sure my coustituents will expect my vote 
and my influence to be on the side of union and harmony, if 
such can be- obtained. It is to be hoped that the sense of pro- 
priety and a desire to be in affiliation with the American Med- 
ical Association and through it with the other State Societies, 
as well as the medical societies of the civilized world, will 
induce the advocates of the "New Code" to rescind the action of 
1882, and thereby restore the State Medical Society to its nor- 
mal relation with other societies, and thus give it back all its 
lost prestige and glory. 
Now sir,- if this result is obtained by to-morrow's vote, we 
shall have no use for Dr. Flint's preamble and resolution. 
Mr. Chairman : It has been said on this floor that we of the 
western portion of the State know very little of the obloquy 
that the advocates of the National Code have had to endure in 
the city of New York from some of the "New Code" adherents. 
We know that many of the gentlemen present have stood man- 
fully and endeavored by argument and persuasion to avert this 
great calamity that has overtaken our time-honored Society. We 
thank you for it, we honor you for the bold stand you have 
taken to uphold the dignity and honor of the profession. We 
have heard something, and read much, about the action of a 
few designing men who planned and carried into execution the 24 
demoralization of the Medical Society of the State of New 
York, by adopting what they term the "New Code," which 
really means no code. Now we wish to see for ourselves what 
the "New Code" men propose to do by their vote to-morrow.. 
If they still persist in their suicidal course as regards this 
great question at issue, and we are again out-voted, then I shall 
be in favor of Dr. Flint's preamble and resolution. 
Dr. D. Guernsey, of Dutchess Co., said : 
Mr. Chairman-Before the vote is again taken I desire to say 
a few words in favor of Dr. Flint's resolution. I am fully in 
accord with Dr. Moore, that if we can restore the National 
Code of Ethics this year, or the next, or in the next five years,, 
it would be unwise to form a new State Association. Do the facts 
warrant us in believing that this can be done ? Two years ago 
a minority of fifty-two members of the New York State Med- 
ical Society, although constituting at the time a two-thirds 
majority of the members present, abolished the National Code 
of Medical Ethics, and adopted the "New Code"; this, to say the 
least, was a great surprise to riiost of the members of the Society 
who uphold the National Code, as it was supposed that no. 
change would be made that would in the least impair the spirit 
or effectiveness of the National Code. They were urged to de- 
lay action until a full expression of the views and wishes of the 
Society could be obtained. This they refused; and the "New 
Code" was adopted, as I have stated. No one for a momen't 
believes-they do not believe it themselves-that if full notice 
had been given that at that meeting they were about to adopt 
a "New Code" of ethics differing so widely from the one under 
which the Society had so long flourished and grown up to its 
present position of honor and usefulness, they could have ob- 
tained the necessary two-thirds vote. A careful canvass of the 
delegates and members of the Society shows that at present there- 
are 193 members for the National Code, and 134 for the " New 
Code" and 19 for No Code. With such figures, I do not believe 
that we can restore the National Code. I am willing, if thought 
best, to make one more effort, and then, having placed our- 
selves on record, I do not think it wise to keep up the fight, 
year after year. We are opposed to the "New Code." We are in 
favor of the National Code. Let us form ah association of our- 25 
own, send delegates to the American Medical Association, and 
place ourselves again in line with our medical brethren through- 
out the Union. 
Dr. Gouley urged speedy action, because, he said, there is 
not the least chance that the National Code of Ethics will be 
re-enacted by the Medical Society of the State of New York as 
long as a two-thirds majority is required. There is not a two- 
thirds majority ; and he did not believe such a majority could 
be obtained in five years or more. Besides, even if the National- 
Code party were to prevail, it would be impossible for the two 
parties to work harmoniously together; there could never be 
that peace and good. fellowship which are so much to be de- 
sired in all medical societies. These two parties cannot 
now, and probably never will agree. The best course, there- 
fore, to be pursued, is for them to part. Let us then have an 
association of our own, and leave others to do as they please 
with the State Society. 
Those who uphold the National Code have an unquestionable 
right to form one or many associations in affiliation with the 
National and State Associations. The sooner they do so the 
better for the honor of the profession and for the cultivation 
and advancement of the science of medicine. He was sorry to 
be obliged to disagree with his honored friend, Dr. Moore, for 
he did not think that the present formation of an association 
could justly be characterized as a hasty action. The National- 
Code party has had two years to reflect upon the course to be 
taken. This party has been defeated during two sessions of 
the State Society, and it will this yeai* meet with the same fate. 
All have carefully considered the question ; and if they are not 
now prepared to take final action they never will be and might 
as well give up the idea of forming the association if the pre- 
liminary steps to that end be not immediately taken. In con- 
clusion, he said, " I fervently hope, Mr. Chairman, that Dr. 
Flint's preamble and resolution will be adopted to-night; and I 
have the honor to call upon you to close the discussion." 
In closing the debate, the Chairman, Dr. Didama, earnestly 
advocated the action proposed by Dr. Flint. No harm, he 
thought, could come from forming our organization to- 26 
night. We can go to the State Society, enter our protest 
against the unfair and. clandestine action of 1882, and ask that 
the National Code be restored. If, by some unexpected im- 
pulse of good judgment and kindly feeling, our appeal shall be 
heeded, then this association may be discontinued. But if the 
minority should persist in trampling on our rights-as we all 
believe they may-then, if we are men respecting ourselves and 
■deserving the respect of our constituents, we shall re-assemble 
on Wednesday morning and end the fruitless and disgraceful 
wrangle of the past two years by finishing the good work we 
have so well begun this evening. 
The motion to lay on the table was renewed and lost by 
a. rising vote of 21 for tabling and 34 against. 
Dr. Flint's preamble and resolution, with the limitation as to 
the time of enforcement as provided in the resolution offered by 
Dr. Ferguson, was then adopted ; the vote, on motion of Dr. 
Rochester, being declared unanimous. 
Dr. T. B. Reynolds, of Saratoga Co., offered the following: 
Resolved: That the objects of this Association shall be the 
cultivation and advancement of the science of medicine. 
Carried unanimously. 
Dr. Gouley then addressed the Chairman as follows : 
I wish to offer a resolution relating to a plan of organization, 
prepared some weeks ago, because many of us have, for some- 
time, been of opinion that the formation of a new association 
had become a necessity. This plan has been submitted to about 
twenty members, who have given it their entire approval and 
have advised its presentation to-night. 
Resolved: That the following plan of organization be adopted : 
1st. To facilitate the transaction of business, such as the selec- 
tion of committees, the annual election of officers and of new 
members, etc., the State shall be divided into five geographical 
districts, to be called respectively, the 1st, or Northern District; 
the 2d, or Eastern District; the 3d, or Central District; the 4th, 
•or Western District; and the 5th, or Southern District. 
These districts shall comprise the sixty counties of the State, 
.arranged as follows : 27 
FIRST, OR NORTHERN DISTRICT. 
Clinton, 30; Essex, 22; Franklin, 16; Hamilton, -; 
Herkimer, 29; Jefferson, 30; Lewis, 14; Oneida, 58; 
•Oswego, 22; St. Lawrence, 13; Warren, 18. Total, 252 
SECOND, OR EASTERN DISTRICT. 
Albany, 39; Columbia, 15; Fulton, 9; Greene, 24; 
Montgomery, 16; Rensselaer, 74; Saratoga, 40; Sche- 
nectady, 10; Schoharie, 16; Washington, 12. Total, 255 
THIRD, OR CENTRAL DISTRICT. 
Broome, 31; Cayuga, 25; Chemung, 30; Chenango, 
40; Cortland, 23; Delaware, 20; Madison, 21; Onon- 
daga, 65; Otsego, 22; Schuyler, 16; Seneca, 22; Tioga, 
19; Tompkins, 15. Total, 349 
FOURTH, OR WESTERN DISTRICT. 
Allegany, 15; Cattaraugus, 14; Chautauqua, 29; 
Erie, 120; Genessee, 16; Livingston, 15; Monroe, 49; 
Niagara, 28; Ontario, 30; Orleans, 18; Steuben, 18; 
Wayne, 27; Wyoming, 14; Yates, 11. Total, 404 
FIFTH, OR SOUTHERN DISTRICT. 
Dutchess, 46; Kings, 249; New York, 783; Orange, 
$0; Putnam, 9; Queens, 41; Richmond, 13; Rock- 
land, 14; Suffolk, 22; Sullivan, 20; Ulster, 23; West- 
chester, 47.* Total, 1287 
Grand Total, 2547 
Note.* The figures following each County show the number of those in 
that County, whose applications for fellowship the Council is now author- 
ized to act upon, if they are forthwith sent as required in the printed form. 28 
2d. A Nominating Committee shall be created, to consist of 
two members from each of the above-named districts-elected 
by the representatives of each district-and one appointed at 
large by the Chair. In all eleven members. 
3d. The Nominating Committee shall name, subject to the 
approval of the Association, a President and four Vice-Presi- 
dents-these five officers to come each from one of the five dis- 
tricts,-a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary and 
a Treasurer. 
In addition, said Committee shall name two members from 
each district, who, together with the titular officers and one 
member appointed at large by the President-elect, shall con- 
stitute the Council, which shall manage the affairs of the 
Association. 
The Nominating Committee shall suggest the time and place 
for holding the next session of the Association. 
4th. The Council shall complete the organization, prepare a 
constitution and by-laws, in accord with this plan, to be pre- 
sented at the next meeting of the Association, and file articles 
incorporating the New York State Medical Association and 
also County Associations as branches of said New York State 
Medical Association. The Council shall also assist the Presi- 
dent in securing scientific contributions. 
5th. In case no meeting of this Association be held prior to 
May, 1884, the Council shall appoint delegates to the National 
Association and to State Societies. 
6th. The Council shall fill such vacancies as may occur in its 
body during the current year, except in the office of President 
and Vice-President. 
7th. Ten members of the Council shall constitute a quoruip.. 
8th. The initiation fee shall be five dollars, and the annual 
dues, three dollars. 
9th. The code of ethics, which shall form an integral part of 
the by-laws of this Association, shall be as follows : 
The same as that adopted by the American Medical Asso- 
ciation. 
10th. The Association shall hold annually one session, which 
shall last three days or more. 
The above plan of organization was adopted unanimously. 29 
By Dr. Ferguson : 
Resolved: That all physicians in the State of New York who 
are in good standing in the present county societies, and who 
subscribe to the code of ethics of this Association, can become 
members thereof upon paying the initiation fee and signing the 
■constitution and by-laws. 
Carried unanimously. 
By Dr. Rochester : 
Resolved: That all questions relating to the admission of new 
members, prior to the permanent organization, shall be decided 
by the Council. 
Carried unanimously. 
By Dr. Hyde : 
Resolved: That, after the formation of new County Asso- 
■ciations as branches of this Association, the members of said 
County Associations may become members of the State Asso- 
ciation by paying the initiation fee and signing the constitution 
and by-laws. 
Carried unanimously. 
Dr. Ferguson then re-introduced his resolution concerning 
the attendance at the session of the State Society on. Thurs- 
day evening for protest against the present code, and for the 
support of the National Code. Carried unanimously. 
The convention adjourned at 11.30 P. M., to meet at 9 
A. M., Wednesday, February 6th.* 
* As agreed on Monday, the members and delegates attended the meeting 
of the State Society on Tuesday night. The resolution of Dr. Didama was 
renewed by Dr. Moore, Dr. Didama being absent. 
"Resolved, That all action taken at the annual meeting of 1882, in re- 
gard to changing the code of ethics be repealed, leaving the code to stand 
as it was before such action was taken." 
Dr. T. F. Rochester, of Buffalo, moved the adoption of this resolution; 
and, in making the motion, he said : I do it with the hope of restoring the 
unity, harmony and good feeling of the proudest society in the Union. I 
hope that the remonstrances which have been sent in from the County Med- 
ical Societies will not simply be tabled and no attention paid to them. That 
was done last year. I think that perhaps we all have given way too much 
to our personal feelings. I think that on both sides party-ties have been 
stronger than they should be and not in the interests of harmony. We 
■should try to do what is best for the profession at large. I believe that 30 
there is a very strong feeling in the profession against the existence of the 
so-called "New Code" of Ethics. If we go back to the time of its adoptionr 
we find that when it was passed there were only seventy members present. 
Nevertheless it was legally passed. 
At Cleveland, last year, the attempt was made to do what should have 
been done before the State Society took the position of seceding from the 
American Medical Association. The question as to whether any modi- 
fication of the by-laws was necessary should have been brought before the 
American Medical Association. An attempt was made in that direction 
last year; but the motion would not be entertained for a moment, because 
this Society was in a state of rebellion. I do not believe that such a motion 
will be entertained so long as the "New Code" prevails ; but I do believe that 
if this Code should be repealed and the National Code restored, the mem- 
bers of this Society could bring the matter before the American Medical 
Association, and it would be received and acted upon. 
Dr. Didama then entered the hall and made some remarks in advocacy of 
the resolution, in the interest of harmony, and for the good of the profession. 
He appealed to the sober second thought of the members and to their desire 
for the restoration of friendly intercourse. He sketched the peaceful con- 
dition of the Society prior to the unfortunate action of 1882. We looked 
forward to our annual meetings as to family reunions. We met as personal 
friends, we discussed scientific questions without acrimony, we gathered 
joyfully about the festive board, we parted reluctantly as brothers. The 
memory of our meeting did us good throughout the year. Now all this is 
changed. Angry altercation has taken the place of friendly debate ; the 
Society is divided into two or three warring factions; and dissention has 
been established which may extend to a rupture of the Society and the 
conversion of old-time friends into permanent enemies. You all know the 
cause of this estrangement and bitterness. Two years ago, a committee 
of the Society, appointed solely to make suggestions regarding the 
Code of Ethics, took it upon themselves to report an entirely "New Code." 
This code was adopted. The news of its adoption was received by the pro- 
fession generally with surprise and indignation. The indignation was 
increased when it came to be known that the meeting consisted of but 
seventy persons ; that many of these had been informed of the proposed 
report of the committee, and invited to be present, while the great 
mass of the profession had not been notified ; and that the "New Code " was 
forced through, the majority refusing to refer the matter to the American 
Medical Association, or to leave it open for examination by the Society until 
its next meeting. 
They refused to postpone action even for a single night. 
Forty of the sixty County Societies in the State hastened to record their 
disapproval of the action of the State Society, and to demand a repeal of the 
"New Code." 
They sent protests to our meeting last year. Their petitions were 
spurned. The assertion was made that the County meetings were packed. 31 
and that the real sentiment of the profession was largely in favor of the 
"New Code" or of no code at all. 
To-day we are able to show, by the answers in the handwriting of the 
profession, that the adherents of the " New Code" form a minority in the 
State Society, and only about one-fifth of the five thousand regular phy- 
sicians in the State. 
And now, gentlemen who favor the "New Code" or no code, what do 
you propose to do ? Can you afford to hold a position which the profession 
generally, in the State and out of the State, think you gained unfairly and 
by a sort of snap-judgment ? You know that there has never been a mo- 
ment since the meeting in 1882 when you could have repealed the National 
Code. 
A few of you have discussed the question unceasingly in newspapers and 
medical journals and "symposia "; but you have not shaken the integrity of 
the profession. You still remain in a minority; you misrepresent the 
Society and the profession, and you know it. 
You have brought the State Society into disrepute with our medical 
brethren throughout the Union and throughout all English-speaking 
countries. 
To the extent of your power you have disfranchised us in a great National 
Association to which we are strongly attached. To the extent of your 
ability you have cut us off from affiliation with our medical brethren 
throughout the world. 
By persistence in a course, which we of the majority regard as un- 
friendly, unfair and anti-republican, you have broken many a tie of friend- 
ship, and have brought this Society to the very verge of a permanent 
rupture. K 
And what great compensation have you gained for all the evil your 
course has wrought ? 
You have stricken from the National Code the truthful statement that we 
do not regard certain irregular practitioners as fit persons to meet us in con- 
sultation ; while you are ready to admit, one and all of you, that you hold 
the principles and the practice of these very irregulars in the utmost con- 
tempt. This, and this only is your exceeding great reward ! 
And now, in closing, I make a final appeal to the justice and magnanimi- 
ty of this Society. 
I call upon the minority to consent to a restoration of the status existing 
prior to the meeting of 1882. 
Then, if we choose, we can have a fair and friendly discussion of the 
subject on its merits. 
Then we can carry our grievances, if we have any, to the American 
Medical Association and seek redress there. Let us bury the hatchet for- 
ever. Let the fires of friendship be rekindled. Let us rejoin hands in our 
efforts to uphold and advance the one only science of medicine-a science- 
with which the interests of humanity are indissolubly connected. 32 
The answer to these appeals for harmony and fair play was made by Dr. 
D. B. St. John Roosa, the spokesman of the opposition. It was character- 
istic. It had no one word indicating a desire for union or an intention to 
relinquish a control surreptitiously obtained. It was appropriately fol- 
lowed by a solid vote of the combined "New Code" and no code factions 
not to recede from their course of unwisdom and injustice. 
Thus the last spark of hope for redress was extinguished in the breasts of 
the National Code party, and they went forward to complete their organ- 
ization. 33 
The New York State Medical Association met in ad- 
journed session, at 9 A.M., Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1884. 
Dr. Ward, the Secretary, being absent, Dr. E. D. Fer- 
guson was appointed to act as Secretary. 
The minutes of the first meeting were read and approved, 
after Dr. Hyde had been allowed to make a correction in the 
resolution offered by him in relation to the membership of the 
Association. 
Dr. Gouley moved that the Council, when elected, be au- 
thorized to prepare the minutes for publication and for circula- 
tion among the loyal physicians of the State. Carried. 
The members from the five districts then met in separate 
portions of the room, and, after consultation, presented the 
following list of names as the Nominating Committee, Dr. 
Flint, Sr., being appointed at large by the Chair. 
1st District-Dr. Ira H. Abell, Antwerp, Jefferson Co.; 
Dr. L. C. Dodge, Rouse's Point, Clinton Co. 
2d District-Dr. T. B. Reynolds, Saratoga Springs, Sara- 
toga Co.; Dr. Thomas Wilson, Claverack, Columbia Co. 
3d District-Dr. A. D. Head, Syracuse, Onondaga Co.; Dr. 
Caleb Green, Homer, Cortland Co. 
4th District-Dr. Darwin Colvin, Clyde, Wayne Co.; Dr. 
Thos. F. Rochester, Buffalo, Erie Co. 
5th District-Dr. D. Guernsey, Amenia, Dutchess Co.; Dr. 
J. W. S. Gouley, New York City and Co. 
The Nominating Committee then retired into another room. 
Dr. H. 0. Jewett asked for information concerning the 
relation of this Association to the County societies. 
The subject was informally discussed, and no action at pre- 
sent was favored, though the formation of County organiz- 
ations in affiliation with this Association was considered desir- 
able, and that, at a proper time, such measures should be taken 
as might be necessary. 
Dr. Flint, Jr., tendered the hospitalities of New York City 
for the next meeting of the Association. 34 
Dr. C. S. Wood, of New York County, offered a resolution 
that the invitation of Dr. Flint be accepted. Carried. 
An informal expression of opinion was then requested as to 
the proper time for the next meeting of the Association, and 
finally a poll was taken of those who had preference as to the 
time of such meeting, which resulted in twenty-two favoring 
the third Tuesday in November ; nine the first Tuesday in 
February, and one at some time just before the next meeting 
of the American Medical Association. 
Upon motion of Dr. Flint, Jr., the third Tuesday in Nov- 
ember of this year was appointed as the time for the next meet- 
ing of the Association. 
The report of the Nominating Committee, now in order, 
was read. 
Report of the Nominating Committee. 
The Nominating Committee organized by electing Dr. Thos. 
F. Rochester, of Erie Co., Chairman, and Dr. Caleb Green, of 
Cortland Co., Secretary. The Committee then proceeded to 
the nomination of the following officers : 
For President-Dr. H. D. Didama, Onondaga Co., 3d Dis- 
trict. 
For 1st District Vice-President-Dr. J. M. Crawe, Jeffer- 
son Co. 
For 2d District Vice-President-Dr. Tabor B. Reynolds, 
Saratoga Co. 
For l{.th District Vice-President-Dr. B. L. Hovey, Monroe 
Co. 
For 5th District Vice-President-Dr. N. C. Husted, West- 
chester Co. 
For Recording Secretary-Dr. Caleb Green, Cortland Co. 
For Corresponding Secretary-Dr. E. D. Ferguson, Renss- 
laer Co. 
For Treasurer-Dr. John H. Hinton, New York Co. 
For Councilors-1st Dist.-Dr. John P. Gray, Oneida Co.; 
Dr. Conant Sawyer, Essex Co. 
2d. Dist.-Dr. J. W. Moore, Albany Co.; Dr. Thomas 
Wilson, Columbia Co. 35 
3d Dist.-Dr. Frederick Hyde, Cortland Co.; Dr. Ely 
Van De Warker, Onondaga Co. 
4th Dist.-Dr. E. M. Moore, Monroe Co.; Dr. M. W. Town- 
send, Genesee Co. 
5th Dist.-Dr. E. R. Squibb, Kings Co.; Dr. A. Flint, 
Jr., New York Co. 
On motion of Dr. E. M. Moore, the report of the Nominat- 
ing Committee was accepted, and was then adopted unani- 
mously. 
Dr. Didama, after thanking the Association for the honor 
conferred, appointed Dr. J. W. S. Gouley as member of the 
Council at large. 
Dr. A. D. Head moved that a committee be appointed by 
the Chair to prepare a proper form of certificate of fellowship 
and an appropriate seal for the Association. Carried 
Dr. Ferguson moved that the Council be authorized to re- 
ceive new members. Carried. 
Dr. Van de Warker moved that a Committee of three be 
appointed to secure the co-operation of a medical journal in 
sympathy with the wishes and interests of this Association. 
Carried, and referred to the Council for the appointment of 
such committee. 
Dr. H. B. Allen moved that the Corresponding Secretary 
be directed to furnish blank applications for fellowship. Car- 
ried. 
A meeting of the Council was directed to be called imme- 
diately after the adjournment of the Association. 
The Association then adjourned to meet in New York City 
on the third Tuesday in November, 1884. 
E. D. Ferguson, Acting Secretary. 
The following was presented by the Secretary for the signa- 
ture of the members present; and authority was given to add 
the names of absent members and delegates and others who 
may wish to join as founders of the Association. 
The undersigned agree to unite in the foundation of the 
New York State Medical Association, in accordance with the 
resolutions which were adopted on Monday the 4th and Wed- 
nesday the 6th of February, 1884. 36 
FIRST OR NORTHERN DISTRICT. 
Clinton Co.- 
W. N. Coit, Champlain. 
L. C. Dodge, Rouse's Point. 
E. M. Lyon, Plattsburgh. 
Essex Co.- 
Lyman Barton, Willsborough. 
E. F. Edgerly, Moriah Centre. 
Conant Sawyer, Au Sable 
Forks. 
Franklin Co.- 
Wm. Gillis, Fort Covington. 
Hamilton Co.- 
Herkimer Co.- 
Jefferson Co.- 
Ira H. Abell, Antwerp. 
J. Mortimer Crawe, Water- 
town. 
Chas. M. Johnson, Water- 
town. 
Lewis Co.- 
Oneida Co.- 
John P. Gray, Utica. 
H. N. Porter, NewYork Mills. 
Oswego Co.-• 
St. Lawrence Co.- 
Warren Co.- 
M. R. Peck, Glens Palls. 37 
SECOND OR EASTERN DISTRICT. 
Albany Co.- 
Theo. P. Bailey, Albany. 
J. W. Moore, Cohoes. 
S. Peters, Cohoes. 
R. H. Sabin, West Troy. 
W. B. Sabin, West Troy. 
Columbia Co.- 
Thos. Wilson, Claverack. 
Fulton Co.- 
Isaac De Zouche, Gloversville. 
Greene Co.- 
Montgomery Co.- 
Alexander Ayres, Port Plain. 
W. H. Robb, Amsterdam. 
Rensselear Co.- 
Chs. S. Allen, Greenbush. 
M. H. Burton, Troy. 
Chs. H. Burbeck, Troy. 
W. N. Bonesteel, Troy. 
W. S. Cooper, Troy. 
E. D. Ferguson, Troy. 
Wm. Finder, Troy. 
J. C. Hannon, Hoosick Falls. 
J. B. Harvie, Troy. 
H. E. Mitchell, Troy. 
W. H. Nichols, W. Sand Lake. 
C. E. Nichols, Troy. 
Z. Rousseau, Troy. 
W. Wotkyus Seymour, Troy. 
Saratoga Co.- 
M. N. Babcock, Saratoga 
Springs. 
Geo. F. Comstock, Saratoga 
Springs. 
C. E. Creal, Saratoga Springs. 
C. S. Grant, Saratoga Springs. 
Wm. Hodgman, Saratoga 
Springs. 
J. H. Lancashire, Saratoga 
Springs. 
Robt. E. McEwen, Saratoga 
Springs. 
Tabor B. Reynolds, Saratoga 
Springs. 
Schenectady Co.- 
S. G. De La Mater, Duanes- 
burgh. 
Schoharie Co.- 
Washington Co.- 38 
THIRD OR CENTRAL DISTRICT. 
Broome Co.- 
J. H. Chittenden, Bingham- 
ton. 
J. G. Orton, Binghamton. 
F. W. Putnam, Binghamton. 
C. B. Richards, Binghamton. 
Cayuga Co.- 
C. F. Macdonald, Auburn. 
Chemung Co.- 
Chenango Co.- 
Geo. W. Avery, Norwich. 
Cortland Co.- 
Caleb Green, Homer 
Frederick Hyde, Cortland. 
H. C. Hendrick, McGrawville. 
H. 0. Jewett, Cortland. 
Delaware Co.- 
Madison Co.- 
Onondaga Co.- 
Henry B. Allen, Baldwinsville. 
A. J. Dallas, Syracuse. 
H. D. Didama, Syracuse. 
G. W. Earll, Skaneateles. 
Henry L. Elsner, Syracuse. 
A. D. Head, Syracuse. 
Jonathan Kneeland, S. Onon- 
daga. 
Israel Parsons, Marcellus. 
L. C. Skinner, Bellelsle. 
J. 0. Slocum, Camillus. 
Ely Van De Warker, Syracuse. 
Otsego Co.- 
J. K. Leaning, Fly Creek. 
Schuyler Co.- 
Seneca Co.- 
E. J. Schoonmaker, Magee's 
Corners. 
E. Lester, Seneca Falls. 
Tioga Co.- 
Tompkins Co.- 
J. E. Beers, Danby. 
Wm. Fitch, Dryden. 39 
FOURTH OR WESTERN DISTRICT. 
Allegany Co.- 
Cattaraugus Co.- 
Chautauqua Co.- 
Edw. Ames, Sherman. 
Wm. Chace, Mayville. 
H. J. Dean, Brocton. 
Thos. D. Strong, Westfield. 
Erie Co.- 
J. B. Andrews, Buffalo. 
John Cronyn, Buffalo. 
C. C. F. Gay, Buffalo. 
Joseph C. Greene, Buffalo. 
F. F. Hoyer, Tonawanda. 
Thos. E. Rochester, Buffalo. 
Wm. Ring, Buffalo. 
W. S. Tremame, Buffalo. 
C. C. Wyckoff, Buffalo. 
Genessee Co.- 
J. R. Cotes, Batavia. 
A. P. Jackson, Oakfield. 
W. B. Sprague, Pavilion. 
M. W. Townsend, Bergen. 
Livingston Co.- 
John W. Gray, Avon. 
Monroe Co.- 
B. L. Hovey, Rochester. 
E. M. Moore, Rochester. 
R. C. Reynolds, Pittsford. 
Niagara Co.- 
Ontario Co.- 
F. R. Bentley, Cheshire. 
H. W. Nichols, Canandaigua. 
Jos. T. Smith, Canandaigua. 
E.W. Simmons, Canandaigua. 
Orleans Co.- 
H. C. Tompkins, Knowlesville. 
Jas. Chapman, Medina. 
Steuben Co.- 
Wayne Co.- 
J. N. Arnold, Clyde. 
Darwin Colvin, Clyde. 
C. G. Pomeroy, Newark. 
Wyoming Co.- 
Yates Co.- 40 
FIFTH OR SOUTHERN DISTRICT. 
Dutchess Co.- 
J. D. Leroy, Poughkeepsie. 
J. G. Porteous, Poughkeepsie.. 
H. R. Powell, Poughkeepsie- 
M. T. Pultz, Stanfordville. 
Henry Slack, Fishkill-on- 
Hudson. 
C. N. Campbell, Poughkeep- 
sie. 
G. H. Codding, Amenia. 
Wm. Cramer, Poughkeepsie. 
Desault Guernsey, Amenia. 
C. M. Kittridge, Fishkill-on- 
Hudson. 
Kings Co.- 
Geo. W. Baker, Brooklyn. 
Joseph C. Hutchinson, Brook- 
lyn. 
J. D. Rushmore, Brooklyn. 
Avery Segur, Brooklyn. 
E. H. Squibb, Brooklyn. 
E. R. Squibb, Brooklyn. 
R. M. Wyckoff, Boooklyn- 
New York Co.- 
John G. Adams, 
Nathan Bozeman, 
Allen S. Church, 
E. M. Cameron, 
W. S. Conover, 
Wm. Detmold, 
F. S. Dennis. 
Abram Dubois, 
Austin Flint, 
Austin Flint, Jr., 
W. H. Flint, 
J. W. S. Gouley, 
J. H. Hinton, 
Samuel T. Hubbard, 
Frank H. Hamilton, 
Abbott Hodgman, 
E. G. Janeway, 
E. A. Judson, 
Chs. A. Leale, 
Jared Linsly, 
Wm. T. Lusk, 
S. W. B. McLeod,. 
Thos. H. Manley. 
H. D. Nicoll, 
S. S. Purple, 
Lewis A. Sayre, 
L. H. Sayre, 
Isaac E. Taylor, 
T. Gaillard Thomas. 
Carlos P. Tucker, 
Chs. S. Ward, 
Chs. S. Wood, 
Whitman V. White, 
Wm. T. White, 
Joseph Wiener, 
W. H. Welch, 
Wm. Young, 41 
Orange Co.- 
J. H. Thompson, Goshen. 
Putnam Co.- 
G. W. Murdock, Cold Spring. 
Queens Co.- 
John Davidson, Hampstead. 
Richmond Co.- 
Alfred L. Carroll, New Brigh- 
ton. 
F. N. Johnston, New Brigh- 
ton. 
Rockland Co.- 
Wm. Govan, Stony Point. 
Suffolk Co.- 
W. D. Woodend, Huntington. 
Sullivan Co.- 
Ulster Co.- 
G. W. Cooke, Kingston. 
Aug. Huhne, Kingston. 
E. McKenzie, Port Ewen. 
Westchester Co.- 
I. G. Collins, Sing Sing. 
N. C. Husted, Tarrytown. 
Wm. C. Pry er, New Rochelle- 
Total number of founders, 168. 42 
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL. 
The Council met immediately after, the adjournment of the 
Association. Dr. Didama in the Chair, and Dr. Caleb Green 
acting as Secretary. 
Present-Drs. Didama, Reynolds, Husted, Hinton, Fer- 
guson, Green, Van De Warker, Flint, Jr., Townsend, Sawyer, 
E. M. Moore, Wilson, Hyde and Gouley. 
On motion, the Chairman appointed Drs. A. Flint, Jr., 
J. W. S. Gouley and N. C. Husted as a Special Committee on 
the preparation of a Constitution and By-Laws for the Asso- 
ciation, with instructions to report to the Council at its next 
meeting. 
Dr. E. D. Ferguson was appointed a Committee, associat- 
ing with himself three or four other members, to prepare and 
file Articles of Incorporation of the Association. Dr. Ferguson 
was also appointed as a Committee to prepare, print, and issue 
a circular and blank application for membership. 
It was moved and seconded that the members of the Council, 
residing in each of the five districts, shall constitute, in such 
district, a committee on new members, and that all applica- 
tions for membership shall be forwarded to any member of the 
Council in the district where the applicants reside. 
Carried. 
Moved and seconded that each member of the Council be, 
and is hereby, requested to solicit scientific contributions for 
the next meeting of the Association, and ask the authors to 
send the title of their papers to the Corresponding Secretary 
early in September next. 
Carried. 
It was moved by Dr. Van De Warker, and seconded, that 
each fellow, who may wish to read a paper to the Association, 
print a synopsis thereof for distribution to the fellows at the 
next meeting. Carried. 
Dr. A. Flint, Jr., Dr. Van De Warker and Dr. Gouley were, 
on motion, appointed a committee to secure the co-operation 
of a medical journal in sympathy with the wishes and interests 
of this Association. 43 
On motion, the Secretaries and Dr. Gouley were appointed 
a Committee on Publication, with instructions to prepare the 
proceedings of the present session of the Association and of the 
Council for immediate and extended distribution. 
On motion of Dr. Van De Warker, it was resolved that 
the members of this Association shall be designated Fellows. 
Carried. 
Dr. E. M. Moore, Dr. A. Flint, Jr., and the Treasurer, Dr. 
J. H. Hinton, were appointed a committee to prepare a seal 
for the use of the Association, and also a form of certificate of 
fellowship. 
It was resolved that the next meeting of the Council should 
take place in the City of Washington, D. C., at the time of the 
meeting of the American Medical Association in May next. 
The Council then adjourned to meet in Washington. 
Caleb Green, Recording Secretary. 
Notice.-Those who may desire to be appointed delegates to the 
American Medical Association are requested to communicate with the 
Corresponding Secretary, Dr. E. D. Ferguson, Troy, Rensselaer Co., 
without delay. 
Dr. Squibb, of Kings Co., being prevented by other pressing engage- 
ments from acting as a member of the Council, the vacancy has been filled 
by the appointment of Dr. Jos. C. Hutchison, of Kings Co.