ADDRESS 
DELIVERED BY 
THE PRESIDENT 
OF THE 
F. H. 0RME.M.D., 
AT THE SESSION ON ITS FORTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY, 
HELD AT SARATOGA SPRINGS, 
JUNE 27 to JULY 1, 
1887. 
WITH AN APPENDIX OF BRIEF NOTES OF THE 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION. 
W. H. SCOTT, PRINTER, ATLANTA, GA. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMIEOFATHV. 
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
DELIVERED AT SARATOGA SPRINGS, JUNE 27, 1887. 
F. H. OH ME, M. D., ATLANTA, GA. 
Members of the American Institute of Homoeopatiiy: 
Our Earth has borne us once again around our Sun, and 
once again our Institute has come to this delightful ren- 
dezvous—where all things worked so well one year ago. 
I should be worse than graceless were I to allow one 
moment to pass on this occasion without referring to your 
generous action with regard to myself at your last meeting. 
Prostrated by an illness that deprived me of the pleasure 
I had so fondly anticipated, of taking my Institute friends 
by the hand, I was reflecting upon my deprivation when 
the surprising intelligence was flashed to me by your direc- 
tion, that you had elected me to the most exalted position, 
in my view, in the medical world—that in which I now 
appear before you. It was medicine by telegraph you sent 
me, and well it did its intended work; it cheered, it com- 
forted, it inspired and strengthened me: It cheered me to 
know that I was not forgotten in my illness and enforced 
absence; it comforted me to find that I had such friends, 
with such confidence in me, and a desire to show it; it 
inspired me with a feeling of gratitude and with a determ- 
ination to do my utmost to make this year of our noble 
Institute, in which I have had the pleasure of twenty-eight 2 
years of membership, the best, if possible, in its history; 
it strengthened and encouraged me to be assured that I 
should have the support, in my efforts, of a worthy body 
of men and women, such as forget not friends during 
absence—and now it is a supreme gratification to me to be 
able to stand before you, to meet you face to face, and to 
tell you, with earnest soul, that the honor you have done 
me, and the kindness you have shown to me, shall never, 
never be forgotten. 
The imperious shadow which has darkened the doorways 
of so many private circles during the past year, has 
appeared also at the portals of our Institute, and has beck- 
oned away some of our truest and best—some of our most 
loved and cherished. Your necrologist will give the roll 
of these, with proper notice of each—but there has passed 
from among us one who should receive more than the 
ordinary mention—for he was not an ordinary, but a pre- 
eminent man: When we were compelled to yield up Dr. 
Alvan Edmund Small, we felt that we were suffering an 
inestimable loss. He was an early member of the Insti- 
tute, one of its presidents, a “Senior” and a veteran. He 
was an early and a late teacher as a professor, and an early 
and a late author of works that will live long after him. 
He was honored in many ways, and he wore his honors, as 
he performed his duties, well. The world would be better 
for the life of more of such men, as it is better for his. 
We may “emulate his virtues,” which were many, and 
which we knew, but we may not be called upon to “avoid 
his vices,” for if such there were, we knew them not. 
We cannot forbear mingling our sorrows as we meet 
together and miss our old and good friends and comrades 
who have labored long and faithfully with us—but, as in 
other fields in the battle of life, when our ranks are broken 
we must close up, even if with saddened hearts, and 
press on. 
THE PROGRESS OF HOMCEOPATHY 
during the past year has not only been satisfactory, but 
cheering. It will scarcely be necessary, however, to refer 3 
to this in detail. The twenty six journals of our school 
that visit your tables, laden with the best that the litera- 
ture of the profession affords, have acquainted you with 
this. Your bureau of organization, registration and sta- 
tistics will present you with statistics showing our growth, 
and the number and importance of our institutions. 
SIGNS OF PROGRESS. 
In eighteen hundred and twenty-five there were in the 
United States probably about ten thousand physicians, ail 
told. There are now probably about eighty thousand non- 
homoeopathic physicians, an increase of eight fold. 
In the same year, eighteen hundred and twenty-five, 
appeared in the person of Dr. Gram, the first convert from 
old medicine to homoeopathy, in America. Now there are 
about ten thousand homoeopathic physicians in this country 
—an increase of ten thousand fold ! 
At this rate of increase, how long will it require for 
homoeopathy, instead of “dying out,” to become the 
majority school ? Would it not have already become so, 
if the old school had not adopted so much from the new 
method, and modified its own ? 
Forty years ago we had no colleges or other institutions. 
Now we have thirteen flourishing colleges, with many 
hundreds of matriculates and graduates annually. We 
have a large number of hospitals, asylums, dispensaries, 
pharmacies, etc., and perhaps one hundred and fifty socie- 
ties, the number of all of which is constantly increasing. 
The attempt to ignore such progress and such strength 
is indeed like “ kicking against the pricks.” 
But these figures do not fairly represent our progress. 
It is not enough to consider that the number of our prac- 
titioners has increased in a marvelous degree during the 
past forty years, and that all of our institutions have 
sprung up within this time, but we must also take note of 
the wonderful mitigations in the severities of old school 
practice, which we all claim have been largely due to the 
influence of our school. We may also claim, with pride 4 
and pleasure, that we have contributed largely to the 
improvement of the therapeutic methods of “old physic” 
—albeit these contributions have too often been appropri- 
ated without thanks, or even acknowledgement of their 
source. 
It is no honor to prominent teachers of another school 
that, while they have endeavored to belittle our art, pre- 
tending that we have contributed little to the general store 
of medical knowledge, they have made large and import- 
ant drafts upon our improved therapeutics—presenting 
them as original discoveries. The distinguished physi- 
cians referred to are well, very well known to us all. 
Some men have been immortalized by their genius, some 
by their folly, some by their research and knowledge, and 
some by their audacious plagiarisms. 
The increasing general respect shown to our system, 
with the larger share of official positions held by members 
of our school, are not among the least of the evidences of 
the progress we are making; while the large bequests and 
contributions, state and private, for the establishment and 
endowment of hospitals and asylums, to be under homoeo- 
pathic administrations, show appreciation of the merits of 
our method of practice, and are certainly encouraging. 
That the dominant school has failed to obtain the desired 
control of medical legislation in many of the states, is 
another indication of the strength of our influence. 
The wonderful progress of the new school in this country 
as compared with that in Europe, is due in large degree to 
our freedom from the military domination which prevails 
there. With us, that succeeds which appears reasonable, 
and can show its superiority; while there, if a new method 
does not chance to meet with the approval of the medical 
department of the military system—which controls all 
such matters—no quarter is likely to be shown. We 
should therefore jealously guard our birthright, and not 
allow a military dictatorship in our more civil government. 
Our committee on medical legislation will look to this. 
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and we should 5 
not fail in this while there are those who would wrest from 
us our rights. 
In connection with a review of the progress of homoeo- 
pathy, and in order to show the various changes of ground 
which its opponents have been forced, from time to time, 
to make, it may not be uninteresting to take a brief retro- 
spect, so that we may compare the past with the present: 
THE ERA OF THE CHARGE OF “FALLACY.” 
In the early days of homoeopathy it was looked at 
askance. It was new, therefore it was suspicious. It 
opposed existing theories and practice, therefore it was a 
fallacy. Being such, although not investigated, it was not 
to be tolerated. Those who adopted it were simply to be 
tabooed. Its practitioners, however thoroughly accom- 
plished as physicians and as gentlemen, were now to be 
excluded from professional recognition and denied the 
courtesies and assistance of those who had been their pro- 
fessional brethren. Feeling became amazingly bitter. 
Epithets were used with regard to those who accepted the 
new “ heresy ” that were neither professional nor polite, 
that we can afford to forgive, and that need not be repeated 
here. But it must not be forgotten that it was this 
unseemly and unprofessional ostracism on the part of the 
majority that forced the minority, for their own protection 
and improvement, to form associations of their own, and 
thus to become known as a sect. Let the responsibility 
for this division in the profession, if evil it be, rest where 
it properly belongs. 
But time and experience brought more sober reflection, 
and some of the wiser heads remember, upon being 
reminded of the fact by other wiser heads, not only in the 
profession, but among the laity, that the exclusion of 
brethren on account of fallacy, real or supposed, was itself 
a demonstrated error—that attempts of this kind had been 
made from the most ancient times, not only in medicine, 
but in religion as well, and that disaster had generally 
attended such blunders. It was recalled that we have no 6 
infallible and authorized censors in these matters, and that 
the assumption of such right, in a liberal age, was insuf- 
ferable. Examples were shown to be not infrequent of 
the fact that those who assumed to be in possession of all 
knowledge were lamentably ignorant, and it was made 
manifest that what was, at one time, declared to be heret- 
ical and monstrous, was, at another time, accepted as 
demonstrated truth. Besides, it had to be admitted that 
people even have a right to adopt and entertain fallacies 
until these can be overcome by argument and enlighten- 
ment—not by coercion. 
So this cry of “fallacy” ceased—but not the prejudice. 
Some other pretext must be devised for holding off the 
erring brethren. Then came 
THE ERA OF THE CRY OF “EXCLUSIVISM.” 
It was asserted with regard to those who accepted the 
doctrine of sirnilia, similibus curantur—whatever else they 
might know or believe—that they “practiced upon an 
exclusive dogma, to the rejection of the aids actually 
furnished by experience, and by the sciences of anatomy, 
physiology, chemistry, etc.,” and on this account were 
unworthy of professional fellowship. A vain attempt 
again! As our colleges and our journals increased in 
number and in strength, it was found to be impossible to 
maintain this position—for was it not daily and constantly 
proved that all of the branches of medicine and surgery 
that were ever taught in any colleges or journals, were as 
thoroughly taught and as fully insisted upon in these? 
Was not the charge simply a slander? 
So, with a position thus untenable, the era of the cry of 
“ exclusivism ” was not of long duration. The leaders of 
the prejudiced opposition must make another shift, how- 
ever, and show some other reason for refusing to extend 
that courtesy and to render that assistance which common- 
sense and humanity sometimes demanded—and then was 
coined the charge, if possible, more futile still, that homaeo- 
pathists were 7 
“trading upon a name,” 
and therefore must be denied the benefits of 
Not being experts as controversialists, it did not at first 
occur to them that there was involved in this imputation 
the important admission that this “name” had grown so 
potent that numbers sought its shade and its advantage— 
that it had not died, and was not “dying out! ” 
The era of an aspersion so illogical, so puerile, as well 
as so devoid of truth—so slanderous and so dishonorable 
to its utterers, could, of course, not be of long continu- 
ance, and so we have passed on to the era—even the pres- 
ent era—of the charge, the dreadful, heinous charge of 
“ SECTARIANISM ! ” 
Those who have, under one pretext or another, and 
after one misrepresentation or another, held that homoeo- 
pathists should not be regarded as regular physicians, and 
fit persons with whom to consult, finding that the despised 
heretics would not die in accordance with their prophecies, 
aud could not be obliterated by being ostracised and 
maligned—but that they rather grew in strength, popu- 
larity and importance, notwithstanding all this unprofes- 
sional opposition—and that loss was suffered by refusing 
consultation with them—resolved upon another change of 
attitude: In order to make a show of reason for a still 
hostile position and at the same time invite a surrender by 
the erring party, it was at last, and is now declared, that 
opposition is not made to us upon the former scores, but 
that our offense is that we are a sect,, and have a sectarian 
name—averring that we may practice what we please if we 
will only give up our odious distinctive title. 
"Let us, then, since we are fairly confronted with this 
last ground of complaint, consider to what degree of 
attention it is really entitled: 
Is it really so sinful to be a sectarian—especially when 
the formation of the sect was a necessity, as has been 
shown, from the improper action of the complaining major- 
ity? Is there not, somehow, a sect called “regulars” or 8 
“ allopathists,” as well as one called homoeopathists ? And 
might not “regular” be considered a good name to trade 
upon ? Have not sects existed, and to the advantage and 
progress of civilization, since the earliest times of which 
we have any history? Does it not seem as though we 
owe nearly all the advancement that has been made in 
religion, science, art, politics and medicine, to the work 
that has been done by sects or schools? Where should 
we be but for them and their enthusiastic labors? We 
read in Josephus that “the sect called Christians is not 
extinct unto this day,” and the term sectarian has, long 
since, ceased to be really a term of reproach—has lost all 
its terrors in the view of liberal minds. 
The fundamental law of our land, the Constitution of 
the United States, properly secures the right of its people 
to assemble together in bodies, as sectarians, if they 
choose—for it is one of the natural, inalienable rights of 
those who hold peculiar views, especially when persecuted, 
to unite themselves together for their common objects and 
their common good. Sectarianism, of which all history is 
full, should rather be encouraged than suppressed—the 
people being benefitted, if parties suffer, and it is a marked 
evidence of weakness in the opposition that the best point 
they can make against us is the pitiful one that we bear a 
special name—when we have a reason for it that is so 
good. 
Let us then be a sect, if we must, and continue to ad- 
vance the cause of medical science, as we have done ; but 
let us not be factious, as have been some of our prejudiced 
opponents. Let us be a liberal sect, working in our own 
sphere, holding the even tenor of our way, while we treat 
with respect, and wish God-speed to all other sects who 
think they can do better work by laboring honestly upon 
other lines—and let us use no undignified or unbecoming 
epithets. 
Who can estimate the loss to medical science, especially 
in the departments of materia medica and therapeutics, if 
the work of homoeopathists, as a sect, could be stricken 9 
from the record? We may be a sect, striving in our own 
way for the advancement of the profession that we love so 
well—but we need not be a faction, obstructing others, 
defaming others, bringing reproach upon us all, and retard- 
ing general progress. We should be liberal, as our Insti- 
tute is liberal—tolerating a variety of views upon various 
subjects. 
We surely may, as a body, lay just claim to being lib- 
eral. While united upon similia, we embrace some who are 
regarded by other some as entertaining vagaries of woeful 
tendencies. We include the “high” and the “low,” the 
dynamizationist and the strict materialist; those who think 
we should adhere to the ideas and teachings of a “ master ” 
of half a century ago, and those who think we should 
keep abreast of the tenets and teachings of more modern 
times, using the measures of any and every school when 
available; and I do not know but we may even tolerate a 
few who are disposed to think that we might now afford to 
yield to the seductive wooing of the other side, and dis- 
pense with our characteristic title ! 
Yes, homoeopathists of all phazes of thought are welcome 
under the canopy of our Institute. The homceopathist 
who cannot find himself in congenial companionship here, 
must be a victim of some misapprehension, have some 
fancied grievance, or be of so faultfinding a nature as to 
have no just claim upon our attention. 
While we are a sect, in a proper sense, and from the 
necessity of the case, we are not a sect in an evil sense, or 
from a desire to be separate from the general profession of 
which we are a part—any more than is the allopathic 
branch, which can be called regular only as a distinguish- 
ing designation, and not on account of any essential regu- 
larity in its method of practice. 
That it is reprehensible to be a member of a sect, per se, 
is a preposterous proposition. 
Notwithstanding all the affectation of holy horror upon 
the subject, it is not a sin, it is not a crime, it is not a vice, 
to be one of a sect united in an honorable cause. Specialization is in accordance with the laws of develop- 
ment and of progress, and a liberal profession should not 
unreasonably oppose the formation or existence of as 
many sects or schools as can be found to do good work, 
but all of these should be regarded as parts of one brother- 
hood—all alike laboring for the common benefit of 
humanity. 
The profession being divided into schools, and the dis- 
tinctions being known, however imperfectly, it is only fair 
and honorable that each member should allow the com- 
munity to know with which branch of the profession he is 
aligned, that persons may select or avoid, as they choose. 
But the era of the charge of sectarianism—a charge that 
is weak in itself, and that accomplishes no purpos’e, must 
soon pass—indeed is passing—and we now see the dawn of 
THE ERA OF TOLERATION, 
when we may look for more of common sense, more of 
courtesy, and more of consistency. It is coming to be 
realized that, while there may, and probably from the 
nature of things, must be sects, there can still be common 
respect and co-operation. We can see the foreshadowing 
of a better day in the tone of some of the leading men of 
the old school, who, with more wisdom than some of their 
confreres, recognize the true situation. That liberal, and 
sensible, and even kind words are used toward us by rep- 
resentatives of a school which was wont to treat us only 
with contumely, is a harbinger of a better time coming. 
As illustrations of the character of expressions referred to, 
may be given the following: 
The New England Medical Monthly published last year 
a communication from Professor Romaine Curtis, of the 
the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons, on 
“Rational Medicine and Homoeopathy in Relation to 
Medical Ethics,” which closes with these paragraphs: 
“To conclude, it is impossible at present to indicate the 
grounds for reconciliation between these pathies from the 
scientific basis of coming medical practice, but I have no 11 
doubt that there will be such a reconciliation, and good 
grounds for it. 
“The medical profession are well acquainted with the 
new code, which assumes that ethics among gentlemen 
needs no particular definition, and includes a feature deny- 
ing that it is a penal offence to hold a consultation with a 
homoeopath. 
“Nearly all the criticisms of this code show a most pro- 
found ignorance of homoeopathy, and regular medicine as 
well. The man who thinks there is more science and less 
art in one or the other is only a man ignorant of the status 
of rationalism in medicine as well as its scientific possi- 
bilities. Persecution has made homoeopathy rich, and kept 
not a few of its professional rivals poor. Itpa)'s in no 
possible way to persecute or pretend to ignore homoeopathy, 
or to say that it is a system of charlatanry. Even if this 
were true, it would not pay to say so, and it pays less be- 
cause it is not true. The often repeated assertion that ‘a 
physician to be a homoeopath must be first either a knave 
or a fool’ has no foundation in fact, and has been worth its 
millions to the homoeopathic profession. The system is 
old enough now to live on its merits, and free consultations 
and free intercourse and common medical societies will put 
homoeopathy on its merits, and advance the cause and 
science of medicine and its much doctored ethics.” 
And the Pacific Record of Medicine and Pharmacy shows 
wisdom by giving the finishing touch to an editorial in the 
following well-tempered suggestions: 
“We are of the old school, educated in the strictest 
interpretation of its dogmas, and for nearly half a century 
have obeyed its dictum, but. perhaps, ‘the sunset of life 
gives us mystical lore,’ and we realize how much more is 
to be gained by a courteous acquiesence in something we 
cannot help than an unsuccessful contest against the inev- 
itable. Let us modify our code—let us extend to mem- 
bers of other schools, if not the hand c.f fellowship and 
communion, at least the olive branch of peace, and recog- 
nize them as followers of Him ‘ who came to heal the 
sick.’” 
These sentiments come to.us from the two extremes of 
our broad land. 
Others are coming to, upon the same line, and we have 
only to continue on in our dignified and consistent course 12 
to secure the respect of the most obdurate of the oppo- 
sition. 
And now, what response are we to make to the over- 
tures of the liberal and progressive members of the old 
school—that large, growing and respectable portion who 
adhere to the ethics of the “new code?” A very simple 
one: 
Your new code is our old code—the code of the Golden 
Rule—the code of common sense and of humanity—the 
code we have held to and have been controlled by, all the 
while. Our Institute defines the term regular physician as 
“ a graduate of a regularly chartered medical college. The 
term also applies to one practicing the healing art in 
accordance with the laws of the country in which he 
resides.” Any one thus belonging to the profession is in 
duty bound to respond to calls for assistance from any 
medical brother, or from patients who may wish his counsel 
in connection with another physician—and he has not a 
right to decline on the pretext that he is of a different 
school. The medical profession has long been divided into 
schools—probably always will be—the laws of the land 
recognize it as one thus divided ; but it should not be 
divided in purpose, nor should its members fail to answer, 
with alacrity, calls to co-operate in the interest of suffering 
fellow-beings. Whatever our differences may be, or what- 
ever alignments we may choose to make, let us all remem- 
ber the object of our art, and let us all, eschewing bicker- 
ings, so act as to uphold the dignity and honor of our pro- 
fession, and thus command the respect of the world at 
large. 
Hommopathists, then, having no thought of relinquish- 
ing their distinctive title, under present conditions, 
WHAT IS THE TRUE BASIS OF HARMONY ? 
First, the Golden Rule ; second, the acceptance, by the 
profession at large, of the definition adopted by the 
American Institute of Homoeopathy, of the term, “ regu- 
lar physician ; ” third, the recognition and co-operation of 13 
members of different schools, under the above conditions. 
These three articles constitute the basis, and the only sound 
basis, for the future harmonization of the medical pro- 
fession. 
The duty of making suggestions is one which I shall 
allow to rest but lightly upon me. There are, however, 
several recommendations which seem called for, and which 
it would show a remissness to omit: 
All along through the controversy concerning homceo- 
pathy, charges which are entirely in conflict with the truth 
have been made against those represented by this national 
body. These have been repeated from the chairs of med- 
ical professors, through medical journals, by the general 
press, and trom mouth to ear among the laity. Our 
journals have not so general a circulation, and our personal 
denials and disproofs of these unjust aspersions cannot 
reach so far—so that, with many, the misrepresentations 
of the enemy have passed unchallenged, and with some it 
is not even known that the false statements referred to 
have met with the repeated and emphatic refutations which 
they have received. In view of these and other facts, I 
recommend the adoption by the Institute of a declaration 
or resolutions in effect as follows: 
Resolved, ist, That the American Institute of Homoeo- 
pathy adheres, as it has always done, to its object, as de- 
clared by its founders in the first article of its Constitution, 
namely: “the improvement of homoeopathic therapeutics, 
and all other departments of medical science,” and that it 
is proud of its achievements up to this time. 
2d, That the imputations cast upon the character and 
intelligence of the early hommopathists (who were con- 
verts from the old school practice), by many of the pro- 
fession, were the result of ignorance and prejudice, were 
unprofessional and unworthy of the members of a scientific 
and liberal profession. 
3d, That the charge made at a later date by the Amer- 
ican Medical Association that members of the homoeopathic 
school “practiced upon an exclusive dogma, to the rejec- tion of the aids furnished by experience, and by the 
sciences of anatomy, chemistry, physiology, etc.,” is 
absolutely devoid of foundation in fact. 
4th, That the still later charge by some of the profes- 
sion (the above having been demonstrated to be unten- 
able), that homieopathists “ trade upon a name,” is not 
only a slurring attempt to check a winning cause, but is a 
positive calumny. 
5 th, That the most recent and present position of a por- 
tion of the medical profession, that homoeopathists are 
blameworthy for consorting under a denominational name, 
thus constituting a “sect,” is a flimsy pretext, and an 
insufficient excuse for refusing to extend to them the usual 
courtesies of the profession. 
6th, That the responsibility for the division of the pro- 
fession into schools, as far as homieopathists are concerned, 
rests upon those who, by an illiberal and unprofessional 
course—refusing to examine into the doctrines of the new 
school, and aspersing and ostracising its followers—ren- 
dered the closer association of these latter a necessity. 
7th, That there is no demerit in belonging to a sect, 
provided it be engaged in a good cause, and its methods be 
tempered with liberality; and that it will be expedient for 
homoeopathists to continue to be a sect until their work 
shall have been accomplished, in securing a proper con- 
sideration of the doctrine of similia, similibus curantur. 
8th, That inasmuch as the position of the homoeopathic 
school has been largely misrepresented, all fair-minded 
editors of medical and other journals are requested to give 
space in their pages for these resolutions. 
INTERNATIONAL MEETING. 
From your delegates you will learn of the successful and 
interesting International Congress of homoeopathists at 
Basle, in Switzerland, last August. Our country was 
honored by being selected as that in which the next quin- 
quennial meeting shall be held. While it is perhaps too 
early for us, as a body, to make any arrangements con- 15 
Cerning this meeting, which will probably be held in con- 
nection with the session of our Institute, it may be well for 
us, as individuals, to consider about means for making the 
next the grandest of all of our international gatherings. 
INTERNATIONAL HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPIEIA. 
At the meeting referred to, among other excellent 
papers presented, was one by Mr. John M. Wyburn, F. C. 
S., of London. It was important, as it discussed a subject 
upon which this Institute should, in my judgment, take 
action, namely, “the need of an International Pharma- 
copoeia.” The argument in that paper is complete, and 
need not be enlarged here. We claim to have a system 
which is a refinement in medicine, and we should aim at 
exactness and uniformity. That homceopathists of all 
countries should have a uniform standard for the prepara- 
tion of their medicines, goes without saying. I content 
myself, therefore, with an emphatic recommendation that 
the committee of this Institute upon a Homoeopathic Phar- 
macopoeia be instructed to co-operate with similar com- 
mittees of homoeopathic societies of other nationalities in 
the production of a pharmacopoeia that shall be regarded 
as an authoritative and standard work. 
It may be questioned whether we have availed ourselves, 
as we should have done, of the results of the original 
researches of our bureau of pharmacology. This work has 
been in the right direction, and should be prosecuted 
further. We have much valueless material among our 
treasures, and the work of elimination should proceed. 
The demonstration of the fact that the principal vehicle 
for our triturations is often found to contain more foreign 
medicinal material than it is possible there could be of the 
substance triturated in some of the attenuations, should 
certainly awaken more attention than it has done ; and 
every care should be observed in securing vehicles for our 
triturations and dilutions that are as near to absolute 
purity as is possible. 
PRECISION IN MEDICATION. 16 
It is by reviewing our own work, and correcting our own 
errors that we shall not only make real progress, but that 
we shall secure the respect of the scientific world. 
We, as a school, claiming to have a more definite and 
accurate method in prescribing, should aim at the utmost 
degree of precision as regards our materia medica and ther- 
apeutic appliances. On this account we should prove 
carefully, repeatedly, scientifically—under test conditions— 
and hold fast to that which is good. We have many 
articles that we know to be good, and we should learn 
further of their qualities—avoiding a waste of time upon 
questionable substances. Hahnemann’s words should be 
well considered when he says (Organon, §122), “No other 
medicines should be employed (in provings) except such 
as are perfectly well known, and of whose purity, genuine- 
ness and energy we are thoroughly assured.” 
Let us build further and more securely upon founda- 
tions already laid, and not allow ourselves to be enticed too 
far into the proving of new and perhaps valueless or un- 
needed materials. Unless an article promises to be useful 
in spheres in which we require new remedies, let us give 
what time we have to spare to improving our knowledge 
of the full value of, say, fifty or one hundred of our best 
remedies. It is probable that this number will cover, as 
far as we are able to cover, the needs of our profession, 
and “more is vain where less will suffice.” 
Already the gardens, the fields, the mountains, the 
plains, the seas, and even the bowels of the earth have 
been explored with a view to discover drugs to prove, until 
we have listed over one thousand substances which are 
called medicines. Some of these are of such a character 
that to name them would be indelicate, to think of them 
disagreeable, to administer or to take them, revolting. 
The profession suffers from a knowledge that such mate- 
rials are included in our medical armamentarium. Let us 
cease researches in such directions, and rather apply our- 
selves to the work of expurgation. 
We are all aware that there is a limit to human capabil- 17 
ity, and that it is beyond the capacity of the most com- 
prehensive intellect to compass a knowledge of the full 
value of one-tenth the number of medicines advertised by 
our pharmacies. I am moved, therefore, to suggest to our 
bureau of materia medica that it might be well to take up 
the subject of determining, by such methods as may be 
devised, upon a certain number of the most valuable rem- 
edies we have, in order that study may be chiefly confined 
to them. We suffer now from an embarrassment of 
wealth; the student is confused. We have scattered too 
much, and we should now combine and concentrate. Our 
state and other societies should co-operate with our bureau 
of materia medica, and our standing committee upon drug 
provings. We may then expect good and trustworthy 
results—such as we may point to with pride. 
In connection with this subject of precision in our work, 
a suggestion to our standing committees on “pharmacy” and 
“drug provings” may not be amiss, to the affect that it 
might be well to consider anew the best forms of medic- 
inal substances for provings and for use—recommending, 
when other things are equal, or nearly so, those prepara- 
tions which are most stable and of definite strength. 
When our early provings were made, our devoted pioneers 
had not the chemical preparations of the active principles 
of medicines which we now have. We should improve 
with the progress of science. A grain of sulphate of 
morphia is the same definite quantity of medicine the 
world over. It is not so with a grain of opium or twenty- 
five drops of laudanum. A grain of santonine also repre- 
sents a definite amount of medicinal power, while it is not 
so with a given number of drops of cina. 
Chemical compounds have much advantage in the qual- 
ity of definiteness, and among these we have many of our 
best and most trustworthy remedies. 
Tinctures and powders are known to be variable in 
strength, even under the most careful gathering and pre- 
paration, and these differences are multiplied indefinitely 
in the attenuations. We should overcome every element 18 
of inexactness as speedily as possible, and it may be well 
to consider if the fluid extracts, reduced to a definite 
degree of medicinal strength, may not be better prepara- 
tions, in some cases, than the tinctures. 
This Institute, in conjunction with the British Homoeo- 
pathic Society, has commenced, and been for several years 
engaged in, the good work of securing precision in the 
matter of provings, under an admirable scheme, approved 
by both associations; and all work in the line of provings 
should be in accordance with the instructions laid down by 
the two bodies which have undertaken the editing and 
issue of the Cyclopaedia of Drug Pathogenesy. 
It is manifest that the Institute is committed to this 
work, which has an editor and consultative committeemen 
from each of the nationalities immediately concerned in 
the undertaking, and that it is in honor bound to continue 
its financial support of the Cyclopoedia, as resolved last 
year, to the end. 
The cyclopaedia of drug pathogenesy, 
OUR INSTITUTE. 
And now, in closing, a word with regard to our grand 
old organization—the oldest national medical association 
in our country—the largest homoeopathic society in the 
world. May we not justly feel proud as we take a retro- 
spect of its history, or as we view its present condition 
and prospects ? Are our hearts not stirred as we think of 
the noble men who founded it when courage was required 
for the undertaking—who counseled together and who 
fostered it through many trials and discouragements ? 
May we not take pride in the long range of its annual 
volumes of transactions, with their many valuable papers 
and discussions, showing original work and research of a 
high order ? May we not feel gratification as we consider 
the quality of its membership, past and present? Would 
we not be glad to have the world look in upon us to-day ? 
And while we thus pardonably, as we believe, exult (in our 
own house) in our past history and our encouraging con- dition, let us resolve upon still better things. Let us 
gather certainly and regularly at these meetings, bringing 
our own contributions, and being benefitted by those of 
others; let us cultivate fraternal feelings; and let us, at 
every gathering, beside doing good work for the cause of 
medicine and humanity, have a genuine love-feast! MEMORANDA OF PROCEEDINGS 
OF THE 
AMERICAN INSTITUTE 01; H0MCE0EATHY 
On its Fortieth Session and Forty-fourth Anniversary. 
Condensed from reports in the Saratoga papers. 
On Monday evening, June 27th, the meeting was called to order 
by President F. H. Orme. 
Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Joseph Carey. 
Dr. S. J. Pearsal, Chairman of the Local Committee, then wel- 
comed the Institute. He said : 
‘‘ Mr. President—I was much pleased one year ago to welcome this 
Society to our beautiful village, and I am more than gratified to think 
that you thought so well of our accommodations as to return to us 
the second time. In addition to the privileges that we had last year, 
we have the monument at Scliuylerville in remembrance of the sur- 
render of Burgoyne in the revolutionary times, one of the decisive 
battles for our American independence. We not only welcome you 
twice or thrice, but as many times as you are willing to come to our 
world-famed health resort.” [Applause.] 
President Orme, in response, said: “We know your hospitality. 
Our Institute has shown the best evidence of its appreciation by re- 
turning to your beautiful place, and by throwing itself again into 
the broad arms of your glorious Grand Union. We accept your 
welcome, knowing it to be cordial; we shall abide with you for our 
pleasure and our profit, and shall depart with deepened impressions 
of the delights of Saratoga Springs.” 
The address of the President was then delivered. 
On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered the President for his 
able and interesting address. 
Vice-President Wright then appointed as a committee to take 
into consideration the recommendations of the President’s address, 
Drs. W. T. Helmuth, G. A. Hall and B. W. James. 
Dr. E. M. Kellogg, of New York city, who has been Treasurer for 
twenty-one years, presented his report: 
Balance on hand, $340.21 ; receipts, $2,275 50 ; total receipts, 
$3,715.71; expenses, $3,209.63; balance on hand, $506.08. As recipient of the subscriptions to the Cyclopaedia of Drug Patho- 
genesy, Dr. Kellogg said that he had received $730.75 of this amount 
and he had expended for part fourth $225.55 and $279.18 for part 
fifth, leaving a balance to the credit of the Cyclopaedia fund of $96.32. 
On motion the report was accepted and referred to the following 
committee: D. S. Smith, Chicago; J. H. McClelland, Pittsburgh, 
and H. Packard, Boston. 
Dr. Burgher read the report of the Executive Committee in refer- 
ence to a number of important changes necessitated by the sectional 
plan. Among these subsequently acted on and adopted are the fol- 
lowing, proper changes having been made in the by-laws: 
That all papers presented in each section, together with the dis- 
cussion thereon, shall be referred to the Committee on Publication. 
That the President shall appoint the chairman of all bureaus for 
the ensuing year, and shall announce all such appointments no later 
than the Thursday morning session. 
That section 14 of article 7 shall not apply to sectional meetings, 
but for this session each section may adopt rules governing its own 
papers and discussions. 
The report of the Bureau of Organization, Registration and Sta- 
tistics was then taken up. The first paper was by the Chairman, T. 
Franklin Smith, New York. 
Number of medical societies reporting, 123; number of medical 
societies not reporting, 27; number of national societies, 5; num- 
ber of sectional societies, 2; number of State societies, 31 ; number 
of local societies, 112; number of hospitals, houses, etc., reporting, 
43; number of hospitals and houses not reporting, 14; the hospitals 
report a bed capacity of 4,239; whole number of patients treated, 
13,862; number cured, 5,935; number relieved, 4,471 ; number died, 
910, showing the very low mortality of 1 5-10 per cent.; number of 
dispensaries reporting, 34; number of dispensaries not reporting, 
12; number of patients treated therein, 142,629; number of pre- 
scriptions, 376,886; number of colleges reporting, 14; number of 
students, 1,171; number of graduates during the past year, 372; 
number of alumni, 7,732; number of journals, 24. 
The Bureau also recommended that it should be the duty of the 
Bureau to prepare, during the coming year, a complete list of all 
those who have been members of the Institute since its organization, 
and their relations to it. 
Other facts of interest, showing the progress of honueopathy, 
were presented. 
The report, together with the recommendations, was adopted, and 
Dr. Smith was requested to remain in charge of the Bureau for the 
next year. 
Dr. Strong announced that he had nearly finished the indexing of 
the reports of the Institute. He said he had all but six of the earlier 
volumes, and he relied upon the older members for those. 22 
Dr. Kinne moved that the matter of indexing the reports be re- 
ferred to the Publication Committee, they to recommend as to its 
expediency during the present session. 
Dr. Coburn, of the Local Committee, stated that the members 
wearing the badges would be admitled to the Springs free. The fares 
for the round trip to Mt. McGregor and the Schuvlerville monument 
have been reduced. 
A large number of reports were then made from societies, hos- 
pitals. etc., all interesting and all showing satisfactory progress. 
TUESDAY, JUNE 28. 
The attendance was largely increased. 
I)r. Peck moved that when members of the Institute were sup- 
plied with postal cards by directory publishers, they be requested 
to respond. Their true position in the profession will be given, 
and they will not be classed as quacks, as they are liable to be if 
they make no reply. After discussion the motion was carried. 
The Board of Censors then presented a large number of names 
of applicants for membership. 
President Orme stated.that if any member knew of any blemish 
in the character or standing of any applicant, it is his duty to pro- 
test against the election of the same. 
On motion of Dr. Kinne, the Board of Censors was instructed to 
post the applications where they can be seen by the members. 
Dr. Allen moved that new applicants present be extended the 
freedom of the floor for debate until the evening session. Carried. 
The report of the Committee on Drug Provings was taken up. 
Dr. Sherman, of Milwaukee, was first speaker. He said that as 
the chairman of the-committee was not present, there was no gen- 
eral report. Instead, however, he had a list of provings which he 
submitted. Three drugs had been proved by twelve provers. Re- 
ferred to the Publication Committee. Dr. Martin Deschere was ap 
pointed on the committee in place of E. M. Hale, whose time ex- 
pires. 
The report of the Committee on Pharmacy was then made by the 
Chairman, C. W. Butler, of Montclair, N. J. The experiments have 
been made in regard to the physical properties and the pathogenesy 
of drugs. The provings outnumbered those of last year. The ob- 
ject is to ascertain the drug power evolved. 
Dr. Sutherland presented a report of the work done by Dr. Conrad 
Wessellioeft, of Boston, which wras in the nature of a table, showing 
the comparative value of Mercurius Sol. in various powers as proved 
by a number of students of the Boston University School of Medi- 
cine. 
“ The discovery of the cause why prolonged grinding makes tritu- 23 
rations dark,” was the subject of the second report by Dr. Wessel- 
hoeft. It adhered to the, doctrine of limited divisibility of matter, 
and attributing the constant darkening of the trituration to the 
mortars in which they are prepared. 
Dr. Lewis Sherman presented a summary of work done during the 
past two years in the Physical Properties of Trituration, bringing 
facts determined by experience, partly by observation and by reflec- 
tion. 
A vote of thanks was tendered the provers who aided the Bureau 
in its observations. 
The report of the Committee on Medical Education was then taken 
up. Dr. T. Y. Kinne, of Paterson, N. .T., presented the report He 
said the report had b< en divided into four departments : Preparatory, 
collegiate, post graduate and the relation of the State to medical 
education. It was a scholarly production throughout. In giving 
his “our own diagnosis,” he said that the fault, in his opinion, 
seemed to be, first, we are too much engrossed with self; second, 
we do not maintain our rights; third, we do not realize that only in 
union there is strength. 
The following were presented in the report: 
Resolved, That the President shall appoint a special committee of 
eight, he being ex-officio, to which shall be referred all reports, re- 
quests and resolutions concerning medical education, provided they 
do not require immediate action. 
Resolved, That this committee shall, during the coming year, formu- 
late a plan and course of study, both preparatory and professional, 
and present such plan at the next meeting of the Institute for its 
action. 
Resolved, That this special committee shall be the Standing Com- 
mittee on Medical Education for the ensuing year. 
On motion, the resolutions were referred to the Publication Com- 
mittee. 
Dr. B. W. James moved, and it was carried, that the Committee 
on Medical Education, and the Intercollegiate Committee, should be 
instructed to appoint a Conference Committee, consisting of three 
members from each Standing Committee, and that the results of the 
deliberations of this Conference Committee should be reported to 
the Institute at the next session. 
Dr. Millie J. Chapman then, made the address of the Bureau of 
Obstetrics. 
Dr. L. H. Willard, Chairman of the Bureau of Surgery, presented 
his address. 
Dr. B. W. James moved that the discussion of the papers of the 
Bureau of Medical Education be taken up. 
Dr. J. E. James thought it would be better to wait until after the 
meeting of the Intercollegiate Committee. 
Dr. Beckwith wanted to have the resolutions taken up at once- J 24 
Dr. Dudley thought that it would be better for the Institute to ex- 
press its views to the Intercollegiate Committee rather than to have 
the Intercollegiate Committee express its views to the Institute. 
The motion of Dr. B. W. James was carried and the resolutions 
were taken up. 
On motion, the resolutions and recommendations were referred to 
the Committee on Medical Education. 
The session then adjourned. 
At 3 o’clock the Bureau of Obstetrics met, with a large attendance, 
and had interesting discussions upon several valuable papers. 
In another room was assembled the Bureau of Surgery, where the 
subject of 11 Hip Joint Disease ” was discussed in an able and inter- 
esting manner, a number of papers having been presented upon 
different departments of the subject. 
At the evening session the applicants for membership previously 
presented, were elected members. 
The main subject for the evening was the report of the Bureau of 
Clinical Medicine, which was made by Dr. J. W. Dowling. The re- 
port included a number of excellent papers upon the subject of 
“ Diseases of the Kidneys,” and the discussions were participated 
in by a number of members, in all of which great interest was taken. 
Vice-President Wright presided over the evening session. 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29. 
A further number of applicants for membership were elected. 
The Auditing Committee reported through its Chairman, Dr. D. 
S. Smith, that they had examined the accounts of the Treasurer and 
found them correct. 
Dr. Pemberton Dudley, of Philadelphia, presented the report of 
the Committee on Medical Literature. It was moved by Dr. T. F. 
Allen, seconded by Drs. G. E. Sparhawk and Dudley, and carried, 
that the New York Medical Times be stricken from the list of homoeo- 
pathic journals, as being a constant opponent to all the interests of 
our school. 
The Committee on President’s Address commended it as able and 
interesting, and reported that they were heartily in sympathy with 
the sentiments expressed in the address, and recommended that the 
suggestions of the President should be adopted. Report adopted. 
Dr. A. U. Wright, Vice-President, presented to the Institute, in 
the name of the President, a gavel made of Georgia pine, with side 
transfer impressions of the head of Hahnemann, frofn the seal of 
the Institute, bearing a silver plate inscribed, ‘‘American Institute 
of Homoeopathy. Presented by F. H. Orme, 1887.” 
On motion of T. T. Kinne, M. D., it was 
Resolved, That the thanks of this Institute be tendered President 25 
Orme for his gift of this beautiful gavel, in the hope that it may mark 
each onward step in our progress, until the final summons from labor 
to rest shall find us all in order at our eternal home. 
Dr. S. P. Hedges, of Chicago, read the address on Gynmcology, 
which was an exhaustive paper on the progress in this department 
during the past year. 
Dr. C. D. Crank, of Cincinnati, presented the address on Piedology 
in which he reviewed the literature and improved methods of treat- 
ment, calling especial attention to the increased interest manifested 
in the hygienic care of children. 
The address of the Bureau of Ophthalmology, Otology and Laryn- 
gology, was read by Dr. Geo. S. Norton, of New York, in the absence 
of the Chairman. It contained a general resume of the progress in 
this department during the past year. 
Dr. T. L. Brown, of Binghamton, N. Y., presented the following : 
Resolved, That wdien one homoeopathic college refuses to graduate 
a medical student, knowing him to be incompetent, every other col- 
lege of our school should carefully respect that decision. 
Resolved, That by so doing the colleges protect the people and de- 
serve their support and confidence 
On motion, these resolutions were referred to a committee consist- 
ing of Drs. H. D. Paine, J. E. James and T. T. Kinne. 
FILLING VACANCIES. 
Dr. J. C. Morgan, of Philadelphia, offered the following, which 
was adopted : 
Resolved, In cases of vacancy occurring in any bureau or commit- 
tee, after the announcement of the same by the President, the Chair- 
man shall have authority to fill the same, giving prompt notice there- 
of to the General Secretary of the Institute, who shall include such 
names in subsequent publications. 
At 3 o’clock the sectional meeting of the Bureau of Gymecology 
was held, and a number of interesting papers were presented and 
discussed. 
In a separate room also met the Bureau of Paedology, where inter- 
esting papers were read, the discussion of which was participated in 
by quite a number of members. 
The Bureau of Ophthalmology. Otology, etc., had also a sectional 
meeting this afternoon, when papers relating to subjects connected 
with the eye, ear, nose and throat were presented and subjected to 
discussion, which was engaged in by many. 
The evening session was devoted to the report of the Bureau of 
Materia Medica and General Therapeutics, the subject being, “Reme- 
dies Causing Disturbed Sleep.” Dr. H. M. Hobart, Chairman, pre- 
sented a paper, as did others of his Bureau. These were discussed 
to the conclusion of the evening session. 26 
The following Chairmen of Bureaus to serve for the coming year 
were appointed by the President: 
Organization, etc., T. F. Smith, M. D.; Surgery, John E. James, 
M. D.; Obstetrics, George B. Peck, M. D.; Clinical Medicine, George 
E. Gorham, M. 1).; Gynaecology, Phil Porter, M. D.; Paedology, B. 
F. Dake, M. D.; Ophthalmology, etc., Joseph E. Jones, M. D.; Ma- 
teria Medica, A. R. Wright, M. I).; Psychological Medicine, J. D. 
Buck, M. D ; Sanitary Science, H. R. Stout, M. D.; Anatomy and 
Physiology, W. von Gottschalck, M. D. 
Committee on Pharmacy, Lewis Sherman, M. D.; Medical Educa- 
tion, T. G. Comstock, M. D ; Medical Literature, J. C. Burgher, M. 
I).; Medical Legislation, J. II. McClelland, M. D.; Railroad Fares, H. 
C. Allen, M. D. 
Two meetings of the Editorial Association were held yesterday in 
one of the smaller halls of the house. Twenty-six medical journals 
of the school constitute the membership. The annual address was 
read at the afternoon session, by Dr. Bushrod W. James of Phila- 
delphia, on “Successful Medical Journalism.” The officers elected 
for the ensuing year are : President, Dr. Reuben Ludlam, of Chicago ; 
Secretary and Treasurer, A. L. Chatterton, Esq., of New York. 
Dr. Geo. M. Dillow, of New York, was elected to prepare the an- 
nual address for 1888. 
THURSDAY, JUNE 30. 
At the morning session the Board of Censors presented names of 
further applicants for membership. 
The Special Committee, to which was referred the resolution of T. 
L. Brown, M. D., reported that, “ This Institute condemns the action 
of any college which graduates an unsuccessful candidate from an- 
other school unless he attends, at least, one full course of lectures at 
the college where he applies for a degree.” On motion, the report 
was accepted and adopted 
Dr. T. M. Strong presented his report on foreign correspondence, 
showing increased activity among the m mbers of the homoeopathic 
school throughout foreign countries. 
0. S. Runnels, M. D., presented the report of the delegates to the 
International Convention, held during the past year at Basle, Swit- 
zerland. This Convention will meet in this country in 1891. Presi- 
dent Orme appointed Drs. I. T. Talbot, of Boston ; J. P. Dake, of 
Nashville ; J. W. Dowling, of New York ; B. W. James, of Phila- 
delphia; R. laid lam, of Chicago; 0. S. Runnels of Indianapolis and 
T. G. Comstock of St. Louis, as a Special Committee to make arrange- 
ments for this Convention, and to report progress from year to year. 
Resolved, That no member shall serve on more than one Bureau or 
Standing Committee during any one year. 
The Special Committee on Pharmacopoeia presented its report 
through Dr. A. C. Cowperthwait, in the absence of Dr. Dake, Cliair- 27 
man, recommending that Drs. Lewis Sherman, J. W. Clapp and F. 
E. Boericke be appointed a committee to confer with the Committee 
of the International Convention, the British Pharmacopeia to be the 
basis for a new one. 
The Bureau of Psychology was reported by Selden H. Talcott, M. 
D., in the absence of the Chairman, Dr. II. B. Clarke, of New Bed- 
ford, Mass. The doctor read a paper on “ Habits which Tend to the 
Production of Insanity.” 
Dr. J. D. Buck, of Cincinnati, read a paper on ‘‘The Physio-phi- 
losophy of Habit.” 
The report of the Bureau of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology 
was presented by Dr. J. C. Morgan, of Philadelphia, Chairman, who 
gave a brief outline of the work for the past year. 
ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
President, A. C. Cowperth waite, Iowa City, Iowa ; Vice-President, 
N. .Schneider, Cleveland, Ohio; Treasurer, E. M. Kellogg, New7 York 
city; General Secretary, Pemberton Dudley, Philadelphia, Pa.; Pro- 
visional Secretary, T. M. Strong, Ward’s Island, New York; Board 
of Censors, Drs. R. B. Rush, R. F. Baker, T. F. Smith, II. B. Clarke, 
Mary A. B. Woods. 
Niagara Falls was selected as the place for the next meeting, and 
adjournment was made (for business purposes) until 9 a. m. to-day. 
The Bureau of Sanitary Science met in the main assembly room 
at 3 o’clock, Dr. H. E. Beebe presiding. Important and interesting 
papers were read and discussed freely. 
In the evening the body turned from work to the social festivities 
prescribed in the programme, and made the Grand Union for the 
nonce assume qyite its midsummer gayety. These prescribes of 
pills appeared in full dress suits and patent leathers, while their la- 
dies, mindful to a large extent of the pomps and vanities of Saratoga, 
came out in unsuspected richness. The parlors were brilliantly 
lighted, and the scene w’as very animated both indoors and on the 
piazzas. Near the entrance on the lawn side of the Grand Union, 
Klein’s orchestra, of Troy, discoursed music, and the party was very 
sociable. 
The President, Dr. F. H. Orme, of Atlanta, Ga., and wife, held a 
reception in the parlor, and the M. D.’s and ladies, in two files, ap- 
proached and were duly presented to Mrs. Orme. 
Dancing began in the ball-room about 10 o’clock, and the atten- 
tions of the party were then divided between the ball-room and the 
refreshment room adjoining, until midnight. 28 
FRIDAY, JULY 1. 
The final report of the Board of Censors was acted upon, the re- 
sult being the election, in all, of eighty-one new members 
The report on Medical Legislation was read by Dr. Curtis, of 
Washington, in the absence of the Chairman, Dr. Sawyer, and was 
referred to the Committee on Publication. 
Dr. A. C. Cowpertlnvaite presented the report of the Committee 
on Railroad Fares. 
On motion, the Executive Committee was given authority to 
change the next place of meeting, should circumstances seem to 
justify it, and Drs. A. R. Wright, D. G. Wilcox, E. S. Coburn, Phil 
Porter and E. H. Wolcott were appointed the Local Committee of 
Arrangements. 
On motion, it was resolved that hereafter papers in general or 
sectional meeting shall not consume more than fifteen minutes in 
the reading. 
That not more than one-half of the time allotted to the report of 
the Bureau shall be taken up in the reading of papers, those whose 
authors are present being first read, the other papers to be read only 
at the pleasure of the meeting. 
A report of the Special Committee on Transactions recommended 
that the present form be continued. 
The Committee on a Testimonial to Dr. J. C. Burgher, reported as 
follows: 
Whereas, John C. Burgher, M. D., has rendered faithful and effi- 
cient service as Secretary of the American Institute of Homceopathy 
for the past seven years, 
Resolved, That on his retirement from this office, the Institute de- 
sires to place on record its high appreciation of the laborious work 
thus accomplished ; its recognition of the the uniform courtesy ex- 
tended to its members, and the promptness in performance of the 
various duties of his office. 
Resolved, That these resolutions, properly engrossed, be sent to Dr. 
Burgher. 
[Signed] Henry D. Paine, 
Henry M. Smith, 
D. S. Smith, 
R. Ludlam, 
Phil Porter. 
Henry I). Paine, D. D., Necrologist, presented his report, mention- 
ing the deaths of the following members: 
C. Tlieo. Liebold, New York; R. Sargent. Philadelphia, Pa.; J. P. 
Dake, Jr., Nashville; Henry Detwiler, Easton, Pa.; A. E. Small, 
Chicago, 111.; H. B. Easton, Rockford, Me.; R. R. Gregg, Buffalo, N. 
Y ; David Cowley, Pittsburg, Pa.; Chas. Bossert, New York. 
Dr. Paine was requested by the President to continue to serve as 
Necrologist. 29 
Dr. Kinne moved the following resolution : 
That the hearty thanks of this Institute are due our esteemed 
President for his uniform courtesy, justice and decision in presiding 
over our deliberations, and we assure him that through life we shall 
carry memories of our pleasant meeting and follow him with our 
prayers for his continued health and life. 
Adopted by a rising vote. 
A memorial service was held, during which feeling tributes were 
paid to Drs. Small, Detwiler, Bossert, Liebold, Gregg, J. P. Dake, 
Jr., and others, by Drs. T. F. Smith, Norton, Morgan, D. H. Beck- 
with, D. S. Smith, Wright, Curtis and Ludlam. 
Resolutions of thanks were extended to the proprietor of the ho- 
tel for the care and courtesy extended to the members of the Insti- 
tute, and the press for its full and more than usually accurate reports. 
Business being finished, and a motion for adjournment having been 
made, President Orme said : 
Fellow-members of the Institute—Your kindness in electing me 
President during my illness and absence last year, affected me great- 
ly ; your uniform courtesy, deference and kindness during this ses- 
sion have deepened the impression. With grateful feeling, and 
with the expression of the hope that we shall all, with many others 
of the brethren, meet at Niagara Falls next year, I nowr declare the 
session adjourned. 
NOTES. 
The President announced that messages expressing regrets at ina- 
bility to attend the session as contemplated, and good wishes for the 
success of the meeting, were received from Drs. I. T. Talbot, J. P. 
Dake, J. C. Sanders, J. S. Mitchell, F. Park Lewis, C. E. Fisher, J. 
A. Campbell, Joseph Jones, A. I. Sawyer, T. P. Wilson, T. L. Hatch, 
Milton Hammond and L. B. Wells. 
The following Ex-Presidents wrere in attendance at the Institute: 
D. S. Smith, Chicago, 1858; W. T. Helmuth, New York city, 1867; 
H. D. Paine, New York city, 1868; R. Ludlam, Chicago, 1869; D. H. 
Beckwith, Cleveland, 1870; J. C. Burgher, Pittsburg, 1878; J. W. 
Dowling, New York city, 1881; B. W. James, Philadelphia, 1884; T. 
F. Allen, New York city, 1885; O. S. Runnels, Indianapolis, 1886. 
Drs. A. S. Ball and H. D. Paine, of New York city, and S. R. Dubs, 
of Doylestown, Pa., in attendance on the meetings of the Institute, 
assisted in founding this organization, and attended the first meet- 
ing in 1844. 
Judge Hilton entertained with refreshments and domestic socia- 
bility, at Woodlawn yesterday, about twenty of the prominent 30 
inembers of the Institute and their ladies. All of them were quite 
captivated by the Judge’s affability and hospitality. 
The doctors and their ladies all agree that this has been an excel- 
lent and enjoyable meeting. 
During the session the gavel was frequently in the hands of Vice- 
President Wright, who was quite at home in the chair. 
The “Seniors” had several meetings, at times not in conflict with 
the session, which they always attend.