ADDRESS DELIVERED 
AT THE 
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION 
OF THE 
COLORADO STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
(JUNE, 1884.) 
W. R. WHITEHEAD, M.D., (University of Paris.) 
OF DENVER, 
Professor of Anatomy in the Medical Department of the State Univer- 
sity of Colorado. 
RETIRING PRESIDENT. 
(.Reprint from the Transactions of the Colorado State Medical Society.') 
MERCHANTS' PUB. CO., PRINT., 220*224 16TH ST. ADDRESS DELIVERED 
AT THE 
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION 
OF THE 
COLORADO STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY, 
(JUNE, 1884.) 
W. R. WHITEHEAD, M. D., (University of Paris.) 
OF DENVER. 
Professor of Anatomy in the Medical Department of the State University of Colorado. 
RETIRING PRESIDENT. 
Gentlemen of the Colorado State Medical Society:—I 
should be false to the best feelings of my nature, if I did 
not endeavor to show how much I appreciate, and tell you 
how cordially I thank you for this unsought distinction, for 
this spontaneous mark of your esteem in choosing me to 
preside over your deliberations. I have no parlimentary 
ability; but in its place I offer to you my kindly wish to 
promote harmony and preserve good-fellowship. I feel that 
you have not realized the requirements that this position 
imposes upon me at this particular juncture of affairs, 
which so intimately concerns us all as members of an hon- 
orable and respected profession. For some years past we 
have been more or less disturbed regarding certain ques- 
tions of polity that perplex and embarrass the ablest minds 
of the profession. In my humble opinion, the eminent and 
talented President of the late National Medical Association 
has failed fully and satisfactorily to meet these questions. 
I wish that I could meet and answer them in a manner con- 
sistent with my own views, and that would also be accepta- 
ble to all; such however is impossible. If there is one 
thing that is dear to me after my family, and after the wel- 
fare of my country, next in order comes the love which I 
cherish for the honor, and good name of my profession. 
The medical profession of America, in times past as at the 
present day, shows within its ranks men of the most emi- nent talent, and scholarly attainments of which any country 
can boast; and what is grander, and nobler, men of moral 
worth, and of individual force of character that make men, 
and that make nations truly great. 
The manhood of the medical profession and the man- 
hood of this country depends upon such men. While the 
political caldron is bubbling and boiling under the anxious 
eyes of the nation, and elements as vile as those thrown into 
the caldron by the witches of Macbeth form some of the 
ingredients of the political pot; an unquiet nation looks on, 
and in the various walks of life, side by side with other 
good and worthy men stands the physician as the faithful 
citizen, the watchful sentinel of the public health, and as the 
sturdy defender of truth, of justice and morality; and his 
great moral worth is felt and appreciated, ’though he be the 
humblest of country doctors, and 
“His humble house is such that harbors quiet rest, 
The cottage that affords no pride nor care.” 
But there is a great and serious evil that afflicts the coun- 
try and that sorely afflicts the physician, and he believes 
himself powerless to attack and remove, or even to mitigate 
this evil : It is the arrogant and blatant quackery that 
stalks boldly in his sight, and that occasionally lurks and 
hides itself under the broad iEgis of the profession. In 
the hope to abate this evil, the cry has gone forth from the 
profession, and now Commences to be uttered by the public 
press : Elevate the standard of medical education ! This 
cry has reverberated throughout the length and breadth of 
our land and has found a sympathetic echo in the heart of 
every hard worked and worthy physician, who feels him- 
self robbed by a pestilent horde of empirics, and it meets 
with a warm response from every well-meaning and intelli- 
gent citizen. Nobly have some of our medical schools at- 
tempted to raise their standard. Some of them, more ham- 
pered than others, have tried—and faltered—and fallen 
back, because they lost students ; there is, however, a per- 
ceptible and gratifying progress ; but it is only that which 
is urged on by the advancing thought of this enlightened 
age, which demands a better preparation for the struggle 
for existence in every department of life, among a people 
whose intellect is daily feeling the influence of a more de- 
veloped and higher civilization, and which forces even the 
charlatan to resort to more intellectual methods of decep- 
2 3 
tion than formerly. Deception and fraud will always con- 
tinue to exist in every business, and in every occupation; 
and quackery has existed from the earliest period, and will 
continue “to the last syllable of recorded time.” Legisla- 
tive enactments and laws tend to repress crime and to les- 
sen quackery, but no country of the world is free from a 
criminal class or from charlatans. That which will be found 
most to abate each will be the enlightenment of a nation ; 
especially if this have a republican or democratic form of 
government. Much has been said about the excellence and 
efficiency of the system of medical education in European 
countries, a great deal of which I grant is true ; but the ad- 
vocates of a German ora French university course seem to 
forget the peculiar nature of our own free institutions ; the 
peculiar habits of thought and self-relying character of our 
people. Besides, Americans are surrounded by many and 
multiplied conveniences and comforts of a modern civiliza- 
tion, generally and equally diffused throughout their country 
not found elsewhere, so that the conditions of the Ameri- 
can people and of American physicians are quite different 
from those found in European countries. 
In Europe the different grades of the population, especi- 
ally in the past periods of a more aristocratic state of socie- 
ty, invested certain classes, or certain individuals, with su- 
perior intellectual acquirements and refinements, far above 
the mass of the people, sunk in ignorance and easily in- 
flamed with prejudice against the assumption of those of 
their class who should attempt to instruct or advise them. 
The influence of this condition of society is still felt at the 
present time, notwithstanding a marked amelioration and 
freer state of thought, and of independence of the European 
people. But this cause contributes to exact of the stu- 
dent a longer and a more thorough preparation for the study 
of medicine, or of other pursuits. The same result may be 
obtained, in my opinion, in this country; but it must be 
accomplished in a different way, and in conformity with the 
character of our social habits and of our self-relying meth- 
ods of thought and of action. * We should never forget 
* I wish that the American Medical Assocation, which is so national in character; and 
the State Medical Societies which are such representative bodies, really represented some- 
thing more than merely voluntary organizations having no official connection whatever 
with either the national government, or with state governments. But I believe, that the 
time is approaching, when an intelligent and deserved recognition by the people through 
legislative enactments will reward the earnest labors of National and State medical organ- 
izations. 4 
in the consideration of this subject, i. e. the elevation of the 
standard of medical education, that our country is a free re- 
public ; not such as former republics, in name only, but 
that we are in fact and in practice a republic, shaping and 
directing by ourexample and influence the thought and desti- 
nies of the world. To quote an eminent French author 
DeToqueville, whose work on “Democracy in America” 
should be familiar to all of our countrymen and especially 
to our public men, will confirm my remarks concerning the 
self-relying character of Americans, who says De Toque- 
ville, without ever having taken the trouble to define the 
rules of a philosophic method of thought, are in possession 
of one common to the whole people. Maxims class opin- 
ions, says he, exist less in the United States than elsewhere; 
facts only are looked for, results weigh more than methods, 
each man seeks the reason of things for himself, aims at 
the substance or meaning of things,rather than the form 
This constitutes, then, the philosophic method of thought 
of Americans, and is becoming that of the world, as the 
tendency to equality and free government grows. 
The above remarks of this distinguished Frenchman fifty 
years ago, are still more applicable to our people at the 
present day. “In a republic like ours,” says De Toqueville, 
“the less prone is each man to place implicit faith in a cer- 
tain man, or a class of men ; but his readiness to believe 
the multitude increases, and opinion is more than ever mis- 
tress of the world.” 
In questions concerning our relations to society, or to the 
public, it appears to me desirable that we should keep in 
view these relations,which it is not within our power, as in- 
dividuals nor as organized bodies of medical men, to influ- 
ence effectually, except so far as we ourselves deserve the 
approbation of all good and just men. If there are faults 
existing within our ranks, and we seek not to correct them, 
they become in my opinion, more glaring when they are 
shielded by a medical organization, which, in the eyes of the 
public, then assumes only the shape of a protective associ- 
ation, differing in no manner from one of a commercial 
character. 
Happily the hearts of the mass of our physicians beat in 
unison with the noblest aspirations, and are animated with 
the purest sentiments of devotion to all that is good and 
true. * It is, I believe, a fact that is admitted by all, that gen- 5 
erally the standard of medical education is not what it 
should be, and the question arises, what is the cause of 
this and how is it to be improved ? The cause is known to 
every intelligent physician, and is fast beginning to be per- 
ceived by the public: It is the standard of many medical 
schools, which are exclusively dependent on their tuition 
fees for support, and are compelled to lower their require- 
ments to obtain students, and compete with other schools 
of a similar character. 
If a reform should come, and come it will, it must be 
based on legislative enactments urged on by the people. 
Such a reform has already been mooted, and must when it 
comes, be such as to take away absolutely from the medi- 
cal schools the power to grant diplomas that shall entitle 
the graduates to practice. A State Medical Council, prop- 
erly qualified, having no connection whatever with any 
medical school, recognizing only the qualifications of can- 
didates, and adequately paid by the state should, in my 
opinion, be the examining body to determine the qualifica- 
tions of those who apply for authority to practice medicine, 
or its branches. I would have the examinations of candi- 
dates for authority to practice medicine as public as any of 
the examinations in our public schools—indeed more pub- 
lic, and accessible to the most critical observation. I am 
quite well aware of the hostility with which this would 
be received by some of the medical schools, yet it should 
not be. It is my confident opinion that public sentiment 
will eventually direct legislatures of this, and of other states 
to the adoption and enforcement of some similar method. 
But, sirs, do we believe that deliberations of an acrimoni- 
ous nature, which the agitation of this subject is likely to 
evoke from less considerate and less fair-minded gentlemen 
than ourselves, would favorably influence public opinion in 
elevating the character and dignity of our profession, and 
thereby add weight to our views as a body of medical men, 
or as individuals on this or any other subject? The opin- 
ions of each other, or of the public, should be met and an- 
swered in a manner to denote the calm and conscious pos- 
session of intellectual strength, and of moral conviction. 
These remarks lead me to the consideration of the means 
by which, I believe, the elevation of the standard of medi- 
cal education is to be accomplished. In my humble judg- 
ment, the first step towards this object is one that will at- 6 
tain two desirable and principal ends at the same time; one 
will supply our medical schools with young men better pre- 
pared to enter upon the study of medicine, and also dimin- 
ish illiteracy, the facile prey of deception and of supersti- 
tion ; the other end to be obtained is the enlightenment of 
the public concerning many facts of medicine and its col- 
lateral sciences. How is this to be done ? I answer, by 
giving your aid as citizens, as men of a broad, tolerant, and 
learned profession, to extend, multiply and develop the 
means of private and public instruction in Colorado. 
The public instruction, from the primary schools to its 
highest departments of learning and of science, stands to- 
day as a bright beacon to direct the populations of less fa- 
vored states to our much favored commonwealth. The 
well appointed and efficient public schools of Colorado are 
the purveyors of a higher education, which is developing 
with the rapid progress of our high instruction. 
The mist of ignorance and of superstition, twin compan- 
ions of a bigoted intolerance, is disappearing before the 
bright rays of our public school education. The pet, the 
idol of the people of this state, is its grand, and efficient sys- 
tem of public schools. 
The elevation of the medical profession must march side 
by side with the progress, and development of thought of 
the best minds of our people. 
The effort of Colorado is to give to its people, the highest 
forms of public instruction, so that public opinion may 
rightly shape the intellectual and moral tone of the press, 
of the rostrum, and of the pulpit; free from a narrow, sec- 
tarian bias. I think that you will agree with me that an 
education, accessible to all, that inculcates truth and moral- 
ity, that is large, expansive and liberal, is the best molder 
of public opinion, and is what the progress of this age de- 
mands, 
The physician is a scientist, and as such is broad and lib- 
eral in his views. His observations of the mysterious phe- 
nomena of life and death, and of the vital processes that 
evolve new forms out of shapeless protoplasm; his ac- 
quaintance with the natural laws that govern matter, all 
contribute to give to him grand conceptions of the vital 
forces that pervade nature, and they impart to him a sub- 
lime and reverent awe for the Supreme Power of the uni- 
verse, and which leads him in his path through life to seek 7 
knowledge and truth, to be faithful and virtuous, and to cul- 
tivate those endearing friendships that form the noblest at- 
tributes of man. 
As the number of well-instructed youth increases, and 
adds to the intellectual resources of our state, so will the 
excellencies of the physician be more appreciated, and the 
demand for well educated physicians be greater. 
Those who anticipate a rapid or sudden elevation of the 
standard of medical education, by the action of our medi- 
cal associations in conference on this subject, or even by 
legislative enactments, before the public demands it, must, 
in my opinion, meet with disappointment. But I have an 
abiding faith in the good results of the growing diffusion of 
a correct knowledge concerning this subject, and a more in- 
telligent concert of action, in future) between the represen- 
tative men of our profession and the public. 
Gentlemen, we have a field of usefulness before us, that 
if rightly cultivated may be productive beyond our fondest 
anticipations. The germ theory of disease that has so 
widely attracted the attention of medical men, and of the 
world, whether false or true,* is a subject of study that irre- 
sistibly claims our consideration not only in the quiet and 
leisure hours devoted to research, but in the dread silence 
and meditation of the sick room, when a dear life, a human 
life, that has clustering around it sweet memories, and fond 
associations, flickers like an unsteady and feeble flame, and— 
“Intent we wait through all the solemn scene, 
Glad if a hope should rise, from nature’s strife 
To aid our skill, and save the lingering life.” 
Public and private hygiene demand our attention to-day 
as they never attracted the notice of the world before, and 
there is no part of medical knowledge that so deeply inter- 
ests the intelligent public, and that so distinguishes our ef- 
forts as the preservation of the public health. 
The endemic diseases of Colorado that show peculiar 
phases of their development, and course may advantageous- 
* The germ theory of disease though plausible, has not been proved. The mere pres- 
ence, and possble coincidence, of an extremely low and specialized form of life in the tis- 
sues—or dejections of the cholera patient, or in the lungs of a consumptive, are not proof 
of a special germ as the cause of either cholera, or consumption. Indeed, in n;y opinion, 
it is questionable, if many of us, in the profession, are not still very much under the influ- 
ence of traditional teachings of a past age, that do not readily consort with the views of 
modern science, or with the now generally accepted doctrine among scientific men, of evo- 
lution. I would regret to believe that medicine has not generally kept abreast with the col- 
lateral sciences which lend their aid to the study of the phenomena of life. Those inter- 
ested in this subject may consult with profit the chapter on the “Beginnings of life’’ in the 
“Outlines of Cosmic Philosophy” by John Fisk, M. A. L. L. B., Vol. i, page 423, pre- 
ceedingand following this page. Haughton, Mifflin & Co., Publishers, Boston. 8 
ly engage the thoughts of some of us. * 
The meteorological conditions of Colorado afford oppor- 
tunities for further and enlarged observation. 
The influence of our climate on surgical operations and 
the greater or less relative mortality after such, is an impor- 
tant subject for investigation, and would furnish material 
for an interesting and valuable paper. 
Some one among you might collate the facts and enrich 
with his own experience and observations the data which 
relate to the prevalence of drunkenness, of the opium habit, 
of epilepsy, neuralgia, and of insanity, and show their in- 
fluence on the products of inter-marriages in causing the 
deterioration of the human race. He might even go furth- 
er and point out the possible dangers to the permanence of 
our civilization, through the influence of such causes ope- 
rating through successive generations, on the mental, mor- 
al and physical condition of the race. 
Indeed, sirs, we have a broad field in which to win honor 
and esteem from the public, and thus elevate the medical 
profession. 
In conclusion, gentlemen, I sincerely congratulate you 
upon the auspicious future and distinguished honors that 
await this, our State Medical Society, an organization 
which we may with emulous pride compare with any simi- 
lar association in this country. 
You have grown to a society of large proportions, repre- 
senting the manhood and intelligence of our common- 
wealth in a manner not surpassed by any convocation of 
citizens of our happy and enlightened state. A state whose 
quota, as I am informed, of the fifteen millions of dollars of 
appropriation for the benefit of the illiteracy of our coun- 
try, would not much more than pay for the foundation of 
one of Denver’s finest public schools, while there are other 
states which receive millions. 
Gentlemen, we have reason to be proud of Colorado for 
her comparative freedom from illiteracy, and we are also 
proud of the Colorado Medical Society. 
I have taken the liberty in my official capacity, as your 
chairman, to invite, through our secretary, every unrepre- 
sented society of our state, in good standing, and governed 
by the code of our National Association, to send delegates 
to our Society. The Boulder County Medical Association, 
which is unrepresented in our State Society, numbers near- 9 
1 y twenty members, who are gentlemen, in good stand- 
ing, and who are representative men of the profession of 
this state. This action of mine is respectfully submitted 
for your approval. 
Now, sirs, allow me to say to each and every one of you 
that I cordially wish you all the happiness that can possibly 
fall to the lot of so worthy a body of men, and that kindly 
feelings and good fellowship be promoted, that honor grace 
your lives, and that love and prosperity, with troops of 
friends, accompany your declining years.