been formed, viz.: Benzie granted a charter Au-
gust 14th, 1903, and Newaygo, granted a charter
March 7th, 1904, making a total of sixty branches
in our State Society.
RE-ARRANGING OF COUNCILOR DISTRICTS.
That twelve men in active practice should once
or more yearly visit sixty branch societies is a
task of large proportions. At its inception, for
convenience, the political Congressional Districts,
were selected, but experience soon indicated, that
a change would reduce the Councilor's expendi-
ture of money, time and energy. A committee of
the Council reported in favor of the following
arrangement, and thus the matter comes before
the House of Delegates:
1.
Lenawee
Macomb
Monroe
Oakland
Washtenaw
Wayne.
2.
Branch
Hillsdale
Ingham . .
Jackson
3.
Calhoun
Cass
Eaton
St. Joseph.
4.
Allegan
Berrien
Kalamazoo
Van Buren.
Berry
Ionia
Kent
Ottawa.
6.
Clinton
Genesee
Livingston
Shiawassee.
7.
Bay
Huron
Cheboygan
Lapeer
Emmet
Sanilac
Iosco
St. Clair.
Prcsque Isle.
8.
Otsego
Montgomery
Clare
Crawford
Gladwin
Oscoda
Gratiot
Roscommon
Isabella
Midland
Ogemaw
Saginaw
IL
Tuscola.
T^ke
9.
Mecosta
Antrim
Montcalm
Benzie
♦Muskegon
Charlevoix
Newaygo
Grand Traverse
•Oceana
Kalkaska
Osceola
Leelanau
12.
Manistee
Mason
Chippewa
Missaukee
Delto
Wexford.
Dickinson-Iron
Gogebic
10.
Houghton
Alcona
Marquette
Alpena
Menominee
Arenac
Schoolcraft
1.
Leartus Connor
7. M. Willson
2.
A. E. Bulson
• 8. S. I. Small
3.
W. H. Haughey
9. B. H. McMullen
4.
G. D. Games
10. H. B. Landon
6.
D. E. Welsh
11. W. T. Dodge
6
C B. Burr
12. Theo. A. Felch.
Very early in the work it was found that some
Councilors could deal better with a portion of
the field of a neighbor, and vice versa, so there
was an exchange of fields, and all profited thereby.
Because of easy communication, those Branches
adjacent to Wayne have been added to the First
District — so obviating the tedious roundabout
lines of travel necessitated by the present arrange-
ment.
The results of the year's work clearly shows
the tact, energy, and far sightedness of Branch
officers, and should be remembered when the
time comes for choosing their successors.
Every Branch has been visited at least once
by its own Councilor, and some by one or more
visiting Councilors— the net result being a health-
ful increase of enthusiastic work.
♦Added at request of council at meeting of
same May 26th.
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STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY.
305
Apart from their semi-annual meetings the
Councilors have embraced every opportunity for
consultation over the complicated problems pre-
senting for solution, when possible they have in-
cluded the Branch officers. Last fall all the
members of the Fifth District united in a meet-
ing at Grand Rapids, a suggestion of the farther
evolution of organization, when every District
will have one or more meetings annually. It is
hoped that in this way some of the old District
Societies may gain a closer touch with the State
organization.
In twenty-six counties there has been a gain
and in twenty-five a loss of paid-up members —
eight remain unchanged. There is a net gain of
twenty-five members. Some of the losses are
from death, some have removed from the State,
some have retired from active practice. There
is every reason to believe that ere the year closes
practically all the Branches will exhibit a gain-
certainly they will if delegates on their return
home undertake to wipe out the score.
COUNTY SOCIETIES.
It is suggested that delegates at an early date
examine the constitution and by-laws and un-
written customs of their Branches, if perchance
they may discover relics of a by-gone age, quite
antagonistic to the necessities of our organiza-
tion, but thoughtlessly continued. Thus the place
of meeting should be neutral— one to which every
member of the Branch finds pleasure in going.
For obvious reasons this may not always be the
office of any member, but the town hall or other
room used for public purposes.
Then there was a time when the votes cf all
members were required for election of a new
one — but it seems more in accord with the or-
ganization of all doctors in the State that a ma-
jority suffice.
Formerly members of County Societies were
forbidden under penalty of ostracism from con-
sulting with rejected or ineligible physicians ; now
they should have perfect liberty, if only the
principles of medical ethics be observed.
If things like these be found in the organic
law or customs bf any Branch, their vicious ten-
dencies should be quietly brought to the atten-
tion of other members, and as soon as practiqable
eliminated.
As the Council year begins with Jan. 1 and
ends with Dec. 31, it would facilitate business if
all Branches held their annual meetings between
Aug. 1 and Dec. 15th. It is suggested that the
House of Delegates so amend the by-laws as to
conform to this system.
FINANCE.
The problem of finance is fundamental ; unwise
outlay, or atrophied receipts portend disaster.
The Council has sought to secure the largest in-
come with least expenditure compatible with
proper pushing of the work entrusted to its care.
The following statement covers all transactions
from 1903 meeting to May 21st, 1904:
Cash on hand at 1903 meeting $1065.02
Dues from members 3509.00
Refund from Michigan Passenger Agent 6.00
Advertisements 1996.89
Subscriptions 5.72
Blanks for County Societies 15.19
Rebate 1.50
Total receipts $6599.32
Disbursements —
Printing and mailing of Journal, 11 mos.$3541.82
State Society expenses 381.34
Commission on advertisements 394.76
Treasurer's salary (June, 1903) 12.50
Secretary's salary (11 mos.) 275.00
Editor's salary (11 mos.) 275.00
Council expenses as per by-law 218.00
Reporting meeting, 1903 200.00
Total expenditures $5298.42
Assets, May 21st, 1904—
Cash on hand $1300.90
Due on advertisements 32.00
Total $1332.90
Besides The Journal has signed advertising
contracts, with a net value of one thousand dol-
lars, but this has still to be earned. Thus, there
is but a small margin to the Society's credit — ^a
fact that forbids new expenditures till it be
largely increased.
It appears that the actual cost of The Journal
exceeds the entire membership dues — the deficit
being met by advertising income. Since June,
1903, the Treasurer received no salary, the bur-
den of his work being done by the Editor-Secre-
tary, without increasing his own. The latter re-
ceives but six hundred dollars yearly for the
immense labor and responsibility connected with
his duties. The twelve Councilors are allowed
three hundred dollars yearly for traveling ex-
penses — ^but it appears that but little more than
two hundred is actually called for. Each farther
contributes his official postage, stationery and
other expenses incident to his work. The salary
of the Secretary-Editor's office should be larger
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39th ANNUAL MEETING
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but the Society's income does not admit of an
increase.
In accord with By-Laws, Chapter VIII, Sec. 7,
the House of Delegates will pass upon the item-
ized statement of traveling expenses by the sev-
eral Councilors, as presented by them to the
Secretary.
PUBUCATION.
The Journal has been issued promptly, except
when prevented by accident beyond the manage-
ment's control.
Regular edition 2200
Mailed to paid-up members 1680
Mailed to unpaid members 342
Mailed to advertisers 63
Mailed to libraries 10
Mailed to exchanges 42
Mailed to medical publishers 7
Given Editor's Medical Progress 30
Complimentary 5
Since the Society has no place for storage, or
capital for carrying extra copies, no edition is
much in excess of actual needs, hence back num-
bers cannot be furnished. Subscriptions begin
when the dues are received by the Editor and
should cease with the expiration of the period
for which the dues were prepaid. But knowing
the difficulties on the part of a few in meeting
such payment, the Council has continued sending
The Journal long after the expiration of pre-
payment. Simple justice demands that such prac-
tice be limited, because every copy costs a definite
sum and it is unfair that the Society bestow this
upon the indifferent or unappreciative. Hence
the Council has directed that mailing of The
Journal must cease with the expired subscription,
only to be renewed when prepayment is resumed.
County officials could do much to secure the
prompt prepayment of dues, and it is the privi-
lege of delegates to remind them of an omis-
sion, and aid them in the enrollment of new
members.
The Council fully realizes that The Journal
should render the best possible service to the
Society, and steadily directs every resource to
this object, but limitations of finance and avail-
able trained workers have prevented the reaching
of its ideal.
Among the new features may be mentioned '
the pages of medical progress, so prepared by ex-
perts as to exceed a mere abstract of original
work published elsewhere.
The department of new publications has in-
creased in size and improved in quality. Could
The Journal afford the expense it would be wise
to purchase the books worthy of attention and
ignore others. At present it accepts such books
as publishers send it, and gives its readers such
idea of their nature and value as will enable them
to purchase with greater discrimination and know
of the aggregation of knowledge within their
reach. This department was organized with dif-
ficulty, owing to the reluctance of publishers to
send copies of their books to new journals and
of competent persons available to prepare suitable
notices. At present leading publishers send their
works, and skilled reviewers analyze them for
The Journal.
All recognize the improved internal arrange-
ment of The Journal, both in appearance and
convenience.
As already stated the net value of advertise-
ments is larger than last year, in spite of the
fact that valuable contracts were refused because
of their doubtful character. The undetermined
advertising value of a new journal like ours, the
superabundant number of medical journals, and
our inability to afford expert aid in securing ad-
vertisements, combine to obstruct the rapid
growth of this department. While thus ham-
pered, it is hoped that every delegate, officer, and
member of branches, will remember to aid the
management as opportunity presents. Much can
be done by noticing whether each traveling sales-
man's house is represented in The Journ.\l's
advertising pages, frankly telling the representa-
tive that The Journal owners would be glad to
receive the patronage of his house. The Michi-
gan profession is a large buyer of medical bocks,
surgical instruments, chemicals, drugs and dress-
ings, etc., etc., and if it patronized those advertis-
ing in its journal and made this evident on fitting
occasions. The Journal would soon have all the
advertising it could carry.
Closely related to this is our exact knowledge
of the goods offered the medical profession and
laity. Notoriously both parties are being hum-
bugged by the sharp practices of commercial
houses. To escape this a "clearing house" is a
necessity. Such a house is beyond the reach of
the Michigan State Medical Society, but within
that of the American Medical Association. It is
suggested that the Michigan House of Delegates
instruct its delegates to the A. M. A. to urge
that body to establish such a "clearing house" in
connection with its Journal. Beginning in a
modest way, it would secure an analyst, of capa-
bility, honesty and fearlessness beyond question,
to examine one aft^r the other drugs and prep-
arations of unknown composition, yet widely ad-
vertised and sold. Probably lawsuits might fol-
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July, 1904.
STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY.
307
low, but if the work were legally done there need
be no fear of the outcome. Such clearing house
would strengthen the organization by practically
exhibiting its willingness to do that which aided
every doctor in knowing the nature of his daily
tools, and so reducing his chances of failure. Such
a clearing house would make it easier for both
national and state journals to admit to their ad-
vertising pages only those things helpful to the
doctor. There is no reason why the organ of the
medical profession of the United States should
not aggressively give battle to the enemies of said
profession. Medicinal agents of unknown com-
position are not the least of these.
The value of The Journal rises or falls with
the quality of published material. It is a matter
of history that the present excellence of the
National Journal took its origin in such changes
as gradually brought to its pages the best ma-
terial in the world. The question before all
friends of The Journal is, how can its pages be
filled with the best possible articles? Both Coun-
cil, House of Delegates, officers, general and local,
and individual members have a vital interest in
this question. The facts are that this material
comes from either the General Society or its
Branches. The question then is how can the best
material possible be secured from these? The
collection of material for any given year falls
upon the officers of societies or sections, so that
if these exhaust the possibilities of their members
nothing more can be done. It is a matter of
common observation, that one person is better
adapted for getting the best work done, because
of temperament, training or executive ability, and
such should be selected as officials, especially sec-
retary. It is for each delegate to exert his influ-
ence in his own society for this end. The good
material thus made certain will render The Jour-
nal more attractive to every member. We must
eliminate, so far as possible, the idea of electing
any official as an honor to him, but rather to
elect him because* he can serve the organization
better during a particular period.
The Journal management cannot transform
lead into gold, therefore let us take heed to give
it only the best. Nor can it publish all the work
of the State Society and its sixty Branches, but
it can publish in abstract or extenso the most
important. Hence it is hoped that delegates
will encourage secretaries of their Branches to
abstract all papers that cannot be published at
length. Many forget that an idea or practice
clothed in short, fresh, crisp language gains thou-
sands of readers over the long article. Such is
quoted and remembered while the diluted one
either is unnoticed or speedily forgotten. Those
who have scanned the columns of The Journal's
exchanges will have had this truth burned into
their memories.
Writers of papers can greatly aid editors in
diminishing the cost of The Journal by extra
care in preparing their copy, and remember that
there is additional expense for every word or
sentence cut out and new one inserted.
Evidences of the increased hold The Journal
has acquired are numerous. Voluntarily adver-
tisers affirm that their investment has brought
them large returns, and they want contracts re-
newed. This is true not only of drug and food
manufactories, but of sanitariums, etc., etc.
Subscribers immediately give notice of missing
copies, as they do not want a break in their files.
Contributors express gratification at the evidences
that their articles have been copied into other
journals and attracted attention of those inter-
ested in the topic discussed.
Changes in residence of Society membership
are numerous, and difficult to keep track of, un-
less the editor is apprized of the changed address.
Complaint is often received from a member who
not only overlooked notifying the editor of his
removal, but also the post office. The numbers
thus lost are supplied, if possible, but much fric-
tion would be obviated if the editor were promptly
notified of a member's change of residence.
A special department in the advertising pages
has been established to gratify advertisers, who
desire reading notices, and the readers of The
Journal who object to such material in the body
of The Journal. Naturally advertisers seek the
largest returns for their investment, and have
secured from many journals space even in the
editorial columns. The arrangement in The
Journal seems to satisfy all parties and though
increasing the expense, it profits in facilitating
the renewal of old contracts and the securing of
new ones.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Art. IV, Sec. 5, Constitution, provides for a
roll of resident honorary members who have won
distinction, but are restricted from active service
by disabilities of age or other infirmity. In ac-
cord therewith the Council nominates for elec-
tion by you the following:
Albert B. Prescott, Ann Arbor.
George K. Johnson, Grand Rapids.
S. P. Duffield, Dearborn.
L. M. Bliss, Saginaw.
Hugh-McColl, Lapeer.
Three of these, Drs. Johnson, Bliss and McColl,
have served as Presidents of this Society; two.
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39th ANNUAL MEETING
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Drs. Prescott and Duffield, have added national
distinction as chemists and teachers of chemistry
to their reputations as physicians. All during more
than a generation have led the Michigan profes-
sion in its march towards the promised land.
Under authority of the same article of our Con-
stitution, Sec. 6, the Council nominates for hon-
orary non-resident members:
William H. Welch, of Baltimore, Md., honored
everywhere for his pathological work, for his
skill in training pathological investigators and
enthusing his students with highest professional
ideals.
A. J. Ochsner, of Chicago, known to all for his
high attainments as a practitioner and teacher
of abdominal surgery.
While recognizing its shortcoming, the Council
has done the best with the resources at its com-
mand. It has entered at length upon some fea-
tures of its conduct in the hope of securing even
larger co-operation and aid from officials and
members of the Society through the facts dif-
fused by the individual delegates as well as their
official action.
SUMMARY.
Finance — While there has been a slight gain in
our net income during the past year — we need to
restrict expenditures to present work and neg-
lect no opportunity to augment receipts.
County Societies have been increased to sixty,
and exhibit little friction in adjusting themselves
to new conditions. A few have been unable to
cast aside the habits of a former generation when
"the club" was a regular gymnastic exercise. A
few have permitted personal and outside matters
to impede their evolution. Gradually these are
grasping the catholic spirit of the new organiza-
tion, and its capacity to advantage them equally
with others. It is believed that all will soon
join us in recognizing the new era of universal
brotherhood, now rising from the ashes of a
structure in which "everyone was for himself
and the devil for the hindmost."
Judicial disagreements have been settled mainly
by Branch officials with or without the aid of
their Councilor. Our endeavor has been to aid
the disputants in grasping all the facts on both
sides in the spirit of organization, with the usual
result, that both parties accept the manifest
equity.
The Journal has steadily grown in value and
popularity. As it costs the Society less than it
earns, it is a paying proposition; spreading work
accomplished and stimulating better work.
Finally, continued observation shows that the
only cement of medical organization is "constant
practice in thinking kindly thoughts, speaking
kmdly words, and doing kindly deeds" to the in-
different and our enemies. While this practice
grows, organization will grow in power to shape
the destiny of our art, improve our fortunes and
promote an ideal civilization.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON LEGISLA-
TION AND PUBLIC POLICY.
W. H. SAWYER, Hillsdale, Chairman.
Your committee begs to submit the following
report :
There being no meeting of the State legislative
bodies this year, there is consequently little to be
done beyond p&ving the way for subsequent effort.
Your committee would recommend no interfer-
ence with the present registration law. Under
its operation Michigan has been raised to a posi-
tion second to no State in the union in its re-
quirements for registration in medicine. New
York State heretofore has always been credited
with having the most exacting entrance examina-
tion of any State, and has been correspondingly
looked up to; but as our legal requirements to-
day arc very much above New York State, Michi-
gan has by far the highest requirements of any
State not only of medical education, but still more
important, of preliminary qualification.
This committee would also recommend that a
special law be drafted and passed that shall make
it illegal for publishers to print advertisements
that are dangerous to public health and public
morals and circulate such advertising matter with-
in the State. Such a law consistently framed
would satisfactorily meet this condition. As the
State Board of Registration has the right to re-
voke a license only, and its right to do this is
in question, and as many non-residents are with-
out its jurisdiction, its power to suppress this
evil is quite limited. The opposition to such a
measure would be very strong. As it is difficult
to impress the layman with tH^ harm done, and
the press is very jealous of any restriction of its
rights, only the earnest and united efforts of the
profession, working through every right channel,
could overcome it and win a victory. However,
the initial step has been taken and so should be
pursued with the same energy, courage and re-
source which has evolved the present medical law.
It is further recommended that the profession
earnestly support the measure recfommended by
your Committee on Vital Statistics. Because of *
no systematic and exact method of recording
births, much important and valuable data have
been lost.
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STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY.
309^
REPORT OF THE MICHIGAN MEMBER OF
THE NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COUN-
CIL OF THE AMERICAN MEDI-
CAL ASSOCIATION.
EMIL AMBERG, Detroit.
For the fourth time a member of the Michigan
State Medical Society is represented on the
Auxiliary National Legislative Committee, which
is now called the National Legislative Council of
the American Medical Association.
The matters which came within the scope of
the committee during the last year were:
1. The appointment of Colonel William C. Gor-
gas on the Panama Canal Commission.
2. A bill to increase the efficiency of the Medi-
cal Department of the United States Army.
3. An appropriation of $400,000.00 for a General
Hospital for the Army in the District of Colum-
bia.
4. The Senate amended bill (Senator Heyburn)
Calendar 1165, for preventing the adulteration
or misbranding of foods or drugs, and for regu-
lating traffic therein.
As you know, there exist besides this commit-
tee now about sixty auxiliaries in Michigan, one
representative from each county forming a com-
mittee called the National Auxiliary Congres-
sional and Legislative Committee of the Ameri-
can Medical Association. Chas. A. L. Reed, of
Cincinnati, is chairman of both committees.
It would lead too far to go into all the details
of the work done. The letter file which I pass
around contains practically all the correspondence
of your committee during the last year. In order
to give the Medical Society an idea of the man-
ner in which matters are handled, I take the
liberty of choosing a few details for illustration,
and quote the following:
Cincinnati, O., Feb. 24, 1904.
Dr. Emil Amber g, etc:
I enclose herein copies of documents relating
to the referendum relative to medical representa-
tion on the Panama Canal Commission. This is
a most conspicuous and important test of the
influence which the medical profession may be
able to exert, and I ask your earnest and instant
co-operation. To this end, please write a letter
within twenty-four hours following the receipt of
this, urging each County Auxiliary Committee-
man in your State to comply with the request
which goes to him direct by this mail.