/^ B^-0 THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES PERSONAL REMIWSCENCES AND RECOLLECTIONS OF FORTY-SIX YEARS' MEMBERSHIP IN THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, RESIDENCE IN THIS CITY, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MANY OF THE DECEASED MEMBERS. BY SAMUEL C. BUSEY, M.D., LL.D., PRESIDENT OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 1S77, 1S94 AND 1895, WASHINGTON CITY, D. C. WASHINGTON, D. C, 1895. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1895, by SAMUEL C. BUSEY, M.D., LL.D., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PHILADELPHIA : DORNAN, PRINTER. Biomedical Libnij nwB TO THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Zb\5 IDolume IS INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. ^yi^ 795897 PREFACE. In the preparation of these memoirs I have coutined myself closely to facts which I could verify, with such commeut as seemed reasonable and concisely set forth my own convic- tions and deductions. In some instances I have omitted incidents of doiibtfid propriety, which could not be estab- lished beyond dispute, and would have been of no special interest, even though conclusively proven. I have but in a few instances relied upon my memory without verification by examination of records or the oral testimony of persons who were cognizant of the circumstances narrated or fact asserted. In the delineations of character of the dead of the profes- sion I have endeavored to set forth vividly the dominant traits of each person in such manner as would present the individuality so strongly as would distinctly differentiate each character, whilst at the same time making each picture com- plete in its identity. I have not, however, attempted to "make swans by stretching the necks of geese." I have omitted reference to some not less deserving, and confined my character delineations, with but few exceptions, to those personally and familiarly known to me. I have omitted many incidents, circumstances, and facts relating to the history of the profession in general, because in some cases the history was too voluminous for condensa- tion suitable to a volume of this character; in other instances vi PREFACE. the data at my command were insufficient for a complete and impartial statement, and in other instances would have pro- voked references to private matters that could not concern the public. I have not attempted to write an autobiography, but tried to limit myself to such personal references as seemed neces- sary to set forth distinctly and definitely incidents and cir- cumstances with which I was actively associated. I am free to admit that the chapters relating to the history of the pro- fession and the ethical procedures will clearly point to the author as a conspicuous actor in many of the events, but it is unavoidably so, for which I have no apology to offer, and am willing to accept the verdict of a jury of ray peers. In conclusion, I desire to record my obligations to my friends, Drs. Samuel S. Adams, G. Wythe Cook, and Thomas E. McArdle, for their aid and advice in the prepa- ration of this volume. S. C. B. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Introduction 17 CHAPTER II. Biograjihy and Reminiscences of My Early Life. Beginning of the Study of Medicine. Courses of Study in Philadelphia. Settlement in this citv 20 CHAPTER III. Life of a Student of Medicine in the Private Class of Prof. George B. Wood. His Fondness for Teaching. Rigid Discipline of Students, and Requirements for Graduation. Hard Work and No Play. Brief Sketches of the Hospital Staff. Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania. Joseph Warrington and Others. Some Relics 31 CHAPTER IV. R. K. Stone. His Friendship and Generous Conduct. Begin- ning Practice. Reminiscences of the Beginning. First Patients. Condition of the City. Dr. B. Madam Anne Royal. Hazel's Row. Old Mrs. Cratty. An Oddity. Other Noted Personages. Society. Fashionable Promenade, 1848- oS. Pennsylvania Avenue. Beau Hickman. Felix K. Mc- Connell 54 CHAPTER V. American Medical Association. Menu of Banquet. Poem by Holmes 07 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER YI. PAGE Discontent and Want of Harmony in the Profession. Fees. Grievances. Ethical Disputes. Arraignment of Members. Gautier Placard. Meeting of the American Medical Asso- ciation in 1858. The Presidency 103 CHAPTER VII. Removal to the Country. Residence at Belvoir. Return to the City. Resumption of Professional Life in this City. Co- lumbia Hospital Dispensary. Lectures at the Hospital. Organization of the Children's Hospital of the District of Columbia Ill CHAPTER YIII. The Founders of the Medical Society of the District of Co- lumbia Whom I Knew, with Some References to Several Others 121 CHAPTER IX. Brief Biographical Sketches of those Members of the Society who Lived Seventy Years and More, Excepting those who were Founders, and Several Others who Died or Moved Away before I Came to the city 139 CHAPTER X. Incorporators Named in Act of Revival of Charter of the Med- ical Society of the District of Columbia, 1838. Forfeiture by Failure to Elect Officers at Annual Meeting. Sketches of A. McD. Davis, W. B. Magruder, Thomas Miller, and N. P.Causin 167 CHAPTER XL Brief Biographical Sketches of Members not Previously Clas- sified, but Selected from the Xumerous Dead, Because of Distinction : John M. Snyder, William P. Johnston, Bene- dict Thompson, William B. Drinkard, William Marbury, Francis A. Ashford, Johnson Eliot, Charles M. Ford, James E. Morgan, A. Y. P. Garnet, E. Carroll 3Iorgan, William Lee, William G. Palmer 176 CONTENTS. ix CHAPTER XII. PAGE The lEstablisbment of a General Hospital in the District of Columbia. Ewell's Project. Attempt of Board of Health. • AVashington Infirmary. Providence Hospital. The Central Dispensary and Emergency Hospital. General Hospital of the District of Columbia, Georgetown. Freedmen's Hos- pital. Garfield Memorial Hospital 212 CHAPTER XIII. The Disturbances of 1869-72. Admission of Physicians of African Descent to Membership in the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Attempt to Repeal the Charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Appeal to the American Medical Association. Final Settlement by the Decisive Action of the American Medical Association at Philadelphia in 1872 245 CHAPTER XIV. Trial and Expulsion of Dr. D. "SV. Bliss. His Re-instateraent. The Admission of Dr. C. C. Cox to the Medical Association of the District of Columbia 285 CHAPTER XV. Controversy with the Board of Health 294 CHAPTER XVI. Revision of the Rules and Regulations and Abrogation of the Local Code of Ethics of the Medical Association of the Dis- trict of Columbia 301 CHAPTER XVII. The Arraignment of Physicians in the Government Service for Violations of the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. Prosecution and Acquittal of Surgeon J. H. Baxter. Prosecution and Ac- quittal of Surgeon Basil Norris. Prosecution and Acquittal of Dr. A. Y. P. Garnet. Angry Controversy. Pi-evalent Bad Temper. Final Settlement 317 X CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVIII. PAGE Medicine in the District of Columbia during the period from 1848-95 331 CHAPTER XIX. Bibliography of Contributions to Medical Literature by Samuel C. Busey, M.D 354 PERSONAL REMmiSCENCES. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. DuEiNG several years past I have frequently been solicited by the agents of publishing-houses to furnish a brief autobi- ography for publication in some cyclopedia, either in course of publication or prospective, a dictionary of medical men or other publication. I have always refused such applications, and, occasionally, to get rid of the mercenary importunities, had to repeat my refusal in some very emphatic manner. During the same period, and very recently, many personal friends, members of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and others, who have occasionally, in some casual conversa- tion, heard me narrate circumstances and incidents which had come under my personal observation, have suggested to me the propriety of recording, in some permanent form, my reminiscences and recollections, together with my own biog- raphy. Until recently I have dismissed these friendly sug- gestions either with a positive or quasi refusal. During the year 1893 it became my duty, as the Chairman of the Com- mittee of Arrangements of the Celebration of the Seventy- fifth Anniversary of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, to study the history, so far as it had been written and published, by Dr. Toner and others, and to seek informa- tion, orally and by letters, from private citizens here and elsewhere, of some of the earlier members of the Society, that I might intelligently prepare the address which it would be 2 18 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. my duty to deliver at the Anniversary Celebration. I was surprised to find how little had been recorded of some of the most distinguished and honored dead, and how much infor- mation of very great interest could be obtained with very little effort. Animated by these circumstances and facts, and, per- haps, flattered by the renewed suggestions of personal friends, I determined to undertake the task after the celebration of the anniversary. At first it was my purpose to collect these reminiscences and recollections in the form of an annual address, to be delivered upon my retirement from the presidency of the Society ; but as I proceeded with its preparation it grew into such proportions that I was compelled to abandon my original intention. The present volume is, therefore, the outgrowth of an unpretentious beginning. Notwithstanding the abandonment of my purpose to pre- pare an annual address, I have, in many respects, retained that feature which characterizes it as a discourse addressed to the Medical Society, because it gives to it a pleasant person- ality, and affords me the opportunity to give expression to my appreciation of a body of colleagues and contemporaries which has so often honored me with its confidence and pro- fessional regard. The privilege which has come to me cannot come to many. Forty-seven years of continuous residence, dated from birth, in any one city or locality, is not remarkable, but such a length of residence and an equal number of years of continuous, and the seniority of, membership in a medical society in the life- time of any man would seem to entitle the story of his recol- lections and reminiscences to some historic value. Of the two hundred and fourteen members alive in January, 1894, but three had passed the age of seventy, and but thirteen had reached and passed the age of sixty-five. Of the dead during the seventy-five years of existence of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia but twenty-eight reached and passed the age of three-score-and-ten. It seems strange to me, as I PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 19 record these statistics, that no one of the distinguished dead, some of whom enjoyed a much longer continuous residence and membership than I, should have left in some perma- nent form the memories of himself and contemporaries, that we, who come after, might have had the histories of their honorable lives. Prior to 1866 the official records relate almost exclusively to the transaction of the ordinary routine business and to questions of ethics. In 1866 Dr. J. M. Toner delivered and published an address in which he had collated from the records, newspapers, and other sources a very complete history of the profession from the early settlement of the city to that date, but even such a diligent and pains- taking historian failed to obtain some data of special interest, which I am permitted to incorporate in the following pages. The address delivered by Dr. Toner, September 26, 1866, is a history of the medical jjrofession and organizations prior to that date. I will refer more especially to the personality of the profession, and seek to delineate individual character and worth rather than organized eifort. CHAPTER II. Biography and Reminiscences of My Early Life. Beginning the Study of Medicine. Courses of Study in Philadelphia. Settlement in this City. The past has been an eventful year in the history of this Society. The commemoration of its Seventy-fifth Anniver- sary on the 16th of February, 1894, marked an epoch which will be held in lasting remembrance by all who participated in the exercises of that occasion. In view of my official connection with that event, and of forty-seven years' membership in this Society, it has seemed to me that I might add interest to and enhance the historic value of some of the incidents of that successful and brilliant cele- bration by putting upon record in this semi-official manuer some of my personal recollections and experiences, and rem- iniscences of prominent members of the early years of this Society whom it was my good fortune to know. In the discharge of this self-imposed task I will classify those members to whom I may refer as founders whom I knew, as members who lived seventy and more years, and others now dead, whose prominence in this Society and com- munity should revive and hold in remembrance the recollec- tions of their honorable lives. There will, of course, be notable exceptions — some with whom I did not have a per- sonal acquaintance and others of whom it would be unwise to make record at this date. That you may the more fully appreciate some of these reminiscences it is necessary that I preface them with a brief and condensed resume of the successive events of my own early life. I was born and resided until I began the study of medicine on a farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, about one and PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 21 a half miles back of the forest, east of Cabin John bridge. Georgetown, the nearest post-office and trading-town, was nine miles distant by the way the road ran. My father died when I was five years old. When a very small boy I accom- panied my mother in her frequent business or social visits to Georgetown, and later, when old enough to be trusted alone on horseback, was often sent to the town for such purposes as seemed necessary. In this way I became quite familiar with the names and faces of a number of prominent citizens of the town, among them Drs, Nicholas Worthington, Peregrine Warfield, Benjamin S. Bohrer, and Hezekiah Magruder. Occasionally my mother would extend her visits to this city, usually as far as the large dry-goods store at the corner of Ninth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, kept by Darius Clagett. Drs. Bohrer and Magruder occasionally made visits to the farm to see some member of the family ; the former, however, was the attending physician of my mother during her last illness. About one year after her death, which occurred on the day James K. Polk (1844) was nominated at Baltimore for the Presidency, I left the Academy at Rockville, reluc- tantly relinquished my preference for the farm to acquiesce in the wish often expressed by my mother, that I would select the profession of medicine, and, animated by the desire to be in more convenient proximity to a young lady about my own age, who was then at the Seminary in Georgetown kept by Miss English, I removed to Georgetown, and entered the office of Dr. Hezekiah Magruder. Cullen's Treatise of the Materia Medica, 3d American edition, Philadelphia, 1808, and somebody's dissector, probably the London, republished in Philadelphia about 1820, proved to be tedious and doleful work for me during the summer of 1845, and had it not been for the social attraction I would have returned to the farm to drive the oxen and follow the plow. Soon after convalescence from the narrative of Cullen's Treatise, I learned of the existence of the United States Dis- pensatory tlirough the kindness of a friendly drug-clerk with 22 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. whom I was accustomed to while away an hour or more after the horns were blown. It was the law and custom in that quiet city at that time to toot tin horns at 10 o'clock p.m. precisely, to frighten the free negroes to their places of abode and to warn them of probable arrest aud lock-up for the night if caught on the street. Not infrequently the monotony of that ancient city was disturbed by the fierce screaming of some belated damsel in evening attire, but more frequently by the rapid transit on foot of some gay Lothario escaping the pursuit of the angry watchman. I find in the chronicles of Georgetown the following refer- ence to an " ordinance to purchase a steel triangle, which was swung in a steeple upon the town-house. This triangle was used to triangulate the town with its music every night at 10 o'clock. It carried the sound of time through the town as fast as the magnetic wires carry news to Baltimore ; and when the town ofiicer commenced triangulating the darkies would move off in parallel lines for home ; but sometimes they would come in contact with a triangular watchman, who would ensconce them in the watch-house until day. The triangle lasted but a short time, on account of the laws of gravitation prevailing here (in Georgetown) and elsewhere ; the treacherous cord by which it was swung gave way one night while the system of triangulation was in full blast, and the triangle leaped through the steeple on the roof of the house, and bouncing from there to the ground broke up into fragments. That ended triangulation. The old system of blowing tin horns at 10 o'clock was re-established, and the watchmen were ordered to cry the hour to time the citizens through the darkness of the night." My inchoate studies were again and more suddenly inter- rupted by the revelation that women in health were afflicted with an indisposition every month. This episode was occa- sioned by the accidental discovery of the word " menses " in an old medical dictionary, the pages of which I was turniug over in search of relief from the weary tire of Cullen, I read PERSONAL RE^IINISCENCES. 23 and re-read the definition until I almost imagined I either had or would have the " flowers " or the dreadful " reds." The higgledy-piggledy explanations of this problem of mystery and amazement were so wretchedly unsatisfactory, cloudy, and awe- some that I yielded in despair to melancholy reflections over the awful surprises in store for me, and suffered a relapse of love for the farm and fields, the open and sunny skies, woods, brooks, and rambles which had made the years of my earlier youth so charming and attractive, from which I recovered after a week or more sojourn at the homestead, then tenanted by a senior half-brother and the good old colored cook. Charity Martin, famous in memory still for her Maryland biscuit and Johnny cake, and returned to renew the study of the revelations of human phenomena just in time to begin with the opening lectures at the National Medical College. My preceptor was gifted, or not, as you may think, with such a limited vocabulary and conversational capacity that he could not give expression to the charming qualities of mind and heart which had made him a popular and successful practi- tioner of medicine. To utilize fully my winter's courses of practical and didactic anatomy I had to walk once, and every other day twice, to and from my lodgings in Georgetown to the Infirmary, located in Judiciary Square, about the spot now desecrated by a urinal embowered with shrubs and evergreens. The last return was late at night, through dark and dismal streets, with compan- ions who stopped along the way as they reached their homes. My preceptor was delighted with my progress, and when I had learned to read and understand the chemistry and thera- peusis of his favorite prescription of sub. murias. hydrarg. and jpulv. Dover i I was profoundly grateful, and began to feel like " a poor boy at a frolic." I learned enough during my ^vinter's course at the National Medical College to know that private pupilage in an office in Georgetown, without a book more recent than 1820, and with only two or three rusty scalpels and a pair of tooth pulley- 24 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. kins, did not supply the opportunities for the acquirement of my profession. I also learned much of the standing and reputation of men with some of whom I became closely asso- ciated in after-life. Among these were Johnson Eliot, James C. Hall, Thomas Miller, Robert King Stone, William P. Johnston, Harvey Lindsly, Grafton Tyler, and Joshua Riley. John Frederick May, Professor of Surgery, was a very dex- terous operator, a brilliant lecturer, and an impressive teacher. John M. Thomas came leisurely, after time, to his lectures on physiology, which were brief, polished, and unsatisfactory. He was always neatly dressed in the latest style, dignified, polite, but very reserved. At that time he had a very large business among the better class of citizens, and lived sumptu- ously. Some years later I parted with him in front of John Foy's saloon about one hour before he wrote the prescription which, it was alleged, killed a porter at Fuller's Hotel, and the last time I saw him he was struggling, with assistance, to enter a carriage to respond to a summons to see Mrs. Adams. During the winter of 1815-46 I studied practical anatomy, and attended the lectures on anatomy and operative surgery in the National Medical College in this city. In 1846 I went to Philadelphia and entered the office of the late George B. Wood as a private pupil. There I remained, following daily, except during lecture seasons. Wood, Pepper, or Gerrard through the medical, and Peace, Norris, Randolph, or Fox the surgical wards of the Pennsylvania Hospital ; passed through the courses, both demonstrative and practical, of the Obstetric Institute, under Joseph Warrington ; attended two courses in the University of Pennsylvania, and received my diploma at Musical Fund Hall on the eighth day of April, 1848. Then I returned to Georgetown and began to think of and inquire about places for permanent settlement. Finally, at the suggestion of my frieud and classmate. Dr. W. H, Saunders, who died in Nicaragua during the last and disas- trous invasion of that country by Walker, the freebooter, and, not entirely free from the hope that I might attain PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 20 success without going too far away from the young lady to whom I have already referred, I took the office on A Street, S. E., now included in the eastern park of the Capitol, vacated by Dr. Francis M. Gunnell, who had a week before passed the Medical Examining Board for the Navy, at the head of the list, and took my meals at a boarding-house kept by Mrs. Sprigg, occupying a seat at the table nearly opposite Abraham Lincoln, whom I soon learned to know and admire for his sim- ple and unostentatious manners, kind-heartedness, and amusing jokes, anecdotes, and witticisms. When about to tell an anec- dote during a meal he would lay down his knife and fork, place his elbows upon the table, rest his face between his hands, and begin with the words " that reminds me," and proceed. Everybody prepared for the explosions sure to follow. I recall with vivid pleasure the scene of merriment at the din- ner after his first speech in the House of Representatives, occasioned by the descriptions, by himself and others of the Congressional mess, of the uproar in the House during its delivery. I had not attached any importance, and had rarely referred to the fact of having boarded in the same house with Mr. Lincoln until I read a statement in one of the daily papers to the effect that a diligent search made by the Memorial Association of the District of Columbia had failed to locate the house in wdiich he had resided during his service in Con- gress; and, more recently, having declined an invitation to make an address at the memorial meeting, held April 14, 1894, the twenty-ninth anniversary of his death, in which I was requested to set forth such facts, circumstances, and rem- iniscences of Congressman Lincoln as I might' recall, it has seemed not only eminently proper, but incumbent upon me to comply so far with tliat request as to record in some per- manent form the brief details of that association. The house was the fourth of a row of houses known as *' Carroll Row," situated on the east side of First Street, E., between A Street, S., and East Capitol Street, the south 26 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. house of the row being at the corner of First and A Streets, S. The location is now better known as the west front of one of the squares (729) upon which the new Library building is being built. The corner house ^ was occupied by Gen. Duff Green and family, who took their meals at the Sprigg board- ing-house, the next by William I. McCormick and family, and the third by John H. Houston and family. The two houses north of the Sprigg house were boarding-houses, then a stonecutter's yard, and the three-story brick house at the corner of First Street, E., and East Capitol Street, with a shop on the ground floor and dwelling above occupied by the stonecutter, completed the west front of the square. There was a large number of boarders at the Sprigg house, among whom may be named, besides Mr. Lincoln, Messrs. Mcllvaine, Dick, Blanchard, and Pollock, members of the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, and Thompkins, M. C, from Mississippi, the Green family, Nathan Sargent — better known as "Oliver Oldschool" — Edmund French, a private citizen, and myself. All the members of the House of Representatives were Whigs. The WiJmot Proviso was the topic of frequent conversation and tlie occasion of very many angry controversies. Dick, who represented the Lan- caster district in Pennsylvania, afterward represented by Thaddeus Stevens, was a very offensive man in manner and conversation, and seemed to take special pleasure in ventilat- ing his opinions and provoking unpleasant discussions with the Democrats and some of the Whigs, especially Thompkins, who held adverse opinions on the Wilmot Proviso. Nathan Sargent was also a radical, but was so interested in the success of the Whigs and the election of Zachary Taylor that he restrained himself and followed Mr. Lincoln, who may have been as radical as either of these gentlemen, but was so dis- creet in giving expression to his convictions on the slavery 1 The house occupied by Gen. Ross and Admiral Cockburn as headquarters during August, 1814, after the capture of the citj' by the British. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 27 question as to avoid giving offence to anybody, and was so conciliatory as to create the impression, even among the pro- slavery advocates, that he did not wish to introduce or discuss subjects that would provoke a controversy. AVhen such con- versation would threaten angry or even unpleasant contention he would interrupt it by interposing some anecdote, thus divert- ing it into a hearty and general laugh, and so completely dis- arrange the tenor of the discussion that the parties engaged would either separate in good humor or continue conversation free from discord. This amicable disposition made him very popular with the household. Congressman Lincoln was very fond of bowling, and would frequently join others of the mess, or meet other members in a match game, at the alley of James Casparis, which was near the boarding-house. He was a very awkward bowler, but played the game with great zest and spirit, solely for exercise and amusement, and greatly to the enjoyment and entertain- ment of the other players and bystanders by his criticisms and funny illustrations. He accepted success and defeat with like good nature and humor, and left the alley at the conclu- sion of the game without a sorrow or disappointment. When it was known that he was in the alley there would assemble numbers of people to witness the fun which was anticipated by those who knew of his fund of anecdotes and jokes. When in the alley, surrounded by a crowd of eager listeners, he indulged with great freedom in the sport of narrative, some of which were very broad. His witticisms seemed for the most part to be impromptu, but he always told the anecdotes and jokes as if he wished to convey the impression that he had heard them from some one ; but they appeared very many times as if they had been made for the immediate occasion. Congressman Lincoln was always neatly but very plainly dressed, very simple and approachable in manner, and unpre- tentious. He attended to his business, going promptly to the House and remaining till the session adjourned, and appeared to be familiar with the progress of legislation. 28 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. During that session Mrs. Lincoln, with the eldest son, was at the house for a time, but was so retiring that she was rarely seen except at the meals. Robert was a bright boy, about four years old, and seemed to have his own way. If there were any other children, I do not recall the fact. During the short session of that Congress Mr. Lincoln lived down town, where I do not now remember. The stonecutter's yard was occupied with the preparation of the cenotaphs to deceased members of Congress, which may now be seen arranged in rows in the Congressional Cemetery. Each consists of a block of free-stone two and one-half feet square, upon a double base, and crowned with an oval cap- stone. They are inscribed on one side, as, for instance, " In memory of the Hon. Gabriel Holmes, a Representative in the Congress of the United States from the State of North Caro- lina, who died in the recess of Congress in 1829." Some- times the Congress is named, as, Thirty-fifth, or, First Ses- sion, Thirty-sixth, and occasionally on the reverse side are inscribed some details of death, as, for instance, on the ceno- taph to the memory of the Hon. George S. Kinard, the inscription is as follows : '' His death was occasioned by the explosion of the boiler of a steamboat on his journey to his seat in Congress." At that time, and for some indefinite previous period, the Government, either by custom or law, provided for the erection of these cenotaphs to dead members and Senators, whether the death occurred or not in this city, during the session or recess, or at home or on the journey to this city. It was a commemorative testimonial more profit- able to the stonecutter than complimentary to the deceased statesman. The honored custom was discontinued in 1877, for the reasons that too many members were dying, it was a useless extravagance for an economical government, and a waste of burial space. During my second course at the University, session of 1847-48, I presided at the class meetings for consideration of the proposition to have painted the portrait of Prof. Nathaniel PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 29 Chapman, and Avas chairman of the committee charged with the duty of carrying out the expressed wishes of the class. The portrait was painted by Sully, and now hangs in the Wistar and Horner Museum. I have in my possession a copy of the letter, written by myself, addressed to Prof. Chapman, requesting his assent, aud his autograph reply, which are as follows : Philadelphia, January 27, 1848. Peof. N. Chapman : Dear Sir : We, the undersigned, committee of the medical class of the University of Pennsylvania, are authorized to wait upon you and solicit your consent to have your portrait taken, Avhich they design presenting to the museum of the institution with which you have been so long and so honorably connected. Permit us, sir, to add our personal solicitations and earnest hopes that you will comply with their request. Signed by the Committee. Gentlemen : I am very sensible of the honor designed me in proposing to have my portrait taken to be placed in the gallery of the University of Pennsylvania. For this unusual testimonial of your kindness to me I tender you my grateful acknowledgments. I cannot refuse to gratify your wishes so gracefully expressed to me, and am prepared to attend the artist at any time which may be ap- pointed. With the highest resi^ect, I am, gentlemen, Yours truly and affectionately, N. Chapman,- To Messrs. Samuel C. Busey, Cornelius Kollock, I. G. Hendricks, William H. Hooper, William K. Mehafl'ey, Thomas N. Getty, Frank Hollins, Charles W. Hale, John I. Campbell. Philadelphia, January 29, 1848. Before the portrait was ready for presentation two disputes arose. One related to the constitution of the committee, which was satisfactorily settled by the appointment of a member from each State represented in the class. The other contro- versy was more serious, and grew out of the antagonism between Virginia and Pennsylvania in the selection of the student to deliver the presentation address. Virginia claimed 30 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the honor because Chapman was a native of that State, and Pennsylvania because that State was the home of his adoption and that his reputation had been made in Philadelphia. After an angry controversy Daniel A. Langhorne, of Lynchburg, Virginia, a private pupil of George B. Wood, was selected. The presentation ceremonies took place in the Anatomical Theatre in the presence of the class and several ladies. Dr. Chapman accepted the gift in person. From the Minutes of the Medical Faculty of Alarch 30, 1848. A communication of February 15th was laid before the Faculty from a committee of students, announcing the completion of a por- trait of Professor Chapman by Sully, with a view of its being pre- sented to the Wistar Museum. The Dean was instructed to enter on the minutes that the same had been jsresented on Wednesday, the 15th of March, in the Anatomical Theatre, in the presence of the Trustees, the Medical Faculty, and of the Medical Class, with appro- priate ceremonies, an address having been delivered by Mr. Daniel A. Langhorne, of Virginia, which was replied to by Dr. Chapman. CHAPTER III. Life of a Student of Medicine in the Private Class of Professor George B. Wood. His Fondness for Teaching ; Kigid Discipline of Students and Requirements for Graduation. Hard Work and no Play. Brief Sketches of the Hospital Staff and Faculty of the University ; Joseph Warrington and others. vSome Relics. Professor George B, Wood was a famous teacher. His reputation as a teacher of materia medica and therapeutics was unprecedented. He made the dull and dry details of his subject so interesting and attractive that his class-room was always crowded with students who followed him with the closest attention. The lectures were not read but delivered from memoranda, to which he would refer. Specimens of drugs were exhibited, with full and accurate description of their physical characters and properties, and, so far as was possible, demonstration of their chemical qualities, with spe- cial reference to incompatibilities. He dwelt especially upon their medicinal properties and therapeutic applications. He was a fluent speaker, distinct in enunciation, and very precise and exact in expression. His diction was elegant and his language was choice. He never uttered a word or sen- tence intended to excite mirth or laughter. No student would have treated him with the disrespect of laughing in his pres- ence during a lecture. Every subject was discussed with the gravity of the highest dignity and importance, and whilst his manner was formal and sometimes austere, he was always polite to the utmost degree, and commanded the respect and admiration of even the most indifferent students in the class, but was greatly feared by all students who were poorly pre- pared in his branch, because it was generally believed that no one could graduate who did not receive his vote on the final 32 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. examination. Such was his reputation when I entered his private class, and such I found it to be as I knew him better and more intimately. He was tall, with a spare frame, without any superfluous flesh. His features were marked, and denoted firmness, de- cision, reserve, and dignity. His expression was calm, sedate, and quiet, but pleasant and contented, and when talking was illuminated with a smile, which added a charm to his conver- sation. He was free and easy in conversation in social life, and seemed to enjoy a hearty laugh. With a jet-black wig, always in perfect order, hairless eye- brows and eyelids, a beardless face, except here and there a cluster of a few very black hairs on the chin and sides of the face, his appearance was so striking as to attract the observa- tion of every stranger. It was not, however, disagreeable, but seemed to grow in attractiveness with acquaintance and intercourse. It was generally believed that he never had any hair on his scalp, and some asserted that he never had any natural teeth. I could never convince myself of the truth of the latter statement, because his teeth looked natural and were kept in good order. He was a Friend by descent and in belief, attended the Friends' meetings, but had abandoned the conventional style of dress of that sect and the use of " thee " and " thine," except when in conversation with other members of the Society of Friends. I never saw him dressed in any- thing but black clothing — a dress coat, and hat always of the same pattern, a tall black silk, with medium breadth of rim, which was always removed when in the house. Dr. Wood was a man of wealth, lived in dignified simplicity, but in great ease and comfort, and resided in a large hand- some double house on Arch Street, with a side-door from an alley-way leading into the garden in the rear of the dwelling. Within this side-door was a small hallway with a door lead- ing into his private office or library, the windows of which looked out into the garden, and another door opening into the recitation-room, fronting on the street. From the hall- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 33 way a flight of steps led down into the basement to a room fitted up for tlie occupancy of the students, if they choose; but it was never occupied by them except, jierhaps, on some special occasion when some student might desire to examine some medical book which he did not possess and did not wish to purchase. The students preferred to prepare themselves for their recitations in their own private apartments at their lodg- ings. The library was fitted up with all the appurtenances which a man of wealth, taste, and learning would require for his personal comfort. The garden and green-house in the rear were set apart exclusively for the growth and care of medicinal plants with which he illustrated and embellished his lectures. To them he gave great attention, and was always pleased to have his students go through and examine the growing plants. Professor Wood was a very popular teacher, and personally popular with those who knew him in social life. Indifferent and frolicsome students did not like but feared him. He was kind and courteous to the students, and especially kind to those who sought his aid in sickness ; but he was not the man for whom students would send when in some police trouble, not because they feared he would not release them, but because they did not wish him to know of such escapades. He was a hard worker, an indefatigable student, and seemed to be animated by the thought that what he had and could accomplish his students might likewise accomplish, and that it was his duty to compel them to acquit themselves with credit to himself and themselves. The foregoing details constitute the necessary prelude to what is to follow in the record of the life-history of a student of the University in his private class. Without some knowl- edge of the man no one could appreciate the teacher and drill- master. When I entered his library and informed him of the object of my visit he received me with that stiif, formal, and reserved politeness for which he was distinguished, shook hands with 3 34 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. me, and, pointing to a chair, invited me to be seated. After chatting a few moments about matters in general, as if he was searching me intellectually and educationally, he directed his inquiries more particularly to my knowledge of medicine, preliminary education, family history, place of residence, and many apparently idle remarks, as if to make me feel more at ease. Then, referring to the object of my visit, he said very deliberately and emphatically that he taught for the love of teaching, did not want and would not keep any student in his class who failed to comply with his requirements or could not or would not keep up with the class. I had heard all this before, but it sounded ominous as I heard the words and wit- nessed the gravity with which they were uttered. He then proceeded to tell me, in the same deliberate and measured manner, that he required a recitation weekly on every branch (seven) taught in the college, both during the lecture season and vacation, the obstetric and surgical recitations to be con- ducted by some other than himself; a course of demonstrative and clinical midwifery in the Obstetric Institute, then under the supervision of Joseph Warrington, from which, upon the completion of the courses, a certificate must be obtained, attesting faithful and satisfactory attendance to duties, and qualification to practise obstetrics ; attendance upon the sum- mer school of Neal, Reese, and others ; daily attendance, ex- cept Sunday, at the Pennsylvania Hospital in both the medical and surgical wards during the vacation, and the clinical lec- tures, twice weekly, during the college lecture season, and, finally, attendance of two courses of lectures at the Univer- sity. Then he added that he charged one hundred dollars a year, payable in advance, for tuition, but that he paid the expenses of his students at the Hospital, Obstetric Institute, and Summer School, which I ascertained amounted nearly to the sum he charged — that is, it would have cost me about one hundred dollars to have obtained the tickets separately and independently. I handed him the money, for which he wrote a receipt, enclosed it in an envelope directed to me, which he PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 35 handed to me with his thanks. As I left his presence he shook hands with me, named the hour when the class would assemble in the room across the hall, and requested my attendance. The impression left by this interview was not unfavorable to him as a preceptor, but it excited grave apprehensions of inability to fulfil the requirements ; nevertheless, before reach- ing my lodgings, I had resolved to accept the situation and make the struggle — to labor intently to accomplish the task before me and win his good opinion, and I believe I did. Never, since I received my diploma, during the past forty- seven years, have I had occasion to regret my student-life in his private class. The following description of a recitation refers exclusively to those during the University lecture season when the days were short. The reader will observe that some of the details of arrangement and procedure are inapplicable to a recitation during the long afternoons of summer. The class, twenty-five in number, assembled about 5 o'clock P.M. in the room, already prepared by the arrangement of chairs around the room, in the centre of which was a table, under the chandelier, on which had been placed the text-book for the occasion, with the beginning and the end of the lesson marked by precisely cut strips of white paper, two tall silver candlesticks, each with an unlighted spermaceti candle, and a pair of silver caudle-snuffers, with tray. Each student occu- pied the same seat at every recitation. Dr. Wood, with unvarying promptness, would enter the room through a side door from the main hall of the dwelling, when the students would rise simultaneously to receive his greeting by hand- shakiug as he approached each one. Then he would light the candles, carefully trim the wicks with the snuffers, and, when seated, would remove his gold spectacles, burnish them with his silk pocket-handkerchief, and replace them with marked and deliberate precision. As a rule, not one word would be spoken after his entrance until the completion of this ceremo- 36 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. nial prelude, which had to be performed at every recitation. Having completed the preliminaries, he would take from the table the text-book, open it at the page marked for the begin- ning of the lesson, and begin his examination with some student whom he believed was not the one with whom he began the previous examination. The recitation continued without regard to time until the assigned lesson had been completed. He never committed the agreeable mistake of assigning a short lesson. His method of examination was peculiar. The margins of the leaves of the text-books which he used \vere marked with pencil at the points indicating a question, which were numerous enough to indicate every sentence, and, on many pages, every line, so that the minute details of answer were almost equivalent to the verbatim recital of the contents of the page. Usually several questions in succession would be put to each student, unless an unsatisfactory answer was made, when he would pass the question to the next in order ; so on, the recitation would continue until its conclusion. I never knew him to commend a recitation, however faultless it might have been, and many times I have gone through a drill with- out having heard a single incomplete answer. At times he would pause to point out or to explain some important fact, or to call attention to the difference of opinion on the same subject ; especially would this occur in the recitation on the practice of medicine, when he wished to set forth his own opinion. In this connection impartial history requires the record, just here, of the fact that two students were dismissed from the class during my term of service. One not alone because of his failure to keep up, but because of a vulgar, though descriptively correct, answer given to the question, " "Where is the perineum located ? " He never appeared either at a recitation or about the University afterward. The other was a young gentleman of most exemplary habits and a faithful student. He made every possible effort to keep up, but the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 37 work was too much for him. The first breakdown, which had been threatened for some time previously, did not so much surprise some of us as the deliberate and cold-blooded manner in which Dr. Wood told him, in the presence of the class, that he could never make a doctor, and had better go to farming. The sensibilities of those who knew he was not a wilful delin- quent were shocked. He continued his studies at the Univer- sity, and graduated in the Class of '48. Dr. Wood did not follow the college faculty in text-books, but selected such as he preferred. Hare's Chemistry was abandoned because it was beyond the comprehension of the ordinary student. Jackson's lectures on " The Institutes of Medicine " were so original in conception and delivered with such fluent fervor, seemingly replete with his deductions from the recent and current researches in experimental physiology, that it was impossible to follow him beyond the catching of the head-lines of each lecture, so that our recitations on physi- ology followed the pages of a welj-known author. Chapman's lectures had, for the most part, been published precisely as they were delivered to the class, but that wa:3 not the practice of medicine Wood was teaching, and whilst he took the trouble to learn by casual examinations how much we knew of the subjects of the lectures as Professor Chapman progressed with their read- ing before the class, he imposed upon us other and very onerous duties in the branch of the practice of medicine. During the course of 1847-48, in the early part of January, he informed the class that the first volume of his work on the Practice of 3Iedicine was ready, and that he would require a weekly reci- tation on it. This announcement was received with general discontent, but submitted to without remonstrance. On ma- teria medica he followed the syllabus of his lectures, with which he supplied every matriculant at the University, which involved the labor of taking notes, and preparation from such notes and the United States Dispensatory. No deficiencies were tolerated in these recitations. Every one had to toe the mark or accept his displeasure. 38 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. The course in the Obstetric Institute consisted of a course of demonstrative lectures by Joseph Warrington, M.D., to a class of twelve second-course students and an equal number of pupil female nurses, one woman being assigned to each student. Every student was required to perform on the manakin, with the assistance of his nurse, in the presence of the whole class of men and women, every manipulation and operation necessary from the beginning of labor t5 its termi- nation, including washing and dressing the baby and put- ting it to the breast of the mother. These manipulations had to be repeated as often as necessary to satisfy the Principal of the Institute of the student's competency to attend a case of labor. After the conclusion of this course the student entered the out-door department, and was assigned to cases of labor, of which he was required to keep and return to the Institute, for examination, a full and complete history. After the satisfactory discharge of all the duties and obligations of both courses he received a parchment certificate attesting his qualifications to practise obstetrics. In cases of difficulty or embarrassment the student could call to his assistance, first, the second assistant, Dr. Brickell, afterward a distinguished obstetrician in New Orleans ; next, the first assistant. Dr. Ellwood Wilson, of Philadelphia, whose reputation in after- life is well known to the profession throughout the country ; and, lastly, the principal. Dr. Joseph Warrington. The two courses occupied about six months. I have not forgotten, and perhaps never will, the summer heat of 1847, during which I tramped through the alleys and by-ways of the Moyamensing division of the city in attendance upon my patients. Joseph Warrington was also a Friend, not unlike Wood in the enforcement of discipline ; but he was more approachable and aflPable, and always enjoyed and encouraged conversation with his " doctors," as he called all the students of his class. He seemed to like to throw aside the ordinary dignity and reserve of the Friends, and laugh and chat at ease in his PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 39 dressing-go WD. He was a charming man and beloved by everybody. The course in the Summer School, which occupied two hours a day during the months of May and June, was satisfactory and very pleasant. Neal held the lectureships on Anatomy and Surgery, Reese on Physiology and another branch, and the others by physicians whose names I cannot now recall. My recollections are that we had to stand a " quiz " every week on each branch, but it did not impose any hardship or additional labor. The attendance at the Pennsylvania Hospital was very interesting and instructive. It afforded opportunity to follow and learn the treatment of cases, from the beginning to the end, by such men as Wood, Gerrard, and Pepper in the med- ical, and Xorris, Peace, and Randolph in the surgical wards, and to attend the clinical lectures in the hospital amphithe- atre twice a week, where we could see the surgical operations and examine post-mortem specimens of disease. Much atten- tion was given to the exhibition and explanation of morbid specimens. Pepper and Gerrard were men of eminent abilities. The former was one of the most astute and skilful diagnosticians I have ever known, and a very instructive and impressive teacher. His manner and style were so simple and unpreten- tious that the listener followed him with irresistible pleasure and profit. In appearance, dress, and manner Gerrard was a distin- guished and recognized oddity. Though cool and self-pos- sessed, he was a mumbling talker, with inadequate capacity to present any subject in clear, distinct, and sharp outlines ; nevertheless, he was very popular with his private pupils, and pre-eminently distinguished for his accuracy in the diagnosis of intra-thoracic diseases. Peace was a skilful surgeon but an untidy operator. He seemed to collect all the blood lost in an operation about his own person. 40 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Norris was not less distinguished as a careful, painstaking, and successful surgeon than either of his colleagues. His gentleness with and consideration for patients exemplified the noblest impulses of a conscientious and Christian physician, and won the esteem and affection of every one whose good fortune it was to follow him through the wards filled with suifering patients. He greeted every poor creature with words so gently and so softly spoken that patient and pupil were alike impressed with the kindness of his heart and sympathy of a soul that was animated by the highest inspiration of beneficence. Randolph was a portly man, with a broad, round, full face, and a jolly, good-natured expression ; very vain of his acquire- ments, and pedantic in setting them forth to the class. He was a dexterous operator and a brilliant lecturer. I fancy I see him now, with blade in hand, telling the class in fluent and elegant sentences what he intended to do, and when done, with equal fluency and enthusiasm, the result to be expected. Here and there every lecture was interspersed with laudatory references to his '' distinguished father-in-law, Philip Syng Physick," whom he seemed to respect and admire as the one man whose qualifications surpassed his own. So attractive were his lectures, and so neat and dexterous his operations, that complaisant students willingly dismissed his vanities with the discourteous cognomen of "Old Philip Syng." He died near the close of the course of 1847-48, and, with the students from the medical colleges, I followed his remains from the old Physick mansion on Fourth Street to their last resting-place. Fox succeeded him, but of him I know nothing beyond his general reputation as a surgeon. Anaesthetics had not then been introduced into the Pennsyl-' vania Hospital. I witnessed, during the session of 1847-48, the administration of ether several times in Professor Gibson's clinic at the college, but do not recollect having seen chloro- form administered before graduation. On one occasion a bottle of chloroform was handed around in the class, I think PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 41 by Professor Gibson, that each person might sniff of it, which many declined to do. I was very much impressed with the great difference in patients in the exhibition of pain and suf- fering during surgical procedures, which was very generally ascribed to the difference in operators. Speed in execution and dexterity were important considerations, and a surgeon who combined both qualities seemed to occasion much less pain. The apparently complete absence of suffering in some cases was inexplicable. The history of my attendance on two courses of lectures at the University is devoid of special incident except such as has been noted or may be referred to later. Nor can I by the record of personal reminiscences add anything to the high professional standing of the medical faculty of that period. It may not, however, be inappropriate for me to add such personal recollections of the qualifications which may have fitted or unfitted any of them for teaching the branches of scientific medicine which devolved upon them. Professor Hare did not pretend to teach medical chemistry, but confined himself only to general chemistry as taught in scientific schools. He was a most indifferent teacher, awk- ward in manner, halting in speech, and prosy in delivery. He was, notwithstanding, a successful and brilliant experimenter, and his laboratory was usually well occupied by students to witness the scenic exhibition which he, with the assistance of the old laborers, "Liebig" and "Berzelius," made so attrac- tive. Prof. Hare resigned in 1847, and was succeeded by James B. Rogers, and my second course in chemistry was altogether different, and was as instructive as it was attractive. The resignation of Hare was believed at the time to have been precipitated by a controversy with Jackson, which occurred during a meeting of the American Medical Association, which held its second annual session in Philadelphia in May, 1847. I did not hear the controversy, but heard it frequently referred to as a most violent attack upon Jackson. I was, however, 42 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. present when Chapman was elected President, witnessed the dignified formalities of induction into office, and heard his inaugural address of thanks for the honor. The circumstances of my presence at the first session of the American Medical Association, and witnessing the inaugura- tion of the first President of that august assemblage of medical men, suggested the inquiry to ascertain the number, names, and residences of those who have survived the period of forty- seven years since elapsed. I am enabled, through the polite- ness of Dr. William B. Atkinson, the Permanent Secretary, to state that but five are now (July, 1894) known to be living. They are Hiram Corson, Plymouth, Pa. ; Alfred Stille and Lewis Rodman, Philadelphia ; Oliver Wendell Holmes,^ Boston ; and Nathan S. Davis, Chicago. There were undoubtedly many students like myself then residing in Philadelphia who attended the meetings, and it would be interesting to ascertain their names and residences ; but it is not possible to do so, except by their voluntary state- ment of the fact of their presence. In view of these facts it seems eminently proper that prep- arations should be initiated at Baltimore, in 1895, for an appropriate commemorative celebration of the semi-centennial anniversary at Philadelphia in 1897. Eiforts should be made to secure the attendance of the survivors of the founders, and also of those now members who were students of medi- cine in attendance as spectators in 1847. This latter propo- sition is somewhat experimental, inasmuch as there is no I'ecord of such accidental attendants, whose casual presence would hardly entitle them to official participation in such commemorative ceremonies. Professor Chapman was, perhaps, the most noted man who walked the streets of Philadelphia at that time, not only because of his commanding presence, but for his attainments, generous disposition, noble and lovable character, and wit. 1 Died October 8, 1894. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 43 A cleft palate, with its consequent indistinct utterance, robbed him of every charm as a teacher, for which his vast experience, great learning, and qualities of heart and raiud so well fitted him. The most careful attentipn, near and in front of him, was necessary to catch the words as they were spoken, except by those who by long experience had become accustomed to his unfortunate and defective enunciation. When I entered his room for final examination, after greeting me with a pleas- ant salutation, and learning from the register that " Cholera Infantum " was the subject of my thesis, he immediately requested me to tell him all I knew about diaphragmatic hernia. I had fortunately listened with close attention and interest to his lectures, after a consultation visit to Senator Barrow, of Louisiana, in Baltimore, in whose case he had made the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia, and, subsequently, to another lecture in which he had exhibited the specimen and explained with great minuteness the details. I proceeded, in response, with a statement of the case and description of the specimen, and when I had concluded he arose, shook me most cordially by the hands, and said, " You have attended my lectures ; I will vote for you." I passed a very creditable examination on the practice of medicine on my knowledge of an affection which I have never since seen. Gibson, Horner, and Hodge were eminent and popular teachers, and their memories are held in grateful remembrance by everyone whose fortune it was to have their signatui'es to his diploma. William E. Horner was a tall, spare man, with sharp feat- ures and a homely face. He was a very plain and unostenta- tious gentleman, unassuming and direct in all things. He never said anything or any more than he intended to say, and that in as few words as would convey his exact meaning. He taught anatomy by demonstration, and always knew when he had completed the description of any part. William Gibson was a heavily-built man, with a broad, round face and ruddy complexion. He was very vain of his 44 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. personal appearance, and more so of his reputation as a sur- geon and teacher of surgery. His style of lecturing was easy, agreeable, and instructive, but he never omitted an opportu- nity to set forth his own merits and to depreciate the ability of surgeons whom he disliked. He was especially vindictive against his leading rival in Philadelphia. He spent the summer of 1847 in Europe, and returned late in the autumn with a large outfit of broadly striped waistcoats and trousers to match, which he wore on successive lecture days until he had exhibited to the class the entire wardrobe of the latest English fashionable winter wearing- apparel. The class received him every day during these suc- cessive dress exhibitions with prolonged rounds of applause, which he attributed to their personal admiration and received with profound gratitude. The fancy clothes of Gibson w^ere a startling departure from the professional style of dress in vogue at the University at that period. It was the inflexible rule of conduct for each professor to come to the lecture-room in full dress, not differ- ing, except in some minor details, from the style of to-day. The most marked difference was in the dress-coat, which was made with a collar so high as to reach, in some cases, the occiput, and made so stiff that the pressure of one's head backward could not displace it. Many elderly gentlemen had their trousers made with a lapel opening in front instead of the more convenient fashion of to-day. The customary dress of lecturers at that period was prefer- able to the present style and easy-going, slouchy habits of dress, especially of professors in medical colleges, of the present time. A sack-coat and other negligi addenda of dress detract from the dignity and impressive bearing of the lecture rostrum, and seem only suitable, if admissible at any time, when and where the huzza may resound in popular acclaim. Hugh L. Hodge was a great and good man. He came to his lecture duties with the spirit of a man who felt that he had a conscientious duty to discharge, and that it must be accom- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 45 plislied to the full measure of the highest Christian obligation. His calm, quiet, and solemn expression, together witii his well-chosen words and deliberate manner, seemed to reflect the purity, conscientiousness, and Christian earnestness of the inner man with such intensity as to impress his audience with the conviction that he could only give utterance to truth and facts derived from conscientious and intelligent experience and observation, and profound study of every problem relating to the science of obstetrics. He was the very ideal of a Chris- tian physician in appearance, in demeanor, and in every relation of life. At the proper time, near the close of the session of 1847-48, my application for final examination was filed, with the knowl- edge and consent of my preceptor. I do not know that every one of his students adopted the same course, but presume his consent was a necessary preliminary. In the ordinary routine of procedure in such matters I received notice stating the days, hours, and professors at which and before whom the class would appear for final examination. At that time the candi- dates for graduation were subdivided into classes of sixteen, generally arranged by the students themselves. There were fifteen of us, and Cornelius KoUock, of South Carolina, was admitted to fill the quota. The position of each student in his class was usually determined by lot, aud the position of the class on the roster of examination always by lot. I drew first in my own class and first for the class on the roster. The advantage of being high on the examination roster was in time, gaining a day or two in completing the routine of exam- ination, and in being high in the class secured one from de- tention to a late hour at night, and possible misfortune of following one or more students who might have failed. These seemed to be trivial advantages, but were considered of sufficient importance to incite a friendly contest. After we had completed what was supposed to be the final recitation. Dr. Wood asked us to retain our seats that he might submit a proposition, which was to the effect that the second 46 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. volume of his work on the Practice of Medicine was just from the press, and if we would remain with him and go through it, with several recitations each week, he would not examine us for our degree, and would cheerfully give each one of us his vote. The proposition was accepted in sullen acquiescence. Not one dared to remonstrate or to intimate discontent. Con- sequently, we were confined to our rooms and studies until released at the commencement on the 8th of April, while all other graduates were indulging in such pastimes, recreations, and pleasures as best suited their taste and leisure. We must have, nevertheless, appreciated the wisdom of his course, for each one of us must have realized the advantage that addi- tional month of study under the supervision of such a master- teacher has been to him, and especially so in the beginning of our professional lives. At that time Philadelphia was the principal centre of med- ical education in this country. Both of the great schools — the Jefferson and the University — had large classes, number- ing five hundred or more matriculants. There were no dis- agreeable rivalries between the classes. A very large number of both classes were young men from the country, without experience in city life. They came to the great city in home- spun clothes, made in country style, so characteristic in many instances of provincial habits, taste, and style as to mark the State or locality whence they came ; but these provincialisms, with others of speech, enunciation, and dialect, vanished with the changed condition of life, new experiences, and cosmopol- itan associations and environments which came to them during their college lives in the city of Philadelphia, Kentucky jeans and Tennessee butternut suits, with their broad-brimmed slouch hats, disappeared with amazing rapidity before the temptations of the ready-made clothing establishment, sup- plemented by the greater and more esthetic enticements of the fashionable tailor ; and the tar-heeled dialect, less easily dis- placed than wearing-apparel, finally yielded to more cultivated enunciation and elegance of language. There were many PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 47 noble spirits and bright intellects concealed under such rough exteriors that soon made intellectual development their mark of distinction. In the louely quiet of my library, before the glowing fire, surrounded by the comforts of a well-kept home, whilst the midnight caudle was still burning and all nature without was quiet, I have often recalled the associations and memories of incidents, circumstances, and pleasures which made my life so happy and contented during the period of pupilage in Pro- fessor Wood's private class. Aud now, as I write these words, forty-six years thereafter, I have no censure to record nor regret to offer. The custom of the members of the Faculty to entertain the class added greatly to the pleasure of the students. I am not quite certain that each professor entertained all the stu- dents during each course. I do not recollect being in Pro- fessor Hare's house but once, or ever in Professor Rogers'. Wood entertained all the class during each course, but usually divided them into two or three sections, inviting one at a time. His private class was included in each subdivision. These social reunions were very agreeable in bringing the members of the class together, and affording them the opportunity of meeting the Professors and of extending acquaintance among themselves. The following is a copy of an invitation now in my possession : Doctor Wood requests the pleasure of Mr. Samuel C. Busey's com- pany on Thursday Evening next at half-past 7 o'clock. Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1847. During the early part of my professional life I saw Dr. Wood a number of times aud corresponded with him. On one or more occasions I was very pleasantly entertained at his house. In an interview, in his private parlor at the National Hotel, in this city, in 1858, he told me that he had determined to retire to private life when he reached the age of sixty -three, because he believed that a man should cease to practise and 48 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. teach medicine after that age. It made but little impression upon me at that time, but in after-life, when the Gov- ernment of the United States had fixed sixty-two for the Il^avy and sixty-four for the Army as the age of retirement of its military officers, and I had learned from Braxton Hicks that sixty-four was the age of retirement of medical men from the London Hospitals, except in those cases where some special endowment had been made for some surgeon or physician, I gave the subject more serious consideration. Yet I have not convinced myself of the wisdom of complete abandonment of intellectual pursuits at any fixed age by men who have devoted their entire manhood life to mental occupation. It has seemed to me that a highly and continuously cultivated brain is better preserved in its intellectuality by continuous moderate employment than by idleness and ennui. Among the relics of my college life now in my possession are engraved likenesses of the Professors in the Medical De- partment of the University, taken during the period of my attendance. As I see them grouped in a single frame hanging from the wall in my library I recall personal recollections of each which refresh the memory of their staid dignity and formal devotion to the solemn duties of teaching medicine. They were professors and we were students, between whom there was only the common ground of deference to dignity, learning, and authority. They are all dressed in the conven- tional style of the period, each with a long neck-handkerchief twice passed around the neck in a broad fold, and tied in front in large double bow-knot, above which is shown a high collar with points projecting so far forward as partially to cover the chin on each side. Gibson is standing holding a femur by each extremity, intently occupied with the subject of his lecture ; Horner is sitting in his study calmly inspecting an anatomical specimen on the table before him ; Chapman, with his white silk neck-handkerchief, has just raised his spectacles to his forehead and his countenance is gleaming with the joke his lips are set to tell — it is doubtless one of his best, and PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 49 noted on the margin of the manuscript lying before liim ; Wood seems to be sitting where I found him when I sought the privilege of his mastership, and is telling me of the requirements of his private pupils ; Hare looks as unhappy in the picture as when trying to explain to the class some abstruse problem of experimental chemistry ; Jackson has just entered the lecture-room, and paused a moment to select the opening sentence of his lecture, which will be delivered with the fervor of the enthusiast who feels that he knows it all, and no one will question his conclusions ; Hodge is grave, profoundly so, and deep in reflections, his thoughtful face seeming to express in every lineament the abstraction of a mind occupied with the solution of some engrossing problem; and Rogers is in a contemplative mood, satisfied with himself and willing to take the world as he finds it. I have also some of the tickets which were delivered to students on payment of the lecture fees. It was the custom then lor each professor to receipt for the fee for the course, which had to be paid directly to him, by delivering to the student a ticket, of which the following are facsimile repro- ductions : ii^M"^ t^^j^/v (gY^/zr-r// /y/'y,'y/ry ^///y:4^y '4/^^, 4 50 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. \ Fz:z7zrs7i.v^xrzA xzosfit^i.. \ having paid Ten Dollars for the usf of Ihe^J'ennsylvania Hospital, is ( entitled- to the privilege of attending the practice thereof, and to the > use of the Medical Library for ane yr.ar \ y/^ mo. /y, 184/ y > To the Librarian 1 of the Hospital. ' Thi»Cenificate not to be TRANSFERRED or LENT, under penally of losing the Privilege. rs PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 51 FI1MH§¥ILTAMIIA HO^FOTAILc In Medicine \^^ ^^ PEPPER, M. D. in iVieaicine, ^ ^ ^ GERHARD, M. D. In Surcerv ^ ^^^ ^- ^^ MORRIS, M. D. in fcurgery, ^ -^ PEACE, M. D. tj'^^- --/^fc....jfKtt^*^...i^../?ir^.7-- 52 PERS ON A L REMINISCENCES. ^ RECAPITULATORY LECTURES ON U r;» ■■•■■■ "^ •:•■,■■'»■■ r* '■■; I i ■ 1 INSTITUTES, JOHN J. HBSSE, M. D. 184/^ ^—r: t^W- K.yfWT'...^^^^*T^^^^^^?^^^!. A^X^ PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 53 Of the class (1848) iu which I graduated, and Wood's pri- vate class, only the following ten are known to me to be now living : Henry T. Coffey, Cornelius G. Comegys, Cornelius Kollock, Daniel A. Langhorne, Edwin S. Lemoine, William K. Mehaffey, Edward Shippen, William Hunt, Claudius H. Mastin, and William L. Xichol, of whom Langhorne, Le- moine, Hunt, and Mastin were private students of Professor G. B. Wood. CHAPTER IV. R. K. Stone. His Friendship and Generous Conduct. Beginning Prac- tice. Reminiscences of the Beginning. First Patients. Condition of City. Dr. B. Madame Anne Royal. Hagel's Row. Old Mrs. Cratty. An Oddity. Other Noted Personages. Society. Fashion- able Promenade 1848-58. Pennsylvania Avenue. Beau Hickman. Felix K. McConnell. Foe any reputation which I may leave behind me for fluency of speech and readiness in debate I owe to Robert King Stone. He and I and many others were members of the Pathological Society, reorganized in July, 1852. For several years thereafter it was a very active medical society. At its weekly meetings, which were devoted exclusively to the presentation and discussion of medical subjects, he was a very active participant, generally taking a prominent part in the discussions. He spoke with great ease and fluency, and was always interesting and instructive. I was a quiet and silent listener for a year or more. During a casual and friendly visit to him at his office, in the same room and building now occupied by his son, he remonstrated with me because I had not taken any part in the literary and scientific exercises of the society, and after my response that I would make any sacrifice to acquire his capacity to talk and discuss sub- jects before the society, he said, addressing me in his familiar and friendly way, calling me, as was his custom, by my Chris- tian name, " The secret lies in two things : first, know what you intend to say, and, secondly, forget yourself." I left his presence profoundly impressed with these words, and resolved to make the effort. Not long afterward I made my maiden effort with an essay on "The Treatment of Ascites with Ela- terium," which was severely criticised by Dr. Wotherspoon, a distinguished surgeon in the Army, who was noted for his PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 55 harsh criticism when he felt he had a favorable opportunity. Fired by an enthusiasm seeking success, and animated by a will as indomitable as it was fearless, I struck back, not only forgetting myself, but equally oblivious of what and how I said it, nevertheless receiving the commendation of Stone and others. Soon after (1853) I was elected to a professorship in the Medical Department of Georgetown College, and with it came an enlarged opportunity for didactic experience. Again, his generous friendship was exhibited in another but different aspect, and with such frankness and exact justice that I cannot omit its record in these reminiscences of that early date, when young physicians needed protection from the austere surroundings of a local code of ethics which con- fronted them at every step in the pursuit of their profession. The instance is as follows : I was hurriedly summoned during a hot summer day to see Labbe, who had been suddenly taken ill in the Law Library of the Capitol. I made the diagnosis of cerebral congestion, and promptly bled him ; then accompanied him in a rude vehicle to his lodgings on Pennsylvania Avenue opposite The City, now Willard's Hotel, where Drs. Thomas Miller and Stone were awaiting his arrival. They disapproved the diag- nosis and treatment, but invited me to meet them at every visit until the conclusion of the case. Stone was less positive than Miller in disapproval, and usually at the consultation would recur to the difference of opinion, and frankly state his doubts in regard to the correctness of either. The consulta- tions were conducted with the usual courtesy, reserve, and dignity of the ethical formalities of that date, but were not free from painful apprehension on my part, inasmuch as I was compelled to accept quietly the expressions of regret for the unfortunate venesection. The patient died without regain- ing consciousness. Stone made an autopsy, to which I was invited, but was not present. He, however, sought me to tell me of the result, and, with that frankness and cordiality for which he was so distinguished, to confess his mistake and to 56 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. approve my course. To you, in the light of the present courtesies of the profession and intelligence of the community, this circumstance may seem too trivial to narrate before this audience ; but in the early days of my professional life, when beginners were not supposed to know anything, and not per- mitted to enter the chamber of a lady, except in cases of des- perate emergency, such an indorsement by a senior, high in professional and social life, known and loved by a very large circle of the elite and best-informed people of the city as a man of the highest honor and unimpeachable integrity, was so rare and valuable that you should not be surprised that I should cherish his friendship and seize this opportunity to record my affectionate gratitude. How great the contrast with another, in the case of a man who had lived beyond his time to whom I was as hurriedly called soon after, and in whom I found the clinical picture of profuse cerebral hemorrhage so clearly defined that even such a novice as myself could not fail to make a diagnosis. As I was adjusting the bandage about the arm, his physician pre- cipitously entered the room with the exclamation, " Oh ! you ought not to have bled him ! " " But, doctor," I replied, " I did not get any blood." To which he replied, in a less audi- ble voice, " But the click of that spring lancet does harm in such cases " — a fact I had not then nor have I since learned. I completed the adjustment of the compress and bandage, and then, bidding the dying man and his doctor good-afternoon, left him to worry out the few remaining hours of that old and dying man with his impressive but futile efforts to dis- credit me and exalt himself. I loved him less, but Stone all the more, " for evermore." He, too, has gone to the realms from which no traveller returns, and the pleasant rela- tions of after-life have long since obliterated the memory of the passion of that discourteous consultation. • Robert King Stone was a broad-minded, open-hearted, gen- erous, and forgiving man, who met everybody with a cordial greeting and salutation which attached friends, won enemies. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 57 and spread all around and about him the mellow radiance of a soul that was most happy Avhen making others happy. Of his professional attainments I need not speak to you. You must pardon me for the introduction here of another episode of my early life — earlier, in fact, than either of the foregoing. On a bright summer Simday, just after my return from church, a brother entered my office, Avith a slam and a bang, exclaiming with vehemence that his sister was ill and the family physician could not be found. I hurried with him on foot — for it was before I could affijrd a vehicle — to the house, and was rushed by the whole family into the cham- ber of the young patient, and stood calmly bewildered in the presence of the girl writhing in agony of such intensity as I had not seen, until a kind-hearted and venerable old lady whispered, in a soft, almost inaudible voice, fearing lest some- one else might hear her disclosure of a profound secret, that it was her monthly period. It was my first call to a family in high social life, and, realizing the importance of giving relief before the arrival of the family doctor, I grasped the oppor- tunity with alacrity. Relief came promptly from a dose of Parrish's camphor mixture and a solution of the citrate of morphia, a mixture 1 had quite frequently employed in cases of ordinary belly-ache among that class of people who sent for me because they could get no other physician. The next day her physician, whom I had not met before, called, kindly thanked me for my services, and quietly inquired the compo- sition of my prescription, adding that he had never succeeded in giving such speedy and satisfactor}- relief. I accepted the congratulations, but did not disclose the fact that he would probably have found me in the house fuming and sweating over signal failure but for the diagnosis which the good old lady had made for me. Another instance will illustrate the occasional expediency of delay and artifice to cover mistake. It was, perhaps, my first night-call. The patient was an elderly w^oman. I was ushered into the room, filled with a battalion of relatives and 58 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. sympathizing friends, each one of whom was begging for immediate relief for the poor woman, who was gasping for breath and moaning in a monotone of distress, with heaving chest and occasional long-drawn sighs, with arms uplifted and then falling in lifeless relaxation to the bed, as if she was in the despair of expected .immediate dissolution. I mistook the case for one of hysteria, and prescribed the milk of asa- foetida. The druggist was slow, very slow, to prepare the medicine. Messenger after messenger was dispatched, but nothing could arouse the drowsy drug clerk to the momentous exigency. During the long and anxious suspense suggestion after suggestion came leaping into my ears, and remedies from hither and thither were proffered in rapid and ludicrous suc- cession by the drivelling old women crowding about me. The tardy druggist, popularly known as " hop-and-go-skip," who, like his son, not unknown to you, combined two systems in one occupation, was consigned to " demnition bow-wows," but he proved to be my good friend on that memorable night. His delay saved me from the blunder of forcing down the throat of that poor woman the nauseous and stinking drug, and taught me a lesson of self-control which I have never forgotten. Before the messenger thrust the medicine into my hand I had learned that the case was one of some chronic pulmonary disease, and that the exciting scene had been sud- denly induced by some inexplicable alarm. I had become more concerned in devising some method of disposing of the medicine before its odor would disclose its nature and my ignorance to the host of young and old gossipy women, who knew more of " asfedity " and " hitrlkes " than I did. In the desperate dilemma to conceal the drug and to divert the importunities to administer a dose I counted the pulse at one wrist and then at the other, never making two counts the same, until the pewter spoon intuitively fell from the window sill, and whilst the multitude of willing friends were looking for another or some other measure of the healing draught the bottle toppled off the same slippery sill and crashed upon the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 59 earth helow. In innocent disguise of calm surprise I dis- patched a messenger with another prescription, of which a single dose sufficed to complete the quiet which wearied nature had so nearly accomplished. Soon thereafter I left the house to seek repose in the slumber of an early morning nap. You can imagine the pleasure I derived from the recitals of the unfortunate mishaps and accidents which occa- sioned the delay in giving relief and snatching the woman from death's cold grasp, and with what joy I absorbed the commendations of my patient forbearance and good physick. One of those present on that eventful night has been since, and is now the only surviving patient of that early date. Strange as it may seem, this case proved a very fortunate one for me, as the empty purse soon began to feel the plethora of an enlarged and more remunerative clientele. The reference to the discrimination against unmarried young men needs more than a passing notice. It was quite a common practice with very many families of high respect- ability to employ a young physician to attend the daddies and children, but pregnant mothers and girls at and after puberty were excluded from his observation, however trivial their indisposition. A mother might occasionally, as a special favor to a favorite, accept a dose of calomel, senna and manna, or quinine, remedies about which she claimed to know as much or more than he could know. Pregnant women and others of the same sex, who believed in the eliminating efficacy of periodical and spring blood-lettings, might invite him to the perfunctory performance of venesec- tion, and grudgingly pay the fee for a service which they con- sidered complimentary. The family doctor, now a relic of the almost forgotten past, claimed vested rights in families, and was intrenched in their confiding affection to a degree propor- tionate to the duration of professional services, however inter- mitting such services may have been. The austere observance and requirements of somewhat contradictory local and general codes of ethics frequently confronted the beginner in the per- 60 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. formance of such vicarious and perfunctory services. The lines between regular and irregular methods were so sharply drawn that it was not always easy to avoid or elude the ragged edge of discontent and dissatisfaction ; nevertheless, then as now, those who conformed to the customs and courtesies of the ethical discipline of that period more surely commanded the respect and good-will of their seniors and confreres. The accession of ten new men to the membership of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in two years was some- thing more than a ripple in the life-history of the profession in this city. Now double or treble that number yearly does not disturb the equanimity of the most intense devotee of ethics. A few of the ten^ who settled here in 1848-49 had a more fortunate beginning. They either moved from another and less advantageous locality, or were backed by an influential family or prosperous father, or began under cover and pro- tection of some established physician. Of the ten but two — Drs. Dyer and myself — are living now, and not one of the dead has left the record of a single contribution to medical science. As sad as this commentary is, I cannot omit refer- ence to Drs. Dove and Howard, who are well remembered by some of you and by very many citizens. They were the peers of their contemporaries in all that pertains to the skilful and conscientious practice of medicine, alike honorable in all the relations of citizen, husband, friend, and physician. It may be interesting to some of my young contemporaries to know that I married at the beginning of the second year of professional life, on the first day of May, 1849, and, of course, the lady to whom I have previously referred. Soon after I bought a building-lot, for which I paid five cents per square foot, and commenced the erection of a dwelling-house, into which we moved in the spring of 1850. The house and 1 Drs. George M. Dove, John I. Dyer, Joseph I. Edelin, Hamilton P. Howard, Alfred H. Lee, William McTucker, Samuel Tyson, Joseph Walsh, William H. Saunders, and Samuel C. Busey. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Q\ lot cost me something less than two thousand dollars, five hundred of which I borrowed from a friend, that I might reserve so much of my capital to enable me to pay cash for the necessary furniture. The cash receipts of my first year's practice amounted to the sum of three hundred and thirty- three dollars, and the second year — first year after marriage — to eight hundred dollars. Since then I have never failed to earn a respectable living and to accumulate something, either in the form of some addition to my household comforts and domestic luxuries, or a moderate balance in my bank account, which I held in reserve for additional annual or semi-annual balances. It seems to me now, as it has throughout the years since I left that cozy cottage home (1858) on First Street, S. E., that I was as comfortable, happy, and contented with my moderate annual income as I have been since in a more spacious and costly dwelling. With increasing income have come addi- tional wants, higher prices for the necessaries of life, and more luxurious habits of living, together with the incidental expenses of a progressive and more expansive civilization. Perhaps I ought to add that twenty years after it was built the Government took, by condemnation, my house and lot, for which I was paid the sura of eleven thousand and five hun- dred dollars. During this period prescription blanks were not used. Some physicians supplied themselves with slips of paper, but others did not carry with them either paper or pencil. I have seen prescriptions written upon the margin of a news- paper, and, I believe, I was the first physician in this city to write the directions for the administration of the medicine upon the prescription. To this fact my attention was called by a very intelligent druggist named Schwartz, whose store was located on Pennsylvania Avenue between Second and Third Streets, N. W., who informed me that a prescription of mine was the first he had ever seen with the written direc- tions. The use of prescription blanks in this city was an 62 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. outgrowth of the war, and probably originated with the druggists as an advertisement to the patrons of those physi- cians who might accept and use such as were supplied by them. A few never accepted such generous donations, but had printed their own blanks. Now very few, if any, use blanks with druggists' advertisement indorsements. The style of vehicle used by physicians was so conventional that it was regarded by the community as a sign distinctly distinguishing a doctor from other classes of citizens who might own a horse and vehicle. Every such vehicle was open in front, and the doctor was exposed to the wet and cold. With few exceptions they drove themselves, but each was usually accompanied by a negro boy, dressed as he might please, and asleep most of the time. Beginners went on foot ; the horse and buggy were evidence of prosperity, and when the boy was substituted for the weight and rein, success was established. A wife and the horse and buggy were very important addenda to the young physician's armamentarium, and the more children that were born and raised, the greater was his reputation for skill in the treatment of the diseases of infancy and childhood, notwithstanding the fact that some other doctor deserved the credit for the healthfulness of the family. If a young physician should have been so fortunate as to have twins born unto him, the sooner did he acquire the dignity and standing of the family physician. The prurient etiquette and conventional ceremony of polite society not only interposed numerous obstacles to his success, but so magnified the significance of matters of trivial concern that progress was impeded all along the line of his professional life. I have narrated these incidents of my early professional life in this city that I might exhibit the contrast in the life of the beginner then and now. There were no specialisms in those days through which the tyro could introduce himself to public confidence and emolument. Every young doctor had to take what he could get, and many times go hungry for a good, solid meal. Night and day he had to plod his way in PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 63 hail and storm, rain or sunshine, through streets, alleys, and by-ways, sometimes so black with darkness that eyes were most useful when closed, or so dimly lighted with lard-oil lamps so remotely separated that they seemed like ignes fatui enticing one into the dismal realms of hobgoblins and gliosts, or, perchance, in some localities, now marked by well-paved streets and avenues adorned on either side with palatial resi- dences, along the pathways trodden only by the beasts of the field. Duty not less averse than inexorable, which sent through the victim's frame the shivering fear of reproach, commanded him to respond to every call for help from even the most abject and squalid pauper or most debauched wretch. Money came mostly in dollar fees, and only then when some poor woman, in the ecstasy of a momentary thankfulness, would dole out the token of her affectionate gratitude. The prescribed fee for each visit was one dollar. Many times the bill was settled with a fraction, and often a small fraction, of the amount ; in fact, the beginner took whatever he could get, and was glad to receive such portion, however large or small the bill for attendance might be. In the slow progress of success after one or more years of weary effort and anxious waiting, there would come, now and then, a fee that would startle the impecunious pocket and dissipate for the time being every doubt and fear. The women, then as now, were more honest and considerate of physicians than men. The poorest wife would provide for the compensation of her accoucheur. After her travail was over, and he was ready to leave the house, she would draw from under her pillow a package, from which she would take the gold coin, in amount usually ten dollars, and hand it to him with the warmest expression of gratitude, in such words and with such emphasis to which only a woman in like condition can give utterance. I do not recall the loss of an obstetric fee in whole except from women far removed from the poor and gratefid class. My first fee of five dollars for a single visit was a great surprise to me. The ladies of one of the most 64 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. prominent aud wealthy families were driving for pleasure, the horses ran away, and they were thrown out near my office, one of them receiving a slight scalp wound, which I dressed, and sent her back to her home on Madison Place, now owned and occupied by Senator Cameron. In the late afternoon of the same day a servant-man in livery handed me a note enclosing a five-dollar bill, with her thanks, and stating that it was the amount which Dr. Thomas Miller, her family phy- sician, had informed her was the proper compensation for the service. In after-years I knew this distinguished lady very well, and learned to honor her for her charming and noble qualities of heart and mind. There were then but two streets that were even partly paved, but few sidewalks paved beyond the centre of the city, they being for the most part improved with a midway ridge of gravel or coal-ashes ; but there were long stretches of zig- zag paths along which pedestrians could walk only in single file. There were no telephones, street tramways, nor cable or trolley systems of rapid transit to fill the wards of an emer- gency hospital and encourage the incidental sciences of em- balming and undertaking. Street transportation was limited to a few hotel omnibuses, through line coaches between the Baltimore and Ohio depot and the river boats, a few hack- ney carriages, and a corps of night-liners, as now. From the Capitol to Georgetown several antiquated busses ran at irreg- ular intervals along Pennsylvania Avenue. The fare for a ride each way for each passenger was two fip-penny bits or one eleven-penny bit. " Shanks' mare" was the most popular conveyance, and my bills for fare in shoes and leg-tire footed up in ominous aggregate. A colored nurse or maid could not get a ride at any price unless she had somebody's white baby in her lap. Some of you will doubt the allusion to the beasts of the field. When I came here, and for some years afterward, back-yards were usually decorated with wooden necessaries, pig-styes, cow-sheds, and pens for the gangs of unyoked PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 65 geese, Dui-ing the day the animals and fowls roamed at will in lordly insolence, singly or in herds and flocks, through the streets and over the fields. Garbage was thrown into the carriage-ways or back alleys, and swine were the privileged and protected public scavengers. To jostle against or drive over one of these municipal functionaries when out on his tour of sanitary inspection incurred a cash penalty or brief servitude in the work-house. The swine nuisance dominated the city authorities until a gentleman was knocked down and killed on E Street, in front of the General Post-office, by one running between his legs ; and the family milch cows were finally driven to the shambles by the more economical and more adulterated milk supplies from the dairy farms in Maryland and Virginia. The goose industry bid defiance to every protest until the robber bands learned the flavor of their flesh. During those early days I trudged on foot, through sunshine and shower, along the well-beaten paths, for short cuts across the fields and through the slashes, in search of some lonely hut situated over yonder, behind, or near by some other equally undefined locality, here and there along the way driving a herd of swine from their mire or hustling away from the corporation bulls on their semi-annual visits at the expense of the city's treasury. Then the war came, and with it a transformation not less surprising than the primitive methods and conditions to which I have referred. The barren farm and pasture lands were occupied with encampments, fortifications, parade grounds, hos- pitals, wagon-yards, mule-pens, and other munitions of war- fare. The streets were in continuous martial array with troops equipped for the field. In brief, the city was one great impregnable fortress, protecting a government that never for one moment faltered in courage or paused in prosecution. With these stupendous preparations and masses of troops there came the omnium gatherum of contrabands, refugees, scalawags, camp-followers, tramps, substitute brokers, wild- cat-money changers, fiat-money people, office-seekers, as now, 5 QQ PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and, last but not least, the croakers who lived upon the inno- cent credulity of timid women and cowardice of malingerers who wanted war, but somebody else to do the fighting. The croaker tarries with us yet and continues, like " querulous frogs in muddy pools," to croak. Nevertheless, those who saw the city then will mark the contrast now. Peace reigns where martial law dominated. Progress and development have marked every decade of the city's history since the close of the war. Now go where you may please along these beau- tiful streets, these avenues of foliage trees, or out upon the hill-tops that environ the city, and the prospect and landscape will leave the memory of beauty in nature and excellence in art. The monument in honor of him whose name the city bears rises from the lowlands high into space above, as the nation's memorial to him who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen ; " the Cap- itol, in which assemble annually the highest tribunals of legislation and justice, stands, in beauty and perfection of architectural finish, above the rising and setting sun, in token of the supreme majesty of a united people ; the new Library Building, approaching completion, with its gold-gilded dome reflecting and diffusing the rays of sunlight and sun life in emblematic dissemination of the knowledge to be stored within its granite walls ; the new Naval Observatory, far away from the busy mart and travel, toward the western limits of the city, is a fitting compliment to that branch of the service which in the coming future will make the nation the master of the seas ; and right here in the open park, near by, the historic mansion, with its walls hanging in portraiture of the men who have filled the highest office in the gift of a great and free people ; and then, too, on the highland beyond the Potomac, overlooking the city, is the bivouac of seventeen thousand dead, whose glory will never fade. All these, with many other commemorative memorials, are but the symbols of the nation's pride, wealth, gratitude, prowess, and majesty. There were, then as now, some odd characters engaged in PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 67 the strife of ambition and professional success. Several clays after I had taken possession of my office and arranged my scanty armamentarium, the kind-hearted apothecary, more concerned in the contemplated profits of my good-will than in my pecuniary needs, secured my first patient, a very re- spectable colored woman, who had fallen in a fit. As I fol- lowed the messenger, in profound reflection on the nature and treatment of fits, some young ladies whom I had met taunted me with the salutation, " So glad you have gotten a patient." Bowing in silent assent, I continued on my errand of mercy and fits. I had heard of children in fits — epileptic and apoplectic fits, fits of indigestion, bad temper and the like, hysterical and " conniption " fits — but I had never seen a real, genuine. Simon-pure fit. I reached the house a long time before I reached a conclusion in regard to the nature of the fits. The patient was lying upon the floor, frothing at the mouth, breath- ing badly or not at all, with some jerking of the arms. I met there for the first time Madame Anne Royall, a noted character of that period, who was dangling around the room like " a pea on a hot shovel," with her nether garment hang- ing loosely about her shoulders, which, as it would slip, she would catch by one hand to prevent its falling below her rotund chest. Whilst looking, interrogating, thinking, and wondering what kind of a fit it was, and the composition of the recipe I should send the druggist in waiting for the first profit of my good- will to replenish the empty tin-box, Madame informed me of the coming of the family physician. Look- ing out into open space I could discern the long, gaunt figure of a man topped off with a high hat, worn "at jaunty cock," clad in the sombre dress of profound and sullen woe, with both hands thrust to the bottom of his breeches pockets, and the tail of his long conventional frock-coat flowing to the windward, striding along a path through the open fi.eld which stretched away toward the setting sun. As he approached nearer I recognized the form and visage of the Beau Brum- mel of Georgetown, whom I had often seen in the same 68 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. burlesque caricature of an amiable, silly, uamby-pamby fop- doodle during ray residence there as a student, but had not learned of his elevation to the doctorate of medicine. After forcing a dose of the "liquid chemical," which he said he always carried with him for fits, down the patient's throat, he entertained me, as others have done since who carry specifics and panaceas on the tips of their fountain pens, with its intri- cate composition and marvellous virtues. He was the young- est son of a distinguished citizen who resided in a beautiful suburban villa now within the limits of the city extended. He was as odd-looking in dress and form as he was eccentric in manners and taste, and as ignorant of medicine as the cor- poration garbage contractors were of polite literature. Viewed in profile he was a singular composite of a strangely elongated figure, with sharp angles at joint flexures, an excavated belly, and neck inclined so far forward that his head could only be balanced by strained elevation of the chin. The occipito- mental diameter was so sharply elongated at both extremities that in facial view the contour of its largest circumference was not unlike a double-ended canoe with broad projecting oars at midway on either side, not unlike the ears of an ass in easy contentment. With a swarthy complexion and forehead re- treating from projecting brows which overhung deeply- sunken eyes, a long and beaked nose dividing less prominent cheeks, from which the lank jaws extended to a beardless and hanging chin, his expressions gave signs of such a composite disposition only to be learned by an experience which I did not seek. In tout ensemble he was not unlike the comic illus- trations of the spirit of evil in joyful glee at one of his special receptions of fallen mankind. He went West, and died on the Pacific coast. I doubt if there is one present who ever saw or heard of him but myself, and I am quite sure if Washington could have seen this posthumous namesake he would have been more amused than honored. Perhaps I am wrong in committing this description to record, but reminis- cent history must have its follies. In justice, however, to PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 69 his memory I must insert here the following flattering refer- ence to him by his friend and patron, Mistress Anne Royall, from The Huntress of May 20, 1848 : De. B Our amiable friend and ^:»ro%^, Dr. B., we fear is about to leave ns. The poor and the destitute will grieve for him sorely. By the way, he has made some important cures in this neighborhood. More anon. Madame Anne Royall, a noted female celebrity of that and earlier times, was the proprietor, editor, and publisher of The Huntress, popularly known and feared as the Paul Pry of Washington, which was issued " weekly at $2.50 per annum," from the office at the " corner of B and Third Streets," now N, E. She was more widely noted for her peculiar system of blackmailing and sensational belongings than for good looks or good behavior, A badly clad and poorly fed printer's devil, not out of his teens, a lean and unhappy-looking do- mestic, a snarling pet cur, a much-spoiled Tom-cat, and a go- devil parrot, with the meagre paraphernalia of a primitive printing office, constituted her household, fixtures, and stock in trade. The Huntress was a small four-paged newspaper, fairly well made up and printed, filled with luminous adver- tisements, a short sensational story, editorials, admonitory suggestions, hints to delinquent subscribers, recalcitrant vic- tims, and others who had neither proffered assistance nor complied with her polite solicitations for small loans, to be promptly returned with thanks, but mostly of highly com- plimentary and fulsome personal notices of those who accepted her social visits in good faith and amenity, sweetened by lib- eral subscriptions to The Huntress. The composition, im- posing, and press-work, and the local delivery of the paper were all, with the assistance of the domestic, performed by the printer's devil, who also occupied his leisure time with such chores as madam and the household pets saw fit to com- mand. She was an enthusiastic friend, free and fulsome in adulation, voluble and voluminous in compliment, piquant 70 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and poignant in criticism, quickly perceptive of one's good qualities, and equally receptive of remunerative recognition. Her good opinion was commensurate with the liberality of subscription to The Huntress. Her dislikes, enmities, and animosities were not less vehement and extravagant; but withal, her charity and good nature covered a multitude of infirmities, if not vices. She was far removed from the class of demi-monde, and held chastity, virtue, and good breeding in high regard, though in ordinary conversation and dishabille she seemed to have forgotten the rigid proprieties of her early life. When out on a tour of social blackmailing she was radiant in smiles and paint, and adorned in antique styles of head-gear, with antiquated and flash addenda of attire, more in harmony with some histrionic caricature than good taste and beauty. These excu^ions were for the most part con- fined to new Congressmen and other raw officials and their families, who were more verdant than wise, and fell easy and willing victims to her redundant vocabulary of pathos, slaver, and soft sawder. It was currently reported then, and is be- lieved now by some of my contemporaries, that one or more of these excursive escapades were terminated w^ith a forcible douche under a pump — a method said to have been resorted to then and before to give expression to their disapproval and reproach by those more vindictive than polite. She did not, however, limit her foraging excursions to such " fresh woods and pastures new," but sought " pearls at random strung." Among her favorites, of whom I name Mrs. Ashley, after- ward Mrs. Crittenden, and Mrs. Florida White, afterward Mrs. Beatty, ladies of the highest social position who were as popular as they were beloved by their large circles of friends and acquaintances among the most cultured people of this city and wherever known. In the issue of The Huntress of July 1, 1848, there may be found highly laudatory notices of Henry May, Daniel Radcliffe, S. S. Williams, Philip Barton Key, and Edwin Morgan, distinguished members of the bar of this city, and PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 71 the following of myself, which I reproduce here as an illus- tration of her blase style of literary and descriptive attain- ments. I suppose I paid the " hush " money, and I know that I submitted to the jeers, taunts, and laughter of friends through the long sunny days of that memorable summer. DR. S. C. BUSEY. Dr. B. is a gentleman of very promising appearance, and quite young to be in practice. He wants but little of six feet in height, of the average size, and a perfect Adonis in figure and form. His face is round, of the medium shade, and features of the finest symmetry. His forehead, of medium depth, denotes erudition and good sense ; his strongly, finely-arched brow denotes powerful intellect; his mild dove eye is large and liquid, and denotes feeling, modesty, and be- nignity itself; his countenance is serene and studious, and shows a mind of capacity and uncommon kindness. His manners are affable and winning. There is no doubt of his success if skill and attention can succeed ; he has made some important cures already. Just here I will interpolate a brief reference to a cluster of uninhabitable tenement houses, known then as " Hazel's Row," located on Second Street between A Street and Mary- land Avenue, which were occupied by the most disorderly, drunken, and debased group of men, women, and children, white and colored, that ever afflicted any section of this city. So frightfully disgusting, obscene, and unsafe were their daily and nightly carousals of debauchery and bestiality that I was soon compelled to deny myself, even under the protection of guardsmen, the opportunities of minor surgery, and leave their undressed and festering wounds to stench their filthy and lousy lodgings. Across the way lived poor old Mrs. Cratty, with her family of five bad sons and one girl, which furnished my first case of opium poisoning, first case of small- pox, and first personal observation of the protection of vac- cination done after exposure, the child being continuously exposed in the same room with the victims of the disease. There was another oddity whose memory commands a place 72 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES._ in these memoirs of my early professional life. He was an intelligent, fairly educated man, with an ample inheritance, which he fritted away in busy idleness. He was neither a crank . nor a skeptic, but belonged to that class of men who apparently are geniuses of their own taste and make-up, with here and there a loose screw in their mental constitutions. He was independent in thought and decisive in conclusion, but not tenacious in conviction. The dominant fiction of a day or a week might be supplanted by another and another at each successive interview. At times he would be illuminated with some startling conception, frivolous or grave as the case might be, but never disturbing his equanimity. He would walk the streets with long and rapid strides, going to and from some resort of idleness and gossipy entertainment, in seeming pro- found study, from which he could only be diverted by per- sonal interruption, and then to be engaged in discursive con- versation, which might or might not relate to the reflection which had seemed to distract him from all surroundings. He did not solicit professional business, but volunteered advice gratuitously, and would commend his recommendations with enthusiasm and confidence I. do not know that he ever had a patient outside of his immediate family, and doubt if any of them willingly took his ptisans and pills. His scientific, or, more properly, medical theories and convictions related almost exclusively to therapeusis. During an epidemic of dysentery in the early fifties he urged drop doses, at two and three hours intervals, of castor-oil as a specific, and would harangue everybody that would tolerate him on its unfailing efficacy. He was perfectly sincere and honest, but could not cite a single case in which he or anybody had tried it. To this hallucination he adhered with unusual pertinacity. He was his own worst enemy, but not the enemy of any other person. Odd 'characters were not confined to the profession. In social life I soon became closely associated with three gentle- men very much older than myself — Senator John M. Clayton, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 73 John M. Brodhead, and John H. Houston. They were gen- tlemen of great intelligence, cultivated and agreeable conver- sationalists, and companionable for even so young a man as myself. They were noted whist players, and assembled weekly or oftener to play. When the fourth man was not convenient I was invited to take the hand, always the partner of the Senator, who was very patient, and would tolerate my mistakes without remonstrance. Brodhead and Houston were equally expert players, but the former was too irritable for a less skilful partner. Even such a good-natured man as Hous- ton would sometimes resent his criticism with the vehement exclamation, "Zounds and death, man, I know how to play ray own hand." Houston was somewhat eccentric and very superstitious, and would often break the monotony of the game by some illustrative exhibition of one of these qualities. If ill-luck pursued him, he would attempt to interrupt it by some amusing gyratory contortion or by some equally surprising and vehement outcry in keeping with the momentary impulse of one or the other aberration, always serving as a harmless and amusing interruption of the monotonous silence of the game. After Clayton's appointment to the Department of State the quartette was broken up until his re-election to the Senate after the death of President Taylor. Then he returned to his quarters on New Jersey Avenue and resumed the play- ing of whist, and continued as before, until his death. My experience and practice with such expert players improved my knowledge of the game, but I have never acquired either the expertness or fondness for it equal to either of my instructors, and have long since forgotten the science of whist. Houston's eccentricities were simply acquired peculiarities which attracted and interested the company, characterized him as a distinct personality, and earned for him the sobriquet of " Old Jack." Many of his superstitions were as ridiculous as they were harmless, but they sometimes occasioned him considerable annoyance, whilst offering sport to observers and listeners. If he left his dwelling without his spectacles, he 74 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. would not turn back, but stand still at the place he discovered the loss, and actually bawl in increasing loudness for some one to bring them to him, and he always insisted that leaping three times around his chair on one leg would bring him good luck. I have witnessed the success of the bawling, but never of the three times leaping. Mr. Houston owned a family milch cow, usually one of the awkward and ignorant kind, to which he gave special atten- tion at feeding and milking times, and blessed or damned, as the animal's behavior might please or displease him. Of course, a well-dressed gentleman who may loaf, loiter, or busy himself about a cow-stable may have occasion to unload his wrath in expletive epithets and anathemas, and such was the case with my friend ; but, as usual, the milkmaid was to blame for provoking the cow's misconduct. These milking and feeding seances did not always end hap- pily. After a volley or more of expletive remonstrances with the obdurate beast there would come a sudden pause, as if one of nature's thunderbolts had completed its brilliant stream of devastation, and soon our friend would emerge from the stable, slamming the rickety gate behind him, cross the yard in hot pursuit of a wash-basin and a clean shirt, enter the house by bolting sidewise or with all fours against the door, that had provokingly swung to its fastenings, and call aloud, with the voice of the augry stentor, for Gertrude to hurry with soap, towel, and toilet spray. While standing, waiting impatiently and shivering with morose chagriu, one could in fancy see myriads of the bacilli of complex odors streaming in radiat- ing columns from the angry face and bare but reddened scalp. The picture of one such scene of busy scrubbing of the dairy- maid's victim, with his imprecations whilst turning fore and aft for closer inspection, can be better imagined than described, and needs but one impression to follow life's mirthful remem- brances. As I write, the scene comes back to me with irre- pressible laughter. On one occasion a chimney in his house accidentally caught PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 75 fire. Fires on Capitol Hill in those days were events of great popular concern, and when an alarm was given, men, women, children, dogs, and every living and creeping beast, et id omne genus, ran pell-mell to the scene of the conflagration. He was absent, aud did not reach the house until the fire had been extingui??hed and the crowd had well-nigh dispersed, but he came full-tilt at double-quick, bounding over space like a " youthful colt fetching mad bounds," leaped upon the front porch, and, pausing a moment in rigid terror, with clenched fists and every muscle of his body strained to utmost ten- sion, he exclaimed with sonorous vehemence, "By the 'gods and zounds ! the 8th of August, the heat at 90°, aud my house on fire," and continued in the same statuesque posture to re- peat the exclamation until convinced by the assurance of the bystanders that no damage had occurred ; then he relaxed into peaceful gratitude, and retired to counsel with the family. The exclamation became a by-word among the wags, and our friend enjoyed a dramatic personation of the ludicrous ascrip- tion as much as any other listener. The Fire Department of the city at that period was con- stituted of several companies in which young men voluntarily enrolled themselves and gratuitously discharged the duties prescribed by the law. The company located on Capitol Hill was known as the Columbia Fire Eugine Company. This company was, perhaps, better equipped than many of such organizations, and was very popular with the residents of that district. It fitted up the engine-house with a library-room and supplied it with a choice collection of books, in a measure due to the generosity of Mrs. Pendleton, who lived very near and took great interest in the young men of the company. It established a winter course of lectures, which were delivered by well-known citizens, among whom may be mentioned B. B. French, Francis H. McNerhany, aud Johu H. Houston. These lectures were attended by large and appreciative audi- ences. On the occasion of Mr. Houston's first lecture, the subject of which was "Authority and Obedience to Law," 76 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the audience was unusually large and enthusiastic, many hav- ing been attracted by his literary attainments, as well as the expectation that the discourse would be interspersed with quaint and interesting illustrations and original expressions, which would relieve the monotony of the argument and add zest to the intellectual feast ; but few, however, were prepared for the prelude, which was uttered with dramatic force : " Go tell to Lacedemonia I die in obedience to her laws," followed by a momentary pause, and then, with a quizzical expression, adding, " Will some one give me a glass of water ? My family had salt-fish for supper to-night." The uproar lasted long enough to enable him to recall the train of thought, and he proceeded. The lecture was broken by a number of equally amusing interruptions illustrating the quaintness of his style and exhibiting his familiarity with history. I am reminded by a friend of an incident that offers the opportunity to refer to the domestic economy of that period. On that occasion when she, then a girl about ten years of age, as was her habit on off school-days, was accompanying Mr. Houston through the Centre Market, a neatly dressed colored woman accosted him with the statement that she heard he wanted to hire a good cook. After answering his inquiries in regard to her qualifications, of which there were many, and some ludicrous in detail, she asked what wages he would give, to which his bluflp reply was, " Six dollars a month and a cowhiding every Saturday night." Six dollars per month was the usual wages for a good family cook, but the weekly cowhiding was a perquisite offered as an inducement. My informant does not state that any bargain was made. We may safely conjecture, however, that the perquisite was never paid, but when the dinner was late, or the family cow failed to low at the back gate on time, the good cook was stirred to haste by the resounding slogan of surprise or discontent, '* Zounds and death !" The exclamation " Zounds and death ! " was not an explo- sion of passion and bad temper, but, as a rule, an emphatic PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 77 prelude to some inquiry pertinent to the incident or occasion that excited his surprise or discontent. It was usually deliv- ered with pronounced force, sometimes associated with closed fists and resolute gesture, and, occasionally, also with a firm stamp of the right foot. Straugers would be shocked at the apparent phenomenal exhibition of rage, and were equally astonished at the unconcern of others who were present. It speedily terminated with some surprising expression of good humor, and perhaps a hearty laugh. In fact, it was an ex- clamation intended to attract immediate attention, that he might state his will, wish, or whim without interruption, and secure a hasty compliance. Notwithstanding these diversions of a charming tempera- ment and disposition, he found time to gratify his taste, and especially his fondness for reading, confining himself with rare exceptions to history. Mr. Houston was one of the noted men of his period. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and during his early manhood was employed in the shipping-house of Fran- cis & Willing in Philadelphia, by whom he was frequently sent as supercargo in their extensive commercial enterprises. He married the youngest daughter of the renowned Commo- dore Truxton, and subsequently accepted a position in the Treasury Department, and moved to this city, where he re- sided until his death at a ripe old age. He had been favored with a classic education, spoke several modern languages with fluency, and during his long residence in this city enjoyed the acquaintance, friendship, and companionship of many of the most distinguished statesmen and other public men, who at different times held high positions in the councils of the nation. He was the devoted friend and intimate associate of the late President Buchanan. He was a public-spirited citizen, and took an active interest in every enterprise to promote the prosperity of the city, but for the most part devoted his leisure time to the study of his- tory. He believed Napoleon Bonaparte to have been the 78 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. greatest military chieftain the world had produced, and it is probable that his private library at the time of his death contained every volume, both in the French and English languages, which had been published concerning him. It is more than probable that most of his eccentricities and all of his superstitions had been acquired by his association with the merchant marine and sailors in his frequent voyages on the great merchant ships of the firm whose trusted agent he had been in so many commercial concerns. These peculi- arities did not, however, affect in any manner his standing as a citizen and gentleman of the highest repute. Clayton was one of the most companionable men I ever knew, but habitually irregular in manner of life. He went to bed and arose at pleasure, and when in bed he pushed his feet beyond the foot, keeping his negro valet, Lewis, busy covering and recovering them, as he might choose. Ate when and what he pleased, and many times when the meal was pre- pared at the time and according to order would decline it and give another order, for which he would patiently wait ; would send for a physician, as he might fancy, and obey any order as might suit the caprice of the time being, but always expressed his gratitude for the service and promptly paid the charges without regard to the amount. Some people censured him for alleged intemperate habits. I have often seen him sit and sip very slowly a glass of whiskey and water, but never in quantities sufficient to affect him in any manner observable to me, so think the charge of dissipation entirely without foundation. He was very fond of company, but too indolent to seek it outside of his apartments, and, when impatient in waiting, would send Lewis to invite friends to call upon him, either to join in the game of whist or to listen to him — for guests had very little else to do but to gratify him by acqui- escence in his method of entertainment. Ferdinand X * Y * Z was another solitary man, the hus- band of a sprightly and charming wife. His loneliness con- sisted in self-conceit, due to his reverential esteem of the fact PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 79 that he was a sou of a distinguished scientist, and to his praiseworthy admiration of his wife. There is nothing re- markable in a husband's devotion to and admiration of a good wife, but the combination of this commendable quality with the hallucination of inheritance is so obviously incon- gruous that one should not be surprised at his Quixotisms. He carried his ideal standard of adoration to such intensity of social self-ostracism that he unwillingly tolerated any asso- ciation without her presence, and then was so unhappy with fears of her personal discomfort, to which he would give expression by significant movements of the head and with utterances of complaining anxiety, that one felt like seizing him by the nape of the neck and leading him into some silent and secluded corner where he might brood in lonely conceit until she was ready to accompany him to their happy home. His hallucinations never seemed to occasion her a moment's care or anxiety. His plaintive suggestions to go home, to stop dancing, not to eat this, that, or the other, it was an inclement night, a long distance from home, or a late hour, were foiled by such good temper and bright repartee as to bring even to his wizened face the grim smile of admiration, but quickly followed by one of his peculiar head movements that seemed to indicate a will without authority. I never knew a happier couple, but no one could see them together but to wonder what could have attracted her to this man of three parts — one idea and two qualities. " Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one." The negro race was not without representation in this class of unmatched beings. The most notable example in the east- ern part of the city was a crippled, limping negro man, who played the role of waiter in a private house when there was no funeral he could attend. It did not matter to him whose funeral it was, or in which cemetery the body was to be interred, he would dress himself with the utmost care in his 80 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. best suit of black clothing, and follow on foot, in apparent deep sorrow, the procession on its way to the cemetery. He was known as Foote, with several long Christian names de- noting his distinguished ancestry. When asked where he was going he answered with a melancholy grin, " Too foonel," and if questioned whose " foonel," he limped along, express- ing his response in one long glaring look of profound and disturbed grief. It was a curious hallucination, but he be- lieved it to be his duty, and faithfully discharged it, return- ing home in the most joyous humor, apparently overflowing with the pleasure derived from the sad scene he had witnessed. I have recently seen that same crippled negro man, now feeble and stooping with age, with cane in hand, hobbling along as best he could, in pursuit of some funeral procession, seemingly as intensely absorbed in the mournful service as when a young man, now long since passed. Every community has its drug fiend. The Capitol Hill neighborhood may have had many — it certainly had one. He was a small, red-haired, very bad-tempered man, who attributed his ailments, real and imaginary, to some derelic- tion of duty on the part of his much-abused aud patient wife. He may have occasionally been actually sick, more often he thought he was sick, and most often he was trying to make himself sick. He believed in the curative power of drugs, and if one dose made him feel better, he would double the next dose to make " doubly sure " the betterment, and so on until the maximum betterment, or, more probably, detriment was reached. He would send for one physician during the day to relieve an alleged acute and painful constipation, and call another at night to arrest an equally acute and painful diarrhoea, and repeat this deception day after day until one or both physicians discovered it. On one occasion I was summoned at night in impetuous haste to hear his story of sudden loss of the senses of taste and smell and general sensation. I found him sitting bolt upright in an arm-chair with firm grasp of its arms, his red PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 81 hair standing on ends, face flushed with rage, and pouring forth volley after volley of direful oaths. The spectacle was as ludicrous as it was sad, and the poor wife was terrified at the apparition of a man dying in such indecent haste with such a sudden and strangely complex disorder. I knew him well enough to believe that it was all "cry and no wool," a put-up job to frighten or avenge his wife for some fancied inattention, neglect, or refusal to comply with some unreason- able request or command. I knew also his faith in the potential power of drugs, but it was limited to the visible and subjective effects. Palliatives, innocuous pills, and pla- cebos were to him "as jewels of gold in a swine's snout." His love of deception was so intense, and his belief in the completeness of his artifice was so firm, that he would submit to torture rather than confess its detection. To appeal to reason, or to oflPer the assurance of speedy relief from any prescribed method of procedure or prescription of drugs left to his volition for execution or administration, would be as frivolous and futile as the application of a blister to a lamp- post. Nothing but such treatment as would force from him the open confession of the restoration of the lost senses was available. The case was phenomenal and unique only in the stupid audacity of his will. After the storm had subsided and his vocabulary of blasphemous expletives had been ex- hausted I said to him that his maladies were so complex that each would have to be treated as a separate and distinct affec- tion, and as the loss of general sensation was the most serious I would attack it first. Then, seating him upon a cane- seated chair, I enveloped him with several heavy blankets, put his feet in a hot mustard bath, to which I added at brief inter- vals some hotter water, and placed under the chair a lighted alcohol lamp. He bore it for a time with amazing fortitude, but finally the rigid lines of his face began to soften down, the sweat poured in streams from every pore, the stiffened hair fell dripping with sweat in locks over his brows and head, and, as he began to wince, I offered him a dose of the 6 82 PERSONAL REMIXISCEXCES. tincture of capsicum, which, to my surprise, he swallowed without a grimace; but, as the second dose quickly came, he rebelled agaiust the fire at both ends, and reluctantly con- fessed a partial restoration of the senses of taste and sensation, but in appareut insolent glee reminded me that his smell was still absent. I poured from a bottle of the milk of asafoetida such a dose of the nauseous and stinking drug as I thought would bring smell aud taste to a tin funnel, and forced him to take it. It came back quickly, and he smelled it both ways. I left him soon afterward sleeping quietly. He was cured for the time, and remained for a considerable period a sensible convalescent, and never to my knowledge had any return of the maladies. His confidence in drugs remained unabated, but his imaginary ailments assumed a mild and harmless type. He lived to an advanced age, and died as he had lived — a complaining and fretful bore. Some lay readers may think the foregoing a startling sketch, but my professional brethren will recognize it as the type of a class of cases which differ only in the shade of color and special array of mental and nervous phenomena. It is a brief but accurate description of an actual occurrence. If it was possible to strip the theory and practice of medi- cine of the imaginary, exaggerated, imitated, and fashionable ailments with which flesh is afflicted, the life of the physician would be robbed of very many of its most painful and vex- atious annoyances aud disappointments, and to it would be added the hope of a lifetime quite up to the average of men in general. It must not, however, be inferred that the society of that primitive period and neighborhood was made up exclusively of such odd characters. They were less scarce than hen's teeth, but not sufficiently numerous to interrupt the ordinary social amenities and intercourse of a large circle of cultivated and educated people. They were integers in the different grades of a community, without anything in common, and served to add zest and bonhomie to the evening colloquies at the corner PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 83 grocery and drug stores, where would assemble a coterie of associates to discuss the current events of the day and to enliven idle care with the gossip and sport of such incidents as the wits and wags might arrange for such diurnal con- versation. Every villager and dweller in suburban districts knows what such rendezvous means in sparsely populated com- munities, where intercommunication is only available by inter- locutory dialogue, and nobody is happy if not posted with the gossipy chit-chat of the news and rumor mongers. Capitol Hill was for the most part a precinct of private residences, mostly owned by their occupants, some of whom were in Government employ, others engaged in business in other parts of the city, a few living in retirement upon their well-earned incomes, and here and there one without visible means of support. Of course, there was a lot of truant boys, mostly occupied in driving stray pigs from somebody's back- yard or '' shooing " geese oif the sidewalks. The local busi- ness was limited to the small retail-shop class — two or three groceries that dealt in daily or emergency supplies of second- class goods ; several poorly nourished drug stores ; a fancy shop of dai-ning-needles, sewing cotton, and ribbons ; a molasses- taffy dealer, who spat upon his sweating hands when pulling the taffy to make it crisp and brittle, and two dram-shops that did a thriving business during the sessions of Congress, but were dolefully dismal places when the honorable law- makers had departed to their grateful constituencies. The residents of Capitol Hill were for the most part a quiet, church-going people of high social standing, but not of the ultra-fashionable class as understood now. Social and friendly visiting and intercourse were mainly confined to mutual friends and neighbors for iuterchang-e of thoug-ht, greeting of genuine friendship, congenial companionship, and pleasant acquaintanceship. Then people lived to live, and when dead to be revered by friends and relations ; now they seem to live to die and make place for their successors. A Congressional cenotapli would hardly suffice nowadays to 84 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. keep fresh the memory of the dead longer than a calendar month. Among the most distinguished families of the elite circle of the precinct at the period of which I am writing may be named, without invidious distinction, those of General Duff Green, a noted politician, who owned and edited The United States Telegraph during the administration of President Jackson, and followed with unswerving devotion the fortunes of John C. Calhoun, whose eldest son, Andrew, married Margaret, the second daughter of Green. Mrs. Green was one of the most charming and noble matrons it has been my good fortune to know. She and Mrs. Houston nursed Mrs. Busey, in 1850, through a long and tedious illness with the care, attention, intelligence, and affection of women animated by the highest inspiration of Christian benevolence and self-sacrifice. There were no skilled nurses in this city at that time. Nursing when not done by the immediate family of the sick or by some kind friend was limited to a lot of " Old Grannies," who claimed intuitive and prophetic knowledge of human ailments. Colonel Charles K. Gardner resigned his commission in the Army in 1818, was senior Assistant Postmaster-General in 1829, Auditor of the Treasury for the Post Office Department from July, 1836, to March, 1841, Postmaster of this city from March, 1845, to July, 1849, and later Surveyor-General of Oregon. He was the author of the Dictionary of the Army of the United States, published in 1853, and dedicated to the House of Representatives. His eldest daughter married Governor Mouton, then Senator from Louisiana, and an- other married Captain, now Admiral Almy. Colonel James Edlin, Major Augustus A. Nicholson, and Captain Alg. Sidney Taylor were officers in the Marine Corps ; Taylor was brevetted for gallant and meritorious conduct at the bombard- ment and capture of Vera Cruz and at the capture of Tuspau. William Cranch was Chief Justice and John Y. Brent Clerk of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia ; James N. Barker, John H. Houston, and J. Bartrum North held re- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 85 sponsible positions in the Treasury Department ; John M. Broadhead was a Comptroller, subsequently an Auditor of the Treasury, and later one of the commissioners to adjudicate the claims of slaveholders under the Act of Emancipation of 1863 ; D. W. Middleton was Clerk of the Supreme Court of the United States ; Robert Beale held the office of Sergeant- at-Arms of the Senate ; B. B. French succeeded McNulty in the Clerkship of the House of Representatives, and was Com- missioner of Public Buildings during the administrations of Presidents Pierce and Johnson ; Professor Bache was Super- intendent of the Coast Survey, and Joseph Saxton was in charge of the Bureau of Standard Weights and Measures, then a branch of the Coast Survey; William P. Elliot was a distinguished patent attorney ; John P. Ingle and Joseph Holt were distinguished citizens living in retirement, the former for the most part devoting himself to charitable and religious enterprises, and the latter to the pleasures of his literary taste ; subsequently he entered the Cabinet of President Buchanan, stnd later was Judge Advocate General of the Army. George Watterson was appointed Librarian of Con- gress in 1815 by President Madison, and removed by Presi- dent Jackson in 1829. His son now occupies the old family mansion on Second Street, S. E. John S. Meehan succeeded Watterson, and held the office until removed by President Lincoln in 1861. James Adams was cashier of the Bank of Washington ; Thomas P. Trott was at the head of the depre- dations in the Post Office Department ; and Colonel Butler was a retired army sutler. The venerable brothers Samuel and Grafton Hanson were noted men among the old families. There were a number of other families equally conspicuous in social life. In most of the families named there were one or more daughters, so that the neighborhood society was suffi- ciently supplied with young people of both sexes to make it very attractive and social. When I came to this city and for some years afterward, in fact, until and since the war, social life was very different 86 PERSOXAL REMINISCENCES. from what it* is now iu its methods, usages, and proprieties. There was no distinctive official society, masking in parade reception days ; no Cabinet, Senator's, or Member of Con- gress' days, requiring the ladies to stand for hours saluting a lot of unknown callers out on dress exhibition and lunch incursions; no carnival season, during which brief period every lady who may own or can hire or borrow an equipage is expected to emblazon the streets in ceremonial mockery of style and fashion, making formal calls during the afternoon on those having special days, later attending one or more teas, the more the more elite and spectacular, afterward a dinner party, and, finally, a ball, to dance or play the role of matron or wall-flower, and go home in the morning to sleep the sleep of wearied nature until the gong calls her again to the inex- orable duties of this popular routine life. There were no gangs of itinerant "big spread" fiends tramping the streets in flocks and crowding the dining-rooms of distinguished officials, feeding to overflowing and staffing their pockets and bosoms with bon-bons to carry back to their' village and interior homes in proof of their maurauding escapades in the private dwellings of defenceless ladies and of thrift in relic- hunting. Public receptions during the season were confined to the Executive Mansion and dwelling of the Speaker, to either of which any properly dressed and well-behaved person could go at will, without card. On special occasions, such as the first of January, the houses of other officials, a few distin- guished military officers, and some prominent citizens w'ere open to the public, to which ladies aud gentlemen were alike admitted and courteously entertained. The ordinary social entertainments were not so numerous as now, but equally as formal, perhaps more exclusive, less expensive and showy in ladies' dresses and decorations, with a move sumptuous but heavy and less dainty banquet. Society then, as now, was subject to vicissitudes and ex- travagances. The censor then, as now, could find ample PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 87 opportunity for criticism, and the scandal-mougers. were equally busy with their reproachful aspersions. Every period and decade has its faults, its virtues, and its environments, and he is most happy and contented who believes in the progress of civilization. Pennsylvania Avenue from the west entrance of the Cap- itol grounds to Fifteenth Street west was the fashionable promenade. During the afternoons of weekdays in the winter, spring, and autumn seasons, when the weather was not inclement, the sidewalk on the north side was thronged with well-dressed ladies and gentlemen belonging to the best classes of society, going to and fro in pairs or groups, engaged in merry chat or profound discussion, according to their tastes and inclinations. As on all such thoroughfares where fash- ion and beauty and the old and young congregate to prome- nade and to meet and greet friends and companions, there were to be seen variety in form, figure, carriage, dress, taste, and manners among both sexes, varying in all the shades and degrees of conventional, provincial, and cosmopolitan styles and make-up. The affianced couple with arms locked — then the method of official announcement of eno-as-ement — chatted at rapid pace, in the solitude of " two hearts that beat as one ; " the musing pairs shyly demonstrating their impatience for the final declaration of love, that they might lock the right and left in token of their betrothal ; the giddy belle, with her brace or trio of hangers-on, each vicing with the other for the precious smiles of favor and preference ; the wayward coquette alone, perhaps, with the last chosen victim, or, more probably, with several suitors in fighting masquer- ade, to win the charms that sported and played off and on with their hopes and fears ; the groups of girls in solid pha- lanx, by fours and sixes abreast, swooping the broad sidewalk, without a beau or even a male companion in the rear to inter- rupt their merry criticisms of the spoony pairs, and other passers-by, not less conspicuous for some less sentimental but more uncommon exhibition of mental or physical deflection ; 88 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and, perhaps, followed by another coterie of women under the spinster age, but not beyond the age of adolescent hope, in sullen pursuit and with envious comment, giving free ex- pression to censure of the improprieties which disappointment so readily detects in others, were all component parts of that motley throng that made that gay thoroughfare so brilliant in showy dress, beautiful women, and high social dignitaries. There were also to be seen the matrons of high social position and influence, playing the role of chaperone and censor, with an obsolete husband and father in the rear, doing penance in gallantry to some deserted belle faded beyond the climax, or some social heroine just returning to worldly society and pleasure after long years of retirement in the sorrow and affliction of early widowhood. Among the moving mass were dignified Senators, distinguished jurists, many previous and light-hearted Representatives, and a multitude of high and low officials luminous with importance and voluble with east- wind, with here and there along the way a foreign ambassa- dor, and many more attaches, always commanding the polite deference and civility of cultivated and friendly people. The President was not then, as now, a stranger to the public on such promenade occasions. Fillmore and Pierce quite fre- quently, Taylor and Buchanan occasionally, joined the mov- ing throng, to whom every gentleman in passing paid the homage of respect with lifted hat and courteous bow. There were others, as now, though not so many as then, and mostly of the masculine kind, who sought the promenade not so much to meet and greet friends and to share the pleasure of the social and colloquial pastime and exercise as to bid defiance to the ordinary and customary amenities of good breeding on such occasions. They tramped the thoroughfare in lordly disdain of society, contemned because of their deserved exclu- sion, some in tailor-made clothes in loud display, others with suits from misfit establishments, or slop-shops, as cheap ready-made clothing stores were then denominated, and others with ruffled shirt-bosoms emblazoned with glittering diamonds, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 89 and heavy fob-chains pendant with precious stones — the pelf of ill-gotten gain. This last class most usually congregated in front of some one or more of the numerous haunts desig- nated by windows draped with hangings in red, through which the red light shone after nightfall, and doors guarded by the ever-present and vigilant servant-man, whose master was always out unless the caller was known to have money to lose, or some pimp bade him stand aside. Gambling-hells were more numerous then along the beautiful street than drinking- saloons are to-day, and countless thousands of dollars changed • hands in those apartments during the sessions of Congress. Crops of cotton, sugar, rice, and tobacco, manufacturer's profits, and large retainers went the " way the woodbine twineth." The largest and most sumptuous establishment of the kind was located between Sixth and Four-and-a-half Streets, and kept by a member of a noted Virginia family, whose wife owned the handsomest equipage in the city. She was always accompanied when driving by two beautiful coach dogs at pace and place. She was well known for her many good works, and not wholly tabooed by society. I have often seen men of high repute walk leisurely along until directly opposite the entrance, then turn suddenly to the right or left and disappear behind the quickly closed door. It was very currently reported that a distinguished statesman, whose exemplary son has risen to high distinction, took his meals regularly at the free banquet table of that popular resort. There were others of the sort who did not do rightly on all occasions, but who seek notoriety in brazen effrontery and gaping insolence. This class usually assembled in groups about the entrances to the principal hotels — the National, Brown's, now the Metropolitan, and Willard's — dressed in the picturesque styles of bad taste and worse breeding, and indulged in ribald criticism of the victims of their ill-bred obscurity. Most of them were lovers of the weed ; some stood in divers attitudes, puffing and talking, others spat at 90 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. competitive distances across the sidewalk, taking gleeful pleasure in the filthy annoyance. The cigarette fiend is a more recent product of civilization. Some of the friends now living of the notorious and pro- fligate class of that decade — 1848-58 — may think it invidious to name two of the most widely known men whose lives and habits were so closely associated with the aesthetic history of Pennsylvania Avenue during that memorable period. Beau Hickman was the prince of loafers, though not innately a bad man. He lived and enjoyed the life of an habitual loafer, by sponging at will and pleasure upon the willing and unwill- ing, with such grace and sang froid that few could escape the artifice of his trivial but harmless jokes, for which he always demanded immediate payment by naming the pittance or trifle, which was quickly paid rather than be held by the buttonhole to listen to an asinine alliteration. He never refused an invitation to drink, but always took its equivalent in cigars or a sandwich. How else he lived except by such favors or where he made his home, other than on the avenue between Seventh and Four-and-a-half Streets, no one seemed to know. There he walked to and fro, neatly but plainly dressed, with cane in hand, limping slightly to shield a gouty toe, or stood waiting and watching for some victim, always returning recognition with a pleasant salutation, and never obtruding himself upon one who had proscribed his acquain- tance. The Hon. Felix K. McConnell, M. C. from Alabama, was an habitue of the street only during the sessions of Congress, but then he was so constantly on the street, exhibiting himself, as was his wont to do, that no one who witnessed his esca- pades could forget the brawling debauche, who was never himself unless intoxicated. As a debater and parliamenta- rian he belonged to the class of Champ Clark, who said least when he talked most, and was less asinine, if more drunken. Unlike Beau Hickman, he never condoned an invitation to drink with cigars and sandwiches, nor waited for an invita- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 91 tion, but took it straight to the full measure of carriage capacity, and then took station at some conspicuous locality along the promenade to draw around him a crowd of jeering admirers, to the great annoyance of respectable people. Strange as it may seem, he Avas always well dressed in the latest style of fashionable clothing, exhibiting good taste in appearance if not in manners. Pennsylvania Avenue was not so much of a driveway then as now. The cobblestone pavement was not so inviting to the pleasure drivers as the asphalt. During sleighing seasons, and they seem to have t)eeii more often than during late years, the sleighing tournaraeuts brought out very many and a great variety of sleighing vehicles and many handsome teams and single roadsters of great speed and endurance, which were witnessed by immense concourses of citizens. The story of Pennsylvania Avenue will not be complete without reference to the eastern and western subdivisions. The latter extended from Seventeenth Street to Georgetown. It was a rudely and ruggedly macadamized roadway, defined along each side by a brick sidewalk, with here and there com- pact rows and isolated ancieut-looking dwellings, and, at irregular locations, retail stores for neighborhood accommo- dation. Of course, there were some- dram, candy, and such- like shops, where wearied and hungry pedestrians could obtain needy beverages, molasses candy, and some lady-finger cakes. This part of the avenue was supposed to limit, by a sharp line through its centre, the diffusion of malaria disseminated from the flats and river shore from Seventeenth Street to the confluence of Rock Creek. As the conditions have changed since the reclamation of the river flats and removal of the National Observatory, my good friends will forgive the statement that the region thus defined, then known as the exclusive " West End," where many " old families" claiming Colonial descent and fashionable dignitaries resided, was sup- plied with malaria so dense that it could be sliced into blocks, followed people in fierce pursuit at every turn during the day. 92 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. howled under the eaves at night, stole through their stomachs and sneaked under the nether garments, and so prevalently afflicted the residents with fever and ague, with chills that shook their joints loose and made their hair stand on ends, that many came all the way to Capitol Hill to get cured. The avenue was, however, enlivened twice daily on the sidewalk north of the border-line of malarial diffusion by the many respectable and venerable gentlemen hurriedly going on foot to their offices in the early forenoon, and returning leis- urely after office hours to their happy homes in Georgetown. During the day it was mainly a traffic street, communicating with the shipping wharves and flour mills of Georgetown and the charcoal interests of Coonny, across the river, in Alex- andria County, Virginia. The charcoal-burners came regu- larly and frequently with their wagons laden with the pro- duct, and brawled it for sale through the streets at so much per barrel, bushel, or handful, and returned with empty wagons and drunken drivers ; but they, like the wood- sawyers, have disappeared from Washington society, and Coonny has been obliterated from the topography of suburban Virginia. The eastern subdivision was even less attractive as a resi- dence street. It was a wide unpaved thoroughfare, with paved sidewalks only in front of a few squares, a few isolated dwell- ing-houses, and some shops of the minor retail class. It was mainly a traffic street, and the most direct communication with the rich farming region of Prince George County, Mary- land, from which the city obtained a large part of its supplies of farm products, brought hither mostly in carts drawn by one, two, or three yokes of oxen. From daylight till late morning on market-days at the Centre Market, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays of each week during the year, these heavily laden two-wheeled carts, more rarely four-wheeled wagons, would pass in slow succession to and return in the afternoons from the market, accompanied only by the slave- drivers, who drove the beasts by the crack of their whips and PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 93 a vociferous jargon made up of sounds that only such crea- tures could utter, but made sleep impossible for any person within hearing. The drivers were dressed in picturesque styles of clothing, of composite colors, in the variety of inde- scribably shaped patches arranged at random to suit the econ- omies of the makers and menders, with a head-gear or cover made of the skins of rabbits, squirrels, or possums, occasion- ally adorned with a rim of some woven material in fancy color. Following these trains of freighted vehicles would come the masters of high and low repute, in lordly array, some on fleeting steeds of renowned pedigrees, others with double teams in C-spring coaches hanging high and entered by way of folding stair-cases, driven by slave coachmen in the livery of the masters' cast-oiF suits, and footmen either couched behind on the trunk-rack or holding upright by tas- selled straps fastened to the rim of the top high above. It was a caravan of noble beasts, rude transportation vehicles, swarthy serfs in happy wretchedness, and rich planters, old and young, in proud display of abundant harvest and show of pride and wealth. All this has passed and been forgotten, save by the few who have seen the primitive city grow into a metropolis. During the early part of the decade — 1848-58— when Congress was in session I passed much of my leisure time in the galleries of the Senate and House of Representatives, watching the conduct of business and listening to the set speeches of distinguished men, or to some colloquial debate, which occurred very often and usually unexpectedly, incident to some attack upon some measure under consideration. In this inanner I became very familiar with the style of discus- sion and the parliamentary habits and conduct of many of the famous men of the nation. I have frequently heard Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Benton, Lewis Cass, Clayton ; Douglas and Shields, of Illinois ; William R. King ; Dick- son H. Lewis, the largest man who ever occupied a seat in the Senate ; Hunter and Mason, of Virginia ; Yulee, West- 94 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. cott, and Malloiy, of Florida ; Sain Houston ; Jefferson Davis and Henry S. Foote, of Mississippi ; John P. Hale, Jesse D. Bright, Edward Everett ; "William H. Se\yard and Dickinson, of New York ; Mangnm and Badger, of North Carolina ; A. P. Butler, Evans, and Hammond, of South Carolina; Dodge and son; Benjamin, Slidell, and Soule, of Louisiana, and many others, Senators during that period. Foote carried a free lance. His style was voluble, vehe- ment, and invective, and did not leave a lasting impression. I have witnessed many of his attacks upon Benton and Sew- ard, to which neither of them paid much attention. Benton would sit quietly, apparently undisturbed, and Seward would listen, but made no reply. His rencounters with Hale were more interesting, because the latter always replied and seemed to get the advantage, because of his wit and powers of ridicule. I heard the colloquy between Webster and Calhoun defining the meaning of the words in the Declaration of Independence, "All men are created free and equal." Mr. Calhoun with marked emphasis declared, "Babies, not men, were born." I heard mucli of the discussion in the Senate on the compro- mise measures of 1850, including the "Fugitive Slave law." I have heard Mr. Webster before the Supreme Court, in the Senate, and was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the extension of the Capitol, July 4, 1851, and heard his oration. I was standing near enough when he stepped from his carriage to hear him say to his companion, " I wish to go to some private room to make some addenda to my speech." I was present at the funeral services of jNIr. Calhoun, March, 1850, who died in the house kept by Mrs. Hill, since remod- elled and subdivided into three commodious dwellings, now occupied by Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Condit-Smith, and Mr. Justice Field. And also of Mr. Clay, in June, 1852. I was in the Senate gallery when the death of President Taylor was an- nounced in a communication from Mr. Fillmore, to which he affixed his signature, with the designation " late Vice-Presi- dent of the United States," and also in the gallery of the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 95 House of Representatives when he — the same day — took the oath of office in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives. When I came to this city Robert C. Winthrop was Speaker of the House of Representatives. I have witnessed many parliamentary tilts and acrimonious debates in the days of Stevens, Tombs, Andrew Johnson, George W. Jones, Edward Stanley, Thomas L. Cliugman, William L Orr, Baily (of Vir- ginia), Joshua R. Giddings, David Wilmot, and the " Fire- eaters of the South " and " Black Republicans of the North," the designations of the two factious of extremists who held furious sway over the councils of the nation. I heard Charles Allen, of Massachusetts, in 1852, during the consideration of the bill to pay the last instalment of the Mexican indemnity, charge that Daniel Webster, then Secretary of State, was a " stipendiary of Wall Street, New York, and State Street, Boston," and witnessed the furore of indignation and spon- taneous defence by his friends on the floor. I was present at the termination of the protracted struggle that resulted in the election of Nathaniel P. Banks Speaker, and heard his inaugural address. I saw the corner-stone of the AVashington Monument laid July 4, 1848, and heard Mr. Wiuthrop's oration, and witnessed its completion and dedica- tion. I, with my elder half-brother, was present at the inaugura- tion of William Henry Harrison, attended the reception at the Executive Mansion, and shook hands with the Presi- dent, and have seen every President since, excepting John Tyler, James K. Polk, and Chester A. Arthur, inaugurated. I was a student at the Rockville Academy when Polk was inaugurated, and, like most of the students, was among the disappointed class, and did not care to come to Washington City to witness the inauguration of the man who had defeated Henry Clay. I have narrated the foregoing incidents and occurrences of the earlier years of my residence in this city as a fitting con- 96 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES elusion of this chapter of reminiscenees. If time and space permitted, I might have enlarged the narrative and referred to many circumstances of more general interest and signifi- cance, but I forbear to tax the memory with events long since passed and not seen by many now living. CHAPTER V. American Medical Association. Menu of Banquet. Poem by Holmes. Ix 1853 I was one of five delegates from the Medical Asso- ciation of the District of Columbia to the American Medical Association, which assembled in the city of New York. I recall my first official connection with that great body of rep- resentative medical men of the country, because of the fact that I was the youngest man who had been at that date elected a delegate to that body from this city, aud, moreover, because of the pleasure I derived from attendance at the mag- nificent banquet given by the profession of the City of New York, at which Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes delivered a poem, written for the occasion, a copy of which, together with the menu, printed on satin, are now in my possession, transcripts of which are here appended. Wines were omitted from the menu, nevertheless they were served in abundance and great variety. DINXEK TO THE AMERICAX MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PHYSICIANS OF NEW YORK CITY, AT Metropolitax Hall, May 5, 1853. bill of faee. Soups. Turtle, Oyster, Potage a la Reine. Fish . Boiled Salmon, Anchovy Sauce. Baked Black Fish. Boiled Cod, Oyster Sauce. Baked Sheep's-head. 7 98 PEHSONAL BEMiyiSCENCES. Boiled. Westphalia Hams, Champagne Sauce. Capons, Celeiy Sauce. Spiced Beef, Tongues. Calves' Head, Mutton, Caper Sauce, Roast. Beef. Turkeys. Mutton Saddles, Currant Jelly. Chickens. Lamb, Mint Sauce. Ducks. Veal. Capons. Cold Dishes. Boned Turkey, Boar's Head. Stewed Terrapin, Game Patties, Oyster Patties, Oysters, Fried, Oysters au Gratin, Pigeon Patties, Artificial, Salmis of Chicken, Veal Cutlets, Tomato Sauce. Entrees. Sweetbreads a la St. Cloud. Lamb Chops, Peas. Lobster Salad. Chicken Salad. Macaroni a L'ltalienne. Chicken Liver, En Caisse. Pigeon a la Jardiniere. Filet de Boeuf, with Mushrooms. Grouse. Red Heads. Game. Broad Bills. Brandt. Squabs. Asparagus, Spinach, Lima Beans, Tomatoes Vegetables. Turnips, Potatoes, in variety. Beets, Peas. Cucumbers, Pickles, assorted. Lettuce, Olives. Celery. Pastry and Confectionery. Plum Pudding, Ginger Pudding. Coburg Pudding, Pudding a la Glace. Cabinet Pudding, Meringues a la Creme. Lemon Pudding, Pies and Tarts, assorted. American Pudding, Charlotte Eusse. Ornamental Pyramids of National and Professional Designs of Nougat, Oranges, etc. Jellies. Blanc Mange. Ices. Vanilla Cream, Eoman Punch. Lemon Cream, Strawberry Cream, Orange Sherbet. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 99 Fruits. Strawberries, Pineapples, Oranges. Apples, Bananas, Grapes. Crystallized and Dried Fruits, etc. Coffee. Response of Oliver Wendell Holmes, M.D., to the follow- ing toast, proposed at the entertainment given to the American Medical Association by the physicians of the City of Xew York, at Metropolitan Hall, on the 5th of May, 1853 : loast — " The Union of Science and Literature — a happy marriage, the fruits of which are nowhere seen to better advantage than in our American Holmes.'" I hold a letter in my hand — A flattering letter — more's the j^ity — By some contriving junto planned. And signed per order of Committee ; It touches every tenderest spot, — My patriotic predilections — My well known — something — don't ask what — My poor old songs — my kind affections. They make a feast on Thursday next, And hope to make the feasters merry ; They own they're something more perplext For poets than for port and shei'ry ; They want the men of — (word torn out) ; Our friends will come with anxious faces, (To see our blankets off, no doubt. And trot us out and show our paces). They hint that papers by the score Are rather musty kind of rations ; They don't exactly mean a bore. But only trying to their patience ; That such as — you know who I mean — Distinguished for their — what d' ye call 'em — Should bring the dews of Hippocrcne To sprinkle on the faces solemn. 100 PERSONAL BEMIXISCENCES. The same old story ; that's the chaff To catch the birds that sing the ditties ; Upon my soul, it makes me laugh To read these letters fi"om committees ! They 're all so loving and so fair — All for your sake such kind compunction — 'T would save your carriage half its wear To grease the wheels with such an unction ! Why, who am I, to lift me here And beg such learned folk to listen — To ask a smile, or coax a tear Beneath those stoic lids to glisten ? As well might some arterial thread Ask the whole frame to feel its gushing, While throbbing fierce from heel to head The vast aortic tide was rushing. As well some hair-like nerve might strain To set its special streamlet going, While through the myriad channelled brain The burning flood of thought was flowing — Or trembling fibre strive to keep The springing haunches gathered shorter, While the scourged racer, leap on leap, Was stretching through the last hot quarter ! Ah me ! you take the bud that came Self-sown in your poor garden's borders, And hand it to the stately dame That florists breed for, all she orders ; She thanks you — it was kindly meant — {A pale affair, not worth the keeping — ) Good morning ; — and your bud is sent To join the tea leaves used for sweeping. Not always so, kind hearts and true — For such I know are round me beating — Is not the bud I offer you — Fresh gathered for the hour of meeting — Pale though its outer leaves may be, Eose-red in all the inner petals. Where the warm life we cannot see — The life of love that gave it, settles ? PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. IQl We meet from regions far away Like rills from distant mountains streaming ; • The sun is on Francisco's bay, O'er Chesapeake the lighthouse gleaming ; While summer skirts the still bayou With every leaf that makes it brighter, Monadnock sees the sky grow blue And clasps his ciystal bracelet tighter. Yet Nature bears the self-same heart Beneath her russet-mantled bosom, As where, with burning lips apart, She breathes, and white magnolias blossom ; Ay ! many a cheek is kindled here With morning's fire as richly laden As ever Sultan of Cachemire Kissed from a sun-enamelled maiden ! I give you Home ! its crossing lines United in one golden suture. And showing every day that shines The present growing to the future — A flag that bears a hundred stars. In one bright ring, with love for centre, Fenced round with white and crimson bars, No pi'owling treason dares to enter ! brothers, home may be a word To make afiection's living treasure — The wave an angel might have stirred — A stagnant pool of selfish pleasure ; Home ! It is where the day-star springs And where the evening sun reposes, Where'er the eagle spreads his wings From northern pines to southern roses ! This poem may be found at page 132 of The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes (Household Edition), but without the caption and toast. Drs. James E. Morgan, Dove, and myself occupied the same room at the hotel. We returned home the day after 102 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the banquet. This was the first large and most magnificent entertainment I had ever attended, to which the municipal banquet given by the City of Copenhagen to the Ninth Inter- national Medical Congress in 1884 was only comparable. It is very improbable that any other person present at the banquet in 1853 has preserved a copy of the " bill of fare." That it may be kept as a memento of that brilliant occasion, and a memorial of the generous hospitality of the physicians of the City of New York, I have deposited it, together with the printed copy of the poem given to each person at the table, in the Library of the Surgeon- General's Office in this city. CHAPTER yi. Discontent and AVant of Harmony in the Profession. Fees, Grievances. Ethical Disputes. Arraignment of Members. Gautier Placard. Meet- ing of the American Medical Association in 1858. The Presidency. It was not long after coming here that I discovered that the profession was not a harmonious fraternity. It was fre- quently occupied with the consideration of questions relating to charges for professional services and the collection of ac- counts. The fees were very small and competition was very sharp. Very many people in good circumstances were — very much more than now — influenced in the selection of a physi- cian by pecuniary considerations, and there was a prevalent belief that one or more gentlemen of high-standing and doing large business were soliciting patients by very moderate fees or no charges at all. Those who felt compelled, by the force of circumstances as much as by a sense of justice to the pro- fession at large, to be exact in charging and prompt in de- manding payment, were unwilling to recognize the propriety and right of gratuitous attendance without remonstrance. The physicians residing in Georgetown had been admitted to the Association only upon their agreement to abandon the system, long in vogue in that city, of accepting a yearly fixed sum of money for services, without regard to the amount of services rendered to an individual or to a family ; and the suspicion was not entirely unfounded that some members were simply evading that custom by accepting, without any agree- ment, any sum the individual might choose to oifer for yearly attendance. The profession of the District of Columbia owes to John Frederick May a debt of lasting gratitude for teaching the people how to value the services of a competent physician, for 104 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. he was the first to establish a corameusurate value of medical and surgical services, and to teach the community that poorly paid and free medicine was generally either very iudiiferent or bad medicine. His course was commended, but not fol- lowed by everybody^ and whilst there was occasionally heard a complaint, it did not affect his popularity or injure his busi- ness. The doctrine that the laborer is worthy of his hire was not less generally accepted then than now. Prior to 1852, and for some years afterward, the profession of this city was divided into two hostile factions upon lines so sharply drawn that individual neutrality was barely possi- ble. Medical ethics, personal grievances, college interests, professional jealousies, persistent disregard of accepted codes and regulations, and the contemptuous neglect and refusal of many resident practitioners to join the Association were sources of continuous irritation, sometimes culminating in angry dis- putes. These small frays and bickerings continued with more or less acrimony until 1857, when the contentions assumed greater violence, but reached their maximum intensity in 1858. As a matter of record, the first well-defined incident giving cause for dissension seems to have been the attempt of Dr. Noble Young, in 1849, to direct the President of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, who had been by vote of the society authorized to appoint five delegates to the Ameri- can Medical Association, to select all of them from those members not connected with any medical college. This move- ment antedated by eight months the announcement of the organization of the Medical Department of Georgetown Col- lege, but it was evidently inspired by a feeling of jealousy or rivalry on the part of some, if not all, of those engaged in the negotiations relating to the establishment of the Georgetown Medical College. The motion was lost by a decided vote. This was, at that time, apparently a very trifling incident, but it was manifestly the initial circumstance of subsequent, long-continued, and angry dissensions, which happily have now ceased and been forgotten. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 105 The first recollection I have of any trial before the Medical Association of the District of Columbia for violation of its rules and regulations was the arraignment of Dr. James C. Hall for neglecting to make charges and failure to send bills for professional services. I cannot fix the date, because there is no record of any meeting of the Standing Committee of the Association between November 23, 1846, and June 9, 1852, between which dates it must have occurred, and the records of the meetings of the Association at which I witnessed the procedure are omitted. Dr. John I. Dyer, of this city, is the only other person living who could have been a witness, and his recollections are in entire accord with ray own. It was certainly subsequent to November 7, 1848, the date of my admission to the Association, and was probably in 1850, as Dr. William Jones was the presiding officer at the time, and he succeeded Mc Williams, whose death was announced April 1, 1850. Our recollections are perfectly distinct and agreed that the consideration of the subject occupied the attention of the Asso- ciation during several meetings, and was finally abruptly ter- minated by the admission of Dr. Hall that the allegations were true. He arose suddenly and unexpectedly, and with marked emotion, in a trembling voice, the tears trickling down his cheeks, and, banging his hat between his hands, said the derelictions as charged were true, excused himself with the statement that he did not need the money, and would have retired from the practice of medicine if he had known any- thing else in which to engage, but that he was absolutely afraid of idleness, and promised that he would in the future make the best effort he could to comply with the regulations of the Association. Sometime after this he told me in a private conversation that at his invitation Dr. Harvey Lindsly had called at his house to examine his accounts and receipts, and, after such examination, had said to him that his (Hall's) annual receipts exceeded in amount the income of any physician practising medicine in the city at that time, all of 106 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. which had been paid without the presentation of a single account. Of the many causes of the prevailing discontent and irrita- tion, perhaps not one occasioned so much recrimination as the statement made and reiterated in derogation of the professional character and standing of Dr. C. H. Lieberraann, sometimes so far transgressing the limits of propriety as to charge that he was not a graduate in medicine and did not possess the legal qualifications to practise any branch of his profession. Lieber- mann himself did not seem to be disturbed by these assaults, and would ouly occasionally refer to them in a very desultory manner. After the organization of the Medical Department of Georgetown College, of which he was the Professor of Sur- gery, the contention assumed a much more serious aspect. The President of the Medical Faculty took the matter up, and very speedily brought it to the attention of the Association by having referred to the Standing Committee a mass of docu- mentary evidence to establish the scientific attainments and moral character of Dr. Liebermann. After a thorough exam- ination the committee reported, June 23, 1852, that among the papers and certificates there were found a certificate of matricu- lation in the University of Berlin, a diploma from the same in proper form, conferring the degree of doctor of medicine and surgery, and numerous other papers and certificates from dif- ferent professors attesting his proficiency in his studies, his good moral character and high standing, all highly creditable, and satisfying the committee that he had in every particular conformed to the usage and fulfilled all the requirements de- manded by said university to entitle him to the degree of M.D. and to practise medicine, surgery, and midwifery. The triumph of Liebermann and his friends was so over- whelming that his enemies skulked under cover of chagrin and mortification to carp in seclusion and silence. The vindi- cation did not, however, bring peace, comity, and fraternity. Passion was on the war-path. The victors laughed in merry PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 107 scorn over tlieir success, and the vanquished nursed in vin- dictive remorse their decisive rout. The American Medical Association assembled in the city of Nashville in May, 1857. No delegate was in attendance from this city. A member of the local Association sent a commu- nication to it inviting that body to hold its next session — 1858 — in this city, without the knowledge or consent of the profession of this city, and at the same time forwarded a large placard, issued by Gautier, a confectioner then doing business at the corner of Twelfth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, which was an advertisement of "Herb drops," manufactured by himself, to which were added the names of a number of the most distinguished men of the city, indorsing the drops as a remedy " for coughs, colds, and bronchitis." He accompanied this communication with some comments on "Quackery in High Life," and subsequently published in Butler's Medical Journal an anonymous communication entitled " Quackery in High Life." The American Medical Association accepted the invitation to meet the next year in this city, and referred the communication, with the placard, to the local Association for such consideration as it might deem proper. The storm that followed can be better imagined than told. Upon receipt of the information the matter was referred to the Standing Com- mittee. In the meantime Drs. Thomas Miller, R. K. Stone, A. Y. P. Garnett, C. H. Liebermann, and W. H. Berry filed written statements denying that they had either directly or indirectly authorized Gautier to use their names, and dis- avowed having countenanced the manufacture and use of the " Herb drops." Dr. John F. May adopted a more decisive and summary method by publishing in the press an immedi- ate and emphatic disavowal of any knowledge of the manu- facture of the drops or of the use of his name before the receipt of the placard from Nashville. The gentlemen were fully and completely exonerated of the charges, but their wrath was not appeased. They determined to prosecute their accuser. The gentlemen implicated in the placard imbroglio 108 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. were men of high standing and great force of character who felt that the accusation and indiscreet method of procedure by their accuser reflected upon their personal honor and im- peached their professional integrity. A record had been made which could not be obliterated, and they claimed, not without some show of reason, that the unanimous vindication and declaration of blamelessness was incomplete Avithout the in- fliction of summary punishment upon the member who had inaugurated the unfortunate and indiscreet procedure. They lost sight of the fact that the report of the Standing Commit- tee had not been unanimous, and that there was a minority of its members who could not quite accept the theory that such a placard could be printed, circulated, and come to the knowledge of others not concerned in the matter, and not to the accused until its presentation to the American ]Medical Association in session at Nashville; and whilst their written disavowals had been accepted without a division, there was a large number, if not a majority, who would not permit the accuser to be humil- iated and disgraced without a stubborn defence. The con- tention was angry and fierce. Just at the moment when the defence were ready to grasp the victory the victim submitted in writing a confession of haste and wrong in making the accusation, and an apology for his conduct. This was ac- cepted, and the scene of excitement and turbulence terminated, but the bad feeling between the hostile factions was not only not abated but acquired force and malevolence. During the succeeding six months hostilities were confined to skirmishes between small detachments in accidental meetings, but the feud was kept in constant foment by both parties in discuss- ing and devising plans to thwart each other. It Avas not so much the gravity of the ethical impropriety and indiscretion committed by the voluntary communication to the Association at Nashville as it was the existing embit- ered feeling which instigated this most remarkable and unique controversy. Yet no one who may recognize the informer as the physician who is reputed to have administered a seidlitz PEBSOXAL REMISISCEXCES. 109 powder by first giving the acid in solution, and then the alkali in solution, ought to be surprised at the denouement. In proof of the bad feeling existing I reproduce the follow- ing extract from a printed circular offered before a committee of the House of Representatives by a member of the Associ- ation : Finally. I have received an invitation to be present at the meeting of the honourable committee through a gentleman whose offensive position alone compels me to speak, and to say that he only escaped by a written apology expulsion from the Medical Association of this District for a wicked attempt to have expelled our oldest and best- known practitioners from the National Medical Association, then sit- ting at Nashville, a body which is the professional life of medical men. Dr. Harvey Lindsly, who occupied a position of inoffen- sive neutrality, was the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the meeting of the American Medical Asso- ciation. The preparations progressed slowly, with sullen and unsatisfactory acquiescence of both parties, but without any open collision. The Presidency engrossed the attention of both factions, and both were conniving to secure the repre- sentative on the Nominating Committee. There were no candidates soliciting the office, nor any an- nouncement of candidacy, but several, all belonging to the same factions, were in hopeful expectancy of the distinguished honor. I was absent from the city during the winter of 1857—58 on a visit in Alabama, and upon my return in the spring learned that the antagonism had cropped out at the annual meeting of the Medical Society in January, 1858, but neither party was entirely satisfied with the result of the elec- tion of delegates, because a number of them were not positiv-ely identified with either following. The contest at the meeting of the delegates from the District of Columbia was very pro- tracted, terminating finally in the selection of Dr. Noble Young to represent the District of Columbia on the Nominat- ing Committee of this Association. Dr. Young was avowedly opposed to the election to the Presidency of any physician 110 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. residing in this District, and my recollection is that on the final ballot I cast the vote which secured his selection by one majority. At the meeting of the Committee on Nomination he made a determined effort to secure the nomination of some non-resident by suggesting the names of a number of distin- guished men, but the committee met every such proposition with a positive and significant refusal, and finally informed him, in a manner that he dared not disregard, that if he con- tinued his course of opposition to the selection of a resident it would proceed to make a selection for him. He then named Dr. Liudsly, who was chosen without opposition. When, at the request of Dr. Young, I communicated to Dr. Liudsly the fact of his nomination, he was so much surprised that he would not believe it. I am perfectly sure he was honest and sincere in his surprise, and that he had not anticipated the possibility of his election to the Presidency of the American Medical Association at that session. Thus the struggle ended. Neither party was satisfied, but both acquiesced. The Asso- ciation proceeded with its business in regular order, without any unusual occurrence. CHAPTER yil. Eemoval to the Country. Eesidence at Belvoir. Eeturn to the City. Eesumption of Professional Life in This City. Columbia Hospital Dispensary. Lectures at the Hospital. Organization of the Chil- dren's Hospital, etc. Soox after the adjournment of the Association in 1858 I completed the purchase of a small farm in the suburbs, known then as Mount Pisgah, and afterward as Belvoir, and in August removed to Georgetown, where I resided until the necessary buildings were completed, and in March, 1860, took up my residence on the farm. I was induced to this course owing to feeble health and the desire to gratify my love for the country, which remained un- abated, though in opposition to the advice of some of my best friends, especially Dr. George M. Dove and my good friend, Dr. Noble Young, who more than once said, in his very direct way, that I was making a fool of myself. Per- haps he was right ; but I did not see it that way. My residence on the farm restored me to vigorous and robust health — perhaps added many years to my life ; com- pletely cured me of the fascination of farming, and taught me many lessons which have been of great advantage to me during my residence since in this city. I began farming with enthusiasm and in good faith, accept- ing and following the precept of Franklin, that " He that by the plough would thrive, himself must either hold or drive." For a time everything went on merrily. The flowers, shrub- bery, grass, and crops grew as if touched by a magic wand. I saw along the " extended plain joy after joy successively arise." I read journals and books on farming ; studied seeds- men's and nurserymen's catalogues, and works on the science 112 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and chemistry of soil cultivation and crops. I accepted as an infallible truth another precept of Franklin, " that early to bed and early to rise would make a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." I soon acquired a good appetite and could eat plain food, well cooked, without coaxing ; and learned that rising before or with the sun, and eating breakfast by candle- light were very much easier in the country than in the town. The cocks crowed in sonorous monotone at dawn of day to call me to time in my last morning nap ; the windows of my chamber were so located that the first rays of the morning sun came leaping from hill-top to hill-top over forest and field directly into my face ; and the bells were near at hand to call the cook to her routine duties. I was, in fact, the owner, manager, and boss of a domain, surrounded by willing ser- vants and hired laborers to do my bidding, and my wife and I were living in all the comfort, peace, and contentment that two people could desire. Then the war came, and with it soldiers in companies, regiments, and battalions, and some- times whole armies would pass en route to some field of con- flict. Military camps, posts, and hospitals were established all around and about the farm. Pillaging became an expert profession. The fowl-yard would be robbed, the kitchen garden stripped of vegetables, and the fruit trees thrashed until not a vestige of leaf would be left to distinguish the dead from the living boughs. Household servants disap- peared and farm hands could not be obtained at any price. The dwelling and out-buildings remained. The stable and horses had to be attended to, the cows had to be milked ; the pigs squeaked in hunger and thirst ; food had to be cooked, and clean clothing was all the more in demand ; and other minor duties, too numerous to mention, required unremitting attention. The farm became a great school of learning. To sum up in brief, I learned to do and did do everything but groom the horses and cows, launder, and wash the dishes. Such interludes in household matters and farming opera- tions occurred at varying intervals during the war, sometimes PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 113 contiuuiug for a day or two, aud at others for a longer period, or only with inefficient and insufficient help. Boys obtained from reformatory institutions would take to the road, and raw emigrants would soon be alarmed at the martial spirit of marauding soldiers aud the warlike preparations always going on. The officers in command of neighboring posts were very polite, and offered protection from the depredations of roving soldiers and camp-followers, but it soon became doubtful whether the guard on duty was preferable to the soldiers at liberty. Later during the war, after the "contra- bands," refugees, and scalawags began to flock to this city, it was not so difficult to obtain help, but it was very indiiferent, inefficient, and insubordinate. It was better, however, to accept it, such as it was, than to do the drudgery one's self. There was, however, another and more attractive picture of that home and life in the country. Belvoir occupied a com- manding location several hundred feet above the level of the sea, the front door of the dwelling being on a level with the Statue of Liberty on the dome of the Capitol, with a view more extensive and surpassing in diversity and grandeur that of any eminence on the rising ground of the suburban dis- tricts, and surrounded by a picturesque topography inter- spersed with forest, field, and glen. Situated in the middle of a cultivated, refined, and charming neighborhood society, it possessed, all the requirements of a delightful and charming couutry home, sufficiently near to the city to afford oppor- tunity for the gratification of pleasure and taste to the heart's content. In the immediate vicinity, within a half-hour's stroll at leisure along the road or across the fields, were situated many homesteads w^hich during many years had been held and occu- pied by families of the highest social standing, among which may be mentioned Woodley, Redwood, Rosedale, The High- lands, The Rest, The Villa, Mount Albans, Weston, North View, Grassland, Friendship, and, of later date. Twin Oaks and Oak View. It was far above aud overlooked the city, 8 114 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and away in a southwesterly direction, as far as the eye could reach, the Potomac could be followed in its flow toward the bay. The few surviving friends of that most delightful suburban neighborhood might deem it an act of inexcusable disingenu- ousness if I omitted special reference to the culture and cor- diality of its society and the exceptional good behavior of its residents in general. The mutual friendship of those near neighbors was complete in entireness and total in magnanim- ity. In sickness no one suifered for lack of sympathy, or sus- tenance, or those kindly ministrations that soften and solace the " ills to which flesh is heir." There was not a vicious character or dSbauche in the neighborhood. It is true that east of the now prosperous village of Tenleytown there was a region of country bordering on Rock Creek known as " Louse Neck," inhabited by a thriftless and besotted class, who trudged on foot to town every Saturday, and back again, with jug in hand, '4o raise Cain" in drunken saturnalia of crime; but it was too far distant to disturb the peace and tran- quillity of the neighborhood of Christian friends. After the establishment of the parish of St. Ann, named after the host- ess of Rosedale, and through the good offices of the Jesuit father, that region of ignorance, laziness, and debauchery submitted to the influence of Christian civilization. Even with such a meagre and incomplete description one can realize and appreciate the reluctance and grief with which a beloved wife finally relinquished the right and privilege of even a summer home at Belvoir, where she and I had passed together ten years of the prime of our lives in that peace and contentment which make men and women happy. But the circumstances and exigencies of life sometimes disrupt the most agreeable and sacred affiliations and associations. After the close of the war the routine of life gradually resumed a normal condition. The soldiers, camps, barracks, parade-grounds, and hospitals disappeared, and labor, help, and hirelings returned in some measure to the accustomed PERSONAL REMimSCENCES. 115 ways and pursuits of former days. But a new era had come, and with it new metiiods, new enterprises, and a new impetus to thought and ambition. Fortunes had been wasted, lost, and made. There was no physician residing nearer to Belvoir than Georgetown, two miles distant, and the families in that neigh- borhood were attended by one of three physicians, my per- sonal and professional friends and associates, who, when they did not wish to go to the country, would send requests to me to see their patients. In this way I was gradually enticed into the practice of medicine, which continuously increased, and soon became a very serious interruption to my farming operations and interests. After the war the neighborhood became a popular resort during the warm summer months for a number of residents of the city who wished to be conven- iently located, that they might drive in and out of the city at their pleasure, so that my business increased to such an extent that it became necessary to determine whether I would accept the life of a country doctor, with its labor, hardships, and very moderate remuneration, or return to the city and resume the practice of medicine. I gave this matter deliberate and serious consideration, and finally concluded to return to the city. During the winter of 1868 I began to attend regularly the weekly meetings of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, where I met the friends and acquaintances whom I had not seen during the ten years of ray retirement in the country, and many others who had entered the profession during my absence from the city. Soon thereafter — Septem- ber, 1869 — I became associated with others in the organiza- tion and management of the Dispensary connected with Columbia Hospital, taking charge of the Department of Diseases of Infancy and Childhood. About the same time, through the friendly influence of Drs. Hall, Miller, and Stone, I was appointed Physician to the Louise Home, which had been established and endowed by the philanthropist 116 PERSONAL BEMINISCENCES. W. W. Corcoran. These fortuitous circumstances contributed very much to my advancement in the business aspects of my profession. I did not, however, remove immediately to the city, but retained my residence at Belvoir, coming into the city every morning and returning at night. At first I was associated with Dr. F. A. Ashford, in an office at 1731 Penn- sylvania Avenue, where I remained until after the death of George Miller, M^ho was then the associate of his father. Dr. Ashford accepted the offer of Dr. Thomas Miller, and removed to his office on New York Avenue, and soon after I removed to the corner of Fifteen-and-a-half Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where I remained for several years, and there took up my residence, and abandoned Belvoir as a residence except during the summer months. The establishment of the Department of Diseases of Infancy and Childhood in connection with the Columbia Hospital Dis- pensary, organized in 1869, was the first attempt in this city to specialize that class of diseases. In 1872 the Staff of the Dispensary organized a summer course of clinical lectures, and I delivered the course on the Diseases of Children, which was the first delivered in this District on that important branch of medicine. The lectures were exclusively clinical, and the class of students was very flattering, but in conse- quence of the pruriency of some of the Directors the school was discontinued. The management of the hospital then, and even now, when clinical medical teaching has almost entirely superseded the former primitive and purely didactic method, was so wedded to the theory and practice of prurient privacy and seclusion of hospital patients that a medical student could not be admitted within the sacred inclosure of a public pauper ward to study, at the bedside, the diseases peculiar to women. It is, however, but justice to add that the institution in recent years has improved in its methods, but even yet lags far be- hind the advanced methods of the best managed special hos- pitals, when, as a Government hospital, it should be the leader in its special department. Its slow and defective methods will PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 117 probably be corrected as the directory no longer possesses the power of perpetuating itself. The course of clinical lectures in connection with the Columbia Hospital Dispensary was the first attempt in this country to establish a post-graduate school of clinical medi- cine. Since that date similar schools have been established in several cities, and have become important and popular addi- tions to the methods of advanced medical instruction. Previous to the establishment of the summer school of clin- ical teaching at the Columbia Hospital the Children's Hos- pital of the District of Columbia had been founded, and was in successful operation. The following extract from the tenth annual report of the Board of Directors of that insti- tution sets forth the preliminary history of its origin and organization : MEMORANDA IX REGARD TO THE ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION OF THE children's HOSPITAL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Submitted to the Board of Directors at their annual meeting, De- cember 13, 1880, by S. C. Busey, M.D., one of the attending physicians. To the Board of Directors : The undersigned avails himself of the present opportunity to put upon record his personal knowledge of the origin and organization of the Children's Hospital of the District of Columbia. During the existence of the Dispensary attached to the Columbia Hospital I had charge of the Department of Diseases of Children, and cases of disease which could not be properly treated in a dispen- sary were so frequently presented that I was forced to consider the propriety of an attempt to establish a hospital for this class of patients. In March, 1870, I communicated my views to my friend and col- league, Dr. F. A. Ashford. After several conferences held in the office of Dr. Ashford, then located at No. 1731 Pennsylvania Avenue, we agreed to invite Drs. William B. Drinkard and W. W. Johnston to a conference. These gentlemen coincided with us, and the four determined to make a united effort to carry into effect our wishes. At this i:)oint a long delay was occasioned by the circumstances that Dr. Drinkard had been offered the Professorship of Ophthalmic Sur- 118 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. gery in a medical school in a distant city and by our inability to agree ui^on a method of presenting the project to the public. After Dr. Drinkard had declined the professorship, and at his suggestion, a conference was requested with the Board of Lady Managers' of the Washington City Orphan Asylum. This board appointed a Commit- tee of Conference, consisting of Mrs. S. P. Lee, Mrs. J. Zeilin, Mrs. William Stickney, Mrs. J. C. Harkness, Mrs. A. J. Brown, Mrs. A. E. Perry, Mrs. H. S. Reynolds, and Miss Margaret Washington.^ With this committee several conferences were held at the residence of Mrs. A. J. Brown on New York Avenue, at one of which were present the Misses Virginia and Sally C. Miller and Miss M. L. Thomson. At the last of these conferences a draft of a charter was read and ap- proved. The ladies present expressed an active interest and prom- ised their cooperation. They advised a conference with prominent gentlemen, and suggested the names of many who were subsequently invited to a meeting of citizens. Whilst these negotiations were pending, Drs. J. C. Hall, Thomas Miller, W. P. Johnston, C. H. Lie- bermaun, and Grafton Tyler were invited to unite and coojierate with us. Dr. W. W. Johnston was authorized to advise with his father, Dr. Ashford with Dr. Miller, Dr. Drinkard with Dr. Liebermann, and to me was consigned the duty of consulting Drs. Hall and Tyler. All of these gentlemen expressed their approval of the project, and indicated their purpose to promote the success of the institution both by personal influence and pet?.uniary contributions. At my first interview with Dr. Hall he indicated his willingness to contribute means, but declined on account of feeble health to hold any office in the institution, and only after a formal invitation from the citizens who assembled at the office of Dr. W. P. Johnston on the 25th of November, 1870, did he consent to unite with the others in a personal effi:)rt to complete the organization. I do not intend to record any invidious distinction, but the truth of history requires that I should not omit the statement that from the time when he was first advised of our object Dr. William P. Johnston manifested the liveliest interest in its success, and exercised an active and controlling influ- ence in perfecting the organization. There was no lack of effi^rt on the part of any one of these five gentlemen, but Dr. Johnston's enthu- siasm and earnestness assured success. Mr. F. B. McGuire was the first layman, and, I believe, the fifth man to whom the project was communicated. During the time when the conferences with the ladies were being held I called upon Dr. 1 All of these ladies may not have been members of the Committee of Confer- ence. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 119 Drinkard at his office, then located in a small one-story frame build- ing on Fourteenth Street between F and G Streets, to consult him in regard to some provision of the charter which was to be read to the ladies. Here I met Mr. McGuire. After some conversation Dr. Drinkard, addressing Mr. McGuire, said : " Fred, I want to interest you in our project to establish a children's hospital in this city," and proceeded to explain the plan to him. Mr. McGuire expressed his willingness to do anything he could to aid us, and thereafter became an earnest and active colaborer. Thus far we had proceeded without any organization. Many citizens were consulted, of whom I name Messrs. J. C. Kennedy, M. W. Gait, S. V. Niles, Joseph H. Bradley, Jr., and A. N. Zevely, among those who were most prominent. At the suggestion of his father. Dr. W. W. Johnston and myself held several interviews with Mr. Kennedy, at which the plan of organization and prospects of success were dis- cussed. Finally, Dr. W. P. Johnston requested me to write in his name to a number of gentlemen whose names had been furnished, inviting them to assemble at his office on the evening of November 25th, to confer in regard to the proposed hospital. I present herewith the proceedings of that and the subsequent meetings of this preliminary organization, which are in my own handwriting, and have been in my possession ever since ; also the copy of the proposed charter which was read to the ladies at the last conference held at the residence of Mrs. A. J. Brown, together with the original draft of the charter suljmitted to the first of the meetings of the citizens, with the amendments, corrections, marginal notes, and interlineations as they were made at the time, and in the hand- writing of the persons by whom made. There are also printed copies of notices of meetings, and the original draft of an invitation which the Secretary was directed to send to certain j^ersons requesting their coojieration in the establishment of the institution. All these manu- scripts are in my handwriting, and have never been out of my pos- session. The revised and corrected copy of the charter as recorded, with the signatures of the corporators, was delivered by me to Mr. M. W. Gait several years ago. Accompanying these original papers is the draft of the constitution and by-laws, in the handwriting of Dr. F. A. Ashford, who, with Dr. W. P. Johnston, w^as appointed at the meeting of November 25, 1870, to draft and report a constitution and by-laws for the government of the institution. On the adjournment of the meeting of citizens held December 9, 1870, at Lincoln Hall, my duties as Secretary ceased. The corpora- tors assembled immediately afterward in the same room, and pro- ceeded to the election of a Board of Directors. A committee was 120 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. appointed to nominate a Board of Directors. I acted as the secretary of that committee. On the committee Mrs. S. P. Lee represented the ladies. The report of the committee was unanimously adopted, and the meeting of the corporators adjourned sine die. They have not since reassembled. S. C. BusEY, M.D. lu 1875 the University of Georgetown established the Pro- fessorship of Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, to which I was appointed (July 24, 1875). This was the first professor- ship of pediatric medicine in this city. The foregoing citations establish beyond dispute the fact that I originated the specialism of diseases of children, and was the first to teach in this city that branch of medicine as a distinct department. I was also an activ^e coadjutor of Dr. Abraham Jacobi in creating the Section of Diseases of Chil- dren in the American Medical Association at the meeting in the City of New York in 1880. I offered the amendment to the by-laws, which was unanimously adopted [Transactions American 3fedical Association, vol. xxxi., p. 59) ; presided at the first meeting of the Section, read the first paper before it, entitled " Chronic Bright's Disease in Children, Caused by Malaria" {Transactions, vol. xxxi., p. 715); and was elected the Chairman of the Section at Richmond in 1881. I was also one of the founders, in 1889, and am now a member, of the American Pediatric Society. I have collected and arranged these historical events and incidents of my professional career that I might, with rea- sonable and excusable pride, establish priority and the influ- ence of my course and example in the development of that branch of medical science in this city. It may be, and prob- ably is true, as the caviller always claims, that some other could have accomplished much more ; but the fact remains the same, nobody made the attempt, and I am egotist enough to believe that the present high and advanced standard of pediatric medicine in the District of Columbia had its begin- ning with my efforts. CHAPTER VIII. The Founders of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia Whom I Knew, with Some References to Several Others. Founders of the Medical Date of Society, D. C, Feb. 16, ation in Alma Mater. Nativity. Born. Died. Age. Medicine. Blake, James H. 1789 Amer. Med. Soc. Phil.i Md. 1768 1819 52 Clark, George 1810 Univ. Pa. Va. 1822 Bohrer, Benjamin S. 1810 Univ. Pa. George- town. 1788 1862 75 French, Robert 1809 Univ. Pa. 1787 1835 48 Gustine, Joel Y. Harrison, John 1809 Va. Md. Va. 1762 1789 1825 1819 1854 Harrison, Elisha '>7 Henderson, Thomas Univ. Pa. 65 Horsley Samuel Va. 1798 1821 23 Huntt, Henry 1824 L. M. c. r.2 Md. 1782 1838 56 Johnson, James T. Jones, William L. M. C. F.2 Md. 1790 ■1867 77 May, Frederick 1795 Harvard. Mass. 1773 1847 74 May, George "W. 1813 Harvard. Mass. 1789 1845 55 McWilliams, Alexander Univ. Pa. Md. 1775 1850 76 Shaaf, John T. 1823 Md. Md. 1763 1770 1819 1832 56 Sim, Thomas Univ. Md. 63 Weightman, Richard 1817 Univ. Md. D. C. 1841 "Warfield, Peregrine L.M.C F.2 Md. 1779 1856 76 Worthington, Charles 1782 Univ. Pa. Md. 1759 1836 76 "Worthington, Nich. W. 1815 Univ. Pa. George- town. 1789 1849 60 I am not quite sure that I ever saw the elder Worthington. I recall instances of inquiries by my mother of my elder half- brother on his return from the city whether he had seen the old doctor or Dr. Nick, and presume those inquiries related to some professional matter, and, if so, I must have seen him during some of her visits to him. Dr. Nicholas, his son, I 1 American Medical Society, Philadelphia. 3 Licentiate of the Medical and Chirm-gic»l Faculty, Maryland. 122 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. have seen very often, and even after I earae to this city. He retired because of feeble health, and lived with some friends at Brentwood, one of the old mansions just outside of the city limits, about two miles north and to the east of the Capitol. Neither of the Worthingtons left any memorial of their hon- orable lives. Both were men of distinction, and beloved by large circles of friends and patrons. If I could establish personal knowledge of Charles Worthington, I could assert acquaintance with every President of this Society except Thomas Sim, who died during the third term of his presi- dency. Of him I know nothing beyond the facts recorded by Drs. Toner and W. W. Johnston. The conspicuous position, commanding influence, and emi- nent professional standing of the elder Worthington entitle his memory to a more extended notice than the foregoing brief reference. Born of one of the most noted Colonial families of Maryland, at Sumner Hill, the family homestead, located in Anne Arundel County, and favored with the best classical and professional education that wealth, high social standing, and an unbroken honorable descent could give, it was not sur- prising that even as a very young man he should have attained such success and position as made him a leader in medicine and society. Charles "Worthington was born in 1759, and settled in Georgetown in 1783, at the age of twenty- four. He was the senior of the founders and one of nine residing in Georgetown. He was the first President of the Society, and was re-elected for twelve successive years ; he had, at the time of the foun- dation, the most extended observation of and most enlarged experience with the horde of charlatans and pretenders that so afflicted the two adjacent communities that the medical men of high repute were compelled to effect an organization for mutual protection and to inform the communities of the quali- fications of those fitted to practice the healing art, which cul- minated in the charter, by an act of Congress, of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in 1819. He and Fred- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. \ 0,3 erick May were undoubtedly the two most influential medical men residing in this District at that date. They were intimate friends and associates and allies in efforts to promote and advance the standing and influence of scientific medicine. These facts and circumstances add credence to the claim of some of his descendants that, if not the originator, he was one of the most active and efficient promoters of the move- ment to establish the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. In corroboration of this suggestion it may be added that at the earlier and preliminary meetings of the qualified physicians of the adjacent cities, even as early as 1813, Charles Worthington was the selected presiding officer, and usually a member of all important committees. He was not the first physician w^ho settled in Georgetown. Dr. Toner is authority for the statement that Walter Smith was probably the first, John Weems the second, and Charles A. Beatty the third, who preceded Worthington by one year. Not one of the three earlier settlers seems to have taken any part in the organization of the Society or to have co- operated in any procedure to promote the progress of the pro- fession. Dr. Charles Worthington " was an austere man (Johnston, seventy-fifth anniversary address), full of dignity and serious- ness, devoting himself to his profession and to all good works with constancy and patience. He was the active founder of St. John's Church in Georgetown, the second church of the Episcopal rite in the District. To his latest day he dressed in the old style, his hair in queue, with knee-breeches, long stockings, and buckles on his shoes ; he drove a coach-and- four when his journeys were long, as to Annapolis, or to his country-place on the Seventh Street road, near where Bright- wood now stands. He was a man of great ability, of untir- ing zeal and industry, and of lofty and honorable principle. During his long life of seventy-six years, with fifty-five years of active professional work, he was esteemed and admired, loved and honored by all who knew him." 124 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. The following extract from the proceedings of the Society sets forth the esteem and admiration of his colleagues : The life of the late venerable Dr. Charles Worthington, formerly President of this Society, i3resents a sublime moral lesson to the med- ical profession. More than tifty-five years he practised medicine with great success and with the most untiring zeal and industry. During that time his course was always marked with lofty and honorable principles, with the purest piety and integrity, and with the most un- sullied reputation. He has descended to the tomb, beloved and re- vered by all who knew him, full of years and fiill of virtues. Frederick May came to the City of Washington in 1795 — five years before the transfer of the Government to this city. He was a pioneer who prepared the way for others, and the founder of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, through whose professional life the history of medicine in this city during the years antedating the organization of the Society can be traced through membership to and before the establish- ment of the Government here, and continuously with its growth and development down to the present time. His son, John Frederick, was born and began the practice of medicine in this city, and died a member of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia at the age of eighty, leaving a son now an active member. In this family the continuity of member- ship has been unbroken from its organization to the comple- tion of its seventy-fifth anniversary. He was the third President of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and was re-elected for fifteen successive years — 1833-1848 — and then declined a re-election against the unanimous protest of his colleagues. No other President has served in that office for so long a period. At the meeting of the Society held January 4, 1847, the following letter, addressed to the Society by Dr. May, was read : To the Medical Society of the District of Columbia : 1 feel admonished by my infirmities and a protracted illness that I can no longer discharge the duties of President of your Society, with PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. \ 25 which you have honored me for so many years, and therefore hereby resign the same. I am, with the highest consideration and greatest respect, Your obedient servant. Feed. May. The record continues as follows : This being the day fixed bj^ the charter for the election of officers, the Society proceeded to ballot for officers for the present year, and Dr. F. May was unanimously re-elected President ; and, upon motion, it was resolved that the Society, not wishing to impose upon him any duty, would release him from the duties of the office, and had directed the Vice-President to discharge such duties. It so happened that I, in 1848, not long after his death, commenced the practice of medicine in the immediate vicinity of his former residence, and soon came to know many of the families whom he had from time to time attended, and I was the immediate associate of many young people at whose birth he had been present as the popular and skilful obstetrician. I can, therefore, bear testimony to the love those good people had for their venerable family physician, many of whom had not become reconciled to the loss, and clung to the belief that no one could fill his place in their confidence. Frederick May was a scholarly man and an erudite physi- cian ; a ready and fluent lecturer ; and during the greater part of his long life commanded an enormous business. Born of a noted family that came to this country in 1640 to gratify " the desire for a larger degree of personal indepen- dence and religious liberty," he never forgot the prestige of his family. He lived a life without blemish, and died re- spected and beloved. James Heighe Blake, who was born in Calvert County, Marylaud, on June 11, 1768, was descended from a family of lower Maryland planters, he being the third in descent from the first Blake, who came to that colony early after its settle- ment. Where he obtained his early education is not known ; he, however, studied medicine at the University of Pennsyl- 126 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. vania, and on March 23, 1789, received the diploma of the American Medical Society at Philadelphia, signed by William Shippen, President, pro vera ejus diligentia in scientia medicince acquirenda, quae post-examen darius innotuit. He married in November, 1789, shortly thereafter moved to Georgetown, District of Columbia, built tlie house (still standing) on the southwest corner of Gay and Congress Streets, and entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1800 he removed to Colchester, in Fairfax County, Virginia, and, becoming interested in politics, was chosen to represent his county in the Legislature. On the accession of Mr, Madison, who was for mauy years a close personal friend, to the Presidency, Dr. Blake removed to Washington, and soon acquired an extended practice in his profession, which continued until his death. He did not, however, confine his attention exclusively to his profession, but was interested in everything that contributed to the welfare and advancement of the City of Washington. In the latter part of 1811 meet- ings of the most prominent citizens were held, having in view a change in the charter of the city, over which meetings Dr. Blake presided. As a result Congress amended the charter, making the office of Mayor an elective one, and under this charter Dr. Blake was elected Mayor in June, 1813, and annu- ally thereafter until the year 1818. Previously, however, to his election as Mayor he had been appointed by the President Collector of Internal Hevenue for the District of Columbia. His careful attention to the welfare, safety, and interest of the people during the trying times of the capture of Washington by the English, in August, 1814, drew forth the most com- plimentary notice of The National Intelligencer. In July, 1818, he was appointed Register of Wills for the District of Columbia, which office he held at the time of his death, which occurred on the 26th day of July, 1819. Though interested and active in outside matters, he dili- gently pursued his chosen profession, and enjoyed an extensive practice. In 1814 he was appointed by President Madison PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 127 Medical Supervisor of the Hospitals established in Washing- ton for sick and wounded soldiers, and when the ]\Iedical Society of the District of Columbia was incorporated, in 1819, he was named by Congress as one of the incorporators. The National Intelligencer, in speaking of his death, after alluding to his active public life, adds, " In private life, in the relation of father, husband, and friend, he was an ornament of society, and a bright example to all around him." William Jones, the last of the founders of the Society, died in 1867, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. He received his education under the tutorship of the Rev. John Breckinridge, first in his classical school at " Harewood," now a part of the Soldiers' Home Park, and, subsequently, at the Rockville Academy, Montgomery County, Maryland, of which Breckinridge was the first principal. The Rev. Breck- inridge was the founder of the first Presbyterian Church in this city, known as the " Little White Chapel under the Hill," where is now located a place of worship for colored people. From it sprang the First Presbyterian Church, on Four-and-a- half Street, of which Dr. Byron Sunderland is now the pastor. He attended a course of lectures at the University of Penn- sylvania during the professorships of Rush, Physick, Wistar, and their distinguished colleagues. On returning home dur- ing the recess, and finding there was a demand for surgeons in the army, owing to the then existing war, he accepted a license from the " Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Mary- land," entered the army as assistant surgeon, and was assigned to duty in and about this city. After the capture and evacua- tion of the city he was ordered as assistant to Dr. James H. Blake, in charge of the hospital established in a row of build- ings on P Street, S., opposite the Arsenal grounds. Subse- quently he formed a partnership with Dr. Blake, who was then Mayor of the city, and had a very large practice, to which he fell heir at Blake's death in 1819. Dr. Jones was the family physician of Mrs. Ann Mattingly, the subject of an alleged miraculous cure (in 1824), wrought 128 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. through the intercession of Prince Hohenlohe, a Catholic priest, at Bamburg, in Germany, who had been pronounced by himself and others to be fatally ill with an incurable dis- ease. He was not a believer in modern miracles, but I have more than once heard him narrate the history of this remark- able recovery, in which he would state the facts in minute detail, without committing himself to belief in the miracle, which was believed or not, according to the faith of the person. Dr. Jones concludes his published account of the case with the statement that he called, and to his "great surprise and grati- fication she met him at her chamber door in apparent health." A full account of this reputed miracle may be found in the third volume of the works of the first Bishop of Charleston, the Rt. Rev. John England. After the election of John Quincy Adams to the Presi- dency by the House of Representatives, Dr. Jones espoused the cause of Jackson, and was a member of the noted Jackson Central Committee, of which John P. Van Ness was chair- man, which pursued the opposite party with such effective virulence. In April, 1829, he was appointed Postmaster of this city, which office he held until March, 1839 ; was reap- pointed in July, 1841, and held it until March, 1845 ; again, for the third time, he was appointed in March, 1858, and held it until May, 1861. In all he held the office for sixteen years and eight months, during the whole of which period he dis- charged the duties with unsurpassed ability and fidelity. He was exceedingly affable, pleasing in manners, and genial in disposition. " A high-toned honor regulated his inter- course with his fellowmen, and sterling integrity marked all his transactions. Dauntless courage and rigid adherence to the truth were distinguished characteristics." He was a firm believer in the Christian faith, and carried his precepts into jjractice in the daily walks of life. He was elected to the Presidency of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia eight successive times, but when I came here he had retired from the practice of medicine, and PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 129 was living a life of great ease and comfort. Occasionally, when he could not escape the importunities of some old and confiding friend, he would make a consultation visit, one of which Avas made to a patient of mine, stricken with hemiplegia. After a very cursory and superficial examination he announced his opinion in his very emphatic manner — " Salivate, salivate, salivate him, and he will get well." I obeyed the peremptory order, and my patient recovered from the paralysis before he got well of the salivation. It was the worst and most intrac- table case of mercurial ptyalism I have ever seen. That was my first and only clinical opportunity to learn anything of his professional knowledge. He was then, and afterward, an active politician, and an ardent friend and partisan of James Buchanan, during whose term in the Presidency he was Post- master of this city. Socially he was a gentleman of the " old school," who died as he had lived, respected by everybody who had known him. Peregrine Warfield was a licentiate of the jNIedical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland. He belonged to the class of calomel and sangrado doctors, and lost the confidence of the community long before he lost his life. The last time I saw him, a short time before his death in 1856, he exhibited great feebleness and other signs of advanced age. Benjamin S. Bohrer was a man of note, and commanded the respect and confidence of the community for fifty-two years of continuous practice of medicine. Born in George- town in 1788, he lived and died an honored citizen and phy- sician in the seventy-fifth year of his age. Up to the date of his last illness he was in the full possession of his mental faculties and actively engaged in his profession. I knew him from my early boyhood, and was in consultation with him a short time before his death. He had a homely face, was tall and erect, graceful in carriage, dignified and cour- teous in manner, scholarly and polished in conversation, gen- erous to a fault, and, with all, gentle and sympathetic. He was always the friend of the poor and needy, giving away 130 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. that which he most needed himself, and, consequently, was frequently in financial stress. He was a devoted husband and father. In fact, his lenient, tolerant, and forgiving nature was so marked that he was characterized as a most exemplary but unfortunate exemplar of an upright and pure man. Like most men, he had peculiarities and idiosyncrasies. He was very vain, especially of his figure. On one occasion, perhaps on many others, when confined to his bed, he called his wife, Maria, to' his bedside, telling her, as he threw the cover from his feet, that he wished her to look at them very carefully, to which she reluctantly assented, after the declaration that she had often seen them before ; " but not," he replied, " to study the beauty and perfection of their anatomical formation," which he set forth with enthusiasm and admiration. He was very fond of antique things, especially old household furni- ture, and at every opportunity would purchase such articles as were antique and pleased his taste. On one occasion he hastened home to inform Maria that he had just purchased an article of great beauty, which would not only add interest to her collection but to her comfort and pleasure. Her surprise was expressed with such displeasure that he declined to inform her what the article was, but waited until it arrived, and then calling her to the door, pointed out to hei; an old arm-chair, the antiquity, beauty, and utility of which he was setting forth in eloquent words, when interrupted by the impatient wife with the cruel statement that it was the same old chair that had been kicked around the house for years, which she had sent to the auction that morning, and concluded with the further statement that the house was full of such old and use- less trumpery. He was very fond of " bacon and cabbage," and would occasionally drive to some farm-house that he might gratify his appetite to his heart's content. On one such occasion he drove to Rosedale and inquired of the hostess if she would have for dinner that day the dishes he so much craved, and, being answered affirmatively, added that he would dine with her, but she must not tell Maria. He enjoyed his PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 131 meal of bacon aud cabbage, and returned to his home filled with that contentment which such a dinner affords to the votaries of such fond desire. Dr. Bohrer was a public -spirited citizen, always taking a lively interest in every movement inaugurated to promote the progress of his native town. He claimed and believed that Georgetown would ultimately become the rival of the City of Baltimore. His labors were not, however, limited to matters of material progress; other subjects of higher interest to humanity occupied his attention. He was, as is clearly shown by the following rough draft of a letter found among his papers, addressed to an unknown member of Congress, the originator of the project to establish an insane asylum in this district. My Dear Sir : Having an opportunity by your nephew Josepli, I avail myself of it to ask the fevor at your leisure to communicate to me in form for statement the fact that several years ago (if you recol- lect the session, state it) I suggested to you the necessity and humanity of establishing in this District a lunatic asylum, and that in accord- ance with this representation you offered in the House of Eepresenta- tives a resolution to that effect. There are some movements now on the tapis which give some interest to this fiict, and which justice to myself (not pecuniary calculation) make me anxious to prove the early period at which I engaged in this matter. He established a charity fund, to be dispensed by his good wife, by setting apart from his income each month a certain sum of money, with instructions never to allow an applicant for alms to go away empty handed, preferring the risk of giving to the unworthy rather than fail to reach the worthy. Among his papers was found, in his own handwriting, a manuscript essay, entitled "A Succinct Account of the Influ- enza as it Appeared in Georgetown (District of Columbia), A. D. 1807." It has recently been published, by request, in Food, June, 1894, page 403. It exhibits the careful and painstaking observations of an intelligent physician, written in a simple aud polished style. 132 PERSONAL BEMiyiSCENCES, In his decliuiug years he passed much of his leisure time in his library, which contained many standard works of liter- ature, science, and medicine. There he would read aud re- read the works of his favorite authors, seeming never willing to confess that he was sufficiently familiar with them. He was never willing to confess his age, and answered inquiries with the words, " Old enough to be better." Alexander McWilliams w^as born in St. Mary's County, Maryland, of Scotch descent. The first one of the family who came to this country escaped from threatened arrest for treason on account of political connections with the party of the Pretender. Soon after graduating at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. McWilliams entered the United States Navy (1802) as assistant surgeon, and was soon thereafter ordered to sea in one of Jeffersoli's gun-boats. He served during the Tripolitan War, and was present at the burning of the " Philadelphia." On his return voyage he was taken ill with a continued fever and left at Gibraltar, remaining there several weeks. He returned home on the frigate " Con- stitution," aud was then stationed at the navy yard in this city. A short time after (1805) he resigned his position in the navy, and commenced private practice, locating himself near the navy yard, which was then the most thickly popu- lated part of the city, and seemed to offer the best prospect for the practice of his profession. It is said that Dr. Fred- erick May expressed to him his regret that he should com- mence the practice of medicine in this city, as there was no more business than he (May) could conveniently attend to. Dr. McWilliams was very fond of natural science in all its branches, but more especially of botany, to which he devoted much attention, and would frequently, during the proper season, neglect his professional business to make excursions in search of new plants and flowers. During the early years of the existence of the Medical Department of the Columbian University he Avas Professor of Botany, and, subsequently, published a work on the Flora of the District of Columbia. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ] 33 He was one of the "Botanic Club," which pubhshed in 1830 the Prodi'omus of the Flora Columbiana. He was the first resident to erect a conservatory, which he filled with many rare plants. This he superintended and managed in person for his own amusement, without any commercial purpose. Connected with the conservatory was a large aviary, in which he had manv rare foreign birds. He was also a good mineral- ogist, and made a large collection of minerals. His inventiv^e genius was somewhat remarkable, but un- profitable. He invented a ship gauge to measure the draft of water a vessel would draw and to determine the depth of the water. This was approved by a board of naval officers, but never adopted, and consequently he failed to realize any profit from its manufacture. Many models of other inventions were destroyed by fire in the Patent Office many years ago. He was the first physician to employ adhesive plaster to make extension in cases of fractured legs. He died in 1850, about two years after I came to this city. He was not then engaged in private practice, but confined his professional labors exclusively to his duties at the Aims- House, of which he was the physician. He was an active thinker on medical subjects even at that late date of his ad- vanced age. I recall a discussion on the relation of typhus and typhoid fever, in which he maintained their unity. He was blessed with an affectionate disposition, kind heart, and generous impulses, which he cultivated throughout a long and useful life, and was mourned by his colleagues and con- temporaries as the patriarch of the profession, who had been spared by Providence to his numerous friends and patients for so many years. To enable me to introduce the following itemized account for medical services, as an example of the business method of fifty- seven years ago, the original of which is now iu my possession, I quote the following sketch of Henry Huntt, one of the found- ers, from Dr. \V. W. Johnston's address at the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia : 134 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Mrs. Lear Wilson, To Estate of Dr. H. Huxtt, Dr. 1837. To balance on account rendered to January, 1837 . $10.00 Feb. 5. " woman, v., $1.50; Miss Lear, v., $1.50 ; 7th, v., $1.50; 10th, v., $1.50 6.00 " 13. " woman, v., $1.50 ; 15th, v., $1.50 ; 17th, boy, v., $1.50 ; 18th, daughter, v., $1.50 . . . 6.00 " 20. " boy, v., $1.50; 20th, v., $1.50 ; 21st, negroes, 2, v., $2.00; 22d, v., $1.50 6.50 " 23, " v., $1.50; 24th, v., $1.50 ; 25th, v., $1.50 ; 27th, boy, v., $1.50 6.00 Mar. 1. " boy, v., $1.50; 3d, v., $1.50; 5th, boy, v. and cons, with Dr. Lindsley, $5 . . . . 8.00 " 7. " V. and cons., $2.00; '9th, v. and cons., $2.00; 4th, v., $1.50 5.50 " 16. " woman, v., $1.50; 17th, v., $1.50; 18th, v., $1.50; 24th, v., $1.50 ; 25th, son, v., and est. issue, $3, 9.00 " 30. " v., $1.50 ; May 6th, self, v., $1.50 ; 8th, v., $1.50; May 11th, self, v., $1.50 ; 15th, v., $1.50 ; 16th, negroes, v., $1.50 9.00 May 17. " v., $1.50; 18th, v., $1.50; 23d, v., $1.50; 24th, v., $1.50 ;• 26th, v., $1.50 ; 29th, v., $1.50. . 9.00 June 22. " man, v., $1.50 ; 25th, v., $1.50; 26th, self, estg. issue, $3.00 ; v., $1.50 7.50 'Aug. 21. " self, v., $1.50; 22d, v., $1.50; 24th, v., $1.50; 28th, v., $1.50 ; 29th, v., $1.50 ; 30th, v., $1.50, 9.00 Sept. 1. " self, v., $1.50; 3d, v., $1.50; 4th, v., $1.50 ; 6th, v., $1.50; 8th, v., $1.50 ; 9th, v., $1.50; 11th, boy, v., $1.50; 13th, v., $1.50. . . . 12.00 " 14. " v., $150; 16th, v., $1.50; 18th, v., $1.50; 19th, $1.50 ; 21st, v., $1.50 ; 22d, v., $1.50 ; 24th, v., $1.50; 26th, v., $1.50 12.00 " 28. " self and servants, v., $1.50 ; 5th, self, v., $1.50 ; 30th, v., $1.50 ; Oct. 2, self, v., $1.50; 3d, self and servants, v., $1.50 ..... 7.50 Oct. 4. " v., $1.50; 5th, v., $1.50; 7th, v., $1.50: 9th, V. $1.50; 10th, v., $1.50; 12th, v., $1.50; 13th V. $1.50 10.50 " 15. " v., $1.50; 17th, v., $1.50; 19th, v., $1.50; 21st, V $1.50; 23d, v., $1.50; 25th, v., $1.50; 27th, v, $1.50 10.50 " 28. " v., $1.50 ; 31st, v., .$1.50 ; Nov. 1, self, v., $1.50 3d, v., $1.50; 4th, v., $1.50; 6th, v., $1.50 . 9.00 Nov. 8. " v., $1.50 ; 15th, v., $1.50 ; 31st, v., $1.50 . . 4.50 $167.60 f PERSONAL REMIXISCENCES. 135 Huntt was a dandy ; he was the first doctor to use a gig, drove a fine horse, and was followed by two dogs; he had more tact, too, than any doctor Dr. Borrows (my authority) had ever known ; though somewhat abrupt, he was still agreeable, and ever maintained his own dignity and the respectability of the i^rofession. He had served as surgeon's assistant in the navj', and during the war of 1815 distin- guished himself as a surgeon and operator. After this he was in active practice ; was connected with the Health Office, organized the Board of Health, and was zealous in literary work. I never saw George Washington May, who died in 1845, but have known and attended the survivors of his immediate family for many years. I am permitted to copy the follow- ing certificates which were found in the tin case with his diploma, and are now in my possession : Union School, Portland, Nov. 9, 1799. To all luhom it may concern ! Master George Washington May is this day dismissed with great reluctance, because he has been a good Boy, and we, are of opinion has made good progress in his Learning under the care of Thos. M. Peextiss and Sister. Harvard University did not confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine prior to 1813, and the presumption is that Dr. May was among the first to receive the degree from it. The fol- lowing certificate may therefore be of special interest : At a meeting of the Faculty of Medicine of Harvard University on the 5th day of February, 1813, voted To recommend George W. May, A.B., of Boston, to the Honorable and Keverend President and Coi'poration of Harvard University for the public examination at the ensuing Commencement. I. N. Warkex, Sec'y Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Thomas Henderson was born in Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia. He was the youngest son of Alexander Henderson, Esq., of Dumfries, and a brother of General Archibald Henderson, for many years the command- ant of the United States Marine Corps. After completing 136 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. his professional studies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he married Anna, daughter of Commodore Thomas Truxtou, United States Navy, and soon after settled for the practice of his profession in Warrenton, Virginia. In 1816 he moved to Georgetown, District of Columbia, and thence to Wash- ington City in 1826. In 1833 he was appointed a surgeon in the United States Army, and was assigned to duty at the United States Military Academy at West Point. For upward of twenty years he faithfully performed his duties as an army officer. For many years he was the Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, Columbia College, District of Columbia, and while in this chair he published a translation of Bichat's work on Human Pathology. His eminent professional abilities caused the Surgeon-General to detail him, soon after his entrance into the United States Army, on special duty as a member of various medical boards for the examination of candidates for admission into the medical staff of the army. While attending one of these boards he presented a project for regulating the standard of proficiency at these examina- tions. It met with the unanimous approval of the Board, was promptly adopted by the War Department, and consti- tuted the basis upon which the JNIedical Corps of the Army has been organized since 1834. In 1840 he prepared a manual for the United States Re- cruiting Service, furnishing useful " hints " to army officers on this important duty. In 1845 he published in the Na- tional InteUigencer a series of letters addressed to the Hon. Mr. Bancroft, then Secretary of the Navy, on the importance of establishing a United States naval school. These letters appeared over the signature of " Washington," and presented in such a striking aspect the beneficial influence which the United States Military Academy had exerted in elevating the scientific and moral character of the officers of the army, and the duty which the Government owed to the navy in affording equal advantages in these ^particulars, that it is believed that PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 137 these letters had some influence in calling public opinion to the establishment of the United States Naval School at Annapolis. During his residence in Georgetown, in 1816, in conjunction with his friends, Francis S. Key, W. W. Corcoran, Messrs. Clem and Walter Smith, Jerry AVilliams, and others, so well remembered in the District, he was pz'incipally instrumental in the rebuilding of Christ Church in that city, and after removing to Washington he carried out the same principles in establishing Trinity Church. It was in the house of Dr. Henderson that the first meetings were held that led to the establishment of the Theological Seminary near Alexandria, Virginia, being sustained in this work by his friends Key, Uilmer, Meade, and Hawley. As a professional man few enjoyed a higher reputation. To intellectual qualities of the highest order were added the judg- ment, watchfulness, and tenderness which give so much value to the services of a physician. He died August 11, 1854, aged sixty-five years, at the res- idence of his son-in-law. General Francis H. Smith, Com- mandant Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia. After a most diligent search and inquiry I have found it impossible to supply the omissions in the tabulated statement of the founders. Of Joel T. Gustiue and James T. Johnson nothing whatsoever can be discovered, except their signatures to the charter. James H. Blake, Elisha Harrison, aud John T. Shaatf died in 1819, the year the Society was chartered by act of Congress. At the first meeting, held March 3, 1819, Blake was elected one of the Vice-Presidents, and Shaalf one of the Board of Examiners, and in April succeeding Shaaff was elected one of three delegates to the convention of the Middle States, which assembled in Philadelphia in the follow- ing June, for the "purpose of forming and publishing an American Pharmacopoeia." Neither of their names ever appears again in any of the proceedings of the Society. Three of the founders were licentiates of the ^ledical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, organized in 1798. One 138 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. of the three, Huntt, graduated from the University of Mary- land in 1824, five years after the foundation of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Another of the foun- ders, Thomas Sim, did not graduate in medicine until 1823, and does not seem to have been legally qualified to practice medicine previous to that date, except by the act of Congress granting the charter of the Society in 1819. He must, how- ever, have been a man of some distinction, or he would not have been the second President of the Society, for in those days favors did not go so much by kissing. He had been selected by the meeting of physicians of the District in 1813, the first assemblage in an associate capacity, to deliver a eulogy upon the life and character of Dr. Benjamin Rush, which was delivered June 26, 1813, and published in pamphlet form. CHAPTEE IX. Brief Biographical Sketches of Those Members of the Society Who Lived Seventy Years and More, Excepting Those Who Were Founders, and Several Who Had Died or Moved Away Before I Came to the City. The following alphabetical and tabulated arrangement of the twenty-eight members who lived beyond threescore and ten years is a condensed statement of information relating to the professional lives of each one of them, which shows at a glance their comparative ages and the duration of their profes- sional lives. No. of No. of admis- sion to the Society. Date of graduation in medicine. Date of Death. living after gradu- ation. of con- tinuous mem- bership Founders. Age. Antisell, Thomas 1859 1839 1893 54 34 76 Blake, John B. 1826 1824 1881 57 55 81 Bohrer, B. S. 1817 1810 1862 52 45 Founder 75 Borrows, Joseph 1838 1828 1889 61 51 82 Cutbush, Edward 1820 1794 1843 49 23 71 Condict, H. F. 1838 1830 1893 63 55 89 Dawes, Frederick 1838 1852 74 Dick, E. C. 1817 1782 1825 83 8 75 Fairfax, Orlando 1830 1829 1882 53 51 76 Hall, J. C. 1838 1827 1880 53 42 75 Howard. F. 1842 1841 1888 47 46 77 Jones, William 1S17 L.M.C.F. 1867 50 50 Founder 77 Johnson, Richmond 1834 1826 1874 48 40 83 Lieberman, C. H. 1844 1836 1886 50 42 74 Lindsly, Harvey 18.34 1828 1889 61 55 85 Magruder, Hezekiah 1850 1826 1874 48 24 70 May, Frederick 1817 1795 1847 52 30 Founder 74 Mav, J. F. 1 1840 1834 1891 57 61 80 Mc William, Alex. 1817 1850 33 Founder 75 Patze, Adolphus 1864 1838 1886 48 22 82 Riley, Joshua 1827 1824 1875 51 48 75 Ritchie, Joshua 1840 1839 1887 46 47 72 Tyson, S. E. 1848 1832 1883 53 35 74 Tyler, Grafton 1846 1833 1884 51 38 73 Walsh, Joseph 1843 1843 1879 36 31 73 Warfield, P. 1817 L.M.C.F. 1856 39 Founder 76 Worthington, C. 1817 1782 1836 54 39 Founder 77 Young, Noble 1838 1828 1883 55 45 75 140 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. The youngest died at seventy, in 1874, and the oldest at eighty-nine, in 1893. The average age of twenty-six was seventy-six and one-half years, sixteen of whom lived for a period varying from fifty to sixty-three years after gradua- tion, and seven held continuous membership in the Medical Society of the District of Columbia for a period varying from fifty to sixty-three years. This seems to be a phenomenal exhibit in a membership of five hundred and sixty-four in seventy-five years, with a living membership of two hundred and fourteen to-day (February 16, 1894), of which only three have reached the age of seventy, and not one is as old as the Society. Cutbush and Dick died before I came to the city ; Fairfax lived in Alexandria, Virginia, and Richmond John- son was employed in the office of the Surgeon-General United States Army. Thomas Antisell was a lineal descendant of Sir Bertine Entwysel, " who accompanied Henry II. to Ireland." He graduated in medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons, London, and subsequently studied chemistry in Paris and Berlin. He practised medicine in Dublin until 1848, when he became a political exile on account of his connection with the Young Ireland party. He then came to this country and settled in the City of New York, where he pursued his profession until 1854, when he accepted the posi- tion of geologist on the Park Expedition in the railroad survey of Southern California and Arizona. In 1856 he returned from the expedition and accepted the position of Chief Examiner in the Chemical Department of the Patent Office. At the breaking out of the war he entered the vol- unteer service as brigade surgeon, and at its close was mus- tered out with the rank of brevet lieutenant-colonel. In 1871 he went to Japan as technologist to the Government commis- sion to develop the resources of the northern islands of that Empire. In recognition of his ability and as a testimonial of his personal regard for Dr. Antisell, the Emperor of Japan decorated him with the order of " The rising sun of Merjii," PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 141 making him a nobleman of the Empire, with the right to carry two swords. After his return from Japan — 1877 — he resumed his pursuit of chemistry, occupying during the sub- sequent years of his life various positions of distinction in the line of his special branch of science. Dr. Antisell Avas a popular teacher. He began as a lec- turer in Dublin, and after coming to this country occupied the professorship of chemistry in the colleges at Woodstock, Vermont ; Pittsfield and Berkshire, Massachusetts, and after- ward in the Medical Departments of the Columbian and Georgetown Universities, He was for a period Chemist to the Agricultural Department, and finally resumed the duties of Examiner in the Patent Office. He led a very unobtrusive home-life, rarely appearing in public except where his duty called him. He was faithful to duty and conscientious in its performance, unostentatious in manner, and cordial in friendship. John B. Blake was the son of James H. Blake, one of the founders of the Society, and when I came to this city was in the employ of the National Government, afterward Commis- sioner of Public Buildings and Grounds, and later President of the National Metropolitan Bank. He was engaged in the practice of his profession but for a brief period ; but never, during fifty-five years of continuous membership in this soci- ety, did he permit it to lapse for any cause. He was distin- guished for his esthetic politeness and rigid observance of the amenities of social life. He met everybody with a cordial and cheery salutation. No sorrow or grief clouded his inter- course with the world of mankind, and the afflicted and dis- tressed left his company with that sense of relief which comes from frank sympathy and kindheartedness, which lessens, if it does not banish gloom and despair. People sought him for the consolation and good advice which his kindly nature kept in store. He was widely known as the indulgent father of a unique ^nd original son, whose life was devoted to dress, ladies' society 142 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. — when tolerated — and to the concoction of puns, the most of which were as asinine as inappropriate. He was, never- theless, a graduate in medicine, and familiarly known as Dr. Ebenezer Tucker. His dress was sometimes so extreme in style, fashion, and make-up, with cuffs and collars to match, trousers to walk in, trousers to sit in, and trousers for iuter- mediate purposes, that an otherwise ungainly figure was trans- formed into a grotesque and ludicrous automaton. Joseph Borrows was dominated by skepticisms. Meet him when and where you might, if the opportunity occurred, he would give expression to his conclusions and convictions, not offensively or casually, as if they were impromptu declara- tions, but rather as the result of consideration and mature deliberations, which were sometimes so skeptical as to appear erratic. There are members who cannot have forgotten his occasional explosions during discussions upon subjects under consideration, during which he would, sometimes with vehe- mence and contempt, denounce the advances in pathology and physiological therapeutics. He had very little respect for new things, and not much for old, unless they were in accord with his erratic skepticisms. He was essentially an iconoclast and disbeliever in general. Dr. Borrows took great pleasure in narrating the circum- stance of having successfully vaccinated an infant fifteen min- utes old, because of the presence of a case of smallpox in the house where the baby was born. He often said his belief in the " power of mercury was so great that he almost believed it would raise the dead." Dr. T. C. Smith supplies the following memorandum of the last case of labor attended by Dr. Borrows. The amusing feature of the case was the appearance of Dr. Borrows when Dr. Smith reached the house of the patient, " It was one of so-called retained placenta, which Dr. Borrows was trying to remove. He wore a suit of black cloth, but had removed his coat. It was a warm day, and the perspiration was pouring down his face. From the top of his head to his shoes he was PERSONAL BEMINISCENCES. 143 smeared with smegma, mucus, and blood. It was apparent that he had not taken time to use a towel to remove the per- spiration, but had used his soiled hands, and had wiped them on his clothing." Dr. Borrows was born January, 1807, in a small one-story brick dwelling, which is still standing, at the southwest corner of Seventeenth and E Streets, N. W., opposite the " White Lot." He lived in this city longer than any physician who has ever resided here — a period of eighty-two years, begin- ning at a date of which but little is known of the medical profession in this city, and when the city was an inchoate village. Henry Ford Condict was born in 1804, at Littleton, N. J., where he attended school until he entered Princeton College, from which he graduated in 1822. For several years after- ward he taught a private class, preparing it to enter college, after which he began the study of medicine, attending lectures in the City of New York, and graduated in 1830 from the University of Pennsylvania. He then settled in this city and commenced the practice of medicine, forming a copartnership with Dr. N. P. Causin, whose daughter he married. He con- tinued the practice of his profession until about 1875, when he retired to his farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he died. He was devoted to the study of the classics, very ambitious in the accomplishment of everything he undertook, and was respected for his humble and lovely Christian faith. Frederick Dawes was an Englishman, and a graduate of some English institution. He was a man of erudition and scientific attainments, and especially noted for his astuteness in the diagnosis of disease. He came to this city late in life, but soon acquired a lucrative practice, which he only made available to meet the current expenses of a very modest style of living. I knew him fairly well, but never met him in the sick room, nor did I ever see him at any meeting of medical men. Durino- the winter of 1849 or 1850 there was an 144 PERSONAL REMIXISCEXCES. epidemic of smallpox in that section of the city known then, as now, as Capitol Hill, which occupied my attention exclusively for several months, and so effectively isolated me that it prac- tically amounted to social and professional ostracism. Know- ing of my unfortunate environment. Dr. Dawes quite frequently would stop and talk with me about the disease, giving me such advice and information as he thought would be of use to me. On one of these occasions I was feeling very unwell, and expressed the apprehension that I had contracted the disease. He inquired in regard to my symptoms, examined my tongue with great care, and then assured me that I need not feel the least uneasiness. He seemed to rely more upon the appear- ances of the tongue than upon the clinical picture as a whole, but offered no explanation of their significance. He was one of those who studied with great care the tongue in disease, and attached great importance to the observations. Dr. Dawes was a heavy-built man, with a broad, round face, and very ruddy complexion, looking like a man who knew the good things of the world and how to enjoy them. He was usually neatly, but very plainly dressed, and very simple and unassuming in manner. He was a slovenly snuff-fiend, and carried it loosely in the right-hand pocket of his vest, from which he would take it with his fingers, and, with great nonchalance, snuff it into his capacious nostrils. His horse and buggy were badly kept, and he jogged along the streets as unconcerned as if no care disturbed his equanimity. He seemed to be always happy, and content to accept everything as he found it. Elisha Cullen Dick was born of a distinguished and wealthy Colonial family in Pennsylvania in 1752. He studied medi- cine with Rush and Shippen, and graduated Bachelor of Med- ciue in the class with Caspar Wistar in 1782. He selected Charleston, South Carolina, as the location to practice his profession, and on his way thither stopped in Alexandria, Virginia, to renew his acquaintance with a relative, who introduced him to many of the prominent and wealthy fam- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 145 ilies of that city, by whom he was advised to locate iu that city, at that time not numerously supplied witli physicians. Flattered by the opportunities so courteously offered him, he returned to Pennsylvania, sold out his estate, married, aud returned to Alexandria in October, 1782, where he began the practice of medicine, and died in 1825, after forty-two years of active professional life. It seems probable that he adopted the middle name — CuUen — after graduation, as his name on the roll of graduates of the University of Pennsylvania is simply Elisha Dick. After he became a resident of Alex- andria he invariably signed his name as Elisha C. or Elisha Cullen Dick. Dr. Dick was one of the founders of the first lodge of Masonry in Alexandria, which was chartered in 1783, and of which he was elected Worshipful Master in 1785, and annu- ally thereafter, until the new charter in the name of Alexan- dria Lodge, No. 22, was obtained in 1788, from the Grand Lodge of Virginia, in which General Washington was named as Worshipful Master. After the retirement of General Washington, in 1789, he was again re-elected, and continued to hold the office until 1795, when he declined a re-election, but was again elected in 1797, aud served until December, 1799. This review of his official counection with the Masonic Order is preliminary to the statement of the fact that he con- ducted the Masonic ceremonies at the laying of the corner- stone of the " Ten Miles Square," or District of Columbia, on April 15, 1791, at Jones' Point, at the mouth of Hunting Creek, below Alexandria. He was Worshipful Master in 1793, when the corner-stone of the Capitol was laid, ou which occasion he marched arm-in-arm with Washington, and took part with him in the ceremonies. He also conducted the Masonic services at the funeral and burial of General Wash- ington, and presided at the Lodge of Sorrow. When he joined the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, in 1817, Alexandria was included in the territorial area of the " Ten Miles Square." This was during the pre- 10 146 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. liminary organization, but his name does not appear among those who petitioned Congress for the charter, nor among those named in the act of incorporation passed in 1819 ; nor does it appear that he ever took any active interest in the Society, which was probably due to his age (sixty-seven) and the distance of his residence (eight miles) from the place of meeting. His biographer. Dr. J. M. Toner, from whose sketch of his life and history the foregoing details have been obtained, char- acterizes him as a man of learning and an accomplished phy- sician, who enjoyed the confidence of a very large clientele, and was beloved by the community in which he practised his profession for such a long period of time. Dr. Dick was one of the two consulting physicians and the first to arrive in the last sickness of General Washington, and remained with the illustrious patient during the last nine hours of his life, striving with his colleagues, Craik and Brown, to save the life of the " first citizen of the Republic." He was an austere man, with correct habits, courtly man- ners, a high sense of honor, but somewhat erratic in his relig- ious faith. He was born and raised an Episcopalian, afterward joined the Presbyterian Church, and finally became an enthu- siastic member of the Society of Friends, in which faith he died. His life is chiefly interesting to the medical profession as one who was so intimately associated with Washington, laid the corner-stone of the District of Columbia, and, together with Washington, that of the Capitol in 1793, and was one of the original members of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, dating the beginning of his membership with the first year of its preliminary organization. The historic events with which he was so prominently asso- ciated directly connect the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the profession of medicine with several of the most noteworthy and conspicuous occurrences in the early history and foundation of this District. Before going from PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 147 Alexandria to Jones' Point he invoked the blessing that the stone to be laid might " remain an immovable monument of the wisdom and unanimity of North America," and after the return of the Commissioners and others to Alexandria he offered the following sentiment : " Brethren and Gentlemen : May jealousy, that green-eyed monster, be buried deep be- neath the work which we have this day completed, never to rise again within the Federal District." Orlando Fairfax was born and resided in Alexandria uutil the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, and then removed to Richmond, Virginia, where he died in 1882. He was a son of Thomas, the ninth Lord Fairfax. He joined the Society in 1830, but, probably, never took an active interest in its deliberations. James Crowdhill Hall was born in Alexandria in 1805. His father died during his infancy. When five years old his mother moved to this city, and soon afterward married Dr. Laurie, a distinguished clergyman then residing here. After graduating from Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg, Pennsyl- vania, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas Henderson, one of the founders of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and a surgeon in the United States Army. He graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1827, and immediately entered Blockley Hospital as one of the resident physicians, where he re- mained for one year, during which service he studied and familiarized himself with the new methods of investigation and physical exploration which were then being introduced, and thus formed the pedestal upon which the statue of the future man was erected. With a thorough preliminary and professional education, a mind liberalized and expanded by an extensive range of study, a penetrative sagacity, a compre- hensiv^e and retentive memory, together with steadiness of purpose, zeal, discipline, and industry, it is not surprising that he should have so quickly attained a brilliant success, and made for himself an enduring reputation. 148 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I knew him from the beginning of my professional career to his death, and enjoyed his friendship and confidence. Our acquaintance grew more intimate as life advanced. He was a skilful, conscientious, and benevolent physician, more will- ing to render service to the suffering poor than to receive remuneration. As a citizen he was always ready and willing to discharge fully every duty of good citizeuship ; as a friend, firm and unwavering, never omitting and never failing to meet the obligations of a generous and unselfish friendship. He was charitable, just, and honorable — so keenly just that he would overdo rather than fall short of the full measure of justice. ]!!Tone other than an extraordinary man could have, like him, lived in a community for fifty years, and died alike hon- ored, beloved, and eminent as a citizen and physician. He found the city a village, and lived to see it grow into a great and beautiful city, and never ceased to feel and manifest interest in all that concerned its material advancement and the welfare and happiness of its people. He was especially interested in the charitable institutions, and contributed more money to such purposes than the entire profession combined. Besides numerous personal charities during his lifetime, his bequests to the Washington City Orphan Asylum and the Children's Hospital of the District of Columbia will be held through many years to come in commemoration of his benev- olence. Of his many commendable characteristics, none was more conspicuous than the absence of that desire and love of fame and notoriety which too often mark the conduct of deserving men. Had he been animated by any such wish he could have left a reputation second to none and as enduring as time. He possessed the requisite qualifications, was blessed with a mind which fitted him for the study and treatment of disease, and was favored with opportunities which no other physician ever did or ever will command. He had been the family physician of every President of the United States, beginning with Jack- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 149 son and ending with the death of Lincohi's son. For many years he attended the families of every Justice of the Supreme Court; through many admiuistrations the families of every Cabinet officer ; and for a long series of years every foreign legation residiug in this city, and every prominent Senator and member of the House of Representatives ; the heads of depart- ments, and many honored citizens long since passed away. In all the relations of this remarkable career he discharged the obligatious of a great and good physician with skill and fidelity, without ostentation, and free from selfish ambition. Another characteristic consisted in the remarkable influence he possessed and maintained to the day of his death. Although he had retired from active practice for twenty years, his pro- fessional advice was constantly sought by both physicians and laymen. This power and influence came to him ; he had not acquired it by any sinister or improper methods. Had it been otherwise, it would have vanished the moment he volun- tarily relinquished his hold upon the community by the aban- donment of a large and lucrative business. The announcement of his withdrawal from the active pursuit of his profession severed his professional relations with the largest and most influential dientUe ever held by a medical man in this city, and yet it did not abate his power and influence. Not less remarkable were his willingness and readiness to assist young medical men. He was alwaj's prompt to assist the enterprising and qualified, not only to indorse them, but to uphold them at the bedside in difficult cases, or where confidence was lacking. He gathered young men around him, taught them, and endeared himself to them. He not only made friends, but had the rare quality of never losing them. AVith a temperament so rich in those elements of human character which elevate and ennoble the nature of man, he, nevertheless, possessed peculiarities which marked his indi- viduality. At times he exhibited a quality which some people were wont to call testiness. When approached with a saluta- 150 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. tion not in accord with his own conception of conditions, he would, at times, reply with prompt acrimony. For instance, on one occasion I called to see him, and after hearing his response to my inquiry in regard to his health that he was feeling very unwell, I expressed my regret, adding that I hoped he would soon regain his accustomed health. After a few minutes' silence he remarked that he had taken a short walk during the morning, and had met — naming the gentle- men — two d — n fools, who had congratulated him upon his appearance and good health, when he was feeling as miserable as he could. I met the two gentlemen during the day, for they were mutual friends, and each related the circumstance and complained of his bad temper. If they had first inquired of him about his health, and added their regret or pleasure, as the case might have been, no such testiness would have been exhibited. On another occasion a tale-bearing friend called to tell him of some stories being circulated to his dis- credit, to which he promptly and petulantly responded, " What the d — 1 do I care for stories ; it is the truth I fear ; I do not listen to stories." He was a great admirer of women and lover of flowers, and yet at times, when some valued female friend would bring or send him a bouquet, he would give expression to the greatest dislike for both. He disliked personal solicitations for charity, and took the utmost care to conceal all such contributions by enclosing the amount in an envelope addressed by some other person than himself, or sent it through some person, with the strictest injunction not to let it be known from whom it came. He was always very derelict in making charges for professional services, and worse in collecting such few charges as he would make, but very particular in all business transactions, and especially cautious in making investments. His income was so largely in excess of his wants and charities that at times his bank balance would reach a very large sum, but he would hold on to it until he could find an investment entirely satisfactory and secure. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 151 Dr. Hall Avas a great favorite of Professor "William Gib- son aud his chief assistant while resident at the Blockley Hospital. His report of the dissection of the case of "Axillary Aneu- rism/' caused by reduction of a dislocated shoulder by Gibson, after six months' duration, will be found in the Amencan Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1828, pages 136-50. In 1830 he occupied the Chair of Surgery in the Columbian Uni- versity, District of Columbia, but soon retired because of his enormous business. His death was sudden and unexpected, at the age of seventy-five. I have in my library a bound volume of manuscript notes of Chapman's lectures, taken in 1826 by Dr. Hall, in which there are many very curious statements, a few of which are as follows : From the notes of the lecture on " Hydrocephalus " the following : " Chapman ' has seen several cases in girls about the age of puberty caused by metastasis of action from the uterus to the brain.' " The lecture on "Angina Pectoris " begins with the state- ment : " Chapman believes it to be an arthritic affection, in every case extend iug to the pulmonary apparatus." Again, further on : " Many cases that have a decided character of angina pectoris afterward terminated in well-marked gout cases : A gentleman long affected with this affection had gout induced in his extremities by the use of sinapisms, and the former affection was relieved ; but, improperly removing the sinapisms, the disease suddenly returned to its place, and instantaneously killed him. Many other cases C. related that proved this disease to be a modification of gout." In enumerating the causes of epilepsy the notes record the statement that it is " usually assigned to a certain state of the nervous system — a peculiar sensibility or irritability — it is the temperament of genius and intellect — Julius Caesar, Mahomet, Ronpeau, Napoleon, etc." Again, " He does not think that the demoniacs in Scripture were epileptic persons." 152 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Flodoardo Howard graduated in medicine at the age of thirty, after having conducted the business of pharmacy for a number of years. He was a ploddiug man, but acquired a large practice and accumulated a considerable fortune, which he afterward wasted in amateur farming and unfortunate investments. Without the advantages of a high preliminary education, not more than the average man in mental capacity, he was an example of what may be accomplished in the pro- fession of medicine by attention to business, rigid observance of the proprieties of life, and a consistent Christian life. He held his patients by the force of duty well and conscien- tiously done, and by his known uprightness and purity of character. Dr. Howard was one of four who organized the Medical Department of Georgetown College, and held the professorship of obstetrics and diseases of women until the reorganization of the faculty in 1876. He taught obstetrics as he practised it, relying upon his experience and careful study of a few chosen authorities. He was a simple, unostentatious man, free from prejudice, with a kind word for everybody, confiding in friendship, and firm in the Christian faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His life-long and devoted friend and companion, Noble Young, nicknamed him " Flodledardledo," and generally, in his pleasant way, referred to him by that name. Richmond Johnson was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1791. He was a "grand-nephew of Thomas Johnson, the first Governor of Maryland, the members of whose family distinguished themselves in the War of the Revolution and were the trusted friends of General Washington." He studied medicine in this city in the private office of the elder May, and during the War of 1812 he entered the navy as surgeon, which he resigned after the declaration of peace, and commenced the practice of his profession in this city. In answer to my inquiries a near descendant writes me as follows : PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. I53 I cannot say when or where he graduated ; I only know that he was a student of Dr. May. In those early days of Washington that was considered a sufficient distinction. . . . He was very successful, particularly in the diseases of women and children. He was singu- larly bright and cheerful in dispor^ition, full of innocent mirth, with a keen sense of the humorous, to which were added wonderful powers of mimicry, with which he would sometimes amuse his patients and bring a smile to the face of the despondent. He was the soul of honor, and regarded the profession of medicine as ranking all others, except the clerical, in its sacred responsibilities and ministrations to the sick and erring. He was a sincere Christian, and exemplified the precepts of religion in his daily life and conversation. He considered the physician as an instrument in the hand of the Almighty, who alone could give success to all human efforts; therefore, he never relinquished hope of recovery until almost at the point of dissolution. He was very benevolent, and much loved by the poor. During the epidemic of cholera in this city in 1832 he was indefatio-able and untirino; in his devotion to the sick and suffering, giving freely to the poor — medicine and food. He was appointed by his friend, Surgeon-General Lovell, his chief clerk, which office he held for many years. Dr. Johnson died at the advanced age of eighty-four, leav- ing to his children the " heritage of an unsullied reputation." Charles H. Liebermann was a Russian. He graduated at Dorpat in 1836 and at Berlin in 1838. The story of his escape from prison has been so fully aud graphically told by AV. W. Johnston {Transactions of the Seventy -ffth Anniver- sary Celebration, Medical Society of the District of Columbia) that it is not necessary to repeat it here, and the high stand- ard of his preliminary and professional education was so thoroughly established by the report of the Standing Com- mittee of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia (pp. 106-7) that it would be supererogation to atteuipt to make any more conclusive statement. His scholarly erudition aud attainments, together with his self-reliance, impressed the sick with the utmost confidence in his ability, to which his astuteness in diagnosis added such assurance that very many people, professional and laymen, accepted his judgment as 154 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. oracular. His directions were given with such impressive detail that few dared to disobey him, and when dealing with a refractory patient his remonstrance was not always couched in the choicest language. Quickness of perception, prompt- ness in decision, fertility of resource, and firmness of judg- ment were so harmoniously, though not offensively, blended in him that his conclusions acquired such force that but few were willing to take issue with him. He placed a value upon his services, and demanded the compensation. "Dead-heads" and " dead-beats," of which this city has always had more than its share, were held in loathsome contempt, and no cour- tier could entice him into the service of such wretched char- acters ; but he was none the less generous to the honest and deserving poor. He feigned nothing, but was always straightforward and direct ; in fact, so much so at times as to acquire the reputation of crossness. Dr. Liebermann would never attend families residing in the immediate vicinity of his own residence, because they were too troublesome and would send for him too often ; nor would he render a service or repeat a visit during the day unless he thought it necessary. Visits or services to gratify querulous anxieties were repugnant to his conception of dignity and propriety. He taught the important lesson that physicians having patients dwelling in hotels should instruct them to send their messages in sealed envelopes, and that money in payment of such services should be likewise enclosed in letters, rather than trusted to individuals. He never acquired the habit of using " cuss w^ords " either in the vernacular or acquired tongue, but would occasionally emphasize a thought or expression with " tam it." Dr. Liebermann was a ready, fluent, and forcible debater, and took an active part in the discussions of the Medical So- ciety, oftentimes to excite discussion raising issues and pre- senting views w^iich he did not himself hold. His study of human nature was practical, and he applied such knowledge as well to the transactions of daily life as to his professional PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 155 duties. When he retired from the practice of medicine, be- cause of physical infirmities, it was absolute and positive. Harvey Liudsly was a noted example of that small class of medical men who can confine themselves to their own business, and avoid all alliances and complications which disturb the equanimity and peace of one's own life. If he had reason to suspect misapprehension and misunderstanding, I have his own words for the statement, that a few minutes' conference with the person Avould satisfactorily settle the difference and adjust the grievance. He adhered throughout a long life with scrupulous fidelity to the unobtrusive rules and regula- tions which he prescribed for the government of his own con- duct, and with equal tenacity to the ethical methods accepted as the standard of professional honor. Many years ago, during the period of discontent, the Stand- ing Committee of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, which had been instructed to investigate the prev- alent insinuations and charges of violations of ethical methods and proprieties, concluded its report with a resolution recom- mending the members to " bury all past grievances in oblivion, and for the future to observe the Golden Rule." Dr. Lindsly moved to strike out the words "Golden Rule" and insert " Rules and By-laws of this Association," which was carried. Perhaps no incident of his life more fully and succinctly sets forth the most marked trait of his character — to grasp the substance instead of the theory-of duty. The Code of Ethics was unequivocal ; the " Golden Rule " would be interpreted by each man's criterion. If he had left no other memorial of his unoffending purity of character and purpose, his memory should be held in the highest esteem by all lovers and follow- ers of a high standard of personal and professional honor and decorum. I have in another chapter (p. 110) given the details of his election to the Presidency of the American Medical Association, which was the tribute of that body of representative men to those dominant characteristics of his personality. 156 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. lu 1858, in his address of welcome to the American Med- ical Association, then assembled in this city, after giving expression to his regret that the city was so barren of all that would interest the' votaries of medical science, he added, in words that read like the inspiration of prophecy, "The day is not far distant when, by the liberality of a great people, our public buildings, our literary and scientific institutions, our national parks and botanic gardens will be worthy of the grand metropolis of a nation which, perhaps, within the next half-century will be the most populous, powerful, and wealthy in Christendom." He lived long enough afterward (1889) to realize the fulness of his prophecy. After his retirement from active work he lived in the com- fort, peace, and quiet of a dignified gentleman and devoted Christian. As a matter of historical interest I append the following correspondence, the original being on file in the archives of the Society. Dr. Lindsly died April 28, 1889. Washington, D. C, January 5, 18S9. Dr. Wythe Cook, Secretary 3Ieclical Society, District of Columbia : Dear Sir : As the oldest member of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, I take the liberty of addressing you, to say that I regret my inability to attend the next annual meeting, being unable to go out in the evening, and to express my kindly feelings to all the members of the Society, wishing them all a happy New Year, health and prosperity, and abundant success in ekvating the dignity and increasing the usefulness of our noble profession. I believe I am not only the eldest member of our Society now living (85 on the 11th of January, '89), but also the oldest member who has ever belonged to it. Most cordially, H. LiXDSLY. Washington, D. C, January 16, 1889. Dear Doctor : More than ten years ago it was my privilege to transmit certain resolutions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, congratulating you on the occasion of the anniversary of your half-century identification with the medical profession. On the 7th instant, at the stated meeting of the Medical Society, your letter PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 157 to Dr. Cook, Corresponding Secretary, was read and cordially received, and it is my pleasure to extend to you the hearty congratulations of your professional brethren in the Society on the attainment of your eighty-fifth birthday, with your sixty-one years in the practice of medicine, and to express their kindest wishes that good health and happiness may be vouchsafed you for many years to come. Very sincerely, Thomas C. Smith, M.D., Corresponding Secretary. Dr. Harvey Lixdsly. Hezekiah Magruder was the youngest of these decedents. He was born in Montgomery County, Maryland, not far from where I was born, and previous to the removal of his father to Georgetown the two families had been neighbors. When I commenced the study of medicine with him in May, 1845, he was very actively and continuously employed during the day and frequently until late at night, always taking his meals hurriedly and irregularly. He did not keep any office hours, and returned to his office at such irregular intervals during the day that it was impossible to tell when or where he could be found at any fixed hour. At that date no physician in Georgetown kept office hours. Patients and other persons wishing to consult one waited at irregular times for indefinite periods, or went away and came back, or followed in pursuit in the direction last seen, and sometimes waited at houses to which it was known the doctor would come. It occurred very frequently in cases of emer- gency that several messengers would be in the street at the same time in active search for their or any doctor they could find. All had fixed hours for meals, but no one had fixed time to be at meals. The only certain time at Avliich one could be found was when in bed and had not instructed the servant to deny the fact. The same lack of system was very common in this city, even after I came here. Some of the most conspicuous phy- sicians announced a prescribed hour when they would be in their offices, but it was not kept with any uniform regularity) . 158 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Office business was not solicited except by two or three. In fact, I think John F. May was the only physician who did keep a fixed office hour with such regularity that any one felt assured he could be found there at the time prescribed. Many of them designated places in different neighborhoods — usually drug-stores — at which messages could be left. Dr. Magruder was one of six practitioners residing in Georgetown at that time. Their business was not confined to the town, but extended into the surrounding country and into the western part of this city. The four senior men seemed to be about equal in professional popularity. The last of the six, Joshua Ritchie, died November 2, 1887. There were six medical students, of whom four are dead. Dr. Flandreau, of Rome, New York, and myself are the only survivors of the twelve persons who were engaged in the practice and study of medicine in Georgetown in 1845. In this connection it may be added that among the dead of my early associates and companions are included every member of the faculty whose names are signed to my diploma, every member of the hospital staff whom I followed in the wards of the Pennsylvania Hospital, every member of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, except one, when I was admitted on the first Monday of January, 1849, and every member of the Faculty of the Medical Department of George- town College when I resigned the Professorship of Materia Medica, in 1855. John Frederick May was a very distinguished physician, both as a surgeon and a general practitioner. He was, per- haps, the first resident physician whose reputation extended beyond the " Ten Miles Square," and brought to him impor- tant cases for treatment. No man before or during the active period of his professional life accomplished as much, and none since more to elevate the standing of the profession in this District than he. He educated the community up to the highest appreciation of medical science and competent medical service, and asserted himself on all occasions when necessary PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 159 to uphold the dignity and vahic of skilled professional attend- ance. With the self-reliance of a man of knowledge he im- pressed everyone with the correctness of his opinion and soundness of his judgment, and commanded his respect by unequivocal expression and direct conduct. As he appeared to be, so he was and so he declared himself, leaving adjust- ment of discrepancies and concession to others less confident and tenacious of their own judgment. He was as resolute as he was firm, and did not permit doubt to impair his respon- sibility or lessen the obligation of duty. Born to lead, he did not seek leadership except by example, but such example was the natural force of his will, not the imitation of acquire- ment, Adolphus Patze was a Prussian. He graduated from the University of Berlin in 1838, and was, presumably, a well- educated physician. He was admitted to the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in 1864. Of his previous history nothing is known. He died in 1886 at the Soldiers' Home at Hampton, Virginia, where he had been compelled to seek shelter because of ill-health and inability to take care of him- self. During his residence in this city he earned a very pre- carious and meagre livelihood. He was unprepossessing in dress and personal appearance, reticent, seclusive, and appa- rently happy with his condition of life. Joshua Riley practiced medicine for fifty-one years in the neighboring city of Georgetown, and died beloved in the com- munity in which he had resided during his manhood life. He had a good word and pleasant salutation for everybody, and as a man and citizen was as popular with the community at large as he was beloved by those whom he had attached to himself by his assiduous attention and unremitting kindness during sickness. He was another example of that class of men who could avoid unpleasant complications, and yet hold and give expression to decided conviction and conclusions. He was a man of marked personal appearance, tall, slim, gaunt, awkward in manner, with a quick, emphatic style of 160 PEBSOXAL REMINISCENCES. speech, and a vocabulary of multisyllabic words which gave him a personality so impressive as uever to be overlooked or forgotten by even the most casual acquaintance. In response to an inquiry concerning a patient, his reply was usually clothed in so many polysyllabic w^ords, not infrequently inter- spersed with technicalities, that the listener would be so con- fused with the mysteries of scientific lore that he would accept the explanation rather than provoke another volley. Another peculiarity consisted in the immediate duplication of the re- sponse in the precise and emphatic words, concluding each utterance wdth a broadly accentuated " sir ; " as, for instance, '' Yes, sir'r ; yes, sir'r. Phlegmasia alba dolens, sir'r ; yes, sir. Phlegmasia alba dolens, sir'r." These peculiarities did not affect his high professional standing or lessen the confidence of the laity. They were universally accepted as amusing habits of speech, which afforded to many, the diversion of imitation. Dr. Kiley was very methodical in his habits and business, punctilious in the observance of the amenities of life, and scrupulously circumspect in his intercourse with professional men. He had no enemies to punish, no grievances to adjust, nor animosities to appease. He taught physicians how to collect accounts for services from a certain class of delinquent clients by taking their notes for the amount, and renewing them annually thereafter with the addition of the amount accrued until it was paid either by the drawer or his estate. This was a very simple and effective method of settlement in that class of cases, and avoided litigation, which usually means for the doctor waste of time and loss of money. For many years he occupied the Professorship of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Columbian Unversity. He did not, previous to his last illness, relinquish either the prac- tice or the study of his profession, but in his later years lost confidence to a very considerable degree in the efficacy of drugs. Joshua Ritchie was born and died in Georgetown. His PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 161 life was so quiet and unobtrusive that lie was but little known outside of the immediate circle of his friends and acquaint- ances. After having devoted the vigor of his life to his pro- fession and accumulated a modest competency, he engaged very actively in speculation in real estate, which terminated in unexpected disaster, quickly followed by physical disabil- ity which unfitted him for any employment. His career was another illustration of a physician without, as is usual, busi- ness capacity and experience, and after the prime of life en- gaging in some purely mercantile occupation with ultimate financial ruin. Grafton Tyler settled in Georgetown after some years of very active practice in Maryland, and soon acquired a lucra- tive business. He was a man of attractive presence and manner, of undoubted ability and superior qualifications, with great fluency of language, a ready and forcible debater, and took great pleasure in exhibiting his forensic power ; but he never attained the eminence to which his capacity entitled him. He was singularly characterized by the habit of mag- nifying the gravity of cases of sickness and of exaggerating his experience, so that it became a by-word with some physi- cians and the subject of discourteous comment by laymen. How much this disposition may have affected the reputation of a man of such high professional attainment can only be surmised. Dr. Tyler succeeded Harvey Lindsly in the Chair of Theory and Practice of Medicine in the Columbian University, and was a very popular and effective teacher. The field of his opportunities was too limited for one so gifted. There was, however, one marked defect in his delivery — too frequent and long pauses between sentences, which interrupted the connection and lessened the impressiveness of the discourse. It seemed to be an acquired mannerism. During his long life Dr. Tyler enjoyed many honors of high professional distinction, and Avas the intimate friend and companion of distinguished statesmen, jurists, and scholars. 11 162 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Samuel Ellicott Tyson was a grandson of Elisha Tyson, the philanthropist. He studied medicine with Dr. William Handy, of Baltimore, and after graduation entered a hospital in Philadelphia, that he might more thoroughly qualify him- self for the conscientious discharge of the duties of a com- petent physician. He pursued the profession of medicine from a sense of duty, and not for pecuniary profit. His chief characteristics were punctuality, deliberation, truth, and the punctilious fulfilment of every promise. He was a sincere and devout Christian and a consistent member of the Society of Friends. Delicate health compelled him to relinquish the practice of medicine, and he engaged in the business of pharmacy. He died at the age of seventy-four, leaving a name and character without blemish. i^oble Young was a man of note and distinction in this community. During his entire manhood life he devoted himself to his profession, and when he had grown too old in years to bear longer the burden of its toil and anxieties he retired to live out his life in the peace and quiet of home and family. No thought of extraneous methods of money-making occu- pied his mind. He was content with the slow accretions of the surplus earnings from his profession. He had dedicated his life to medicine, and nothing diverted him from the dili- gent pursuit of his chosen avocation. Dr. Young belonged to the class of positive, dominant men, with likes, dislikes, and convictions, courage to assert himself, and ability to maintain his opinions. He was as firm and steadfast in friendship as he was determined in dislikes, always calm and deliberate, as devoid of emotional demonstration as he was imperturbable in antipathies. He never professed love when he did not have it, nor concealed aversions when he had them. He had no compromise to make with his conscientious convictions of duty, nor concilia- tions to cover deceit and avert disapprobation. His antago- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 163 nisms M'ere not quarrelsome wrangles, but judicial conclusions asserted after mature deliberation. He was as complacent in defeat as he was self-possessed in triumph. With such a sharply marked individuality he attached friends very closely and estranged others with equally incisive lines, but there was no factious following or opposition. He was not the leader of a cabal or clique, but of opinion, and appealed to reason rather than to prejudice. In ethical disputes and contentions he was decisive, always distinctly on one side or the other, sometimes leading the attack or defence, or following some other with equal spirit and determination. He neither sought nor ran away from a con- tention, but accepted responsibility as the measure of his duty. There was, however, another side to the picture of his life- history. He was a cultivated and polished gentleman, a most genial companion, and possessed to a marvellous degree the quality of bonhomie, which was as attractive as it was infec- tious. With a natural fondness of anecdotes, and gifted with the capacity to manufacture jokes at pleasure, with which he would intersperse conversation, he became a centre of attrac- tion at all convivial gatherings, where the freedom of speech is liberated from the staid dignity and reserve of the exclusive drawing-room. On such occasions he did not inquire who were his friends or who his enemies, but was alike courteous and genial to all. Dr. Young was one of the four who organized the Medical Department of Georgetown College, occupied the Chair of Theory and Practice of Medicine, and was President of the Faculty from its organization until 1876, when he, with others, retired from the faculty. His profound and sensitive devotion to the interest of that institution drew him into some unfortunate antagonisms, and sharpened the lines of estrange- ment with former companions whom he held in the highest esteem. He was my earliest and life-long friend. I revere his 1 64 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. memory, and take pleasure in making the acknowledgment of my obligations to him. I was twice associated with him in the college, and succeeded him in the chair which he so long honored. The foregoing sketches of the venerable decedents have been for the most part drawn from my personal knowl- edge of the men. In the delineations of peculiarities aud eccentricities I have adhered closely to facts, without any attempt to embellish or exaggerate the merits or defects of character. So far as is known to me they were all honorable men. It has not been my purpose to write a history of each one, but simply to record the salient characteristics of each individual, and to set forth most conspicuously the traits aud qualifications which distinguished them as members of the profession of medicine. Their lives have left no disgrace to tarnish the reputation of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and those of their successors living to-day, and those to come hereafter, may recall their histories with honor aud pride. I knew Joseph Walsh to speak to him when we met, and have endeavored, without success, to obtain from his friends now living a brief sketch of his personal character, so as to enable me to describe his individuality. Through the politeness of the Corresponding Secretary I am permitted to append the following very interesting cor- respondence. The circumstance is of such unusual occurrence in the history of a medical society, aud so deserving of such record as will make it accessible to the members and others, that I need offer no excuse for its insertion here in direct connection with the gentlemen named. It is to be regretted that the replies of Drs. Young and Borrows do not appear upon the records of the Society. At the date of this correspondence John B. Blake was the oldest man, and had been a member of the Society for fifty- five years, a longer period than any member living at that time. I presume he was omitted from the congratulatory PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 165 resolutions because of his early retirement from the pursuits of his profession. Washington, March 22, 1878. Dear Doctor : I have the honor and pleasure of transmitting to you the following resolutions adopted by the Medical Society at the meeting held on the 20th instant : Wiereas, Harvey Lindsly, M.D., James C. Hall, M.D., Joseph Bor- rows, M.D., and Noble Young, M.D., members of this Society, whose names appear in the Act of Incorporation reviving the charter of the Society, have now passed through fifty years of continuous practice of medicine in this District ; and, ^^^lereas, These gentlemen have, during the whole of this long period, retained the respect and esteem of their brethren in the pro- fession and of the community at large, inspiring with each revolving year increasing confidence ; therefore, Resolved, That this Society takes pleasure in calling the attention of its members to such notable examples of a career passed in the honorable and conscientious performance of the duties of life. Resolved, That the Society congratulates the above-mentioned gen- tlemen upon this completion of half a century of usefulness in the profession, and upon the honors and prosperity to which they have so deservedly attained. Resolved, Also, that the Society trusts that there may be in reserve for them many more years of hapi)iness and usefulness, and that when, in the fulness of time, the last claim of nature shall be made, they may each a^jproach "the inevitable hour" " Like one who wraps the draj^ery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." The following resolution was also adopted : Resolved, That the eminent gentlemen named in the resolutions just adopted be requested, at their earliest convenience, to reduce to form and convey by letter their reminiscences and observations on inter- esting facts in medicine, and notable persons and occurrences that may have interested them as practising physicians at the capital of our country, to be i^reserved as a legacy by the Society Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Thomas C. Smith, M.D., Corresponding Secretary. Dr. Harvey Lindsly, Washington, D. C. 166 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Washington, D. C, March 25, 1878. Dear Doctor : I desire to return my most Igrateful acknowledg- ments to the Medical Society for the A'-ery kind and complimentary resolutions passed at their late meeting, a coi^y of which I received through you as their Secretary. The approbation and esteem of his professional brethren I consider the highest compliment to his character and conduct a physician can possibly receive, because they are the best judges both of his merits and his deficiencies. It has been my earnest aim through my long professional service to deserve this appreciation of the profession. I have never knowingly violated any rule of medical etiquette or done or said aught to injure a brother. In retiring, therefore, from active practice, I have the great satisfaction of being able to say I have none but the kindest feelings of friendship and respect for every member of the Society. In conclusion, allow me to express the hope that the harmony which, as a general rule, has always existed among us may in the future be extended and perpetuated. Most truly yours, Harvey Lijtdsly. Dr. Thomas C. Smith, Corresponding Secretary. Thomas C. Smith, M.D., Corresponding Secretary, Medical Society : Dear Doctor : I perform a grateful duty in acknowledging the receipt of the resolutions of the Medical Society of the 20th instant, in which it expresses its approbation of my professional life, now extended over fifty-one years, its congratulations on its success, and its kind wishes for my fiiture welfare and happiness. To merit, receive, and retain the resjiect and esteem of my brethren and compeers gratifies my highest ambition, and is an honor greater than any popular applause, and purer than any material success. It gives me great pleasure to remember that I have ever had the most friendly and pleasant relations with my fellow-practitioners, and that no personal difference ever interrupted our professional inter- course. Thanking the Medical Society for the honor and kindness of its action, and wishing each and every one of its members health, hap- piness, and prosperity, I have the honor to be. Most respectfully, Its obedient servant, J. C. Hall, M.D. Washington, March 22, 1878. CHAPTER X. Incorporators Named in Act of Revival of Charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in 1838. Forfeiture by Failure to Elect Oflicers at Annual Meeting. Sketches of A. McD. Davis, W. B. Ma- gruder, Thomas Miller, and X. P. Causin. At some one of the aunual meetings in 1831, 1832, or 1833 the Society failed to elect its officers. In consequence of this default, which was not discovered until the Society became involved in a suit, the court declared the charter void. As soon after this decision as circumstances would permit the following-named physicians petitioned Congress for a revival of the charter, which was granted July 7, 1838. Keincorporators in 1838. 1 SI'S on ad- tteil to S. D. C. ^ '? 1 a ■3 ■a ■3 c |as ^ ^ < ^ < Frederick May, 1795 1817 Mass. 1773 Harvard 1847 74 Alexander McWilliams, 1817 Md. 1775 Univ. Pa. 1850 75 Henry Huntt, 1824 1817 Md. 1782 Univ. Md. 1838 56 William Jones, 1817 Md. 1790 L. M. C. F. 1867 77 George W. May, i'sis 1817 Mass. 1789 Harvard 1845 56 Peregrine Warfield, 1817 Md. 1779 L.M.C.F. 1856 77 Nich. W. Worthington, I'sVi 1817 Md. 1789 Univ. Pa. 1849 60 John B. Blake, 1821 1826 Va. 1800 Univ. Md. 1881 81 Joseph Borrows, 1828 1838 D.C. 1807 Col. Univ. 1889 82 Nathaniel P. Causin, 1805 1838 Md. 1781 Univ. Pa. 1849 68 Henry F. Condict, 18.30 1838 N.J. 1804 Univ. Pa. 1893 89 Alexander McD. Davis, 1828 1838 D.C. 1807 Col. Univ. 1872 65 James S. Gunnell, 1820 1824 Va. 1788 Univ. Pa. 1852 64 James C. Hall, 1838 1827 Va. 1805 Univ. Pa. 1880 75 Richmond Johnson, 1826 1834 Md. Md. 1874 83 Benjamin King, U.S.A. Harvey Lindsly, 1828 18S4 N.J. 1804 i Col Univ. 1888 84 William B. Magruder, 1838 Md. 1809 Univ. Md. 1869 60 Thomas Miller, 1829 1835 Va. 1806 Univ. Pa. 1873 67 Joshua Riley, 1824 1827 Md. 1800 Univ. Md. 1875 75 Thomas Sewell, 1812 1830 Mass. 1786 Harvard 1845 59 Noble Young, 1828 1838 Md. 1808 Col. Univ. 1883 75 The twenty-two physicians named in the act of reincorpo- ration include the seven surviving founders (the seven first 168 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. named in the preceding tabulated statement) and fifteen others, five of whom were not members previous to that date. The number of founders in 1819 was twenty-one, and of the reincorporators in 1838, twenty-two. A comparison of the ages of both classes exhibits a most remarkable lon- gevity of each class, whereas the average age of the present membership (February, 1894) is but forty-three and one-half years. Of these incorporators those classified as founders and those as members who lived seventy and more years have been referred to in the preceding chapters. Of those' not included in either of these classifications I did not know Gunnell, King, or Sewell. The others — Davis, W. B. Magruder, and Thomas Miller — I knew very well. Davis retired early from the practice of medicine, and devoted his attention exclusively to social life and local politics. W. B. Magruder was a man of considerable natural ability, but a recognized professional outlaw — that is, he had a way of his own, and pursued it with that uniform irregularity which characterizes men who reject or refuse compliance with the usages and customs of the occupation or profession to which they profess to belong. He had a very large business, which he attended to or not, as suited his convenience or pleasure. He made no charges, sent no bills, and could only occasionally be induced to render an account, and then only guessing at the amount when some very indefatigable debtor would pursue him until he got worried with the persistent importunities. He lived upon the principle of "give and take." When any one gave him money he put it loosely in his pocket, and when he wanted groceries or anything else he ordered them to be sent to him. The debit side of the trans- action did not concern him. He had a very large following among a class of well-to-do people, many of whom paid him voluntarily, according to their estimate of the value of his ser- vices, and many others filled his orders for very much more tiian his services were worth to them. He had also the PEESOXAL EEMIXISCEXCES 1G9 faculty of impressing his patients with the belief that his services were far more valuable to them than any other phy- sician's could be, because he knew their constitutions and the precise drugs which suited their peculiarities and idiosyncra- sies. I am sorry to add that this faculty was not the exclusive possession of Dr. Magruder, but has beeu the shibboleth of many others far less deserving. Notwithstanding this loose and very irregular manner of life, he was greatly beloved by very many people, and popular with all classes. He was an active local politician, served for many years as Alderman and one term as Mayor of the city. Thomas ]Miller was endowed with great force of character, which well fitted him for the leadership to which he aspired. This quality was not limited to the narrow field of profes- sional matters, but was exhibited sometimes very effectively iu municipal interests. His ardor and determination were not less in opposition to than in promotion of any project that he might, as was the case, either approve or disapprove. He was not a brilliant man, but, by dint of an indomitable will, perseverance, and unflagging energy, he made himself a man among men, beloved by many, feared by some, and respected by all. He seized and held on to the cause he espoused with such vim and force that even his most vindictive antagonist commended his enthusiasm and persistence. Dr. Miller stood upon the highest plane of medical ethics and decorum, and held to the most rigid observance of the formalities of ethical rules and regulations, sometimes push- ing his conception of their requirements of duty as to occa- sion very decided expressions of antagonism. Whilst such indiscreet contentions may have at times lessened his influ- ence with the profession, they were not without good results, in that they impressed men with the importance of a uniform observance of the accepted standard of professional courtesies and decorum. Dr. Miller always claimed to have made himself This was true so far as related to his professional attainments and 170 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. standing, but was not true socially, for he was born in high life, and was well educated before he began an independent life. He was for many years the President of the Board of Health ; in fact, he was the board, giving unremitting atten- tion to every detail and enforcing its ordinances with fearless impartiality. The people did not then appreciate, and have not since properly recognized his efforts to abate nuisances and to eradicate local causes of disease. To him is due the credit of abolition of the primitiv^e and unsanitary habits, practices, and customs of a village population, for his un- tiring zeal in the interest of sanitary reform drove the re- luctant municipal authorities to enact ordinances which clothed the Board of Health with some measure of authority to de- clare a nuisance and power to abate it. Dr. Miller originated the movement to establish and enforce a system of registration of births and deaths in this city. In January, 1850, he offered and secured the adoption of the following resolution by the Medical Society : Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to inquire into the expediency of establishing among the profession, etc., some system by which a more perfect registration of births and deaths may be effected. Very soon after this action of the Society he secured the adoption, by the Board of Health, of rules and regulations establishing the system of registration which, with immaterial modifications, have been in force to date. Dr. Miller was elected President of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia in April, 1873. He died in Sep- tember following. I was elected Vice-President at the same meeting, but declined the honor, and Dr. Flodoardo Howard was elected to the vacancy, and succeeded Dr. Miller in the Presidency. The inaugural address of Dr. Miller, delivered in April, 1873, is so full of interesting historical data relating to the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 171 objects and organization of the Association, which have not been published, that I reproduce it here in l"ull. It is especially interesting in the statement of the fact that the first Surgeon-General of the Array was the founder of an organization having for its object the regulation of fees for professional services and the establishment of a code of ethics for the guidance of medical men in professional intercourse. Washington, April 8, 1873. Gextlemex : Having been absent from the last meeting of the Association I was not aware of the honor you had conferred upon me until informed by some of my friends and by the official notice of the Secretary. To say that I do not highly apjjreciate the compliment would be affectation, for I do not think a more marked distinction or a higher honor can be conferred than to be elected President of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. To me it is particularly flattering, for I was one of its founders ; I may well and truly say, Quceque ipsi miserrima vidi, etc. Under the guidance and counsel of the late distinguished Dr. Joseph Lovell, Surgeon-General, United States Army, I originated it, and called the first meeting of the physicians of this city, which was held in the room of William I. Stone's building, corner of Eleventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, on the 4th of January, 1833 ; made most of the motions, and offered many of the resolutions that were adopted. Dr. Henry Huntt was elected temporary President and I the Secretary. Upon the completion of the organization, which occurred at a sub- sequent meeting, held on the 18th of January, 1833, Dr. F. May was elected permanent President (which position he occupied until his death), and I was honored with the Secretaryship. On motion the books were placed in my charge to procure the sig- natures of vsuch of the medical practitioners as were willing to unite in forming the Association. Nearly every one signed the rules and regulations, and it became imfait accompli. To understand why such an organization had not previously existed, and why it? was now deemed necessary, you should know something of the state of the profession up to that time. From the establishment of this as the National Capital the growth of the city was slow, the population few and sparse, the demand for a large number of medical men did not exist. The profession con- sisted, even in 1827, of not more than fifteen, and only a few of these 172 PEESOXAL BEMIXISCEXCES. were regular graduates in medicine. Among these gentlemen there no doubt existed an honorable emulation, but jealousies and profes- sional and personal conflicts were not uncommon. At an early period the Medical Society of the District of Columbia was organized, but this did not serve the purposes of our Association, viz. : to regulate fees, establish a code of ethics, and to reconcile per- sonal differences. About the year 1826-27 young, ardent, and accomplished aspirants for fame and professional preferment were added to the profession. There being no written guide, no code of ethics, or fee bill, the diffi- culties and dissensions which had previously existed were multiplied. All felt the necessity for an association which would take cognizance of these subjects. No one, however, took the initiative until the fall of 1832, when Dr. Joseph Lovell prompted me to call a meeting of the profession for the purpose of organizing an association, illustrating the advan- tages of such an institution by the following anecdote, viz. : " While practising in Boston he was attending a patient to whom in his absence Dr. Warren was called. When he (Dr. Lovell) visited his patient he found Warren had superseded him. He enclosed a copy of the rules and regulations of the Boston Association to Dr. Warren, marking those that referred to interference of physicians. Warren at once became aware of his having violated the regulations, called on Lovell, and made the amende honorable." This, gentlemen, was the origin of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, which was based on that of Boston. Its beneficial effects were at once seen and acknowledged, and for some weeks or months it flourished without opposition, bidding fair to fulfil our most sanguine hopes. Much to our surprise, however, popular indignation was aroused against us ; we were called a close corporation ; we were denounced as oppressors of the poor, as extor- tioners. Public meetings were held by the citizens ; counsel was em- ployed to break up our organization. Foreign physicians were invited to settle here, with the assurance of suj^port and protection. These actions of the i^eople alarmed some of our weak-kneed medical men, who withdrew their names. Firm in their determination to succeed in forming the Association, and conscious of the high and honorable motives by which they were actuated, the majority, unawed, adhered to their purpose. After this excitement of the citizens had somewhat subsided, and several medical men had settled here in obedience to their call, an appeal, with refutation of the charges against the Association, was published by that body. It was a paper worthy of its author, the late PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 173 Dr. Thomas Henderson, and had the effect of allaying popular excite- ment and i^lacing us on a safe and firm basis. Those who had with- drawn returned, and those who had settled here under the call of the citizens petitioned for admission as members. To show the earnestness by which our members were influenced, and their determination to sustain the Association and conform to its rules and regulations, every member who had yearly contracts aban- doned them. The first who did this was the venerable, beloved, and resjiected Dr. Frederick May. It had been his custom from early professional life to make yearly contracts with his patients, but as soon as he had signed the rules and regulations he revoked these con- tracts, and placed himself in full communion and competition with the youngest member of the profession. Independent, gentlemen, of the advantages which were derived from our association, in establishing a code of ethics, a standard fee bill, and forming a brotherhood, it served to guai-d the interest of the public as well as that of the jihysician, to establish the relations be- tween patients and doctors, as well as of physicians among them- selves. It had another as laudable, if not as high an object, to arbitrate and settle all personal differences. These were the motives which led to the formation of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, and we are pleased to bear witness that our most sanguine anticipations have been realized, and at this day we look to this body to guard and protect us, and no one has ever appealed here who has not had a fair and impartial hearing, and received unbiased judgment. As an evidence of this permit me to allude to a case which occurred in the primitive days of the Asso- ciation. One of our oldest and most celebrated physicians had been guilty of violation of one of our rules ; he was reported to the Council by a junior of the profession, who had been his pupil, was his inti- mate friend, and was in daily intercourse with him. He was ar- raigned, acknowledged he had violated the rules, and made a hand- some apology, concluding with the assurance that he would be more particular in the future, to which promise he most scrupulously adhered to the day of his death. Other such incidents might be cited, and it is most gratifying to record that the friendly and personal relations of the parties were never for a moment interrupted, as it was considered a duty and honor to report infractions of the rules and regulations, that the object of the Association might be sustained. It is needless for me in giving this brief synopsis of the history of the Association to speak of the admission of the Facult}' of George- 174 PERSONAL REMTNISCENGES. town. This and many other interesting facts and incidents have been correctly detailed in a most interesting and useful lecture published by my friend Dr. Toner, my object being merely to supply a few inci- dents unknown to Dr. Toner, and which may prove of interest to you. Gentlemen, let me again thank you for the honor you have done me, and be assured it will give me pleasure to administer the duties you have imposed \x\)oi\ me with impartiality and to the best of my judgment, always invoking your aid and counsel. Dr. Miller then remarked that — The number of original members in 1833 was 15 ; the whole num- ber up to this date, 280. Died since the 4th of January, 1833, 71 ; dismissed, 1 ; removed from the city, 35. Total number of active members at this date, 160. It is interesting in this connection to note the facts that Frederick May, one of the originators of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and Joseph Lovell, the originator of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, were natives of Boston, Massachusetts, and graduates of Harvard Univei-sity. May was the first President of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. Dr. Miller was very proud of his influence and power, and took pleasure in asserting his authority. He was equally so of the honors of trust and position, and maintained always and everywhere that offices in the gift of the profession should be the reward of dignity and merit, and not merely the suc- cession of a routine rotation. He was very active in securing the establishment of the Government Insane Asylum, now known as St. Elizabeth's Asylum, and was very much hurt that due credit had not been conceded to his very efficient services. Notwithstanding the claims of others, it is more than probable that but for his effi^rts the establishment of the institution would have been long delayed. In reviewing the lives ot the three men specially named in this chapter one cannot fail to be impressed with the uncer- tainty of human character. They began life on parallel lines, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 1 75 in the same city, with eoiTesponding environments, were en- gaged in the same pnrsnit, and blessed alike with magnificent physical development. Miller was born in 1806, and died at sixty-seven ; Davis in 1807, and died at sixty-five ; and Magrnder in 1809, and died at sixty. Davis soon sought a life of pleasure and amusement, without care or toil ; Magru- der led a desultory life, with medicine as the objective ; Miller loved his profession, and followed it with that coherent and direct pertinacity which always assures success. One threw away his opportunities, another perverted them, and the third utilized his to the full measure of his capacity and energy. His life is the only one that will bear the close scrutiny of exami- nation and escape the censure of impersonal criticism. Three examples are offered, widely different in the elements of human character, but only one deserves commendation and is worthy of following. His led to success, honor, and distinction ; the others may serve as a warning to those who would emu- late success and renown. Nathaniel Pope Causin removed to this city in 1818, after thirteen years of very active and laborious practice in his native State. He continued the practice of his profession until 1838, when he w^as appointed by President Van Bureu Judge of the Orphans' Court of the City and County of Washington, which office he held until his death in 1849. He discharged the duties of this office with the same fidelity that distinguished his professional life, and died respected by the community, beloved by friends and associates, and leav- ing a name without reproach. The faithful administration of the duties of probate jurisdiction requires the highest order of justice and discretion. Dr. Causin's long service in this position, and his reputation for integrity and impartiality, commend his memory to every lover of an upright and pure character. CHAPTER XI. Brief Biographical Sketches of Members Not Previously Classified, but Selected from the Xumerous Dead Because of Distinction. John M, Snyder, William P. Johnston, Benedict Thompson, William B. Drink- ard, William Marbury, Francis A. Ashford, Johnson Eliot, Charles M. Ford, A. Y. P. Garnett, James E. ^Morgan, E. Carroll Morgan, William Lee, William G. Palmer, Daniel R. Hagner. When When Nativ- gradu- ated in medi- bom. ity. Alma Mater. Died. Age. cine. Snyder, John M. 1827 W.Va. 1850 TJniv. New York 1863 36 Thompson, Benedict 1843 Md. 1868 Columbian Univ. 1875 32 Johnston, "William P. 1811 Ga. 1836 Univ. Pa. 1876 65 Drinkard, William B. 1842 B.C. 1 1865 1866 M. R. C. S. ) Col. Univ. 1 1877 35 Marbury, William 1824 D. C. 1847 Univ. Pa. 1879 55 Eliot, Johnson 1815 D. C. 1842 Col. Univ. 1885 67 Ashford, Francis A. 1841 Va. 1807 Col. Univ. 1883 42 Ford, Charles M. 1840 N.Y. 1861 Univ. Pa. 1884 44 Garnett, A. Y. P. 1820 Va. 1842 Univ. Pa. 1888 68 ^rorgan, James E. 1822 Md. 1845 Col. Univ. 1889 67 Morgan, Ethelbert Carroll 1856 D. C. 1877 Univ. Pa. 1891 35 Lee, William 1841 Mass. 1863 Coll.Phy.& Surg. 1893 52 Palmer, William Gray 1824 Md. 1844 Univ. Pa. 1893 69 Hagner, Daniel R. 1830 D. C. 1851 Univ. Pa. 1893 63 In the selection of those named in the caption of this chapter I have been greatly influenced by my personal friendships and long association with the deceased. There are many others among the numerous uuclassified dead whose reputation and memory are equally deserving, whose honor- able lives are entitled to the highest commendation and worthy of record among the elite of the profession, but I am not engaged in any such elaborate history of the membership of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia as would be necessary to complete such an undertaking. Personal reminiscences must necessarily fall far short of complete his- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 177 tories. So far as possible these memoirs have been confined to facts, incidents, and peculiarities known to myself. John M. Snyder was accidentally killed by a fall, in the prime of life. I was with him a short time after the occur- rence of the fatal accident. It was strangely incident to a conversation with him a few days previously. We were sitting together one bright, sunny summer afternoon on the porch at Belvoir, and he was telling me of the pleasure he derived from his afternoon recreations at Greenwood, the possession of which he had but recently acquired, in superintending the improve- ments and decorations of the park around and about the dwelling, and especially of his efforts in pruning the old oak trees of the dead wood and unsightly branches, I expressed my surprise that he would engage in such dangerous amuse- ment, but his reply gave assurance of his care and attention to personal safety. I narrated to him my observation of a hired man whom I had employed to do like service for me at Belvoir, who sawed off the limb supporting him, and fell with it to the ground, fortunately without injury, but for a moment a shocking spectacle to me. He did not heed the warning:, and a few davs afterward I was hastilv summoned by a messenger, who brought the story of his fall from a tree, and I reached him only in time to witness the last of life. The branch of the tree he was sawing off was hanging by a splintered sliver too weak to support its weight, and in swinging to the ground had knocked away the ladder upon which he was standing. My friend was dying. The picture of that sad scene is vivid yet. I have not been to Greenwood since the 3d of August, 1863, the date of the accident. Dr. Snyder died at the age of thirty-six, in the enjoyment of the reputation he had earned by his scrupulous attention to his profession, his earnest Christian life, integrity, and gen- tlemanly demeanor. He was especially noted for his attention to details. Xothing escaped his observation in the sick-room, sometimes, in fact, pushing his inquiries and examinations 12 178 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. into such miDiite details as to be thought fussy by those who deceive themselves by concealment and j)revarications. He was appointed to the professorship of surgery in the Medical Department of Georgetown College in 1854, and at the time of his death held the Chair of Obstetrics and Dis- eases of Women. William P. Johnston was a student at the " Round Hill School/' JSTorthampton, Massachusetts, when George Bancroft, the historian, was the principal. After graduating at Yale College he commenced the study of medicine, and took his degree in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1836. For several years he continued the study in the hospitals of Philadelphia, then spent two years in Paris, and upon his return to this country settled in this city, in 1840. When I came to this city, and for many years afterward, in fact, until his death in 1876, he was the most successful and popular obstetrician in the District of Columbia, and it is doubtful if any successor has or ever will attain such popularity and leave behind him so many people who will mourn, not in form, but in actual and undisguised grief. With this broad and comprehensive statement this sketch might be concluded, for it embodies the expression of ability, qualification, and personal qualities in the highest order rarely combined in one person ; but the story of his life-history is so rich in the gifts and acquirements which deserve and earn success and popu- larity, and is so worthy of emulation by his and our succes- sors, that the truth of history demands some outline of his dominant personal characteristics. Dr. Johnston's distinctive individuality was free from those ragged edges which incite and encourage hostilities, and sharp angles that occasion and intensify friction. His cordiality of manner, conciliatory disposition, equable temperament, and love of peace led him along the paths of fraternal comity and good will. He was never the leader or abettor of contention, but always sought to appease animosities, adjust dissensions, quiet disturbances, and restore friendships, without leaving PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 179 scars to impair the completeness of his good intention. To these qualities was added a something — an indescribable mag- netism — which endeared him to every woman whom he had attended during her travail, commanded the respect and hom- age of every husband and father, and so attached children and young adults that his life seemed to be one continuous greeting of joyous confidences and affection. He was one of a coterie of influential and distinguished medical men who during their active lives asserted themseh^es in all the relations of good citizenship, not for personal ag- grandizement, but in the maintenance of the dignity and influence of the medical profession. They held that the pro- fession had a wider range of usefulness than the confines of the closed sick-room, and that a body of educated and scien- tific gentlemen having access to every household should make and direct public opinion in everything pertaining to the welfare and health of the community. That gene- ration of resolute men has passed away, and the profession of to-day has so far compromised its force and power in the competitive struggle of the numerous and increasing special- isms for individual success that as a body of men it exer- cises no more influence in the community than an equal number of other men distributed among the miscellaneous thousands. He was the first physician in this city to devote special attention to the diseases of women, but he never abandoned general practice. He was for many years the Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women in the Columbian Uni- versity, and during his life held many offices of honor in the profession. He was a fluent and polished debater, and until ill-health overtook him was a very active member of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. From an obituary notice of Dr. Johnston, over the initials of a gentleman now a distinguished member of the bar of this city [Evening Star, October 27, 1876), I quote the following paragraph : 180 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. This it was that made us love him. It was not simply that he was a gentleman — many of his brethren are this, but too many of them lack that high sense of honor which holds the confidences of a patient as something which no torture could force a revelation of. No man ever needed an assurance of secrecy from his lijjs. The most modest woman trusted him completely, feeling that her delicacy was as sacred to him as that of his own child. This is why we revered and hon- ored him. This publication occasioned some criticism, in reply to Avhich its author distributed the following printed circular, disclaiming any intentional reflection upon medical men : Washington City, October 30, 1876. To DR..N. S. LiKCOLN, President of the Medical Association, D. C. : Dear Sir : I was surprised to learn from yesterday's Capital that some lines written by me in memory of Dr. Johnston were construed as an attack upon his brethren of the profession. For this construc- tion the editor of that journal is responsible, not I. His defence of that which I did not, could not, assail — the honor of the profession as a body — is as gratuitous as it certainly is most ill-timed. I cannot permit myself to be drawn into any newspaper contro- versy upon a subject shrouded by the shadow of death. I must, however, in justice to myself, protest against this construction as one most foreign to my intention, and, in my opinion, unwarranted by the words used. What I wished to express was this : That Dr. Johnston was pre-eminent for the prudence and delicacy which he exhibited in his confidential relations with his patients. There was that about him which inspired absolute confidence in him as a man, apart from any obligation imposed upon him by the code of his profession. The attempt to represent me as saying that this profession as a body, or any considerable portion of it, is false to that obligation is most unjust. Xo man honors it, collectively and individually, more than I do. I have the pleasure of knowing personally so many of its members, for whom I feel the highest respect, that any attack from me would be, in a manner, unnatural. I have especially honored the courage of physicians in resisting that unjust rule of law which refuses to pro- tect confidences existing between doctor and patient. This courage and high sense of honor are, I am glad to say, char- acteristic of the profession. When I wrote that too many of its members lacked that high sense I only repeated what I have heard PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 181 some of your own body say again and again. I am persuaded that none of them have felt aggrieved by my words. No lawyer in good standing would feel his profession assailed by the statement — unde- niably true— that too many of its members lack common honesty. I am sure that every respectable physician will, upon consideration of the matter, conclude with me that the defence of the Capital is much more objectionable than anything which I have written. Eegretting the occasion of this communication, I am, with the highest respect, Your obedient servant, E. Eoss Perry. The omission of the invidious comparison would have added force and completeness to the statement intended to set forth and emphasize that element of his character which had won for him the esteem and confidence of so many people, and added so much to his popularity as a physician, and I intro- duce the above extract here as an expression of the popular opinion and appreciation of a member whose life-history added honor to the profession of medicine. Inviolability of confidences is the most sacred injunction of professional life, and the few, if thei'e be any such, who are wanting in faithful reverence and acceptance of this precept, which has come to us through the ages past as an unbroken rule of conduct, let them take to themselves the dishonor which, as set forth in the foregoing quotation, laymen attach to its infraction. And let them accept, also, the admonition that the great mass of mankind are influenced in the selection of a physician as well by the high and noble qualities of heart and mind as by his knowledge and skill. From the beginning of tlie practice of medicine, and throughout my entire professional life, I have been at dif- ferent periods more or less disturbed by an aberration ot memory, which at first I supposed was peculiar to myself, consisting in a sudden apprehension, more or less intense, that I had made a mistake either in the composition or quantity of some ingredient in some prescription which would be inju- rious to the patient. In the beginning such seizures occurred but rarely, perhaps several times during a year, then more 182 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ofteu,and, finally, so often as to become a serious disturbance, because of growing fear tliat it might unfit me for the pursuit of my profession. These apprehensions might come on soon after or several hours after the visit at which the prescription was written ; or perhaps I would be awakened from a sound sleep with the intense apprehension of mistake in a certain recipe. I would be perfectly sure that I had taken every possible precaution against such mistake, but the perverted perception could not be quieted or dismissed except by an examination of the written prescription, and this could only be accomplished by going to the drug-store where I might know it had been compounded, or return to the dwelling of the patient, very much to the surprise of the attendant or nurse, to ascertain such facts as would dismiss the painful suspense. No one free from such unfortunate and distressing worry can appreciate the satisfaction and sense of relief that follow the removal of such an incubus, which is only attain- able by actual proof that no mistake has been made. The fact that similar perverse conceptions had occurred many times before without the discovery of a mistake offers no relief from the succeeding perturbation. At one time — a long time ago — these aberrations" of memory — I know not how better to describe them — became so frequent and occasioned me so much anxiety that I determined to consult a medical friend of large and varied experience, and selected Dr. Johnston. After listening patiently to the story of my affliction he said : " Do not give yourself any further trouble about it ; it be- longs to the practice of medicine, and is one of its most dis- agreeable annoyances ; many physicians are to a greater or less extent the victims of similar apprehensions ; it has pur- sued me through life, and there was but that single remedy of positive assurance that no mistake had been made." Then he related, in a somewhat amusing manner, the many pretexts and excuses he had many times made to conceal the object of an unexpected, unnecessary, and untimely visit. This inter- view relieved me entirely of mental worry over a fancied PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 183 peculiarity, and was followed by less frequent occurrence of such memory aberrations, which have gradually lessened in frequency, but not completely disappeared. I do not know the proportion of medical men subject to this annoyance, but believe very many are. I have been told by many to whom I narrated this circumstance that they had suffered many times in like manner. The death of Dr. Johnston was followed in a few months by the death of William Beverly Drinkard. The death of the former found " a tempering solace in the fact that he had been permitted to attain the full fruition of a laborious, use- ful, and distinguished career, passing away with peaceful tran- quillity in the evening of life, when the threescore and ten years allotted to man had been nearly reached." The latter was cut down in the vigor and prime of manhood life, " young, buoyant, hopeful, aspiring, ambitious, and possessed of the highest order of talent, carefully and assiduously culti- vated." William B. Drinkard was distinguished as a man for his uniform courtesy, unswerving integrity, and honorable bear- ing; as a physician, for his learning, his skill, and his devo- tion to duty ; and as a brother practitioner, for his urbanity, courtesy, and high regard for the ethics of professional inter- course. ITone knew him but to love him, and the better he was known the more he was loved. " With none of the dissipations of life and none of the passions which enslave the souls and minds of men ; with a thorough knowledge and appreciation of all the departments of professional education, he had already gained a position in this community which but few can hope to attain, even after the longest life." He was great in every capacity of life, noble in every circum- stance and act, and true and faithful in every relation of life. No one ever saw him ruffled by temper or heard an unkind word from him toward any human being, nor heard anyone speak unkindly or unfriendly of him. He was alike distin- guished for his liberality of sentiment, " punctilious bearing, 184 Pi:BSoy^AL reminiscences. unswerving integrity, regard for the feelings of others," ele- gance of manner, purity of life, disinterested friendship, varied attainments, wisdom, and prudence. As he lived so he died. That courtesy and punctilio which characterized his demeanor toward every one, that firm and heroic will which had so pre-eminently distinguished his career from the beginning of his professional studies, and those high social and intellectual qualities which had sur- rounded hira with so many friends, never forsook him, never once yielded under the painful suffering which terminated in death. From the commencement of his illness till within a few minutes of his death he retained all of his faculties, and never once lost his self-possession. He understood the nature of the disease, marked its progress, and realized its dangers. After a night of great anxiety he replied to my inquiry with his accustomed suavity of manner and usual precision of lan- guage : " I am better. The night was one of intense suffer- ing. I am not, however, out of danger." The hope proved delusive, and four days afterward he called me to his bedside and inquired if everything had been done, and having been informed that our resources had been exhausted, he said : "It must be manifest to you that I am dying. For four days I have struggled against this ; but it is no use, the end is near. I must intrust to you what I wish to say." With marked deliberation, calmness, and clearness he communicated his request. When this interview had been concluded he asked for his mother, who immediately entered his chamber from an adjoining room. I know not what passed, but in bidding her good-by he said : " Mother, next to the immediate family, hold those friends who have been with me during my illness forever in affectionate remembrance." Next he called his sis- ter and brother's wife, and then the brothers, one by one ; to each he spoke words of comfort, and bade each an affectionate and final farewell. Pausing a moment and looking away, he suddenly turned toward a brother presenting the infant nephew, and with outstretched arras he bade Joe come to him, PEBSOXAL REMINISCENCES. 185 clasped him in his arms, kissed him, and returned him to his father. Next came the interview with a lady whom he held in high esteem. And then came tottering to his bedside the old family servant. He grasped her haud and said : " Yon nursed me during my infancy, and have always been faithful to me. I do not wish to die, but it is so ;" and drawing her to him, kissed her, and bade her a final good-by. He alone passed through this trying and afflicting scene unmoved. Not once did his voice falter ; never for one moment did he lose himself, but all his utterances were delivered with such calmness as I never witnessed. When all this had passed the mental aberrations of approaching death began. With an occasional irrelevant inquiry concerning some patient, and the giving of precise directions to another, he lingered on, when suddenly, seeming to re-possess himself, he ex- claimed, " Au revoir, " and died, surrounded by his family and friends. It was well said by one of his admirers: "The grandest and most eloquent expression of belief in the im- mortality of the soul is condensed in the ' Au revoir^ of Dr. Drinkard." This sketch is an imperfect summary and abstract of the proceedings of the memorial meeting of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, held in commemoration of his death, and inadequately sets forth the profound sorrow of his professional associates. Dr. Drinkard was the first physician in this city who made ophthalmology a specialty, and though successful and com- manding a large business in that special department, he never limited his practice exclusively to it. At the time of his death he was Professor of Anatomy in the Columbian Uni- versity, and had had charge of the Department of the Diseases of the Eye and Ear in the Children's Hospital, District ot Columbia, from the date of establishment of that institution. He was one of its founders. In its memorial notice of him, the Board of Lady Visitors of the institution concludes with the words : " Few men are found who united so much of the 186 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. tenderness of women with the firmness and decision, the promptness and energy of the noblest manhood." William Marbury was the firmest man in belief in the justice of his own judgment I ever knew. He brought to the consideration of every subject a conscientious and impar- tial deliberation, and adhered to his conclusion with a will so inflexible that it knew no fear, favor, or affection. He was as distinguished for his uprightness and equity as for his in- trepid firmness. No one doubted his unequivocal and con- scientious truth, his unremitting devotion to duty, and his unvarying Christian consistency. He was pure, artless, and direct in all things, and, withal, kind, gentle, and affectionate. He loved his friends, but love could not tempt him into the ways of doubtful duty and injustice. During his last illness an incident occurred which em- phasized an element of his character. After Dr. Tyler had delivered to him the result and recommendations of the con- sultation he inquired if he could be allowed " to poll the jury," to which each of the consultants (Drs. Tyler, Mackall, and myself) assented. When he had concluded he laughed heartily at his failure to discover any disagreement, and ex- pressed his acquiescence in the conclusion. He knew he was fatally ill of a chronic heart affection, but he was not willing to accept a conclusion unless it was the concurrent judgment of the attendants. Dr. Marbury was one of my first acquaintances among medical students, being a student in the office of Dr. Grafton Tyler when I commenced the study of medicine ; was my room-mate during the course of 184:6-47 at the University of Pennsylvania ; afterward a colleague in this city ; and I was one of his attendants during his last illness. As I knew him during the thirty-three years of our intimate association, so I have set forth his character and worth. Dr. Marbury was not a man of brilliant intellect, but a faithful student and successful physician. Having accumu- lated a handsome competency by a very fortunate investment, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 187 he retired from the practice of medicine about ten years before his death. He never married. Johnson EHot was many years my senior, but one of ray earhest and best friends. Our congenial corapanionsbip began with our early acquaintance and ceased only with his death. Few medical men pass through such a long life and retain, as he did, the mental and physical vigor to discharge all the obligations of a large and laborious business up to the date of his last and brief illness. He died in the harness, working up to the very hour of the initial chill of a fatal pneumonia. This one circumstance, and there were very many equally sig- nificant, illustrates his self-sacrificing nature. He could not deny himself to any person who sought his professional ser- vices, nor refuse his counsel and assistance to any colleague who might request such aid. He was especially considerate of young practitioners, and took the liveliest pleasure in pro- moting their successful and satisfactory management of diffi- cult and emergency cases, without regard to reward, loss of time, or physical endurance. With the manners and demeanor of a modest and retiring gentleman of high integrity he united the rare combination of acute sensitiveness with an equally quick forgiveness. The latter quality was so responsive in mitigation and obliter- ation of all traces of displeasure, irritation, and heart-burning, that it was more than compensatory of an attribute so acutely incentive of contention, resentment, rankling, and bad blood. They were innate qualities of an amiable temperament, which more or less dominated a life characterized by the inspiration of charity with but little of harm. Dr. Eliot was one of four founders, before referred to, of the Medical Department of Georgetown College, and retained active connection with the institution until its reorganization in 1876. As I conclude this brief sketch, I am reminded that Eliot, Morgan, Howard, and Youno- were four intimate friends whose mutual and indissoluble friendship emphasized their conduct as coadjutors in common interest and fraternal companionship. 188 PERSONAL BEMINLSCENCES. I resumed the practice of medicine in this city by shar- ing, at his invitation, office accommodations at 1731 Penn- sylvania Avenue, X. W., with Dr. Francis A. Ashford, who was at that time the assistant surgeon of the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum. I was asso- ciated with him and others in the organization of the dis- pensary established in connection w'ith that institution in 1869. He was the first person to whom I communicated the project of establishing the Children's Hospital of the District of Columbia, and was the attending surgeon of the hospital from the date of its organization until his death. He was the only other person present at my first consultation with Father Healey, President of Georgetown College, in regard to the reorganization of the medical faculty in 1876, and was appointed Professor of Surgery, which he held until his death; at the same time I w^as appointed to the Profes- sorship of Theory and Practice of Medicine. I was associated with him and others in efforts to establish a general hospital in this city, the possibility of which he revived soon after his accession to the Professorship of Surgery, and prosecuted with unremitting energy, but with little success, until Mr. A. S. Solomons, who had been his most active lay coadjutor, suggested to him the association of his project and efforts w'ith the name of the martyred President. It was through his influence and efforts that the public meetiug of citizens was held at Lincoln Hall, October 5, 1881, at which Mr. Justice Miller presided and by which he was authorized, by the unanimous vote of those present, to appoint an executive committee of twenty-five, empowered to proceed wath and complete the organization of the institution now known as the Garfield Memorial Hospital. He and I were members of that committee. He first suggested the acquisition of the property of the Sailors' and Soldiers' Orphans' Home, and to his persistent efforts and force of character, with the assistance and co-operation of the trustees of that institution and some of the more active incorporators of the Garfield Hospital, the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 189 transfer of that valuable property was finally accomplished. I am not writing the history of the Garfield Hospital, but simply setting forth the successive events in the life of Dr. Ashford leading up to and in connection with the inception and foundation of that institution, that I may establish the fact that to him belong the distinction and honor of being its founder. He did not live to witness its dedication and snc- oess and to enjoy the honor which would have come to him. In corroboration I cite the following testimony of several who were associates and witnesses of his labors to establish the memorial hospital. The plau of building a general hospital in Washington was agitated for many years, and, although the need of such an institu- tion was always felt, the project never neared a successful issue until Ashford took the helm. The present hopeful outlook of the Garfield Hospital may in great part be traced to his earnest and persistent effort. — W. W. JoHXSTOi^, Trarisactiom of the Washington Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. For more than twenty years preceding efforts had been made to establish in this city a general hospital, but not until Ashford assumed the leadership did the project promise success. To him, more than to any other person, the Garfield Memorial Hospital owes its present prospect of permanent establishment. — Memorial Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. It is due to the memory of Dr. Ashford to give a sincere expres- sion of our appreciation of his services in the institution of this hospital, and to say that to him, more than to any other, is due the credit of initiating this undertaking, and, by his unobtrusive energy, of putting it in the path of success. — Memorial resolution of the Board of Directors of the Garfield Hospital. When the war broke out, Ashford, then a resident of Vir- ginia, joined the Confederate Army and followed the fortunes of his native State from Ball's Bluff to Petersburg, where he was wounded and captured. As a soldier he won the love and respect of his comrades and commanded the admiration of his superior officers. After his release from prison at the close of the war he began the study of medicine with Dr. 190 PERSONAL REBIINISCENCES. Thomas Miller, and graduated in 1867. He was imme- diately appointed Resident Physician of Columbia Hospital, and subsequently the Assistant Surgeon and a Director. With the admission of the first patient to the Children's Hos- pital, February 1, 1871, began his practical studies of joint- affections of children. During the twelve succeeding years he devoted himself to this branch of surgery with the zeal and ardor of an intelligent and skilful enthusiast. The records of the hospital attest the brilliant results he attained in this special department, as well as in the wider field of general surgery. He was not, however, exclusively a sur- geon, but had, with unusual success, grasped the oppor- tunities of a general practitioner, and brought to his aid the combination of the rare attainments of a clinical and oper- ative surgeon and successful obstetrician and gynecologist. As an obstetrician and gynecologist he won a high reputa- tion. His remarkable success in the surgery of the female pelvic organs commanded the admiration of his professional associates and acquaintances, and his counsel and assistance were almost universally sought by his colleagues in those cases requiring unusual skill, experience, and operative dex- terity. His advice was never refused to those who sought it. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand and share responsi- bility, and to the rich and poor alike he was equally polite and attentive. His imperturbable temperament and self-possession were not less remarkable than his discretion and reticence. These qualities marked him as a wise counsellor, a prudent and cautious physician, and a man of commanding influence. He was a man of positive convictions, yet never offensively ob- truded his opinions upon others. His judgment was so evenly balanced with moderation, and his manner so free from bias and prejudice, that the more intimate the acquaintance the stronger became the ties of personal friendship. He was always mindful of the dignity and nobility of his profession, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 191 and was the life and soul of every enterprise looking to its advancement and utility. Snyder, Driukard, and Ashford died young. They were my social and professional friends. I am the only surviving witness of the death of each of them. One died by an acci- dent, one of acute pneumonia, and the other of an acute heart affection. Among the dead of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia there were no others before them, so young, who attained the success and reputation of these three members. The youngest died at thirty-five and the eldest at forty-two, in the vigor and prime of life, beloved and honored by the community and the profession for their ability, high character, and sincere and unswerving Christianity. Equa- nimity of temperament, fidelity to duty, sincerity and direct- ness of purpose, and faith in Christ were qualities common to them, to which can be traced the success which crowned their lives with honor and love. Born for success, they seemed, With grace to win, with heart to hold, "With shining gifts that took all eyes. Charles M. Ford was a unique and versatile character, singularly combining the histrionic and keen perceptive quali- ties of a comedian with the reserve and dignity of an unos- tentatious and unobtrusive gentleman. He seemed to have been gifted with a redundant and effusive repertoire of serio-comic and burlesque grotesqueness which he could command at will and subordinate to the gravity or levity of the occasion, at times giving full scope and expres- sion to ludicrous dialogue or song, illustrated with such facial mimicry and physical gyrations as might adapt his concep- tions to the taste of his company, and following such exhibi- tion with such display of reserved circumspection and dignity as would sadden the reflections of the company with the aus- tere reflection of connivance in guilty aud obscene sport. He could at will be the gentleman or buffoon, grave and rever- 192 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ential, modest or loud. In the sick-room be was a deliberate and painstaking pbysician, sympathetic and considerate ; at the dinner-table a staid and dignified gentleman ; and on the excursion a rollicking and sometimes an indecorous buflfoon, overflowing occasionally in inexhaustible and versatile variety. But withal his good nature was as imperturbable as it was enduring. When in the mood he would monopolize the atten- tion of the company, and at another time seclude himself from general observation in quiet conversation. Such were the character and temperament of a man who, in life, was surrounded by many friends and left behind him no enemies. The worst that could be said of him is to the effect that he frittered away opportunities for high distinction in the levity and frivolities of pastime and pleasure, sacrificing himself for the amusement and entertainment of others, who followed in sorrow his remains to the grave, but soon forgot the jovial good fellow. Such good nature, even in combination with other commendable qualities, as was eminently so with Ford, is not conducive to an enduring reputation. Alexander Yelverton Peyton Garuett was born at the family residence, "Prospect Hill," in Essex County, Virginia, September 19, 1820. After finishing his academical career at the age of nineteen he entered the University of Pennsylvania as a student of medicine, and, graduating in the year 1842, passed his exami- nation before the Naval Board with distinction and secured an appointment as Assistant Surgeon in the Navy of the United States. While in the port of K-io de Janeiro he became a visitor in the family of the Hon. Henry A. Wise, of Virginia, then Minister from the United States to the Court of Brazil. The result of this acquaintance was the marriage to the eldest daughter after their return to this country, which occurred in the fall of 1848. After his marriage he was stationed tem- porarily in this city, and upon being ordered to sea in 1849 he resigned his commission in the Navy and entered upon his PERSONAL BEMINISCENCES. 193 career as a civil practitioner. He was strong-willed, of good education, large acquaintance, and captivating address ; had an excellent and discriminating mind, with a store of common- sense, an untiring energy, and a sympathetic nature. In a few years he came to the front rank of his profession and was elected to the Chair of Practice of Medicine in the National Medical College, had made an unusually large circle of friends and acquaintances, and acquired a high reputation. Although never actively engaged in politics, few men in the country enjoyed better opportunities for understanding the political situation or took a keener interest therein. Of an ardent temperament and possessed of strong family and State pride, Dr. Garnett had his sympathies deeply interested in the excit- ing issues which engrossed politicians at the National Capital during the years immediately preceding the Confederate War. He was the family physician of many of the leading politicians of both parties. Closely related to Senator Hunter, Hon. M. R. H. Garnett, Governor Wise, and the constant attendant and intimate of such men as Breckinridge, Floyd, Douglas, and Caleb Gushing, he became known as an ardent Southerner in his sympathies. As partisan feeling became more bitter and State after State seceded, the situation of a man whose position was as prominent and whose views were as pronounced as those of Dr. Garnett was anything but pleasant or even safe. Having been reared to the belief that his first allegiance was due to Virginia, when that State seceded from the Union he left a successful and lucrative practice, abandoned his resi- dence in Washington, and, leaving every earthly possession real and personal north of the Potomac, proceeded with his wife and family direct to Richmond, Virginia, and entered the service of his State, When prepared to depart he dis- covered that troops had been placed at the entrance of the Long Bridge across the Potomac. He went in person to the Hon. Simon Cameron, then Secretary of War, with whom he was on very friendly terms, and demanded a passport to Vir- ginia. The Secretary deprecated what he considered a rash 13 194 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and reckless step ou the part of Dr. Garnett, called his atten- tion to the sacrifice he would make, the extreme hazard of the venture, and coupled these with a masterly presentation of the inducements to remain. Dr. Garnett informed him that he had thoroughly scanned the picture long before they had met and that he knew what burden he assumed when he left it, but that he owed a duty far above the plane on which his argument revolved which required him to take the present step, and concluded with the remark, " If you offered me a lump of gold as large as the dome of the Capitol to stay, I would not do it." So soon as he reached the Southern capital he was taken anew in the confidence of the social and leading men whom he had known in Washington. During the war he was the family physician of President Davis and on terms of cordial social intimacy with him and his household. He was also the family physician of Governor Fletcher, Generals R. E. Lee, Smith, Joe Johnston, Hampton, Breckinridge, and nearly every member of the Confederate Cabinet and Senate. Upon the removal of the Provisional Government of the Confed- eracy to Richmond, which occurred soon after his arrival, he was placed in charge of two hospitals. He was also a member of the Board of Medical Examiners which sat in Rich- mond to examine applicants for admission to the Medical Corps. No man who did not witness the scenes enacted in a Con- federate hospital in Richmond during the war will appreciate the strain upon the physical and mental energies and the worry and heartsickuess which they brought to a sympathetic nature. When Richmond was evacuated, in April, 1865, Dr. Garnett, at the request of President Davis, accompanied him as a member of his personal staff and remained with him until after the surrender of General Johnston's army, when he re- turned to Richmond as a paroled prisoner. Securing a home in Richmond, he immediately resumed the practice of his pro- fession with a zeal disaster could not quench nor even abate. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 195 All of his property real and personal which was situated in the City of Washington had been confiscated by the United States Government, and in August, 1865, he returned to Washington, his business affairs demanding his presence. On this visit his former patients and his many friends so urged him to return and reside in Washington that he determined to remove to this city, and did return with his family in the fall of 1865. He was re-elected to the Chair of Clinical Medicine in the National Medical College, of which institu- tion he was for many years an Emeritus Professor ; he was also a Director and Consulting Physician of the Children's Hospital, and President of the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia. In 1874 he was chosen President of the Southern Memorial Association of Washington and selected to deliver the oration upon the occa- sion of interring the Confederate dead who had fallen during Early's advance upon AVashington. This was the fiirst public assemblage of Confederates within the District since the war. In the year 1887 he was elected President of the American Medical Association. He left his home on the morning of July 10, 1888, to visit the seaside, and a few minutes after arriving there died suddenly from heart failure. His char- acter can probably be best summed up in an extract from a pamphlet published by him and known as an " Exposition of Facts," addressed to the medical profession of Washing- ton and Georgetown on the occasion of an investigation into the conduct of a member. It is an example of the firmness and independence of his views : If this Association does not possess the moral courage, indepen- dence, and professional jiride to maintain its own authority, vindicate its honor, and conserve its principles, it is better that we should at once abrogate its Constitution and adjourn " sine die." For myself, I have no concessions to make, no favors to ask, no compromises to oflfer with wrongdoing. With a " mens sibi conscia recti " I shall pursue the even tenor of my way, doing what I know to be right without fear, favor, or affection ; and when my record is finished and I am 196 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. gathered home to the land of spirits, all I ask is that there be placed upon the stone which covers my remains this inscription : "Hie jacet vir, Qui conscientiam tenebat, Fallaciam abhorrebat, Ignavum detestabatur, At que nunquam verebatur recte facere." The '■' Exposition of Facts" was addressed to the " Medical Profession of Washington and Georgetown," and purported to be the publication of an explanation which he had been prevented from reading to the Medical Association by a '-par- liamentary ruling," and consists mainly of the record of the trial of Surgeon Baxter upon the charges preferred by hira (Garnett), with such comment as he claimed was necessary for the proper understanding of the controversy. James E. Morgan would have accomplished success in any occupation he might have chosen to pursue. With natural ability, intrepid will, and indomitable energy he combined quick perception of human character, close observation, self- reliance, and common-sense. There are but few men charac- terized by a combination of such admirable qualities. To them he added the faculty of trained application, which enabled him to dominate himself with some one or more of these qualities which would best serve the occasion. He never allowed his will unrestrained dominion, nor his energy to run away with his common-sense. Dr. Morgan began the practice of medicine in that part of the city then known as '' The Island," now as South Wash- ington. He succeeded others who had failed and departed thenceforth, yet his success was so rapid that his business soon extended beyond the territorial limits of "The Island" precinct, and he became very early in his professional life one of the most conspicuous and widely known general practi- tioners in the District of Columbia. His success was not due to any extraneous influences, but to the innate qualities of the man. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 197 He was a conciliatory, kind-hearted, and generous man and friend. So generous and well defined were the virtues of lenity, moderation, and tenderness that he repelled strife and controversy, and was always animated by the impulses of peace and good-will. He loved his profession, and lived up to the highest standard of ethical requirements. In 1852 he was appointed to the Professorship of Physi- ology and Medical Jurisprudence in the Medical Department of Georgetown College, and in 1858 he was transferred to the Chair of Materia jNIedica and Therapeutics, which he held until 1876, when he, with Young, Eliot, and Howard, volun- tarily relinquished their active duties, and each was made a professor emeritus. During the twenty-four years of his college service those four men were bound together by the indissoluble bond of mutual friendship, though distinctly dis- similar in personal characteristics and special attainments, and frequently diifering widely in matters of private judg- ment. The ripeness and constancy of their mutual devotion in common interest through so many years are worthy of the highest commendation and emulation by their successors, and will hold their memories in the enduring remembrance of those who were privileged to know their inner lives. Dr. Morgan exercised considerable influence in the councils of the profession, and always in the paths of peace and good- will. He was opposed to ethical controversies, and held that peace was a better arbiter of justice than wrangling. Ethelbert Carroll Morgan was the eldest son of James E. Morgan. In childhood he showed a raeciianical turn of mind, preferring to pass his time in the building of diminutive der- ricks, railway cars, boats, houses, etc., rather than in sports and games. As a youth his fondness was for chemistry, physics, and general experimentation. During this period of his life he spent most of his leisure moments in a little impro- vised pharmacy and telegraph office which he had fitted up in the dwelling. The bottles of colored liquid were arranged 198 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. with their lights that the visitor and family might never for- get that the alchemist was at home. His telegraph line, rim and equipped by himself, covered the distance of a few houses. After graduating in medicine he spent a year or two in Europe, devoting himself especially to the study of laryn- gology, and returned home fully equipped for special practice in that department of medicine to which he limited his prac- tice, and in which he so speedily attained such distinction as to be elected the President of the American Laryngological Association in 1879, at the age of thirty-three years. This single fact is sufficient attestation of his high attainments, skill, and success. But such an official declaration of his reputation was not necessary with those who were actual wit- nesses of his daily work or were fortunate enough to secure his professional services. He was, in fact, and not merely by profession, a specialist, and limited his practice to his special branch of medicine, declining to engage in general practice, or even to accept complimentary opportunities in that direc- tion. As a physician he was thorough, precise, and method- ical. His father was wont to say of him that " his mechanical turn of mind had given him special aptitude in the application and use of his tools." He died at the age of thirty-five, but had made a reputation only rarely attained by men so young. His life was character- ized by those qualities of temperament, fidelity, sincerity, and Christian faith which are always crowned with success. Through a long illness he was animated by the highest sense of duty, and exhibited the patience and heroism of a man whose Christian faith rose above physical suffering. Dr. E. C. Morgan left the following charitable and scien- tific bequests : And I hereby give, bequeath, and devise any and all the estate, real, personal, and mixed, devised to me under my father's will and to which I become entitled to have and possess upon my mother's death to my trustees hereinafter named, their heirs and assigns for- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 199 ever with full power to sell, convey, mortgage, encumber, and rein- vest in trust, nevertheless to pay and see to the application of First : The sum of Ten thousand ($10,000) dollars to Georgetown University in the District of Columbia, to be used and held as an endowment for the prosecution of research in the Colonial His- tory of Maryland and the territory now embraced in the District of Columbia and obtaining and preserving archives and papers having relation thereto, and known as the James Ethelbert Morgan Fund ; Second : A sum not to exceed Five thousand ($5,000) dollars to be applied and expended under the personal supervision of my trustees to the purchase and erection of a chime of bells and a side altar or memorial window or a bell and either a side altar or a memorial win- dow for some one Catholic Church; said church to be in the District and to be designated by my mother by her last will or otherwise, and if she fails so to do, I direct my trustees to carry out this trust as a memorial of my mother Nora Morgan, and donate the same to some Catholic Church, giving a preference, if there be one, built by the Jesuits. And in event this clause and gift be void, I direct said sum, not exceeding ($5,000) five thousand dollars shall be equally divided be- tween Saint Vincent's and St. Joseph's Catholic Orphan Asylums in the City of Washington ; Third : A sufficient sum not to exceed Three thousand dollars, the income to be applied to maintain a scholarship in the study of medi- cine preferably in Georgetown University ; otherwise in some Medi- cal College in the District, to be known as the E. Carroll Morgan Scholarship ; Fourth : The sum of Five thousand ($5,000) dollars to form a fund known as the E. Carroll Morgan fund or scholarship, to be apj^lied as I may hereafter verbally indicate to my trustees, or if I fail, as my trustees with the advice or proper persons may decide, to the main- tenance of a Scientific Department, or the foundation and application of the income to a scholarship in the Classical Department in the University of Georgetown in the District of Columbia. I further direct my executors and trustees to cause two copies to be made of the portriat of my father by Armour, and present one to the Literary Department and the other to the Medical Department of Georgetown University. Among others deserving of honorable mention who died young may be named, without invidiousness, Thomas F. Maury, who died in 1871, at the age of thirty-six; Seth I. 200 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Todd, in 1874, at thirty-two; Benedict Thompson, in 1875, at thirty-two ; James S. Beale, in 1884, at forty-three ; and Charles M. Ford, in 1884, at forty-four. The news of Beale's sudden death was brought to me while sitting at the bedside of Ford, who survived him three days. Todd was compelled by ill-health to retire from the practice of medi- cine several years before his death, and Thompson was a patient sufferer with phthisis pulmonalis for some years before the fatal attack of typhoid fever. Not one of these had at- tained that eminence in the profession which marked the careers of Snyder, Drinkard, Ashford, and E. Carroll Mor- gan ; but all of them had reached that success and deserved popularity which gave promise of a higher standard of pro- fessional attainments had their lives been spared. Benedict Thompson was a man of marked individuality, characterized with a will as indomitable as it was outspoken, and persistence in prosecution without artifice, but not always tempered with that " suaviter in modo " which adds force to purpose and disarms antagonism. He was firm and steadfast in friendships and unremitting in dislikes, free from dis- guise, cool and deliberate in judgment, never hasty, but fear- less in giving expression to opinion, and never measuring the import of his words by the courtesies of punctilious ceremony. He did not seek contention, nor elude it by any compromise of opinion or self-respect. He merited and commanded the esteem and confidence of his friends and associates, and while unobtrusive in manner and conduct, he never sought to escape duty or responsibility. He was a very active worker in the Medical Society, de- voting time and labor to promote its scientific progress. For a number of years he was either a member or chairman of the Committee on Essays, and labored with great assiduity and success in the discharge of its onerous duties. William Lee was an example of that class of medical men who combined the qualities of a competeut physician with some one or more elements of character or disposition which PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 201 estranged and repelled patients. He Mas a careful and dili- gent student; a painstaking clinician; attentive to every duty; dispassionate and courteous in manner; polite, tidy, and considerate in the sick-room ; a popular and scholarly teacher ; respected and honored by his colleagues-; prepos- sessing in personal appearance, and a gentleman in every relation of life ; and yet he struggled through thirty years of active pursuit of his profession without attaining a competency of annual income. I knew him well and long, have been with him in the sick-room, and have many times endeavored to solve the problem of his signal failure. I know of no death in recent years that brought together so many professional friends and associates to unite in paying the last tribute of respect and to give expression of their sorrow, but not one could offer any explanation of his phenomenal career. The mystery of his professional life has left no salient lesson to profit those who will cherish the memory of his honorable life. William Gray Palmer was the son of a very popular phy- sician in Montgomery County, Maryland. He studied medi- cine with his father, and had only such opportunities as are usual in the office of a busy country practitioner, so that his clinical advantages during his student-life were limited to such observations as the clinics of the University of Penn- sylvania afforded during two successive courses. During this period I was a student at the Rockville Academy and a room- mate of his younger brother, who was a student of law in the office of John Brewer, our mutual friend, with whom we lived. W. G. Palmer was a frequent visitor, and the brother and myself made occasional excursions to the farm of their father not far distant from the village. They were both older than myself, but companionable. Thus was formed a mutual friendship, which continued during their lifetimes. Immediately after his graduation, in 1844, he made his brother a visit, during which he evinced the joy and enthusi- asm of a man who believed that success and reputation were in the open field before, waiting the occasion when his energy 202 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and self-reliance would seize them. He was as sure of suc- cess as he was that he had graduated with honor and distinc- tion. He commenced the practice of his profession at Bla- densburg, Maryland, and from thence removed to this city in 1853, where he continued to practice until ill-health compelled him to retire. He was a conservative, safe, reliable, and con- scientious physician, commanding the respect of his associates and the confidence of his patients. Dr. Palmer's personal life was characterized by simplicity of manner, modest and unpretentious demeanor, and jovial companionship. He never pretended to be anything more than he really was — conservative, truthful, and honorable in all the relations of life. He was especially distinguished for his good-will toward everybody and for his freedom from the bickerings, jealousies, and animosities which serve only to mar the even temper and friendships that contribute so much to the pleasure and joy of human life. He left no enemies among his acquaintances and professional brethren. During his residence at Bladensburg he became the intimate friend and associate of the late Bishop Pinckney, and was one of his active friends in inducing the Bishop to accept the rectorship of Ascension parish in this city. Daniel R. Hagner was one of my early professional ac- quaintances. After graduating, in 1851, he passed a year or more in Europe, where he fitted himself more thoroughly, and, upon returning, commenced the jjractice of medicine in this his native city, under circumstances so much more favor- able than were usual with beginners at that period, that he soon acquired a prominent position as a competent and suc- cessful practitioner. Dr. Hagner was dominated by such an acutely sensitive nature, with such a keen and high sense of honor, that his intimate friendships and confidential associates were limited to many less in number than his professional attainments and social position should have allied to him. He drew the lines too sharply for the era in which he lived. These traits. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 203 together with the equally developed quality of precision in truth, marked him as a man whose frieudship and confidence were worthy of possession ; and whilst they did not surround him with a retinue of followers and flatterers, they did endear him to his chosen coterie of firm and steadfast friends. He was likewise too modest and retiring to claim and assert leadership among the foremost practitioners of his time, for which he was so well fitted by capacity, qualification, and intelligent experience. He accepted proffered honors with the reluctance of a man who subordinated ambition and posi- tion to the conscientious and unostentatious discharge of im- perative duties. COMMENTARY. A review of the preceding Chapters VIII., IX., X., and XI. suggests several very interesting considerations worthy of special attention. The direct and active participation of surgeons in the Army and Navy Corps in the foundation and organization of the Medical Society and INIedical Association of the District of Columbia is distinctly set forth, and the continuous co-operation of surgeons in both corps in pro- moting the interest and scientific progress of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia is established by the sub- sequent history. Thomas Henderson and Richard Weight- man, of the Army, and Samuel Horsley, of the Navy, were founders. Henderson and Horsley were present at the meet- ing of the physicians of Washington and Georgetown, Sep- tember 26, 1817, called to consider the expediency of the "organization of a medical society." The former was one of seven appointed at that meeting to " draft a constitution and by-laws," and at the first meeting held after the adoption of the report Weightmau was elected librarian and Hender- son recording secretary, to which office the latter was re- elected at the first meeting, March 8, 1819, held after the incor- poration of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. These incidents in the early history of the society affirm the 204 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. close relation and active co-operation of the two military corps, through their distinguished representatives, in the pre- liminary organization and foundation of a medical society which has continuously maintained an active existence in commemoration of the wisdom of its founders. In 1820 Edmund Cutbush, of the Navy, and in 1822 Joseph Lovell, the first Surgeon-General of the Army, were admitted to membership ; and throughout the entire period of seventy-six years there has been a continuous succession of membership of Army and Navy Surgeons. Singular as it may appear, it is nevertheless true, that Sur- geon-General Lovell was the founder of the Medical Asso- ciation of the District of Columbia. Thomas Miller, in his inaugural address delivered upon his accession to the presi- dency, states that the preliminary movements to effect the organization were suggested by General Lowell, and that he furnished a transcript (see page 171) of the rules and regula- tions of a similar society in Boston, for the instruction and guidance of those associated in its establishment. Lovell and Henderson were members of the committee to draft "a system of ethics and fee bill." Lovell was elected one of the coun- cillors at the first election, and Henderson was the author of the address to the public, which explained satisfactorily the objects and purpose of the organization, and quieted the dis- content and animosities which had incited the community to threaten acts of violence. The active influence of Lovell and Henderson in the organ- ization and permanent establishment of the Medical Associa- tion of the District of Columbia seems to have been entirely forgotten. This society was formed to unite the profession into one concrete body, upon the basis of high professional character and decorum, and to establish and maintain uni- formity of professional relation and intercourse between its members, thereby segregating the pretenders, charlatans, and men of low and doubtful repute, and at the same time present the profession to the community as a body of gentlemen PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 205 animated by the highest impulses of honor, dignity, and the obligations of Christian physicians. The wisdom of its organization has been attested by its history. The interesting and pertinent conclusions are that army and navy suru-eous were actively instrumental in the orarani- zation of the two medical societies in the District of Columbia, one of which has completed its seventy-sixth year, and the other its sixty-second year of continuous existence ; and that the profession of the District of Columbia owes to two army surgeons the inception, organization, and successful defence of a society established in 1833 to define and prescribe the rules and regulations of ethical intercourse and relations of medical gentlemen and of the profession with the public at large. Such historical events ought to guarantee permanency of good feeling and harmonious co-operation in all the relations of professional life and intercourse between the members of these military corps on duty in the District of Columbia and the profession at large, with so many of whom they may be brought into the closest professional relations. It is worthy of note, also, that Frederick and George W. May, two of the founders of the Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia, and Joseph Lovell, were natives of Boston and graduates of Harvard University. In 1825 Thomas Sewall, a native of Massachusetts and graduate of Harvard University, delivered the first lecture in the Medical Depart- ment of Columbian University. From that date until his death in 1845, at the age of fifty -nine years, Sewall was one of the most conspicuous and popular physicians of this city, and commanded a very large and profitable business. In view of the fact that he was the first physician elected to a professorship in the medical school of that University, it seems probable that he was mainly instrumental in perfecting the organization of the first medical school in the District of Columbia. These facts bring to view the influence and instru- mentality of Harvard graduates in the foundation of the senior medical organizations in this city. These data, con- 206 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. sidererl in connection with the fact that seven of the fifteen founders of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, whose alma mater can be ascertained, were alumni of the University of Pennsylvania, show that eleven of the score of distinguished men of that period were graduates of the two medical schools of highest repute in the country at that date, and assert the postulate that scientific medicine in this city owes its inception to men of the highest order of professional attainments, who have left, as memorials of their wisdom and learning, foundations that have continued to foster and pro- mote the progress of medical science. The foregoing statement is all the more significant in con- sideration of the fact that the requirements for the degree in medicine established in 1765 by the University of Pennsyl- vania, from which seven of the founders graduated during the period — 1782 to 1815 — "were such as to insure (Pepper, Higher Medical Education) on the part of every graduate a full and sufficient knowledge of the science and art of medi- cine as then existed." John Morgan and William Shippen, Jr., who inspired the plan of organization of the Medical Department of the University, moulded it upon that of the University of Edinburgh, at which they were educated, and the Trustees declared its degree should be " a real mark of honor, the reward only of distinguished learning and abili- ties," and to this end enacted That all such students as have not taken a degree in any college shall, before admission to a degree in physic, satisfy the Trustees and Professors of the College concerning their knowledge in the Latin tongue, and in such branches of mathematics, natural and experi- mental philosophy as shall be judged requisite to a medical education. To obtain the degree of Doctor of Medicine it was necessary that the applicant should have been a Bachelor of Medicine for at least three years, should have attained the age of twenty-four years, and should wTite and defend a thesis publickly in the College. It is not surprising, then, that such a large proportion of the founders and earlier members of the Medical Society of PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 207 the District of Columbia should have been men of learning and ability. They had taken their degrees in medicine — either from the Harvard or Pennsylvania University — before tlie standard of education had been lowered and the requirements for graduation had been debased by " unwise competition and culpable neglect." This circumstance arrested my attention during the early part of these historical investi- gations, but the explanation did not occur to me until I had read the lectures of Dr. William Pepper, entitled Higher Medical Education, but recently published. It may not be a matter of much concern to the general public or profession at large, and may be considered an unnecessary and invidious distinction, but it is, nevertheless, a convincing fact in favor of the higher standard of preliminary education now demanded by the advocates of a higher medical education. It is suffi- cient to prove, even if it was an isolated instance, that learn- ing adds influence, power, and standing to worth, industry, and fidelity. Youth and maturity were combined in the foundation of the three senior medical organizations. Of the founders of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in 1819, the oldest, Charles Worthingtou, was sixty, and the youngest, Samuel Horsley, twenty-one. The average age of those whose ages can be ascertained was forty. Sewall was thirty-six when he delivered the first medical lecture in the Columbian College ; Lovell was forty-five, Henderson forty-four, and Thomas Miller twenty-seven when the Medical Association was organized in 1833. All of these men attained eminence in the profession, and left behind them the memory of lives animated by noble impulses and Christian philanthropy. The attempted but unsuccessful revolt of the community against the Medical Association of the District of Columbia was a most remarkable occurrence. It was a strange freak of public opinion that assembled citizens in mass meeting to organize concerted action to frustrate the united effort of a number of physicians — fifteen in all — to adopt and enforce 208 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. such rules of conduct as would secure to the community the full fruition of the highest qualifications of the medical fra- ternity and harmonious co-operation among themselves in a common pursuit. And it was even more strange that the same citizens should in mass meetings have resolved, in angry misapprehension, to sever the close relations of the family physician, and, to accomplish this purpose, have invited an influx of strangers from a distance to supply the places and accept the confidences of the evicted family physicians. It was not less remarkable that men so lacking in esprit de corps should have been so easily found to respond to such a momen- tary outburst of bad temper and bad manners. The sturdy independence and courage of such men as Lovell, Henderson, Miller, and their associates, is in marked contrast with the conduct of those who took fright and withdrew from the Asso- ciation, and of those who refused to join it until peace had been restored. Fortunately for the reputation of the profession there is no record of the names of these recusants beyond the statement of Dr. Thomas Miller to the effect that " those who had withdrawn returned, and those who settled here under the call of the citizens petitioned for admission as members." The longevity of the pioneers of the profession in this city and of the founders of the three senior medical organizations, and their immediate associates, who began the practice of medicine under the auspices of their personal acquaintance and association, is more remarkable than the average youth of the founders at the dates of those foundations. The aver- age longevity of the founders of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia was sixty-two, the oldest dying at seventy-seven and the youngest at twenty-three. The aver- age age of the twenty-three physicians admitted to member- ship in the Medical Society of the District of Coluipbia between the dates of its incorporation, 1819, and the organ- ization of the Medical Association, 1833, a period of fourteen years, was sixty-eight. The youngest died at forty-eight, and the oldest at eighty-five. The twenty-three physicians included PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 209 in this calculation is not a selected class, but is the whole num- ber of admissions between the dates above uaracd, except two, whose ages cannot be ascertained. This average could be increased by including others who began the practice of med- icine in the District of Columbia bctweeu the dates named, but did not join the society until after the latter date. Each of these venerable decedents has been referred to in the fore- going pages excepting John M. Semmes, Thomas Scott, Charles F. Wilstach, Baily Washington, aud James M. Staughton. Staughton was elected Professor of Surgery in the Medical School of Columbian College in 1821, and died in Cincinnati in 1833. The absence of ambition, at least so far as it might relate to the acquisition of a national reputation, was another char- acteristic of the earlier members of the INIedical Society ; espe- cially was this true of the class of septuagenarians, among whom there were many very learned men. It does not appear that any one of them took advantage of the unusual oppor- tunities for the attainment and diffusion of a national reputa- tion offered by a residence in a city to which came annually the most distinguished statesmen, jurists, and politicians from every part of the country, and in which resided the men hold- ing high places in the National Government aud the foreign embassies. It cannot be ascertained that the reputation of any one of those learned aud accomplished physicians extended beyond the limits of the " Ten Miles Square." Dr. J. M. Toner has collected ninety-four titles, to which a few others might be added, of contributions to medical and other scien- tific journals by physicians of the District of Columbia who died prior to 1866, which, he adds, " makes a very creditable exhibit of their intelligence, high culture, industry, skill, and powers of observation." Those ninety-four essays were the contributions of thirty men ; fifty-seven were by seven au- thors, and thirty-two were the compositions of four army and two navy surgeons. Many circumstances may have induced such modesty and reticence, such as the laborious life of med- 14 210 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ical men during that period ; the competitive struggle in a new and cosmopolitan city, with limited mail and transporta- tion facilities ; their interest and activity in local enterprises ; the want of a leader with courage and ambition to set the example and with capacity to take the lead in scientific med- ical literature ; the limited opportunities in the country for such publications, and none in this city ; but the most rational explanation lies in the fact that the Medical Society prior to 1866 only met occasionally at very remote intervals for the discussion of medical and scientific subjects. Not less interesting and instructive are the circumstances set forth in the foregoing personal sketches of the dead of our profession that refer to the high social standing, command- ing influence, and eminent piety of many of them. Every qualified and successful physician who "conducts himself as a gentleman (and but few who do not do so are successful) must necessarily surround himself with friends and patrons who esteem him as a man and gentlemen, but many such men fail to command popular influence in the community in which they live. Their services at the bedside of the sick are sought and appreciated, but in the affairs which relate to the business prosperity and welfare of the community they do not rise to the level of the average citizen. Among those whose charac- ters I have attempted to delineate there were many who came to the front in every enterprise to promote the well-being of society, the comforts of life, and the general happiness of the people at large. Their habits of life, general information, and high sense of public duty not only fitted them for the common duties of good citizenship, but impelled them to share the responsibilities and obligations in all measures pertaining to the common weal. They were citizens distinguished for their professional attainments and honored for their public spirit. That such men should command a dominant influence in any community goes without saying. But it is not so much the fact that such was the case as it is the example that should be of most value to their successors and survivors. The PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 211 medical profession does not entail compulsory exemption from the ordinary duties of good citizenship, and the time has come when it should assert itself with all the vigor, force, and power which such a body of men united in a common cause could develop and exercise. The most striking consideration is, however, the fact that so many of the successful and distinguished dead were not less conspicuous for their Christian manhood, and especially was this true of many of those who attained marked success and distinction in early life. It would be presumptuous in me to attempt any elaboration of the suggestion, but the fact is of sufficient gravity to command thoughtful attention. The succession in medicine in many of the families of the dead is an interesting supplement to the foregoing commen- tary. Worthington and son were founders of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia ; Blake left a son whose son graduated in medicine, both of whom are dead ; May left a son whose son is now an active member of the Society ; Jones and ]Mc Williams each left a son — the latter is still living and actively engaged in the practice of his profession in this city ; Joshua Riley, Grafton Tyler, and Flodoardo How- ard each left a sou, and Garnett had two sons, all of whom are dead; George Miller died before his father; William P. John- ston and Johnson Eliot each left two sons, all now living, and James E. Morgan left two sons, the elder of whom survived his father for several years ; Joshua Ritchie, Hezekiah Magru- der, R. K. Stone, W. H. G. i^ewman, and Thomas Antisell each left a son now livins;. There is uothino- unusual or phenomenal in these facts. The succession of a son to his father's practice has been a common occurrence in all of the older cities, and occasionally it has passed to the third and fourth generations, but the facts are the more striking because of the number of such successions in such a young city. CHAPTER XII. The Establishment of a General Hospital in the District of Columbia. Ewell's Project. Attempt of Boardof Health. Washington Infirm- ary. Providence Hospital. Freedman's Hospital. The Central Dis- pensary and Emergency Hospital. General Hospital of the District of Columbia, Georgetown. Garfield Hospital. As early as 1806 the Corporation of WasluDgton estab- lished the " Washington Infirmary " . . . " the more efFectn- ally to provide for the poor, disabled, and infirm persons." This institution was practically a " Poor House," aud was known and used as such. In 1846 the Washington Asylum was completed on the site donated for that purpose by Con- gress, to which the inmates of the " Poor House " were removed. This latter institution has continued to date iu the same location as an asylum for the indigent poor and infirm. To it a hospital has been attached with limited accommodatious, but not fulfilling the requirements of a general hospital. The conversion of the lufirmary into a " Poor House " disappointed the expectations of those who had been instrumental in promoting its establishment as the nucleus of a general hospital ; but no farther effort was made to carry into effect their original purpose until 1820, when Dr. Thomas Ewell devised a scheme to unite the Corporations of Washington and Georgetown in the establishment and management of a general hospital. Dr. Ewell seems to have been a very conspicuous physician. He died May 1, 1826, without having accomplished anything toward the foundation of the proposed hospital beyond securing the hearty approval of the National Intelligencer and the promise of one thousand dollars by a benevolent citizen. In the National Intelligencer of September 6, 1820 (see also "Anniversary Address," by PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 213 Toner, page 51), may be found the following communication, setting forth the object and plan of the projected hospital : PROPOSED HOSPITAL. To the Editors: Gentlemen : Annexed are the outlines of the institution proposed. It appears to me to be on the fairest principles, so that it cannot be shackled with those incumbrances -which so often defeat the main object of charitable institutions : I mean tedious forms for those re- quiring relief and having to curry favor with those granting admis- sion. It is presumed the corporators of Georgetown and Washington will vote supplies annually equal to their respective population ; nor can there be a doubt that the many who will contribute will have no other interest than that their money may be judiciously laid out in relieving some poor fellow-beings unable to relieve themselves. The last remark I have to make is that the population of the corpora- tions separately cannot support a hospital, but jointly it can be done by twenty thousand inhabitants. It will be remarked that the estab- lishment is not to relieve the old and infirm not wanting medical assistance, but the sick who would injure and be injured by blending them together. Eespectfully yours, Thomas Ewell. Columbia Hospital. Outlines of an Institution Designed in the Least Ex- pensive and Most Expeditious Wai/ : 1. To relieve the poor who are sick and have no accommodations at home. 2. To administer medicines to those requiring and unable to pay for them at their houses. 3. To promote medical science by making the practice public, so as to lessen the impositions of pretenders to great skill among the unknowing part of society. Article 1. The board of management of the institution, governing exclusively, except in the medical department, to consist of all the clergymen and all the members of the corporations of Washington and Georgetown, to meet and regulate as they shall by a majority determine. Art. 2. The medical department to be exclusively under the direc- tion of the regularly qualified physicians of the two corporations, restricted to the republican rule of letting each in succession share in the duties of the hospital and the practice as dispensary physicians, eveiy physician having the right to witness the practice of each other at the hours of prescription. 214 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Art. 3. All persons connected with the corporation, and all con- tributors, shall have the right of sending such patients to the hosj^ital as they may deem worthy objects, excepting that the owners of slaves shall pay as much as the cost of their accommodation. Art. 4. The hospital to be located conveniently to Georgetown and Washington, to consist of small buildings of the plainest kind, de- tached from each other, to prevent the propagation of infectious dis- eases, and maniacs from being made more mad by hearing each other's cries; each house not to contain more than six or eight persons, ex- cept a centre building for the resident officers, an apothecary shop, and a room for teaching women the duties they should perform to each other in childbed, or for other purposes of lecturing. It is quite evident that Dr. Ewell's conception of the ob- jects and necessity of a general hospital was far in advance of the views of the two adjacent corporations and communities, which could not be induced to provide for others than the indigent and infirm poor in an institution popularly and vul- garly known as a "Poor House." The unfortunate failure of the project of Dr. Ewell seems to have exercised a very unfavorable influence both upon the community and the pro- fession, for no further effort was made until 1832, after the disappearance of the cholera epidemic, when the Board of Health of this city called a public meeting of citizens with a view to the establishment (Toner) of a general and public hospital in the city, "and memorialized Congress annually for the six successive years for an appropriation to carry into effect its purpose, but without success." After this second failure the project seems to have been dropped for a number of years. In 1842 Congress made an appropriation to alter, improve, and fit up a building on Judiciary Square, previously occu- pied as a jail, for an insane asylum ; but it was abandoned after the completion of the repairs and alterations, because of the unfitness of the building and location for such purpose. In 1844 the Medical Faculty of Columbian College applied to Congress for the use of the building (Toner), which was granted on the condition that it should be occupied as an PERSOXAL EEMiyiSCEXCES. 215 iufirmary, for medical instructioD and scientific purposes, and be returned on demand to the Gov'ernment. The Faculty continued to occupy this building as an infirmary and college until it was reclaimed by the Government during the war fi>r hospital purposes. Soon after it was destroyed by fire. This institution, known as the Washington Infirmary, was very successfully managed by the Faculty. In 1853 its capacity was greatly increased by au approjiriation of twenty thousand dollars. After the Faculty acquired possession of the build- ing and had completed the arrangements for its occupancy as a hospital. Congress contributed to its support by appropri- ating annually sums of money varying from two thousand to six thousand dollars for the treatment and maintenance of transient sick paupers. The institution continued to grow i» popularity and usefulness while in possession of the college. It was under the exclusive control of the College Faculty, and was occupied jointly as a hospital, and medical school with its necessary appurtenances, which in the present state of hospital construction and management would not be per- mitted. It was practically the first general hospital estab- lished in this city, though its capacity was inadequate and its management was not in accordance with the approved methods of the present time. The reclamation of the building by the Government and its destruction by fire destroyed for the sec- ond time the hopes of success in the establishment of a perma- nent general hospital, which its successful management had inspired. The possession and occupancy of a Government building, and the management of the hospital deriving, for the most part, its support from the General Government in the exclusive interest of a medical school, incited considerable antagonism by those of the profession whose interest was not identical with the college in control. It was contended, and very prop- erly, that no hospital, however general in its clinical aspects, could be general iu fact under an exclusive partisan manage- ment, to which no physician or student of medicine outside 216 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. of the coterie of the chosen few and their students could gain access in any official capacity, however meritorious their claims might be, and to which none others than members of the College Faculty could send a private patient and retain the management of the case. In 1854 an attempt was made to organize the opposition, first upon the basis of disconnection of the school and hospital, aud opening the hospital wards and clinics to the students of both schools. This was abandoned because of insufficient support and the powerful and dominating influence of the Faculty in control. A second effort was made to unite upon the broad ground of establishment of a public general hos- pital, which was likewise abandoned because of lack of interest and impossibility of securing the attention of Congress. Dr. Noble Young was the leader in both of these projects, but he was not supported by any considerable portion of those in opposition to the management of the Washington Infirmary. They were content with the simple expression of their opinion, and not willing to commit themselves in open and organized hostility to the Faculty in control. I took a very active in- terest in both projects and was quite ready to make, as I did, the sacrifices which every young man incurred who antago- nized the will of the ruling coterie of physicians during that eventful period. With a view to collect information to lay before Congress, I opened correspondence with some of the best hospitals in the larger cities. The following is the copy of a letter, now in my possession, in reply to one of my in- quiries. Philadelphia, May 24, 1854. Dear Doctor: I rec'd your note of the 18th inst. duly. You request " a copy of the rules and regulations for the management of the sick in the Penn. Hospital, etc." I should have sooner answered your note if I had had in my possession a copy of the pamphlet you refer to, and delayed only until I could call at the Hospital and in- quire what was to be obtained on the subject. I called yesterday and got the pamphlet, which I herewith send you, and which contains, I believe, all that has been published about the rules. PERSONAL BEMIXJSCEyXTS. 217 I should be happy to put in your possession a history of the in- stitution wliich I prepared some time since, and which was published by the managers ; but it is too bulky to be sent by mail. Yours truly, George B. Wood. Dr. Samuel C. Busey. With the abandonment of these projects the controversy ceased, and the two schools, whether agreed or not, lived together in mutual but peaceful discontent. Soon after the conversion of the Washington Infirmary into a military hospital and its destruction, Dr. J. M. Toner suggested the movement which culminated in the establish- ment of the Providence Hospital. The following is a copy of the first public announcement made by those in charge of that hospital in 1866 : Washington Providence Hospital, Second Street East, Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C. This institution, which is under the control and direction of the Sisters of Charity, is now open to the public. All persons suffering from casualties or non-contagious diseases will be admitted. The buildings are spacious, and, with the alterations recently made, well adapted to hospital purposes. The location is elevated and salubrious, the grounds are extensive and well shaded, affording facilities for air and exercise. Providence Hospital is admirably suited to patients wishing to avail themselves of the advantages of a hospital, and yet enjoy the coinforts and quiet of home Dr. J. M. Toner is the attending physician and Surgeon of the house, but all the physicians in the District will have an equality of privileges in the institution ; consequently, any physician who may send a patient to the hospital can attend the same if he wishes to do so. The Management of Providence Hospital was the first in this city to make any concession to the profession at large. It was successful from its beginning, and has continued to grow in popularity and increase in usefulness. Under the following regulation it offers to its Medical Staff complete protection from imposition by patients, unwilling but 218 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. able to pay, who seek admission to the hospital to escape the expense of medical attendance, and thereby rob the profession of its just and well-earned remuneration. The members of the Medical and Surgical Staff will, whenever called upon, visit and prescribe for patients in private rooms as well as those in the j)ublic wards of the Hospital. Patients occupying private rooms and able to pay for medical attendance will be required to iDay the usual fees to the Staff Physicians and Surgeons. With the improvements and additions to the buildings, and complete equipment wath all necessary hospital stores, and latest and most approved appurtenances, the management claims, and properly so, that the institution fulfils all the re- quirements of a general hospital. Its wise and just regula- tions conceding privileges to and protecting the interest of the profession at large deserve, as they must command, the sup- port and commendation of the profession at large. The Freedmen's Hospital is an outgrowth of the late Civil War. During and after the war " large numbers of freed people drifted into this city and remained here. Many of them were chronic invalids, insane, idiotic, etc., and required medical attendance. The local authorities refused to provide for them, and the Freedmen's Hospital was established for that purpose." During the existence of the Freedmen's Bureau, of which Dr. Robert Reyburn was tli^ chief medical officer, fifty-six hospitals and forty-eight dispensaries were established at vari- ous points in the Southern States. During the period of " reconstruction " all of them were turned over to the local authorities of the Southern States by Chief Medical Officer Reyburn, except the one located at Richmond, Virginia. At this point so many of the " freed " sick, crippled, and idiotic congregated, the city authorities of Richmond refused to care for them, and they were brought to this city and provided for by the General Government in the Freedmen's Hospital. This institution was established by the Freedmen's Bureau. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 219 After the discontinuance of tliat Bureau it was transferred to the coutrol of the Interior Department, and remains under the supervision of that Department, but its expenses are de- frayed out of the revenues of the District of Columbia by an act of Congress. It thus appears that a member of the profession was mainly instrumental, if not the originator, in establishing the Freed- meu's Hospital. THE CENTRAL DISPENSARY AND EMERGENCY HOSPITAL. The feasibility of establishing a public dispensary had been frequently discussed by H. H. Barker and G. L. Magruder, and on the 15th of April, 1871, they, with other physicians, whom they had invited to co-operate with them, assembled at the residence of Dr. Barker, and formally organized the Cen- tral Dispensary, which was, on May 1st following, opened in the Georgetown Medical College building, corner of Tenth and E Streets, N. W. The Misses Thompson and Oilman supplied the drugs necessary to enable the medical staff to inaugurate the institution. On June 6, 1872, a Board of Directors was elected, and the general management of the dispensary was transferred from the exclusive control of the medical staif to this board. In, May, 1877, the dispensary was moved to a building on Sixth Street, N. W., and a Board of Lady Visitors was elected. Three years later it was re- moved to Tenth Street, IST. W. There the Emergency Hos- pital Department was established, and the institution was styled as it has been since known, " The Central Dispensary and Emergency Hospital." The records show that Dr. Barker on several occasions called the attention of his colleagues on the staff to the fact that the subjects of accidents and sudden illness occurring in the cen- tral part of the city were frequently carried a long distance — either to the Providence or Freedmen's Hospital — before receiving any or proper attention, and that in some instances 220 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. lives had been lost which might have been saved by timely and appropriate medical treatment. He urged that some provision should be made for the treatment of such emer- gency cases. Finally the medical staff requested the Board of Directors to establish an emergency hospital in connection with the dispensary. The board on various occasions refused to grant this request because the directors feared to incur the expense. Failing in these eiforts, Dr. Barker made arrange- ments with the police authorities to have all such emergency cases sent to the First Precinct Station-house, where Dr. Markriter, the resident physician at the dispensary, would attend and render the necessary medical services. After this arrangement had been in successful operation for some time the medical staif placed a cot in a vacant room in the dispen- sary building, and had such patients sent there for immediate treatment, afterward sending them to their homes or to some hospital. Subsequently Mrs. Audenreid fitted up and fur- nished a room for the accommodation of such patients, and the Attending Staff placed four cots in each of two other vacant rooms, and called one the male and the other the female ward. These successive preliminary movements were accomplished despite tlie opposition of the Board of Directors, and only after the Emergency Hospital Department had been finally established did it consent to add the name "Emergency Hospital." In commemoration of this event Dr. Barker fur- nished, at his own expense, the large wooden sign now in use at the new and commodious hospital building. Not long after, at an election. Dr. Barker was dropped from the Medical Staff. He was the only physician who had, from the organization of the Central Dispensary, been continuously connected with the institution up to the date of the failure to re-elect him. He, with Dr. Magruder, had originated the dispensary, and he is entitled to the honor of having founded the Emergency Hos- pital. The foregoing is a brief resume of the history of the foun- dation of a most beneficent, and, perhaps, the best managed PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 221 medical charity in this city at this time. As such it redounds to the honor of the medical profession of the District of Columbia, and emphasizes the fact of its leadership in the establishmeut of such institutions. Tlie summary removal of Dr. Barker is another and fitting illustration of the wrong and injustice of lay directors to which the profession has submitted without remonstrance. GENERAL HOSPITAL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, GEORGETOWN. In May, 1874, Drs. L. W. Ritchie and C. H. A. Klein- schmidt united with several other physicians aud a number of private citizens in the organization and iucorporation of a hospital, known as the General Hospital of the District of Columbia, Georgetowu. It continued in active operation until March, 1876, when its founders were compelled, from lack of support, to close its doors. Its inception was due to members of the medical profession, more especially to Drs. Ritchie and Kleinschmidt. The medical profession was not, however, satisfied, and continued to discuss aud agitate in a sporadic and desultory manner the expediency of the establishment of a public gen- eral hospital, but not until the leadership was voluntarily assumed by Dr. Francis A. Ashford, in 1877, did the project again acquire sufficient support to promise success. I am enabled to fix the date of the conferences of medical men, aud to point out distinctly the plan of operations by the following note, now before me : JuxE 26, 1877. Dear Dr. : A request has been conveyed to me through Dr. Lee to unite in the new organization of the Alms House Hospital Board. It will give me great pleasure to aid in this eflbrt to establish a well-conducted city hospital. Yours truly, W. W. JOHXSTOX, Dr. S. C. BrsEY. 222 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Numerous meetings were held in Dr. Ashford's office, New York Avenue, which were attended regularly by a number of physicians, at which various propositions were discussed, and it was finally agreed, at his suggestion, that a united effort should be made to obtain such change in the management of the Alms House Hospital, already in operation, as might fulfil all the requirements of such a hospital as the profession had so long struggled to establish. A statement was prepared (written by myself) setting forth the wishes of those engaged in the enterprise, which was nearly identical in language with that which will appear further on (cited at p. 228), and signed by a large number of physicians. Armed with this petition. Dr. Ashford presented the project to the municipal authori- ties, and continued to press it upon their favorable considera- tion for a considerable time, but without success. He and his coadjutors, reluctantly and with great disappointment, finally abandoned the plan to erect the Alms House Hospital into an institution that would prove adequate to the requirements and necessities of the community and be an honor to the munici- pality, then comprehending the entire District of Columbia, but the bane of politics then, as on many other occasions here and elsewhere, so dominated the authorities that they could not be made to appreciate the difference between a hospital properly constructed and managed, where people would go to get cured, and a pest-house, where people were sent to die. After this failure Ashford persisted in the prosecution of the enterj)rise in the direct line of establishing a general hospital, free from any extraneous alliances or affiliations, with uncertain success, until the suggestion originally made in a communica- tion to the Evening Star, by Mr. Lewis J. Davis, to erect in memory of President Garfield a hospital at the station of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad, in which he had recently been assassinated by Guiteau, followed and enforced by a later communication by Mr. A. S. Solomons {Star, August 3, 1881), in which he advocated the establishment of " a general hos- pital to be known as the Garfield Memorial Hospital," " de- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 223 signed to be as wide in its scope of beneficence as was the kindly heart of the martyred President in its outstretch of human sympathies." He outlined in a broad and Christian spirit the method of soliciting and securing the funds neces- sary for its foundation and endowment. Solomons brought to Ashford's attention the greater possibility of his success by uniting the elSbrts of the friends of his project to establish a public general hospital with those of Davis, Solomons, and others, who had, with the aid and support of the Evening Star newspaper, taken the lead in the proposed foundation of a memorial hospital. Ashford's sagacity prompted the imme- diate acceptance of the proposition of Solomons and Davis, and the friends and colaborers worked thereafter together in the common cause. Mr. Solomons assures me that "Dr. Ash- ford was very anxious for the establishment of a general hos- pital that would be strictly non-sectarian and wherein the medical and surgical practitioners of the District could have free access at all times." Hence, besides the sentiment involved in the establishment of a hospital in memory of the martyred President, he was desirous to see erected a hospital upon the broadest basis, and which would do credit not only to Washington, but to the whole country. An evening was fixed for a public meeting of citizens, and after failing to secure the consent of several prominent gentle- men to preside. Dr. Ashford drove with Mr. Solomons to the residence of Mr. Justice Samuel F. Miller, of the United States Supreme Court, who finally consented to preside at the meeting. At the public meeting of citizens, held at Lincoln Hall, October 5, 1881, the following preamble and resolutions were reported by Mi\ Solomons, Chairman of the Committee, and unanimously adopted : WJiereas, The whole civilized world has been shocked and moved to tears by the untimely death of the late President of the United States, and will, we believe, unite with us in testifying it^s admiration of the 224 PERSONAL BEMINISGENGES. man for his unsullied virtues, eminent statesmanship, unflinching courage, and for his patient endurance and steadfast hope during his painful illness; and Whereas, It is desirable to perpetuate his cherished memory in a manner consistent with his constant practice of " doing good unto others " in the most direct and practical way ; and Whereas, During his life he always manifested the greatest interest in all charitable institutions, and at the close of his Congressional career expressed his great desire to see established in Washington a general hospital, and j)romised to aid such a benevolent enterprise to the full extent of his ability ; therefore, be it Resolved, That the citizens of the United States, and loving, sympa- thetic friends everywhere, will doubtless consider it a privilege as well as a duty to their departed brother, James Abraham Garfield, to erect to his memory a free general hospital, to be national in character, and conducted on the broadest basis of common humanity, and that this monument of the people's esteem and gratitude be known as the Garfield Memorial Hospital, and located in the District of Columbia, where he was so ruthlessly stricken down in the discharge of his public duties ; and with a view of promptly promoting this object, it is Resolved, That Mr. Justice Miller of the Supreme Court of the United States, the chairman of this public assemblage, held in the City of Washington, on the 5th day of October, 1881, do appoint an Executive Committee of twenty-five persons, with full power and privilege to fill vacancies, to take such action as will consummate to the fullest extent the object herein set forth. During; the consideration of these resolutions Mr. Solomons said : It was well known {Evening Star, October 6, 1881) the tragedy oc- curred upon the Hebrew Sabbath, and the news reached a moral con- gregation of that people in this city at their devotion Subsequently the idea of a memorial hospital was suggested, and from two small and poor Hebrew congregations, very small, and from the church fund, not individual, he presented a check each — one for $50 and the other for $25. He also presented from the St. George Society of the District, a check for $25. These were the first contributions made to the treasury of the Garfield Memorial Hospital, and were made before Mr. Justice Miller had appointed the Executive Committee. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 225 Tlie Executive Committee of twenty-five appointed by Mr. Justice Miller held its first meeting at the Ebbitt House ou the evening of October 10, 1881, and proceeded at once to carry into effect the instructions of the public meeting. The medical j^rofessiou of the District of Columbia was represented on this Committee by Drs. William G. Palmer, James M. Toner, Smith Townshend, Francis A. Ashford, J. Ford Thompson, and Samuel C. Busey. The first and most important matter which occupied the attention of the Committee related exclusively to the raising of the necessary funds, and it having come to its knowledge, through Dr. Ashford, that the purpose for which the " National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home" w^as established had been accomplished, and the trust imposed upon that corporation had been executed, leaving in its possession certain properties for which it had no further use, and learning, furthermore, that the surviving trustees of that corporation were willing, with the consent of Congress, to make such transfer of their property as would apply it to "the cause of charity and the relief of human suffering," the Executive Committee pro- ceeded with great dispatch and energy to acquire the property by securing the passage by Congress of an act to enable the Trustees of that corporation to make such transfer to the Garfield Memorial Hospital. It was believed at the time that the property, if acquired, would be sufficient in amount to enable the Committee to purchase a suitable location, and, perhaps, to open the hospital for the reception of patients. How much was realized I cannot now state. It was not less than fifty thousand dollars. (See Justice Miller's address at the dedication, delivered May 30, 1884.) To make effective the legislation necessary to consummate the acquisition of the property, the Executive Committee in- corporated itself, and provided that (Section 4, Charter) During the first year of the existence of the Society its affairs and funds shall be controlled and managed by a Board of Directors of 15 226 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. thirty-seven persons*, comiiosed of the persons named in the first section of this certificate. In the charter approved May 18th, and recorded ^lay 27, 1882, pursuant to the " provisions of sections numbered from 545 to 552 both inclusive, of the Revised Statutes of the tJnited States relating to the District of Columbia," the six physicians previously named were, with the other members of the Executive Committee, made incorporators of the insti- tution. These incorporators held their first meeting as the Board of Directors on the 6th of June, 1882, and continued in charge of the affairs of the corporation until the 31st of May, 1883. In the amended certificate of incorporation of 1884, re- corded June 17, 1884, the name of Dr. Ashford, who had died, is omitted from the list of incorporators, and the name of Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett, who had been previously elected, appears as one of the incorporators. He has since died. I cannot assert it as a fact, but my recollection and belief are that Dr. Ashford was the first to suggest the acquisition of the property of the "National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home." I do know that he held numerous interviews with some of the Trustees, especially with the Rev. Dr. Sunder- land and Chief Justice Cartter and with Mr. Neal, the Chair- man of the Committee of the House of Representatives on the District of Columbia, in regard to the transfer of this property. I was present at several of the interviews with Judge Cartter, and can testify that he accepted the proposition with marked enthusiasm, and gave to it his earnest support. Judge Cartter's opinion in regard to the necessity of the passage of the enabling act and his advocacy of the transfer constituted the turning-point in the success of the scheme. To promote the success of these efforts to secure the prop- erty in which the incorporators of the hospital and trustees of the orphans' home were alike actively engaged, the medical profession as a body, and individually in large numbers, took a very active interest and contributed considerable influence, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 227 as is shown by the following resolutions passed by the Medi- cal Society, and the Memorial signed by eighty-five physicians, in which the necessity and advantages of the establishment of a public general hospital are set forth in unmistakable terms of approval and commendation. The following resolutions (after lying on the table one week) were unanimously adopted by the Medical Society at its regular meeting, Wednesday, May 10, 1882 : Whereas, The medical profession of this District have long felt the need of a general hospital, and, in a very largely attended meeting before the late Civil War, had, with great unanimity, formed a project for the establishment of such a hosijital, the movements for which were unfortunately interrupted and rendered abortive by that unhappy event; and, Whereas, The necessities for such an institution are unquestionable, and have, since that time, not diminished but increased more than sevenfold ; therefore. Resolved, That this society has learned with great pleasure that certain patriotic and benevolent ladies and gentlemen are now earn- estly co-operating in the endeavor to procure the establishment of a general hospital, to be known as the Gartield Memorial Hospital. Resolved, That no more appropriate method of honoring the memory .of our late brutally murdered President can be conceived of than the erection of such a monument; an ever-active institution for the relief of humanity, suffering in so many various forms ; a source for the acquirement and development of knowledge in those branches of scientific study most nearly directed to the immediate relief of many; and an everlasting and inexhaustible well-spring of charity and be- nevolence, which in the minds of all men of right feeling must be esteemed far above the tablets of brass or mere monuments of bronze or marble. Resolved, That this Society desires to assure all concerned that the proposed measure meets with its entire approbation, to express the extreme interest which is felt in the success of so good a benevolence, and to offer its cordial co-operation in efforts to obtain so desirable an object. F. A. ASHFORD, M.D., President, T. E. McArdle, M.D., Secretary. 228 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, Garfield Memorial Hospital, Washington, D. C, June, 1882. The undersigned, legally qualified practitioners of medicine, resid- ing in the District of Columbia, do hereby unite in commendation of the projected establishment of a general hospital in the District, to be known as the Garfield Memorial Hospital, and respectfully represent that such an institution is a needed charity and a requirement of any properly devised system for the dispensation of medicine to and for the medical and surgical treatment of the sick jioor. The most comprehensive and economical method of administration of medical charities in any large communitj' is through the advantage and opportunities offered by a general public hospital, which can be supplied with all necessary medical and surgical appliances and ap- purtenances, w'hich is open and free to the admission of the sick poor of all classes, creeds, and nationalities, and in which all forms of dis- ease and injury can be treated by comjietent physicians, whose services can be obtained without pecuniary compensation. In this, as in every large community, there are many deserving poor whose current resources are wholly inadequate to supply the necessities and to defray the expenses of any protracted illness. Lamentable illustrations of this fact are constantly presented. The families of this class are, perhaps, as frequently reduced to actual want aud abject pauperism by the illness of a father or mother as by inability to obtain employment. In this District, more especially in the city of Washington, there is a very large floating population, which is domiciled in the hotels, boarding-houses, and apartments. In none of them can the sick, without great expense, and in some not at any cost, secure the ordi- nary comforts of a sick-chamber, a suitable dietary, efiicient nursing, and adequate medical attention. These necessities can only be sujd- plied by a general hospital which offers at a reasonable cost suitable apartments, skilled nursing, proper food, and the choice of treatment by the regular medical staff, or by a legally qualified physician of the patient's own selection, together with all the advantages of an ample and properly equipped pharmacy, necessary laboratories, appliances, and hygienic care and police. There is no institution in the District which fulfils the foregoing requirements. The Columbia Hospital affords accommodations to females suffering from diseases peculiar to women. It is governed by a Board of Directors, under the provisions of a charter granted by Congress, aud is supported by annual appropriations out of the rev- enues of the District of Columbia and funds derived from pay patients. The Children's Hospital is an institution devoted exclusively to the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 229 "medical and surgical treatment of children", and is owned and gov- erned by a corporate body chartered under the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for the creation of corpora- tions in the District of Columbia." It is supported in part by annuul appropriations out of the revenues of the District. The Freedmen's Hospital is in part an asylum, but mainly a hospital, for the sick of the African race. It is owned by the Howard University corporation, and supported by the General Government. The Alms House Hospital is owned, governed, and suppoi'ted by the District of Columbia. It affords accommodations, in a badly constructed and improperly located building, for about one hundred and fiftj' patients, in which the vicious, criminal, vagrant, and a few deserving jjaupers are promiscuously commingled as one class. The Providence Hospital is owned and governed by the Sisters of Charity. It was built out of moneys appropriated by Congress. It is supported by its own i-evenue, a part of which is derived under contract, from the annual appropriation by Congress (fifteen thousand dollars) for the maintenance of the transient sick paupers. " To the public wards " (see Annual Report, 1881, p. 8) " patients are admitted on the order of the Surgeon-General of the United States Army, where they receive every care and attention. There are also private wards and rooms, into which j^atients are admitted on payment of six, ten, fifteen, or twenty dollars per week." In another paragraph of the same report it is stated that with an " outlay of about twenty-five thousand dollars for an additional wing all the advantages and accommodations of a general hospital could be obtained." Of these institutions the Providence Hospital approaches nearest the character of a general hospital ; but, as is shown by the above quo- tation, its management admits its lack of the advantages and accom- modations of such an institution. It is also shown that it is a pay hospital, admitting to the public wards, under contract, the transient sick paupers, and to the private wards and rooms upon payment of a sum varying according to the accommodations. The undersigned therefore reiterate the statement that ther^ is no institution in this city fulfilling the requirements and offering the advantages of a public general hospital. They aver, also, that there is no hospital in this District into which a deserving poor white man or woman, unless she is afflicted with some disease peculiar to her sex, can find accommo- dations excejit upon payment of a weekly board, or submit to condi- tions which should not be imposed upon that class. This is true, not- withstanding the fact that the General Government and the District of Columbia expend annually the sum of seventy thousand dollars in 230 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. support of hospitals, exclusive of the Alms House Hospital. A large part of this sum is disbursed in the payment of large salaries (Freed- men's and Columbia Hospitals) to the medical officers. The hospital accommodations are also inadequate to the wants of the community, and there is an absence of any system regulating and governing the administration of medical charities in this District. In view of the foregoing considerations the undersigned appeal to all whom it may concern for such aid and encouragement to the Gar- field Memorial Hospital as may secure the establishment and j^erma- nent endowment of an institution that will fulfil all the requirements of a public general hospital. N. Young, M.D. James A. Beale, M.D. S. O. Richey, M.D. Samuel S. Adams, M.D. Chas. E. Hagner, M.D. T. E. McArdle, M.D. Alex. Y. P. Garnett, M.D. John B. Hamilton, M.D. Wm. Lee, M.D. F. A. Ashford, M.D. S. J. RadcifFe. M.D. Geo. Byrd Harrison, M.D. L. W. Clapp. M.D. Harvey Lindsly, M.D. Wm. G. Palmer, M.D. J. M. Toner, M.D. W. W. Johnston. M.D. S. C. Busey, M.D. J. Ford Thompson, M.D. H. D. Fry, M.D. M. G. Ellzey, M.D. J. W. H. Lovejoy, M.D. D. Webster Prentiss, M.D. D. P. Wolhaupter, M.D. G. P. Fenwick, M.D. D. H. Hazen. M.D. F. B. Loring. M.D. Frank Hyatt, M.D. Lewis E. Newton, M.D. Geo. S. King, M.D. Swan M Burnett. M.D. Thos. Robinson. M.D. W. V. B. Bogan, M.D. J. Wells Herbert, M.D. W. L. Naylor, M.D. Samuel S. Bond, M.D. Nathan S. Lincoln, M.D, George N. Acker, M.D, Thos. C. Smith, M.D. C. H. A. Kleinschmidt, A. Patze. M.D. M. V. Marmion, M.D. C. W. Franzoni, M.D. D. C. Patterson, M.D. L. V. Dovilliers, M.D. E. C. Merrian. M.D. W. F. Byrns, M.D. G. Wythe Cook. M.D. A. C. Adams, M.D E. M. Schaeflfer, M.D. Jas. T. Sothoron, M.D. B. B. Adams, M.D. L. M.Taylor, M.D. D. B. Street, M.D. W. Evans, M.D. J. T. Howard, M.D. Geo, Latimer, M.D. M. P. Adams, M.D. John T. Winter, M.D. John R. Menke, M.D. A. Behrend, M.D. J. A. Tarkington, M.D. A. A. Marsteller, M.D. C. A. Ball, M D. M.D. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 231 David Blair, M.D. S. W. Bogan, M.D. Thos. Antisell, M.D. R. G. Mauss, M.D. J. L. Suddarth, M.D. Thos. F. Gibbs, M.D. Parke G. Young, M.D. C. T. Caldwell. M.D. E. A. Sellhausen, M.D. W. H. N. Newman, M.D. Theo. Mead, M.D. Geo. C. Ober, M.D. Henderson Suter, M.D. C. V. Boarman, ]\r.D. Louis Mackall, M.D. C. M. Hammett, M.D. Nathan E. Rice, M.D. Hamilton E. Leach, M.D Wm. Nicholson, M.D. Harrison Crook, M.D. G. W. West, M.D. The resolution passed by the Society and the memorial signed by eighty-five physicians committed the profession as a body to the support of the hospital, and were mainly instru- mental in securing the favorable report of the committee of the House of Representatives on the District of Columbia on the bill to enable the " Trustees of the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home " to transfer their property to the Garfield Memorial Hospital. In fact, it is more than probable that without the influence of the profession as thus expressed the enabling act could not have been passed ; and it is quite certain that without the acquisition of that valuable property the establishment of the hospital would have been long delayed, and most probably not accomplished at all. On July 10, 1882 {Congressional Record, vol. xiii., part 6, Forty-seventh Congress, First Session, p. 5856), Mr. Xeal, Chairman of the Committee on the District of Columbia, reported the bill as follows : I am instructed by the Committee on the District of Columbia to report back with a favorable recommendation the bill (H. R. No. 6702) to authorize the transfer of the property of the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home to the Garfield Memorial Hospital, and to ask for its consideration at this time. Be it enacted, etc.. That the Board of Trustees of the National Sol- diers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home of the District of Columbia are hereby empowered to transfer and convey all the property, real, per- sonal, and mixed, of the said National Soldiei-s' and Sailors' Orphans' Home to the Garfield Memorial Hospital, located in said District ; 232 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and the said Garfield Memorial Hospital is hereby empowered to sell and convey the same, and apply the proceeds to the object for which it was incorporated. The bill as reported was adopted with the following amend- ment : Provided, That this act shall not be construed to make the United States liable in any way on account of said transfer or the change of the direction of the trust. During the consideration of the bill Mr. "Paramount" Blount, its malicious opponent in the House of Representa- tives, drew from his pocket and had read by the Clerk the following protest (Ibid., p. 5857) : A publication bearing the signatures of a number of medical gen- tlemen has recently appeared in the daily press of this city. Certain statements therein made are calculated to mislead, and are dispi'oved by the following facts : First. The sick poor of all classes, creeds, and nationalities resid- ing in the District of Columbia now have provided ample hospital accommodations where they can gratuitously receive kind attention and skilful treatment. Second. For the " large floating population which is domiciled in the hotels, boarding-houses, and apartments " existing hospitals pro- vide accommodations, meeting every want, at a reasonable cost. Third. Any " deserving poor white man or woman " in the District of Columbia can secure jsroper hosjjital accommodations and treat- ment without being subjected to conditions that should not be im- posed upon them. The hospitals affording the above-mentioned accommodations indi- cate by their names their wide field of usefulness. The Columbia Hospital for women provides all that is necessary for the treatment of special diseases of female pay or pauper patients. The Children's Hospital is an institution exclusively devoted to the medical and surgical treatment of children, and provides all needed accommodations for such patients. St. Ann's Infancy Asylum accom- modates all destitute infants left to its care. The Freedmen's Hos- pital is " mainly a hospital for the sick of the African race, but is open to white patients, and is satisfactorily fulfilling its mission." The Alms House Hospital accommodates a class that drifts into such PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 233 institutions. The Emergency Hospital, located near the centre of the city, is prepared to attend accidents and emergencies. Provi- dence Hospital, under the charge of the Sisters of Charity, has public wards to which free jiaticnts arc admitted, and private wards and rooms for pay patients at rates ranging from six dollars to twenty dollars per week. It receives an appropriation from Congress for the maintenance of transient sick paupers admitted upon the order of the Surgeon-General, United States Army. Resident pauper patients are admitted at the request of the sanitary officer — metropolitan police — a request that is never refused. It is thus seen that Providence Hospital cares for all the sick poor, transient and resident, who apply for treatment, " and there is no distinction made on account of creed, nationality, or color." The above statement, and the additional fact that the capacity of the hospitals heretofore mentioned has always exceeded the demand, must make it plain to the observant that the hospital accommodations of the District of Columbia more than meet all present requirements, and that while separately i^erforming their allotted duties, the com- bined work of these institutions creates a general hospital in its best form, a condition of separation which accords with the approved laws of hygiene. Should the future demand increased accommodations, it will be wiser bj' donations and appro]iriations to enlarge the powers of exist- ing organized institutions than by too ambitious and hasty action run the risk of creating a standing bid for pauperism. For it is to be feared that a superabundance of hospitals here might entice a class not desired by our citizens or legislature. Johnson Eliot, M.D. Carroll Morsran, M.D. James E. Morgan, M.D. Ja's. McV. Mackall, M.D. S. A. H. McKim. M.D. Dan'l J. Kelly, M.D. Ralph Walsh, M.D. Thos. N. McLaughlin, M.D. G. L. Magruder, M.D. Jas. T. Youn?. M.D. Z. T. Sowers. M D. Jno. I. Dyer. M.D. John AV. Bayne, M.D. J. S. Harrison, M.D. H. H. Barker, M.V>. C. V. N. Callan, M.D. Llewellyn Eliot, M.D. P. J. Murphy. M.D. L. W. Ritchie, M D. H. M. Newman, M.D. W. G. H. Newman, M.D. Geo. C. Samson, M.D. J. F. Hartigan, M.D. Jno. Parsons. M.D. J. Walter, M.D. J. O. Stanton, M.D. This protest had been prepared with o;reat care, and had been concealed from the public and the management of the 234 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Garfield Hospital until it was suddenly thrust into the debate on the bill in the House, just at the moment when its most vindictive opponent believed it would defeat the enabling act. It set forth in very emphatic and cogent language the interests of " The Providence Hospital," and equally distinctly, but erroneously, intimated that the efforts to establish the Garfield Memorial Hospital were in antagonism to that institution. It sought to eliminate the influence of the Medical Society and of the eighty-five physicians by misrepresenting their memo- rial, and attempted by adroit extracts of parts of sentences to assail the veracity of the eighty-five memorialists. To it were signed the names of twenty-six physicians, most of whom were actively engaged in practice, and several were men of prominence and very great influence. With such formidable opposition success would have been impossible but for the greater and more widely exercised in- fluence of the profession as expressed in the resolutions and memorial, which were published in the local press, and, in the form of a jjrinted circular, laid upon the desk of every Senator and Member. The directory must have appreciated the significance and power of this opposition or it would not have attempted to conciliate it, with doubtful success, however, by the election, subsequently, of several of the signers of the protest to positions on the medical staiF. The following transcript from the records fixes the dates of the passage of the enabling act and of the transfer of the property to the Garfield Memorial Hospital : National Soldiers' and \ Deed. Sailors' Orphans' Home f Dated October 2, 1882. TO ( Recorded October 5, 1882. Garfield Memorial Hospital, f Liber 1016, folio 195. Recites : Whereas, At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of said Orphans' Home, held on the 2d day of October A. D. 1882, the follow- ing resolution was adopted : PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 235 Wliereas, The purpose for which this corporation was established has been accomplished, and the trust imposed upon it has been executed, leaving in its hands certain property, and it is eminently proper that the same should be ap]ilied to the cause of charity and the relief of suffering humanity ; and Wliereas, The Garfield Memorial Hospital appeals to our sympathies and judgment as the worthiest object, and by Act of Congress of the United States, approved August 8, 1882, this Board was empowered to transfer and convey all the property, real, personal, and mixed, of the said Orphans' Home to said hospital. Resolved, That we transfer and convey all property, real, personal, and mixed, of said National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home to said Garfield Memorial Hospital, and that for the purpose of carrying out this transfer and conveyance, D. K. Cartter, President, and Marcellus Bailey, Secretary of this Board, be, and they are hereby authorized and empowered to execute, acknowledge, and deliver, for and in the name of said National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, a deed or deeds conveying and transferring all of said property to said Garfield Memorial Hosjiital, and ta attach the corporate seal of said National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home to said deed or deeds, and empowering said Hospital to sell, convey, transfer, and convert the said jjroperty or any part thereof into cash at its option. In testimony whereof, the said David K. Cartter, President, and Marcellus Bailey, Secretary, authorized by virtue of a resolution as aforesaid, have hereunto set their hands and affixed the seal of the said National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, the day and year first hereinbefore written. [orphan home seal.] (Signed) D. K. Caetter, President. (Signed) Marcellus Bailey, Secretary. Acknowledged before J. D. COUGHLAX, Notary Public. Soou after the record of the deed of transfer (October 5, 1882) the Board of Incorporators took possession of the real estate and held their meetings in the "Wirt House," 1732 G 236 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Street, N. W. At one of the early meetings after that date it considered and adopted a plan of organization of the hos- pital. In the plan of organization and By-laws, as then adopted, and published in pamphlet form in 1882, Section 10 provides that At a special meeting to be held on the second Monday in May, 1883, said incorporators shall elect a Board of Directors of fifteen persons, four of whom shall be practitioners of medicine, who shall serve from the 27th day of May, 1883, until the second Monday of January, 1884, and until their successors are chosen, and at every subsequent annual meeting said incorporators shall elect a Board of Directors of fifteen persons, four of whom shall be practitioners of medicine, who shall serve one year and until their successors are chosen. In the same plan of organization paragraph 7 of Section 17 read as follows: One ward in the hospital shall be appropriated to the homoeopathic treatment for such patients as desire it, and the Directors shall pro- vide for that purpose. The adoption of this clause against the protest and over the votes of the medical members present, aroused the opposition and open hostility of many of its most conspicuous supporters among the profession at large, and threatened for a time, not only the success of the enterprise, but, Avhat was even worse, to effect its transfer to the homoepathists. Dr. Toner promptly indicated his purpose to resign, and very soon after did resign. Dr. Palmer rose to tender his resignation, but I checked him, and he resumed his seat with voluble indignation. Ashford and myself remained quiet. The adoption of paragraph 7 soon became widely known, and the enemies of the institution, and a number of the profession, as has been shown (p. 233), who w^ere hostile to it, seized the fact, and with alacrity proclaimed it as the proof of our failure, and with significant inuuendo added that we were engaged in an enterprise which would culminate PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 237 in accomplishing for tlie homoeopath ists what they conld not do for themselves. They were not content to "laugh in their sleeves," but laughed to scorn at the uncomfortable dilemma of those of the profession M'ho had given support to the pro- ject, and became so bold and joyous in the ecstasy of their delight as to taunt and jeer with derisive sport and laughter. After consultation with some of the most judicious of our professional coadjutors, Dr. Ashford and myself determined to remain quiet and await the evolution of events. In view of the fact that the property of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home had been transferred to the " Garfield Memorial Hospital/' we could not retire without complete abandonment of the hospital and leaving it in possession of the small majority that had forced paragraph 7 into the By-laws. For a period the routine of business proceeded without interruption. The committees continued to solicit contribu- tions and to advance the interest of the hospital with com- mendable industry and good judgment. At a meeting of the incorporators, held December 11, 1882, Dr. John S. Billings was elected to fill a vacancy. At the meeting succeeding his election, February 19, 1883, he made a motion to revise the By laws by striking out many of the sections and paragraphs and altering others. The motion as made by him was passed (February 19, 1883) without much opposition. The revision eliminated paragraph 7, to which reference has been made, and retained Section 10 (cited on p. 236), but numbered it 9, as it appears in the pamphlet publication (1883) of the " Charter and By-laws of the Gar- field Memorial Hospital." This triumph was as complete as it was unexpected, and immediately restored confidence. The profession at large returned to the sup])ort of the enterprise with marked enthusiasm. To Surgeon Billings honor, praise, and gratitude are due from the management as from the medical profession of this District. His election to the directorship was the turning- point at the critical moment of its history, and stayed the 238 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. influences leading to discontent, controversy, disappointment, and failure, and restored the institution to the course and pur- pose fostered by its projectors and founders. Ashford died May 19, 1883. On May 21, 1883, a motion was made to repeal Sec. 9 of the revised By-laws, or at least so much of it as required that "four" of the fifteen directors should be " practitioners of medicine." This amendment was adopted May 31, 1883. Immediately thereafter (May 31, 1883) the incorporators selected the first board of fifteen directors, of which but one was a " practitioner of medicine " in the District of Columbia. Dr. John S. Billings, Surgeon of United States Army, was elected a director at the same time, and has been successively re-elected ever since. I was a member of the Executive Committee, one of the incorpor- ators, a member of the Board of Incorporators under Sec. 4 of the Charter; was elected a director in May, 1883, and re-elected in 1884 for the succeeding year. Since the annual election of 1885 the profession of the District of Columbia has not had any representative on the Board of Directors of the Garfield Memorial Hospital. Of the original "six practitioners of medicine" of the Ex- ecutive Committee as appointed by Mr. Justice Miller, and on the Board of Incorporators, under Sec. 4 of the charter, three have either died or resigned, and the vacancies have been filled by the election of two laymen and one practitioner of medicine, so that at the present time there are but four "practitioners of medicine" and Surgeon Billings named among the incorporators, and not one of the four practi- tioners on the directory. The death of Ashford and the abrogation of that provision of the By-laws which guaranteed to the local profession a share in the management of the hospital, of which he was the autlior, were somethinoj more than a coincidence. It was one of those significant occurrences, so impatient to accomplish its purposes, that it could not await the burial of his body before disclosing the animus of broken faith. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 239 Before the earth over his remains had settled the incor- porators of an institution which he had originated and founded proceeded to obliterate the last testimony of his indomitable will and energy. In the last revision of the By-laws of the incorporators (1894) the following regulations appear : Sec. 12. The incorijorators at their regular meeting in January of each year shall elect five directors, who shall serve for three years, and until their successors are chosen. Sec. 28. The directors shall provide a medical staff for the hospital. Sec 34. Amendments of these By-laws shall only be made by a two-thirds vote of the incorporators present, notice of the same hav- ing been given one week before action thereon. By Rules 7 and 14, adopted by the Board of Directors February 5, 1894, for the management of the hospital, a " Medical Staff" and a " House Staff" are provided for, each person composing either of the staff "to serve for one year or until a successor is chosen." These By-laws and Rules create a "ring within a ring" — a perpetual oligarchy, which can never be disturbed except by vote of two-thirds, which can never be obtained but with the consent, in whole or in part, of the exclusive class that con- stitutes the oligarchy. An oligarchy of fifteen can always prevent a two-thirds vote of thirty-seven,^ the limit of the number of the corporators, and can thereby perpetuate ex- clusive power and control of the management of the hospital. This result is inevitable, even if the presence of the thirty- seven incorporators could be secured, and every absentee noif one of themselves increases the voting power of the oligarchy. If at any time a majority of the thirty-seven incorporators should determine to acquire control of the management, it 1 The original act of incorporation contains the names of thirty-seven persons; the amended act of June, 1SS4, contains thirty-six names, and the Twelfth Annual Re- port of 1S94 but thirty-three. In the last list of incorporators the names of five physicians, including Surgeon Billings, are enrolled, four belonging to the class denominated "practitioners of medicine." 240 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. would require uiue years to change the directory and six years to obtain a majority of the Board of Directors. It is then evident that tlie double ring and "ring within a ring" management have securely intrenched themselves behind legis- lation that is practically irrepealable without consent of the oligarchy. The wisdom and expediency of such legislation are con- siderations of public interest as well as of private judgment, upon which persons equally wise and discreet may diifer. There is, however, no difference of opinion among the pro- fession in regard to its exclusion from any share in the man- agement of a medical charity which could not have been founded without its support and co-operation. In the last revision of the Rules for the management of the hospital (1894) the following concession is made: Patients (page 21, Sec. 35) occupying private rooms shall be en- titled to receive the professional services of the resident physician without extra charge, but shall have no claim upon the services of the attending medical officers without proper compensation, as may be agreed upon in each instance. This is an important regulation, but lacks the full measure of right and justice to which the medical officers are entitled, in that it aifords the opportunity to escape the payment of proper compensation by offering the gratuitous services of the resident physician. I disclaim any purpose to criticise the management of the hospital, except so far as it relates to the broken faith with the profession of this District. I am not in possession of any information that would justify any attack upon the ordinary routine busiuess and methods of its management, nor to depre- cate its success as a hospital for the treatment and care of the sick and injured. It has my best wishes for its continued prosperity and enlarged usefulness. The two special hospitals — the Hospital for Sick Children and the Columbia Hospital and Lying-in Asylum — owe their PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 241 foundations and permanent establishment and success to the co-operation, influence, and bounty of members of the medical profession. It must not, however, be forgotten that to the laity of both sexes much credit is due, and the present high standing of these institutions must be credited to the enthusi- asm and liberality of the ladies and gentlemen who have been directly and indirectly associated with the management. This chapter has been written in the interest of the medical profession of the District of Columbia, to set forth, upon the basis of historical data, the fact that in every movement to provide suitable hospital accommodations in this District some one or more members of that profession has originated and taken the lead in the enterprise ; and to show, equally con- clusively, that to the same profession every such establishment owes its success and usefulness. I will go further, and assert that every failure, as previously cited, is attributable to the absence or lack of support and co-operation on the part of the community and authorities. Xay, more, I will add the state- ment, and leave the verdict of right or wrong to the jury of my peers, that most, if not all, of the disputes, disturbances, and collisions w^iich have occurred between the medical staffs and officers and the lay majorities of the management of medi- cal charities in this city have been due to the attempts, usually successful, of the lay majorities to cripple or exclude the influence and power of the profession in the management, and to force the medical staffs into humiliatiug dependency upon their unstable will. No hospital ever succeeded and none can continue in operation w^ithout the aid and co-opera- tion of physicians ; and the fact is demonstrated beyond dis- pute that private hospitals, from which are excluded the semblance or even pretence of lay management, are the most successful so far as concerns tlie health and lives of the in- mates. The better results obtained in private hospitals is not only a refutation of the claims of lay directories of the supe- riority of their management, but is proof of its inhumanity. No one ought to deny that the fiscal affairs of such institutions 16 242 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. can be properly managed by laymen, and it is undoubtedly true that the active co-operation of laymen is always an important and most often the essential factor in the successful financial management of public medical charities. A mixed directory with a majority of laymen is preferable to one exclusively professional or lay. It must, furthermore, be admitted that too frequently the harmonious co-operation of the lay and medical members of mixed directories have been interrupted by professional jeal- ousies and contentions, and that medical men not connected with the institution, but seeking place, have inspired antagon- isms, sometimes to gratify a malevolent spirit and at other times to promote their own interests. The profession has not, however, been blameless. It has not as a body asserted its prerogative, and has far too often submitted to the aggressions of lay majorities of the manage- ment without remonstrance. The esprit de corps of the profession has been wanting in that high standard of com- radeship which makes a common cause of wrongs and injuries inflicted upon medical staffs and officers, and when any such have resigned rather than submit to the insults and indignities oifered them the ruling majorities have found others more willing to accept their snubs than lose the opportunities of place. There is no rule or principle of medical ethics that defends or upholds wrongdoing, nor is it contended that medi- cal men are any better than mankind in general ; but medical men are better physicians than lay directors, and must be better qualified to discharge all duties pertaining to the treat- ment and management of the patients, and to make and en- force the rules and regulations relating to the same. No body of medical men has ever claimed that a majority of the direc- tory of any medical charity should be physicians, but the great majority of the profession does claim a fair representa- tion upon every such directory. It is claimed not as a con- cession, subject to the unstable and sinister will of conceited PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 243 laymen, but as a vested right not to be questioned by captious and unreasonable men. The time has come here and elsewhere, throughout the length and breadth of the land, when the medical profession as a body should assert itself, and contest with all the power which such a body of educated men could exercise the en- croachments and aggressions of the laity, and especially of legislative bodies. The highest and beneficent aim of the science of medicine is the eradication of preventable diseases. The accomplishment of this purpose is far above mercenary and commercial considerations, the office tenure of political charlatans, and partisan success of men in high places, who are in open hostility to the progress of medical science. The medical profession of this country is far superior to any other body of equal number in intellectual, educational, and scien- tific acquirements and general information. It possesses op- portunities immeasurably greater than any other class of edu- cated men to impress upon the great mass of the body politic its will and prerogatives. There is not one household, one family, or one voter in all the laud that some one of the profession cannot reach and tell the story of the wrongs and injustice inflicted upon mankind in general by the sensational antagon- ism of the ignorant and fanatical laity and adverse and ag- gressive legislation. As a body it must and eventually will unite in the assertion of its prerogatives and dominate public opinion in all matters pertaining to the prevention and cure of disease and progress of scientific medicine. The charlatan, be he a director or legislator, a governor or a senator, will be compelled to recognize truth in science and accept its teachings. In a recent editorial of The Medical News (December 22, 1894, page 696) the editor concludes with the emphatic statement that: The progress of medicine is of the utmost importance to the com- munity, and laymen are not fit judges of the methods of the out- working of that progress. The growing spirit of dictation and 244 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES arrogance on the part of self-constituted lay judges must be met by the voice of the whole profession in asserting that in medical matters pertaining to hospital management the decision shall rest with medi- cal men. The News is one of the most popular medical journals pub- lished in this country, and, presumably, represents the popu- lar sentiment of the profession. Its well-timed and deliberate protest is very significant, and calls attention to a grievance which can be abated only by such unity of action as will assert and enforce the prerogative of the profession. CHAPTER XIII. The Disturbances of 1869-72. Admission of Physicians of African Descent to Membership in the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Attempt to Eepeal the Charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Appeal to the American Medical Association. Final Settlement by the Decisive Action of the American Medical Asso- ciation at Philadelphia in 1872. The disturbance which began in 1869 and terminated in 1872 was the most angry, turbulent, and widespread of any that has occurred. It grew out of the attempts of a small minority of the membership to force the admission of phy- sicians of African descent into the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. In setting forth the history of this imbroglio I will confine myself to the collation and arrangement of the facts of record in the Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and of the American 3Iedical Association; and, to avoid repetition, will reserve comment until the historical data have been fully and fairly transcribed, as nearly as pos- sible in the order of occurrence. There will, of course, be omissions of many current inci- dents, and, perhaps, fortunately so, as they could only be stated from memory, and, as they would more especially relate to the personal aspects of the controversy, no good purpose could be accomplished by the revival of personal criminations and recriminations which characterized that disturbance and aroused so much bad feeling. The record is sufficiently full to enable the reader to understand clearly the history of that unhappy period. In March, 1869, the applications of Drs. Purvis, Augusta, and Tucker for admission to membership in the Medical 246 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Society of the District of Columbia were rejected by a decisive majority. In consequence of this action of the large majority a coterie of the small minority of members, with others not members, and some active partisan laymen, united in an organ- ized effort to effect the repeal of the charter of the Society. The methods adopted by them and the bitterness with which they prosecuted their purpose will appear further on. To protect itself from the aggressions of the hostile faction, and to prevent the surprise of a packed meeting, at which it might be possible for an objectionable applicant to secure an election, the Society proceeded so to revise its rules and regu- lations in regard to the election of members as to require that applicants for membership should be limited to those who had been licentiates for one year preceding ; that all applications should be in writing, and made only at the stated meeting in January or July, and lie over for three months before con- sideration ; and that an election should require a favorable vote of three-fourths of the members present. At the same time it created a Board of Censors, to which all applications should be referred for inquiry into the qualifications of the licentiate making application. This revision was completed in January, 1870. It so effectively guarded the election of members as to prevent the possibility of surprise by packing a meeting with those who were attempting to force the admis- sion of applicants who were objectionable to the majority of the members. It established, moreover, a policy of defiance of the efforts of the hostile faction that was seeking the abro- gation of the charter. The hostile faction was composed of only a few of the eleven members who had from the beginning voted for the admission of the physicians of African descent ; most of them co-oper- ated with the majority in perfecting the revision and in the policy and methods of defiance of the efforts to repeal the charter. During the consideration of the revision, at the meeting held January 3, 1870, Dr. Robert Reyburn was permitted to PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 247 have read the following resolution, which was not enter- tained : Resolved, That no physician who is otherwise eligible should be ex- cluded from membership in this Society on account of race or color. After the completion of the revision of the constitution the Society, at an adjourned stated meeting, January 12, 1870, adopted and ordered to be published the following explana- tion of its course and method of procedure in the election of members. It is the first official notice of the assaults made upon it, and distinctly arraigns the hostile faction for misrep- resentation and vituperation. January 12, 1870 (Adjourned Stated Meeting). AX APPEAL. The Medical Society of the District of Columbia, which has existed in the community for more than half a century, having been lately assailed, and a resolution, founded upon statements evidently derived from sources at once malicious and false, having been introduced into the Senate of the United States to repeal its charter in the following terms: "Resolved, That the Committee on the District of Columbia be directed to consider the expediency of repealing the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and of such other legis- lation as may be necessary in order to secure for medical practitioners in the District of Columbia equal rights and opportunities without distinction of color," this Society deems it respectful and due to its own dignity to give a public explanation of its actions in order that it may be exonerated in the opinion of all just men from the charges which have been brought against it by designing and interested enemies. It has been charged that this Society has, with prejudice and a tyrannical exercise of the powers conferred on it by its charter, refused to certain individuals chartered rights which they could equitably demand. The falsity of this charge will be apparent upon an examination of the provisions of the charter. 1. The charter requires that the Society shall elect a Board of Ex- aminers " whose dutv it shall be to grant licenses to such medical and 248 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. chirurgical gentlemen as they may, upon a full examination, judge qualified to practice the medical and chirurgical arts, or as may pro- duce a diploma from some respectable medical college or society." 2. It imposes a penalty ujion any one venturing to practice without such a license. 3. It forbids the society in anywise to regulate the practice of med- ical or chirurgical attendance on such persons as may need those ser- vices, or to establish or fix a tariff of charges for medical attendance or advice, or to interfere in any way with the charges or fees for med- ical attendance or advice. 4. The privilege is given by the same instrument to the Society that its members " may elect into their body such medical and chi- rurgical practitioners within the District of Columbia as they may deem qualified to become members of the Society." With respect to the first of these — that is, license after examina- tion — nearly every respectable practitioner of medicine who has settled in this District desirous of fulfilling the requirements of the law has applied for and received the license from the Board of Exam- iners, and in no case has this license been refused to a person passing the required examination. Even the colored physicians who now complain have received their license immediately after examination and payment of the fee invariably paid by all applicants for license. The board has granted the license in every instance, without any dis- tinction or restriction, when the proper qualifications have been ascer- tained to exist. 2. The Society has on very rare occasions deemed it expedient to have the legal penalty inflicted upon persons without the aforesaid license, and then only for the protection of the public against notorious and swindling quacks. 3. The Society has never, in a single instance, by forbidding con- sultations or restricting them in any way, infringed that provision of the charter forbidding interference with "the regulation of the prac- tice of medical attendance." But, debarred from the exercise of these powers in the Society, the medical practitioners of this District many years ago organized a voluntary society, known as the Medical Asso- ciation of the District of Columbia, and in that association have made regulations with respect to medical ethics, including the regulations of consultations, fees, etc. The regulations of this voluntary associ- ation have been confounded with the acts of the Society, and the latter body is thus made to bear the credit or the odium of regu- lations not properly chargeable to it. The existence of this second body, the Medical Association, is not fully known by the public or some of the profession as it should be, and in the charges made PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 249 against the Society in Congress there was a marked evidence of this conftision, 4. By reference to the fourth provision of the charter, as stated above, it will be seen that membership is not a right, compulsory on the Society to grant when applied for, and that the Society has, in fact, in the exercise of its legitimate right, on more than one occa- sion, rejected candidates for membership; and it has thus refused those individuals, not as a right which they could demand, but a benefit which it was optional with the Society to bestow. Every man, be he Chinaman, Choctaw, or African, whether he may think 2)roper to practice hydropathy, sorcery, homoeopathy, clarivoy- ance, or any form of quackery, has a right under the law to demand of the Board of Examiners a license or certificate on presenting a diploma from a respectable medical college or passing the required examination. It would, therefore, be absurd to insist that every licentiate should necessarily be entitled to the privileges of membership which, briefly stated, consist of social reunion for medical discussion and the elec- tion of officers generally. The Medical Society for a series of years has held weekly meetings for the discussion of medical subjects, and these meetings have been of the nature of social reunions, and, of course, each member has exercised his right in the selection of his associates. To question his right to vote in the election of members as he may deem proper would be an unwarrantable infringement of his franchise. Shall the existence of the Society be threatened because a majority of its members have held and acted upon the belief that the admis- sion of certain persons as members would render the attendance upon these meetings so distasteftil as to insure their cessation, and thus, far from benefiting the complainants, destroy the usefulness of the Society ? In fine, the license from the Board of Examiners conveys all the rights which this Society can confer. The privilege of membership is merely a privilege of association and social reunion, and it is for entrance into the social reunion that the friends of the colored physicians are clamorous, and not only threaten to destroy the Society unless admitted, but have boldly demanded in public meeting that the charter be taken away from the Society ; and among the prime movers in this attempt to effect the destruction of the Society are certain individuals who have settled amongst us of late, have received the courtesy of its members, yet, while retaining their membership, they are plotting its destruction. It will thus be seen that the charter secures to all medical practi- 250 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. tioners, without distinction, riglits dependent only upon certain moral and intellectual qualifications, and that the Society has never desired nor attempted to interfere with or deny those rights. It will also be seen that it leaves the question of membership as one of optional and social association. This Society does, therefore, most solemnly, in the presence of the public, protest against a tyrannical attempt to jjunish it for the exer- cise of an undoubted and legitimate right, and in the absence of any express legislation to meet the emergency, the opposition to which might then be justly chargeable to the Society as a misdemeanor. J. W. H. LovEJOY, M.D. C. H. LlEBERMANN, M.D. J. M. Toner, M.D. W. P. JOHNSTOX, M.D., President Med. Society, D. C. Wm. Lee, M.D., Secretary Med. Society, D. C. This appeal was prepared by a committee appointed for that purpose, and was unanimously adopted. It set forth distinctly the charges made against the Society by its assailants, and based their refutation upon the accepted interpretation of the law enacted by Congress in 1819, which had not been violated during a period of fifty-one years, and to which it declared its purpose to adhere, notwithstanding the threat of repeal. At that period there was a large majority in each branch of Congress that seized every occasion and opportunity to vindi- cate and extend the rights and privileges of the citizens of African descent, among which the hostile faction found many zealous and impetuous friends ready to aid it in advocacy of the purpose to destroy the Society, rather than submit to the will of a majority of its membership, lawfully and deliberately expressed. With Senator Sumner aud other distinguished and influential Senators in active support of the efforts to effect a repeal of the charter, the danger of success was ap- parently imminent, yet the Society, as a body, firmly and with unwavering courage persisted in its course and confronted every action without dismay. It did more, as will be shown further on in the proceedings of the American Medical Asso- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 251 ciation. It openly charged its assailants, before that body, with violations of the law of Congress and of the etliics of the profession to which many of tlieni had committed themselves in the most solemn manner. At the meeting of the Society, February 9, 1870, Dr. Joseph Borrows again nominated Drs. Purvis, Augusta, and Tucker. It not being a stated meeting, as required by the revised regulations, the nominations Avere declared out of order. This seems to have been the last attempt to compel the majority to yield. Thereafter the controversy was trans- ferred to the American Medical Association, which was to assemble in this city in May following, and both the hostile faction and the Society proceeded with their preparations for the conflict. The assailants, including the hostile faction, based their contention upon two propositions: the abrogation of the charter, which would deprive the Society of representation in the American Medical Association, and the multiplication of representation from the District of Columbia, through the organization of other medical societies, into which they could gather numerous resident physicians, some not engaged in the practice of medicine, and all recusant members of the pro- fession, some of whom, like the physicians of African de- scent, were rejected applicants, and others who were unwilling to submit to the usages and etiquette which a code of ethics prescribes for the regulation of professional intercourse among honorable men. They derived very important assistance from the local partisan press, especially the Washington Chronicle, edited by John W. Forney, at that time Secretary of the Senate. The Medical Society relied upon the law and justice. It invoked and secured the co-operation of the Medical Associa- tion of the District of Columbia. The two organizations united in a common agreement, not only of defence of the accusations made against the Society, but also of attack based upon the illegal and unethical acts and procedures of the 252 PEBSOyAL REMINISCENCES. recently formed medical societies, and their co-operatiag organizations that were claiming representation in the Ameri- can Medical Association. In the election of delegates to the American Medical Asso- ciation the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia were careful to select members who were openly committed to the support of the policy adopted by the two organizations. They did not exclude members who were known to favor the admission of physicians of African descent, but did ostracise those few, and their co- adjutors, who have been characterized as the hostile faction. At a joint meeting of the two delegations held early in April, 1870, I was elected Chairman of the joint delegations and representative of the District of Columbia on the domi- nating Committee of the American Medical Association. As the Chairman, I was charged with the conduct of the contro- versy on the part of the two local societies. The further ])ro- ceedings are fully set forth in the report I made to the Medical Society, June 15, 1870. In it are included all the facts of record in the Transactions of the American Medical Associa- tion and of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Report of the Chairman of the Delegates of the American Medical Association, made to the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, June 15, 1870 : Me. Peesidekt : In obedience to the resolution of May, I sub- mit, in writing, the following reiDort of the delegates to the meeting of the American Medical Association recently held in this city : It having become known to the delegates from the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia that the " Na- tional Medical Society of the District of Columbia" would send delegates to the American Medical Association, and learning through the public press that Dr. C. C. Cox, who had been represented by his friends to be seeking the presidency, had been elected a delegate from a medical society in Baltimore, a meeting of the delegates was held at the office of Dr. Toner, on Thursday, April 28, 1870, to deliberate upon the jiroper course to be pursued. The following resolution was adopted and a copy transmitted to the Committee of Arrangements of the American Medical Association. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 253 Resolved, That the delegates representing the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia protest against the admission of any delegate who is a member of the so-called " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia," because said society was formed in contempt of the organized medical society, and has attempted through legislative influence to break down the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, or of any faculty which is com- posed of any of the members of said "National Medical Society," or of any one, resident of this District, and presenting credentials from a non-resident society, or of any hosjiital, the medical staff of which recognizes or is in affiliation with the " National Medical Society ; " and be it further Resolved, That the Committee of Arrangements of the American Medical Association be requested to withhold credentials from such persons, and to submit the question of their admission to the Ameri- can Medical Association. The above was adopted at a meeting of the delegates, April 28, 1870. Thomas Miller, M.D., Chairman of meeting of delegates. J. W. H. LOVE.IOY, M.D., Secretary of meeting of delegates. The followiug protest was presented by the President of the Society to the Committee of Arrangements : Dr. Antisell, Chairman Committee of Arrangements American Medical Association : Dear Sir: Having heard that delegates to the American Medical Association will present credentials from a society of this city styled the " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia," I hereby protest against the Committee accepting such delegates, and desire that the papers be referred to the Association for their action. Very respectfully, W. P. JOHXSTON, President Med. Society, D. C. These two papers show conclusively that this Society, through its President and delegates, never sought other than a fair and honorable investigation into and adjustment of the questions at issue between it and the " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia." They show, moreover, that it never raised any question concerning the " Alumni Association of the Medical Depart- 254 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ment of Georgetown College," or of the " Section of Medicine and Hygiene, A. A. of Literature, Science, and Art," or con- cerning Howard University or Freedmen's Hospital, except so far as these institutions might be represented by members of the "National Medical Society." The protest of the delegation contains two propositions : First. It protests against the admission of any resident of the District of Columbia as a delegate from any non-resident society. For it is clear that if a minority, when the profession or a society is divided upon any issue, can obtain admission through non-resident societies, a majority can never assert its prerog- ative, and the right of representation is thereby denied. The following is a transcript from the register of the Amer- ican Medical Association : No. 37. Chris. C. Cox ; iDost-office, Baltimore ; count)^, Baltimore ; State, Maryland. Institute represented, Baltimore Medical Association. Believing that Delegate C. C. Cox was the licentiate C. C. Cox, of this Society, though the identity was lost in the fact that one was, according to the register of the American Med- ical Association, a resident of Maryland, and the other must have been, March 2, 1870 (the date of his license), according to the charter of the Society, a resident of the District of Columbia. And believing, furthermore, that Delegate C. C. Cox was Chris. C. Cox, M.D., LL.D., Professor of Anatomy, Medical Jurisprudence, and Toxicology in Georgetown Col- lege, editor of the National Ifedical Journal, and President of the Department of Medical Science and Hygiene of the American Union Academy of Literature, Science, and Art," which institutions are located in this city, was the same licentiate C. C. Cox, a resident of this city, engaged in the practice of medicine here, with an office at 1325 F Street, and a residence at 1412 I Street, I presented the following protest : PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 255 To the American Medical Association : "We, the undersigned physicians and delegates of the District of Columbia, protest against the admission of Dr. C. C. Cox as a delegate from any medical society of the State of Maryland, he having dis- continued the practice of medicine in that State for the purpose of receiving a political oflSce in Washington City, and, after the termina- tion of his official tenure, remaining in this city as a practitioner of medicine. S. C. Busey. A. F. A. King, G. M. Dove, W. H. Coombs, N. S. Lincoln, Chas. E. Hagner, J. "W. H. Lovejoy, W. P. Johnston, Rob't King Stone, C. H. Liebermann, W. B. Butt, Thos. Miller, Grafton Tyler, C. F. Naley, John Fred'k May, Wm. Marbury, Wm. G. Palmer, D. Webster Prentiss, John W. Bulkley, Geo. R. Miller, J. C. Hall, W. E. Roberts, John C. Riley, W. W. Johnston, Alex. Y. P. Garnett, Wm. B. Drinkard. I certify that the above is a true copy of the document now in my hands. (Signed) Wm. B. Atkixson, Perm. Sec. Amer. Med. Ass'n. In answer to this charge he denied to the committee his residence in this District, as is shown by the following letter : Louisville, Ky., June 6, 1870. My Dear Doctor : Dr. Cox distinctly claimed Baltimore as his residence when I took the ground that a man could not live in one State and be allowed to represent another. Both he and his friends declared in support of his assertion that Baltimore was his home ; that he had never voted in Washington City. Following immediately upon this assertion we were all very much amused by Dr. Askew's question as to where he had his washing done. I sincerely hope he will be dealt with rightly, but very rigidly. Regards to the clever doctors of the cit}-. And believe me very truly yours, (Signed) J. M. Keller. Dr. S. C. Busey, Washington, D. C. 256 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Notwithstanding this denial and the registry, his acknowl- edged residence in this city is fixed by the following certificate from the Treasurer : Washington, June 7, 1870. 931 H St., N. W. Dear Busey : Your note requesting me to give you the date of the payment by Dr. C. C. Cox of the fee for license to practice medicine in this District under the authority of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia was duly received. I find, on reference to my books, that Dr. C. C. Cox paid the fee for his license on October the 16th, 1869. Yours truly, (Signed) Wm. Maebury, Treasurer Med. Society, D. C. Dr. S. C. Busey. And the still more conclusive testimony of the Chairman of the Board of Examiners, for it shows that he applied as early as July or August, 1869, which must be the date at which he considered himself a resident ; was licensed March 2, 1870, and notified during the latter part of tlie same month. Washington City, June 10, 1870. My Dear Doctor : When the present Board of Examiners entered upon their duties they found a great deal of unfinished business on hand. Dr. C. C. Cox had aj^plied for license in July or August, 1869, which had never been granted him. Dr. Howard called my attention, as chairman, to his case. I saw Dr. Eliot, late chairman, who informed me that he had told Dr. C. on several occasions that it was necessary that he should exhibit his diploma to the board before license could be granted him ; this he failed to do. I then requested Dr. Howard, as the friend of Dr. C, to call on Dr. C. and inform him in regard to the course to be pur- sued. This was in January, 1870. About the 1st of March Dr. C. left his diploma at the oflice of Dr. H., who stated the fiict to me. I called, examined it, and reported to the board. License was granted, and Dr. C. was notified by me some time between the 21st and 27th of March, and has since acknowledged receipt of the notice. At the time of examining the diploma I asked Dr. H. if Dr. Cox desired to be proposed for membership in the Society. Dr. H. said he did not, and that he preferred not to become a member, as the existence of the Society was in doubt, and he preferred to wait. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 257 During the session of the American Medical Association I asked Dr. H. if he recollected the conversation that had taken place ; he said he did, and his recollection was precisely as stated by me above. Should you desire anything further in regard to this matter I shall be happy to give you all the information in my j^ower. With best wishes for your entire recovery, I remain, very truly, Your fit'iend, (Signed) Wm. G. Palmer. Samuel C. Busey, M.D., Washington City, D C. Subsequent to the presentation of the protest by myself, Dr. J. Ford Thompson presented the following : The undersigned, chairman of the delegation of the Medical Soci- ety, and others, members of the profession of the District of Colum- bia, charge Dr. Cox with violation of the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association in this, that he has importuned Sen- ators or a Senator to permit the bill pending before that body to pass, that the vote of the Society in this Association might thereby be destroyed ; and, secondly, he pursued the practice of medicine in this city without becoming a member of any of its local organizations, and therefore refuses to comply with the local Code of Ethics. We file the letter of Senator Patterson, and refer to Drs. Johnston, Lin- coln, Ford, Thompson, and Dr. Nichols, of the Insane Asylum. S. C. Busey, Chairman. j. w. h. lovejoy. Eob't Kixg Stone. G. M. Dove. Alex. Y. P. Garxett. To the Committee on Ethics. I certify that the above is a true copy of the documents in my hands. (Signed) Wm. B. Atkinsox, Perm. Sec'y Amer. Med. Ass'n. Which was referred to the same committee. On motion, five minutes were given to Dr. Cox to make an expla- nation. He said that he had bought a license from the Medical Asso- ciation of this city, but he had never received the said license ; that was the reason he was not a member of the Medical Society ; and, 17 258 PERGONAL REMINISCENCES. further, that he had never importuned any Senator on any subject whatever, as had been charged upon him. — Extract from Daily Chronicle. This brief extract contains the distinct allegation that this Society had committed the illegal and dishonorable act of bar- tering in its license ; and, furthermore, declared that Licen- tiate Cox had obtained his license as the equivalent for a stipulated price, and not as a right to which he was entitled, and for which he had applied as early as August, 1869, and obtained March, 1870. He asserts that he purchased that which this Society had no right to sell, and never had sold. In answer to this charge against the Society, I need only refer to the letters of Drs. Palmer and Marbury ; and his avowal of a purchase of a license denies the truth of his registry. His assertion that his failure to join the Society resulted from the non-receipt of his license is contradicted by the testimony of his friend Howard. All the circumstances go to show that he regarded himself a resident of this city. He also denies receipt of his license, yet the proof is positive and direct that he was notified of it prior to the meeting of the American Medical Association, and acknowledged its receipt. He, furthermore, denies " that he had ever importuned any Senator on any subject whatever." This denial afforded oppor- tunity for the presentation and reading of the following letter : U. S. S. Chamber, Washington, May 2, 1870. My Dear Doctor : You will jjlease pardon me on the score of long friendship for troubling you with this note. I desire informa- tion on a subject which I think it is in your power to give. Senator Sumner came to me on Friday last and expressed the desire that I should withdraw my opposition to his bill abrogating the charter of the Medical Society in this District, stating that Dr. C. C. Cox, among others, had been to him urging immediate action upon the bill, in order that the Society might be deprived of its representation in the approaching meeting of the American Medical Association, thereby throwing the power into the hands of the radical members of the profession. I desire to know if such will be the effect of the abroga- tion of the charter of the Society. I need not say to one who has known me as long and as intimately as yourself that I have no sym- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 259 pathy with any denial or limitation of the rights of colored men, but at the same time it has seemed to me that it would be an act of in- justice to destroy the charter of the ancient and honorable Medical Society of this District for the reasons upon which it is urged. An early reply will greatly oblige, Yours sincerely, J. W. Patterson. N,'S. Lincoln, M.D. As Delegate C. C. Cox thrust himself forward as the peculiar cham- pion of the colored physicians, and availed himself of every oppor- tunity to assail the Medical Society for its alleged hostility to the admission of this class of persons, it is prosier that I should put upon record a fact stated by , of Baltimore city, in the presence of Drs. Hall, Palmer, R. S. L. Walsh, Hagner, G. E. Miller, Bulkley, McClery, Maury, and myself, of this city, and Drs. Jones and Parker, of New York, and authorized either to report it. It is as follows : About four or six weeks previous to the meeting of the American Medfcal Association Dr. C. C Cox visited the city of Baltimore. While there he attended a meeting of the Baltimore Medical Associa- tion, and delivered a speech, in which he declared that he was the most available candidate for the presidency of the American Medical Association, because he was opposed to the adniission of colored phy- sicians, and had sustained the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in its contest with those who sought to abrogate its charter because it refused admission to colored physicians. While the consideration of the protest against his admission and of the charges against him were pending before the Committee on Ethics Delegate C. C. Cox sought every opportunity to disturb the Association with some motion or discussion concerning the delegates from the District of Columbia and their local disputes. Immediately upon the announcement of the Xominating Committee he moved to strike my name from the list, which motion was negatived by a most decided majority. During the second day he succeeded in carrying a motion to exclude all delegates (including those not in dispute) from the District of Columbia until the report of the Committee on Ethics. This act jjoints unmistakably to the purpose which prompted his acts. Not only did he seek to cast odium upon the personnel of the District delegation and the caase which they upheld, by constantly disturbing the proceedings of the Association with motions and speeches concerning them, but he sought to and succeeded in closing the mouths of the delegation while the charges against him were pending, knowing, as he did, that the facts and documents in posses- sion of individual deleirates would overwhelm him. 260 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. After consideration of these protests the majority of the Committee recommended the admission of Dr. Cox, which was adopted. The report is as follows : Dr. Alfred Stille, of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the Committee on Ethics, presented the following report ( Tramactions American Medi- cal Association, vol. xxi., p. 40) : Whereas, There is nothing in the Constitution and By-laws of this Association which prohibits a medical society entitled to representa- tion from appointing delegates who are members of such society though not residents of the same place; therefore, Resolved, That the Committee recommend that the i^rotest against Dr. C. C. Cox as a delegate from Maryland be laid on the table. Alfred Stille, Chairman of Committee on Ethics. Washington, D. C, May 3, 1870. Dr. John M. Keller, of Kentucky, of the same Committee, presented the minority report. The undersigned begs leave to submit the following minority report from the Committee on Ethics : First, that whilst the strict letter of the Constitution and By-laws of the American Medical Association may not prevent a resident of one State representing a medical society of another State in the meetings of the American Medical Association, it is plain to the mind of your Minority Committee that the spirit and intent of the laws are that a delegate must reside at the place, or certainly in the State which he proposes to represent ; therefore, it is the opinion of the minority of the Committee on Ethics that Dr. C. C. Cox should not be allowed a seat as a delegate from Maryland, Washing- ton being his place of residence. J. M. Keller. During the consideration of the admission of Cox the delegation submitted with dignity and in silence to the wrong inflicted by the motion of Dr. Cox. They knew their exclusion upon a simple motion was, in law, nugatory and void, because no member of any parliamentary body can be excluded by the will of a simple majority, yet they choose not to agitate the question, but wait in dignified silence the rej^ort, feel- ing assured their course and cause would be vindicated and their rights maintained. Not one raised his voice against the majority PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 261 report, thus giving additional proof of their forbearance and willing- ness to acquiesce quietly in the adjudication of the Committee. The majority report admitting Delegate Cox was based upon the fact that there was no constitutional prohibition to a society electing any one of its members to represent it, without reference to his resi- dence, and not upon the merits of the questions presented in the relation which he bore to them. The second proposition set forth by the protest is to the effect that no member of the " National Medical Society " ought to be admitted as a delegate, no matter what society, hospital, or college he may claim to represent. Such delegates were denied credentials by the Committee of Arrangements, and Dr. Reyburn, a member of said Committee, presented to the Association the following minority report : Minorifij Report of the Committee on Credentials. The undersigned respectfully protests against the admission to the approaching session of the American Medical Association of the delegates from the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, for the following reasons, viz. : These delegates represent a society which, in open defiance of the ethics of the American Medical Association, for the fee often dollars, issues license to practice medicine in the District of Columbia to homoeopathic and other irregular practitioners. This Society is also irregular and violates the ethics of the Ameri- can Medical Association by claiming and exercising the power to grant licenses to practice medicine in the District of Columbia to persons who are not graduates of any respectable college for the fee of ten dollars. The undersigned also respectfully jirotests against the admission to the next session of the American Medical Association of the delegates from the so-called Medical Association of the District of Columbia, for the reason that said association is composed of the same indi- viduals that form the Medical Society of the District of Columbia ; in fact, it only settles the fee bill and local ethics of the medical pro- fession of the District, and can in no sense be called a medical or- ganization entitled to representation in the American Medical Association. No medical papers, essays, or pathological specimens are presented at its meetings, and it is in fact only an ingenious device by which the Medical Society of the District of Columbia is enabled to dupli- cate its number of delegates in the American Medical Association. The undersigned also respectfully calls attention to the number of 262 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. delegates claiming to represent the medical profession of the District of Columbia. The total number of regular physicians in the District of Columbia is about two hundred, which would give about twenty delegates, and yet it will be seen that the District delegates number about sixty-four, which is evidently unfair, and gives the District a much larger repre- sentation than it is justly entitled to. The undersigned having already filed a written protest with the Committee on Credentials, for the reasons above given, respectfully recommends that the following gentlemen, delegates from the Medical Society of this city, be refused admission to the approaching session of the Association, viz. : R. K. Stone, T. Miller, J. C. Hall, J. W. Bulkley, W. B. Drinkard, W. G. Palmer, F. A. Ashford, W. W. Johnston, J. T. Young, S. C. Busey, J. M. Toner, W. P. Johnston, T. Antisell, C. E. Hagner, A. F. A. King, M. V. B. Bogan, W. H. Combs, D. W. Prentiss, and W. E. Roberts. For reasons as above, he respectfully recommends that seats also be reftised in the approaching session of the Association to the fol- lowing-named gentlemen, delegates from the so-called Medical Asso- ciation of the District, viz. : C. H. Liebermann, D. R. Hagner, William Lee, J. C. Riley, Grafton Tyler, W. Butt, Joseph Walsh, N. S. Lincoln, J. W. H. Lovejoy, Thos. F. Maury, Louis Ritchie, W. H. G. Newman, Armstead Peter, H. B. Triste, Aaron Miller, and George R. Miller. The undersigned reports favorably upon the credentials of and recommends that seats be granted to the following-named gentlemen, delegates representing the various societies and institutions of the District, viz. : From the Alumni Society, Georgetown College. — W. Evans, E. McNally, F. O. St. Clair, G. A. Fitch, R. S. L. Walsh, Charles Allen. Columbia Hospital, Washington, D. C. — J. H. Thompson. Georgetown College, District of Columbia. — Johnson Eliot, Noble Young. Section of Medicine and Hygiene, American Academy of Literature, Science, and Art.— W. D. Stewart, D. W. Bliss, T. B. Hood, J. T. Johnson. Smallpox Hospital, District of Columbia. — A. T. Augusta. Washington Asylum.— S. A. H. McKim. Freedmen's Hospital.— Charles B. Purvis, B. G. Glenuau, Howard University Medical College, Washington, D. C. — S. L. Loomis, R. Reyburn. National Medical Society, Washington, D. C— H. W. Sawtelle, A. W. Tucker, J. E. Mason. Clinico-Pathological Society. — H. A. Robbing, O. M. Muncaster, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 263 National Medical College, D. C— A. Y. P.Garnett, J. F. Thompson. Providence Hospital, D. C— G. M. Dove, C. M. Ford. The undersigned, in conclusion, respectfiilly protests against the arbitrary and illegal conduct of the majority of the members com- prising the Committee on Credentials in refusing credentials to dele- gates from medical institutions which have been heretofore represented in the American Medical Association, and apparently objected to them solely on partisan and political grounds. Egbert Eeyburn, M.D., Member of Committee on Credentials, Amer. Med. Ass'n. Unfortunately for Dr. Reyburn's reputation for candor and fair dealing, and for the dignity of his position, he permitted himself to give utterance to foolish and frivolous charges against the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia. As a member of both organizations he was equally responsible for and equally shared in the dishonorable transactions with which he charged these organizations, and though he had for years been a member of both, and had represented one or both in the American Medical Asso- ciation, he had never made any effort to expose these alleged abuses, nor even called the attention of the members of either organization to them. He also charges that the profession in the District of Columbia is entitled to " about twenty delegates," and yet in his minority report he recommends the admission of twenty-eight. He, furthermore, alleges that the " Medical Association of the District of Columbia " (which was organized fourteen years before the American Medical Association) is an ingenious device by which the Medical Society (which was organized in 1819) is enabled to duplicate its number of delegates in the American Medical Association, and yet he recom- mends the admission of the delegates from the Clinico-Pathological Society, Georgetown Alumni Society, " National Medical Society," and of the Section of Medicine and Hygiene, American Academy ot Literature, Science, etc. The last two being recently organized, might perhaps be amenable to the charge of being " ingenious devices " to obtain representation in the American Medical Association. In this connection the fact must not be overlooked that this charge of nuiltiplication of members and delegates comes from one who is at the same time a member of five different organizations claiming representation in the American Medical Association — that is to say, Dr. Eeyburn was a member (at the time of making his report) of the " Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia," the Medical Association of the District of Colum- 264 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. bia, of the " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia," of the faculty of Howard University, and one of the staff of Freed- men's Hospital. Further comment is unnecessary. The Committee on Ethics, to which was referred both reports (ma- jority and minority), unanimously dismissed the charges against the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and Association as too fi-ivolous to demand even a serious consideration, for it was clear to them that as the legal qualifications to practice medicine in the Dis- trict of Columbia could only be acquired by the possession of a license from the Medical Society, it must follow that any and all the organ- izations of legally qualified practitioners of medicine must to a cer- tain extent be duplicate organizations, at least of licentiates of that body. But the main question presented by these reports was the admission of delegates who were members of the " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia." Against the admission of such persons I presented the following abstract of charges, with specifications : To the Committee on Ethics, American Medical Association : Medical Societ}^ of the District of Columbia, chartered 1819. Act amended 1838. Purpose of charter twofold. First. To legalize the practice of medicine in the District of Co- lumbia. Second. To promote science and disseminate knowledge. Mem- bership optional (Sections 1 and 2). License to practice mandatory (Section 3). Qualifications of licentiates either a diploma or a satis- factory examination (Section 3). Prohibition against any regulations of fees, consultations, ethics, etc. (Section 4). Penalty for practising without a license (Section 5). In consequence of the prohibition of Section 4 the Medical Associ- ation was established, which regulates fees, consultations, and ethics. The colored physicians, Drs. Augusta, Purvis, and Tucker, never applied for membership to the Association, though possessing all the qualifications, as shown by the following : 921 North E Street. My Dear Doctor : I received your letter yesterday requesting me to send you a copy of my letter to Drs. Augusta and Purvis, and the reply of Dr. Augusta. Not supposing that it would ever assume the consequence it has, I destroyed it among other similar notes. I will, however, give you, as far as I can recollect, the contents of my letter to Augusta and his reply. After the vote on their (Augusta and Purvis) application to the Medical Society, at which meeting I was PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 265 not present, I was led to believe the principal ol)jection to their admission was that the white members would be compelled to meet the colored physicians socially at the debates and entertainments of the Society ; besides, their admission to the Society would not give them any substantial advantage. Being licentiates of the Society, they were eligible to the Associa- tion, in which a smaller vote would be required for their admission than in the Society, in which they would gain all the substantial privileges which they required, viz. : the benefit of consultation with the white physicians. This course I advised Drs. Augusta and Purvis to pursue— to apply for admission to the Medical Association. To this communication I received a reply from Augusta thanking me for the interest I took in his case, but stating that as they had placed it in the hands of their friends, he must decline to follow my suggestion, stating or intimat- ing that they had recommended a different course. Hoping that this statement may be satisfactory, I send it to you. I remain yours, (Signed) Joseph Borrows. They were licensed by the Society in March and April, 1869. Subsequent apiilication for membership rejected, and, subsequently thereto, they, with Drs. Eeyburn, Bliss, Patterson, Southworth, J. T. Johnson, and others, members of this Society, united with other phy- sicians (many of whom are not engaged in the practice of medicine, nor legally qualified to practice medicine in the District of Colum- bia) and formed the " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia." I deny the legality of this organization, because — First. It recognizes men not licentiates of the 3Iedical Society of the District of Columbia. . Second. It recognizes men not supporting the only local society which can confer the right to practice medicine. Third. It recognizes men violating Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Fourth. A part of its members refuse obedience to the will of the majority, lawfully expressed. It violates ethics — First. In refusing obedience to Section 16 of the regulations of the Medical Association. Second. As a society, and through its individual members, it has invoked political and legislative interference to destroy the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. 266 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Third. It has furnished to the press an abstract of its discussions on medical subjects or permitted a reporter to be present. Fourth. Through its Committee it has defamed the Medical Society and Association, and by immediate references individual members thereof. Fifth. Through its committee it has sought to reanimate the ani- mosities of the war and invoke the action of Congress by appealing to such prejudices. Sixth. It has arraigned the Medical Society before the Senate Com- mittee. Seventh. One or more of its members and others have importuned one or more Senators to destroy the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. I object to the admission of the delegates from Howard University and Freedmen's Hospital because they are members of the " National Medical Society of the District of Columbia." Upon these charges, after having permitted me to present the testi- mony in my possession, the committee made the following report : Dr. N. S. Davis presented a report from the majority of the com- mittee, as follows {Transactions American Medical Association, 1870, vol. xxi. p. 53) : It appears that the matters reported to your committee, consisting of the minority report of the Committee of Eegistration, and so much of the action of the majority of same committee as relates to the same subject, embrace the three following subjects : First. A charge that the majority of the Eegistration Committee had reiused to register the delegates presenting credentials from several societies, colleges, and hospitals in the District of Columbia which claimed the right to representation. Second. Direct charges against the Medical Society and the Med- ical Association of the District of Columbia, accompanied by a pro- test against the admission of delegates from those bodies. Third. Direct charges, which had been lodged with the Committee of Eegistration, against the National Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia, accompanied by a protest against the registration of delegates from that Society, and from such other institutions as were supplied with medical officers who were members of that Society. In regard to the first charge, your committee find on investigation that the Eegistration Committee have duly registered all the dele- gates from all the medical institutions claiming representation in the District of Columbia in accordance with the usages and by-laws of the Association, except the Medical Society of the Alumni of George- town College, the National Medical Society, the Howard Medical PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 267 College, the Freednicn's Hospital, and the Smallpox Hospital, these being the institutions included in the charges already mentioned in the third specification. It remains, therefore, only to consider the second and third speci- fications, and your committee ask leave to report on these separately. In relation to the second we unanimously recommend the following resolutions : Resolved, That the charges offered by Dr. Reyburn, as a minority of the Committee on Registration, against the Medical Society and the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, are not of a nature to require the action of the American Medical Association, the first charge referring to a duty imposed on the Society by an Act of Con- gress, and the second referring to a matter which does not come in conflict with any part of the code of ethics. Resolved, That so far as relates to the Medical Society of the Alumni of Georgetown College, it has been shown to us that the Society has sixty resident members, and is therefore entitled to six delegates instead of as requested by the Committee. In regard to the third proposition relating to the National Medical Society, Howard Medical College, the Freedmeu's Hospital, and the Smalli^ox Hospital, we recommend the following : Resolved, That the duties of the Committee of Arrangements, so far as relates to the registration of members, is purely clerical, consisting in the verification of the certificates of delegates and a report on the same. If credentials in proper form are presented from any society or institution possessing such form as would place it prima facie in the list of institutions enumerated in the Constitution of the Associa- tion as entitled to representation, but against which charges have been made or protests presented, the names of the delegates present- ing such credentials together with the charges or protests in the pos- session of the Committee, should be reported to the Association for its action. Resolved, That the charges lodged with the Committee of Arrange- ments against the eligibility of the National Medical Society of the District of Columbia have been so far sustained that we recommend that no member of that Society should be received as delegate at the present meeting of this Association. N. S. Davis, H. F. Askew, J. M. Keller. Dr. Alfred Stills presented a report from the minority of the Com- mittee as follows : The undersigned members of the Committee on Ethics, while sub- 268 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. scribing to the greater portion of the report of the majority, feel it their duty nevertheless to dissent from the final resolution recom- mending the exclusion of the members of the National Medical Society of the District of Columbia from the present meeting of this Association ; they offer, therefore, in lieu of that resolution the fol- lowing : Whereas, The institutions excluded from representation by the action of the Committee on Credentials, viz. : The National Medical Society, the Howard Medical College, the Freedmen's Hospital, and the Smallpox Hospital, are regularly organized as the Constitution of the Association requires; and Whereas, The physicians so excluded are qualified practitioners of medicine who have complied with all the conditions of membership imposed by this Association; and Whereas, In the judgment of the undersigned no sufficient ground exists for the exclusion of such institutions and jihysiciaus from the Association ; therefore, Besolved, That the institutions above named are entitled to repre- sentation, and that the j^hysicians claiming to represent them are entitled to seats in the American Medical Association. Alfked Stille, J. J. Woodward. The majority report was adopted. On motion to lay on the table the minority report. Dr. Howard, of the District of Columbia, asked who of the District were entitled to vote. The Chair decided that those gentlemen were entitled to vote who had been unanimously admitted by the Committee on Ethics. An appeal was taken from the decision of the Chair, which was not sustained. The minority report was tabled by 107 yeas to 85 nays. A motion was made to adopt the majority report. Dr. C. C. Cox, of Maryland, then addressed the Association, pro- testing against its action in rejecting the minority report, and gave a brief history of the origin of the differences of opinion now existing among the several societies of the city. Dr. Cox, during his address, was frequently called to order. The history represented to have been given Avas simply a rehash of the charges preferred by Dr. Reyburn, with a few additional accu- sations to which no man of ordinary respectability would affix his name; nevertheless, the majority report was adopted on the day sub- sequent to this action. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 269 Ou Friday, ^lay Gtli, the fourth day of the meeting, Dr. G. S. Palmer, of Maine, offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the majority of the Committee on Ethics be respect- fully requested to inform this Association on what j^rinciple the dele- gates of the Medical Department of Howard University were excluded from membership to this Association. {Ibid., page 59.) After much discussion Dr. Davis promised to give, in writing, the reasons for the action of the majority of the Committee. Dr. N. S. Davis, on behalf of those who made the majority report, presented the following (Ibid., page 65) : In reply to the resolution of the Association calling upon the majority of the Committee on Ethics for the reason why they in their report excluded the delegates from the Medical Department of Howard University, they respectfully state that there is nothing in their rejjort which directly excludes delegates from said University, or any other medical institution in the District of Columbia, except the National Medical Society. The resolution on this subject reported by the Committee is in these words : Resolved, That the charges lodged with the Committee of Arrange- ments against the eligibility of the National Medical Society of the District of Columbia have been so far sustained that we recommend that no members of that Society should be received as delegates at the present meeting of the Association. It will be seen that the only parties excluded from admission as delegates at the present meeting are the members of the National Medical Society. If the Medical Department of Howard University had chosen to send any delegates who are not members of that Society, there is nothing whatever in the report to prevent them from being received. In the papers referred to your Committee on Ethics was a list of charges, with specifications in the usual form, against the recognition of the National Medical Society. These charges may be clearly stated as follows : First. The said National Medical Society recognizes and receives as members medical men who are not licentiates, and who are acting in open violation of Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the law of Congress con- stituting the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Second. That a large part of the members of the National Medical Society are also members of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, and are openly and freely violating the rules and ethics of the Association to which they have subscribed. 270 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Third. That they have, both in its capacity as a society and by its individual members, misrepresented the action of the Medical Society and the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, and used unfair and dishonorable means to procure the destruction of the same, by inducing Congress to abrogate their charter. Each and all of these charges were, in the opinion of the majority of our Committee, fully proved by the members of the National Medical Society themselves, who appeared voluntarily before your Committee as witnesses. Therefore, if we have any regard to the maintenance of the laws of the land, or the ethics of our medical organizations, the undersigned could not come to any other conclusion than was expressed in the last resolution recommended by the majority of the Committee on Ethics. (Signed) N. S. Davis, James M. Keller. A motion was made to refer the report to the Committee of Publication, on which much discussion ensued, fully partici- pated in by Drs. Keyburn, Antisell, W. P. Johnston, J. J. Woodward, Busey, and others, when the previous question was called and sustained, and the report was referred to the Committee of Publication. Upon the motion to refer this report to the Committee on Publication a protracted debate ensued, during which Dr. Bliss denied that his name had been placed upon the bill of fare at Willard's Hotel with his knowledge, in response to which Dr. Marbury made the following statement, which he has since, at my request, reduced to writing : The question of unprofessional conduct on the part of Dr. D. W. Bliss, in having inserted on the back of a bill of fare of two of the hotels of Washington City an advertisement offering his medical services to the public, being under consideration by the American Medical Association at its meeting in May, 1870, 1 made the following statement : Dr. Bliss, in a personal interview with me, declared that the ad- vertisement referred to appeared without his knowledge or consent ; but that in consideration of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia having taken steps to censure him for this matter, with- out giving him an opportunity to explain, it was his intention to per- mit the advertisement to remain as jjrinted, in defiance of the Asso- ciation. (Signed) Wm. Marbury. June 7, 1870. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 271 Washington, June 7, 1870. 931 H Street, N. W. Dear Busey: The foregoing contains the substance of what I said in the American Medical Association at its meeting in this city last month. I will add that a few days subsequently I met Dr. Bliss casually, and he remarked to me, in reference to this matter, that my statement was entirely coi-rect. Yours truly, (Signed) Wm. Marbury. Dr. S. C. Busey. At the close of the discussion Dr. H. R. Storer, of Massachusetts, offered the following {Ibid., page 55) : Resolved, That inasmuch as it has been distinctly stated and proved that the consideration of race and color has had nothing whatsoever to do with the decision of the question of the reception of the Wash- ington delegates, and inasmuch as charges have been distinctly made in open session to-day attaching the stigma of dishonor to parties implicated, which charges have not been denied by them, though present; therefore, the report of the majority of the Committee on Ethics be declared, as to all intents and purposes, unanimously adopted by the Association. The vote Avas then taken upon the resolution of Dr. Storer, which was adopted; ayes 112, nays 34. The parties referred to in the preamble of this resolution to whom the " stigma of dishonor " was " distinctly " attached are made suffi- ciently manifest as not to require of me any further reference. It is due to myself to state that the facts which are for the first time made public in this report were in my possession at the time of the final consideration of the question, and would have been brought out in open meeting but that the presiding officer persisted in con- fining me to the simple question of reference, and I submitted to his ruling. (Signed) S. C. Busey, Chairman of the delegates to the American Med. Assoc. Copy— AY. Lee, Secretary. The result was a complete vindicatiou of the ^Medical Society of the District of Columbia, aud sustained every charge made against the " National Medical Society " and its affiliated organizations. The admission of Dr. C. C. Cox was wrong in principle 272 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and an act of injustice to the profession of tiae District ol Columbia. The report of the Committee on Ethics sustained, by implication, the charge of non-residence in Maryland, but denied the power of the Association to exclude him on that ground. The proof of his improper conduct was complete and sufficient to have excluded him from such a body as the American Medical Association. He had assumed the leader- ship of the assailants, and pursued his methods in the most offensive manner. In his zeal to promote his aspirations for the presidency, for which he received but one vote in the Nominating Committee, he had committed acts which invoked the condemnation of honorable men. The rebuke was, how- ever, so keenly incisive that he never afterward attended a meeting of the Association. Subsequently that body reversed its action and declared that a delegate must reside in the State or Territory from which he obtained his credentials. The admission of the delegates from the Alumni Society was a mistake. It is true that no protest had been filed against their admission, but the Committee of Arrangements, in the exercise of its discretion, had refused to allow them to register. This mistake was corrected at Philadelphia, in 1872, and the correct interpretation of the constitution was established, to the effect that Alumni Societies were not such organizations as were entitled to representation. The assailants did not know of the existence of the letter of Senator Patterson before it was read, and only two or three of my colleagues had seen it and knew it was in my pos- session, with permission to make such use of it as I might deem proper. I intentionally delayed its production in open session until all the denials of importunity of Senators to expedite the act of repeal had been made in open meeting. I believed the previous denials would be repeated at some op- portune moment, and then would occur the critical opportunity for its introduction. During the discussion, in the last hour of the session, when the explanation of the majority report of the Committee on Ethics was under consideration, the letter PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 273 was read before the Association. The effect was startling. The proof of the charges made, which had been several times denied, was so positive and convincing that the Association gave immediate expression to its indignation and contempt by the passage of a formal resolution " attaching the stigma of dishonor to parties implicated." The " parties implicated " had reference to several acts which had been brought to the attention of the Association in the explanation of the majority of the Committee on Ethics and in the discussion which had followed its presentation, to which reference is also made in the foregoing report of the Chairman of the delegates from the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia. The effect of the action of the American Medical Associa- tion was salutary, but did not terminate the strife. How long the "National Medical Society" survived I cannot now state, but it expired before the meeting at Philadelphia in 1872, and the hostile faction, with the other assailants, bunched themselves in the exotic society now long since forgotten, but known then as the " Department of Hygiene and Medical Science of the Academy of Literature, Science, and Art." It was one of those ephemeral organizations with a tenure of existence so brief that it failed even to accomplish the prin- cipal, if not the only object of its foundation — the multiplica- tion of representation from the District of Columbia. It was not discovered until after the adjournment of the Association that Dr. G. S. Palmer, the author of the resolu- tion requesting the majority of the Committee on Ethics to give the reasons for the majority report, was one of the Faculty of Howard University, but had registered as a citizen of and a delegate from the State of Maine. The explanation was even more satisfactory than the majority report, and proved to be a much more effective argument in support of the contention of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. The vindication of the Medical Society of the District ot 18 27-i PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Columbia from the frivolous charges aud malicious assaults effectually estopped all further proceedings and efforts to repeal the charter. The question was not again raised until 1872, and then only as a charge against the admission of those who had been engaged in efforts to effect the repeal. During the interval between the meetings of the American Medical Association in this city in 1870 and its meeting at Philadelphia in 1872, the Medical Association of the District of Columbia became involved in the controversy. Dr. D. W. Bliss, who was one of the hostile faction, was so disappointed aud incensed at the result that he defied the authority of the Code of Ethics, and publicly and privately announced his de- termination to pursue his own will regardless of the restraints of ethics. He was the same Dr. Bliss who had been exposed before the American IMedical Association and proven guilty of some arrangement with the keeper of a hotel to have his name printed on the menu cards. He announced his purpose to con- sult with any physician who was not a member of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, and did meet Dr. C. C. Cox, who was not a member of either of the recognized medical societies of the District of Columbia, in consultation on sundry occasions, for which he was arraigned, tried, con- victed, and expelled by that body, with but one dissenting vote. Immediately afterward he published a card announcing to the public his expulsion aud appealing for support in his struggle against the alleged tyranny of the regular and or- ganized profession of the District of Columbia. His appeal did not bring him the success and eclat he courted and expected. The community had no sympathy with a man under sentence of dishonor. His lucrative business dwindled to a meagre livelihood, until finally, after numerous written requests for suspension of the sentence, he made in writing a complete confession aud apology, and was restored to mem- bership in the Medical Association of the District of Co- lumbia. The conduct of Dr. Bliss provoked the Association PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 275 to assert itself very decisively, as is shown in the proceedings of the American Medical Association in 1872. During the same interval the Medical Association of the District of Columbia amended its regulations in regard to consultations so as to grant to all physicians of African descent wlio would conform to the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association all the rights and privileges of consultation with its members. At the election of delegates to the American Medical Asso- ciation to assemble at Philadelphia in 1872 the Medical Society and Association of the District of Columbia selected such members as had continuously adhered to the policy of 1870. Whilst they were content to abide by the decision of 1870, they knew the disfranchised organizations and recusant members of the profession would renew the controversy. The delegates went to Philadelphia prepared for the contest. The Committee of Arrangements at Philadelphia determined to refuse registry to all delegates from the medical organiza- tions which had been excluded from representation at ^yash- ington in 1870, and informed all delegates, both the legal and disqualified, of this conclusion several weeks before the time of meeting of the Association. At Philadelphia I was again elected Chairman of the regular delegates and the rep- resentative of the District of Columbia on the Nominating Committee of the American Medical Association. As the Chairman, I was charged with the conduct of the interests ot the two Societies, and was required to state to the Committee on Ethics the condition of the controversy as it then existed. The questions at issue before it grew out of the report of the Committee of Arrangements, which had refused registry to those delegates, as before stated, and the duty devolved upon me to supply such facts as would support the indictment of the Committee of Arrangements. The report of the Com- mittee on Ethics, which was adopted with but few dissenting votes, sets forth the issues involved' so fully that it is repro- 276 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. duced here, as recorded in the Transactions, together with the proceedings relating to it. The Committee on Ethics reported, through Dr. N. S. Davis, as follows {Transactions American Medical Association^ 1872, vol. xxiii. p. 53): Second. In regard to the official communication of the Correspond- ing Secretary of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, certifying that Drs. John D. Barnes, S. S. Bond, A. McWilliams, W. E. Poulton, S. B. Blanchard, S. W. Caldwell, J. L. Crouse, James Phillips, and George Sylvester have forfeited their membership in that Society by reason of not having paid their dues for three years, and after rej^eated notices of the fact and its consequences, your com- mittee recommend that their names be stricken from the roll of mem- bershij), in accordance with the fifth paragraph of the second section of the Constitution of this Association. Also the same in regard to Dr. D. W. Bliss, who is under sentence of expulsion from the same Society. On motion this was unanimously adopted by the Association. Third. In regard to alumni associations of medical colleges, your committee do not regard them as such medical societies, constituted of a permanent local membershij), as were intended by the second paragraph of Section 2 of the Constitution of this Association, and hence they recommend that no delegates be received from any of the alumni associations of medical colleges in any part of the country. On motion this was unanimously adopted by the Association. Fifth. In regard to the Academy of Medicine of Washington, Dis- trict of Columbia, the Freedmen's Hospital of the District of Columbia, and the Medical Dejjartment of Howard University, the registration of whose delegates has been postponed by the Committee of Arrange- ments on account of want of good standing on the part of those insti- tutions, as indicated by the action of this Association at its annual ♦meetings in 1870 and 1871, and by information communicated to that committee, we report the facts as follows : 1. That this Association at its meeting in San Francisco, May, 1871, by the emphatic vote of 83 to 26, refused so to amend the Constitu- tion as to admit delegates from colleges in which women are taught and graduated in medicine, and hospitals in which medical women graduates in medicine attend. 2. That this Association at its annual meeting in May, 1870, de- clared by an almost equally emphatic vote that a medical society con- stituted in part of members who are not licensed to practice in accord- ance with the civil law governing the practice of medicine in the State PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 277 or district in which the society is located is not entitled to representa- tion in this Association. 3. That Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Act of Congress of July, 1838, incorporating the ^ledical Society of the District of Columbia, and which has been the law regulating the practice of medicine in that District to the present time, requires all persons coming into the Dis- trict to practice medicine to apply for and within six months to obtain a license to practice from a Board of Examiners appointed for that purpose ; and make it a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of fifty dollars, for every act of practice without such license. 4. That it has been fully proved before your committee by the tes- timony of several witnesses that the medical society called the "Acad- emy of Medicine" of Washington, District of Columbia, now contains in full fellowship at least four or five members who have never applied for or obtained license to practice, and yet are actually practising in the District, and three of whom are on the list of delegates sent by the society to represent it in this meeting of the Association. Also, that one of these same unlicensed men is a member of the Medical Staff" of the Freedmen's Hospital, and that all the members of the Medical Staff" of that hospital are members of the Academy of Med- icine. Also, that several of the faculty of Howard University are members of the same Academy of Medicine, and one of the teachers is a woman. This report was signed by the entire committee. Hexry F. Askew, Chairman. X. S. Davis, Secretary. Calyix Seavy. J. K. Bartlett. S. D. Gross, Dr. Robert Reyburn, of the District of Columbia, took the stand and defended his claims for admission as a delegate. He asserted that the Medical Society of the District of Columbia required the taking of a license for no good purpose, but rather for its own emol- ument, and that it had licensed homoeopathic practitioners. He asserted that the law requiring licenses had been disregarded by the local courts, and, being considered unconstitutional, could not be enforced. The Howard University, he said, received all who applied for medical education without distinction of color or sex. There was an aristocracy in the profession of Washington which was opposed to this and to all medical bodies not in affinity with or agreed to by the Medical Societv of the District of Columbia. 278 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. If the Asseciation sees fit that institutions of that class shall not be represented, of course they have the power so to act; but, at the same time, they should consider well what they were doing before taking such a step. He thought that every human being should be allowed the right to the very highest development that God has made him capable of. Dr. Samuel C. Busey, of the District of Columbia, replied : He would not have taken part in this discussion had not Dr. Eeyburn made accusations against the Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia, which he had the honor in part to represent on this floor, and that he would, in replying to that gentleman, confine himself strictly to a refutation of those accusations. The first charge uttered by Dr. R. was that the Medical Society of the District of Columbia licensed irregular practitioners of medicine. He would not deny that one or more licentiates of that Society had pursued the practice of medicine in an irregular manner, but as the law of Congress incorporating that body expressly stipulated that it should grant licenses to all " gentlemen " who presented diplomas from regular medical colleges, or passed a satisfactory ex- amination, after four years' study, he denied that the Society was any more responsible for the mode of practice pursued by its licen- tiates than the faculty of any college was for its graduates, and asserted, without fear of contradiction, that that Society had never admitted to membership any irregular practitioners of medicine. He challenged Dr. Eeyburn to cite a single instance, and charged that Dr. Reyburn and his colleague, Dr. Palmer, were members of the Department of Hygiene and Medical Sciences of the Academy of Literature, Science, and Art, which organization admitted to member- ship irregular practitioners ; that both were professors in Howard University, with the Faculty of which a woman was connected as a teacher; and that they and others were associated with the same female in a public dispensary in the city of Washington. The second charge made by Dr. E. was that the Medical Society of the District of Columbia charged the fee of ten dollars for its license, and that it used the money thus collected for improper purposes. It was true that such a fee was charged and collected, a portion of which was expended in defraying the ordinary and incidental ex- pense ; but the larger portion was returned to the licentiates in the form of a diploma, which is issued to every licentiate ; and he defied and challenged Dr. Eeyburn to mention one instance in which that Society had appropriated one dollar of its funds for any improper or dishonorable purpose. The third accusation was that the profession of the District of PERSOyAL REMINISCENCES. 279 Columbia was aristocratic. Dr. Busey was at a loss to know by what rule or criterion Dr. Keyburn determined the aristocratic feelings, sentiments, or acts of the profesi^ion in the District of Columbia. As the Medical Society licensed all males who presented to its Board of Examiners a diploma from a regular medical school, without reference to color, social standing, or pecuniary responsibility, he could not dis- cover upon what basis that charge could rest. The fourth accusation was that the Society had not attempted to maintain its authority through the local courts. This, Dr. B. said, was true. The profession in the District of Columbia had not and would not resort to the courts to maintain its authority. It would appear neither in the courts nor in the halls of Congress unless dragged there by assaults from that gentleman and those acting with him ; but when it had been compelled to defend itself before Congress from the accu- sations made by Dr. Reyburn and others in their attempts to destroy its character, victory had come to that Society, and defeat and morti- fication to its assailants. The members of the profession in the Dis- trict of Columbia, standing upon its honor and dignity, appealed neither to courts nor legislative bodies, but to their peers— to this body, which was the only competent arbiter and tribunal to deter- mine questions of medical honor, or ethics, and professional decorum. On a former occasion the Medical Society of the District of Columbia had successfully met these issues before this body, and it appeals again, with confidence of a triumphant vindication. The fifth charge was that Judge Cartter had decided that the law of Congress incorporating the Medical Society of the District of Columbia was unconstitutional. It might be true that Judge Cartter had expressed such an opinion, but certainly no question had been submitted to any court of adjudication involving the constitutionality of the law of Congress ; nor did he understand how one judge of a bench of five could determine the constitutionality of a law of Con- gress ; and holding, as he did, that the Supreme Court of the United States was the only tribunal which could positively determine such a question, before which no question concerning the Medical Society of the District of Columbia had ever been brought, he denied that there was any foundation for such a statement. The sixth and last allegation was that the Medical Society of the District of Columbia maintained that no other medical society in the District of Columbia could be organized without its sanction. The Medical Societj' maintained no such ridiculous position. It simply held that the law of Congress governing the practice of medicine in the District of Columbia must be complied with; and while societies might organize for literary purposes, no medical society or hospital, 280 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. or other medical institution in the District of Columbia could claim representation in this Association which admitted to membership or recognized medical men and women who were not qualified by the law of the land to practice medicine. In conclusion, Dr. B. said the profession in the District of Columbia did not appear there as jjrosecutors. The Committee of Arrangements, all of its members residing in the city of Philadelphia, had, in the faithful and impartial discharge of its duty, excluded the delegates from certain institutions in the District of Columbia, hold- ing that such institutions having been excluded on a former occasion for sufficient cause could not be admitted until they were purged of their offences and misdemeanors. This action has been approved by the Committee on Ethics, and the profession of the District of Columbia stood there ready, willing and determined to sustain that decision, and appeal to this body to reafl3.rm its decision made in Washington in 1870. It appealed to this body to encourage and sus- tain it in its eftbrts to maintain the honor and dignity of the profession and its determination to abide by and uphold the law of the land ; and he predicted that, should this body reaffirm its former decision by adopting the recommendation of the Committee the profession of the District of Columbia would appear at St. Louis in 1873 a united and harmonious body. Dr. J. R. Bronson, of Massachusetts, asked if colored physicians were licensed by this Board ? Dr. Busey rejilied that they were. Dr. Palmer, of the District of Columbia, explained his position as a professor in the Howard University, and defended the appointment of and association with a woman lecturer in the corps of teachers. He said he had not practised medicine in that city, and, therefore, had not procured a license as the law requires. He admitted that he belonged to the Section of Medicine and Hygiene of the Washington Academy of Literature, etc. He complained that he had been refused admission as a permanent member, and had been denied the right to defend himself against the charges which had been preferred against him. He did not understand why he should be excluded from this Association on account of his connection with the institution which he claimed to represent. On motion of Dr. L. A. Sayre, of New York, the report of the Committee on Ethics was received and adopted by a very large majority. The Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia had been vindicated at Washington in 1870. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 281 At Philadelphia they secured a triumphant and overwhelming victory. The weakness of the defence of the assailants, who had been forced to plead to the indictment of the Committee of Arrangements, was exhibited in the repetition, by Dr. Rev- burn, of the charges set forth in his protest in 1870, which the Association had declared unworthy of consideration. In fact, it amounted to nothing more than an involuntary con- fession of the justice of the course of the Committee of Arrangements in refusing to permit them to register. At the meeting at Philadelphia but two or three of the hostile faction appeared. Bliss was under sentence of expul- sion, and Cox had retired to obscure privacy. Some had been dropped from the roster of the Association, and others had abandoned the controversy and voluntarily resumed the obli- gations of duty and honor. The recusants remained where they were left, in the exclusive company of themselves. Soon thereafter the '* Department of Hygiene and Medical Sciences of the Academy of Literature, Science, and Art " disbanded without leaving any memorial of its brief existence, save and except the foregoing unsavory record. Its members *' hung their harps upon the willows " and tuned their songs in lamentation and humiliation. The prediction I made in my address before the Association, that the reaffirmation " of the former decision by the adoption of the recommendations of the Committee " would produce unity and harmony in the profession of the District of Columbia, was fulfilled. The controversy and strife subsided, peace, order, and good feeling were speedily restored, and all traces of the feud were obliterated and forgotten. Since that decision physicians of African descent have at different times made application for admission to the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, but, as yet, no one has been elected. At the last election Dr. Francis failed of elec- tion by a few votes less than the necessary two-thirds. With such a decided majority in his favor there can be no doubt 282 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. of his success at the next election. The continuously increas- ing vote in favor of their admission has proven conclusively the justice of their claim to the full enjoyment of all the rights and privileges of an organization that prescribes the rules and regulations governing the ethics and professional intercourse of medical practitioners in the District of Columbia, and is in representative affiliation with the American Medical Asso- ciation. It is the only way to remove their disabilities pre- scribed by the edicts of the American Medical Association as set forth in the reports of the Committees on Ethics in 1870 and 1872, and adopted by that body. These results have shown equally conclusively the error of the course pursued by the hostile faction and their coadjutors. If the issues had been allowed to follow the reasonable and natural course of events, free from the passion, crimina- tion, and recrimination begotten by false and frivolous accu- sations, together with the attempts to abrogate the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, the prejudice of caste would long since have been displaced by the innate sense of justice which dominates the profession of medicine. The opposition to the admission of female physicians was quite as vehement and far more general than to the physicians of African descent, but the women and their friends accepted the conditions as they found them, and waited in patience for the full measure of justice which has long since been accorded to them. They did not array themselves into a cabal with hostile intent and flaunt their accusations and grievances in the arena of popular indignation. For many years past the admission of women physicians to the Medical Society and Medical Association of the District of Columbia has been simply a question of the eligibility of each applicant. The lessons of discretion and conciliation taught by the prosecution and adjudication of this controversy have not been less significant and important than the settlement of ambiguous interpretations of the Constitution of the American PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 283 Medical Association. The determination of the ineligibility of delegates claiming to represent alumni societies of medical colleges and of non-resident delegates was final, and has proven satisfactory to the profession at large. It set forth, furthermore, that frivolous and vindictive accusations against societies previously in good standing would not be tolerated, and that medical men who failed or refused to comply with the laws regulating the practice of medicine in the State or locality in which they resided and pursued the practice of their profession, could not secure representation in that body through vicious and unethical organizations, nor by any other device in contravention of the code of ethics and laws of the land. This controversy led to the discovery that representation was multiplied in many cities, and that societies might be organized for the sole purpose of increasing the number of delegates from a particular locality, so that it was possible that the profession in the city or State in which it might meet could so multiply its representation as to control the legisla- tion of the body. Such a direct and flagrant violation of the plain intent and meaning of the Constitution needed only such an exemplification as was shown to have occurred in 1870 in this city to demonstrate the necessity of some amendment that would make any similar effort an impossibility. To this end I prepared and offered at Detroit in 1874 (Transact ioiis, vol. XXV. p. 38) the following amendment, which was adopted with great unanimity : The amendments to the plan of organization offered at the last ses- sion were next taken up. Offered by Dr. N. S. Davis, of Illinois : Strike out the second paragraph of Article II. and insert the fol- lowing : The delegates shall receive their appointment from permanently organized State medical societies and such county and district med- ical societies as are recognized by representation in their respective State societies, and from the Medical Department of the Army and Navy of the United States. 284 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Also strike out the fourth paragraph of same article and insert : Each State, county, and district medical society entitled to repre- sentation shall have the privilege of sending to the Association one delegate for every ten of its regular resident members, and one for every additional fraction of more than one-half of that number. After some discussion, on motion of Dr. S. C. Busey, of the District of Columbia, the following proviso was added to the amendment : Provided, however, that the number of delegates from any particular State, Territory, county, city, or town shall not exceed the ratio ot one in ten of the resident physicians who may have signed the Code of Ethics of this Association. The amendment, with the proviso, was then adoj^ted by a large majority. Subsequent to this action of the American Medical Associ- ation the Medical Society of the District of Columbia aban- doned its claim of representation in the American Medical Association, thus leaving the entire representation of the pro- fession of the District of Columbia with the Medical Associ- ation of this District, which is the only medical organization in this District now in representative affiliation with the American Medical Association. CHAPTER XIV. The Trial and Expulsion of Dr. D. W. Bliss. His Reinstatement. The Admission of Dr. C. C Cox to the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. In view of the facts aud circumstances cited in the fore- going chapter relating to the conduct of Drs. BHss and Cox, the demands of impartial justice require a full statement of the history and incidents of that controversy, that the con- donation of their offences may be set forth with equal fairness and impartiality. The publicity of the trial and expulsion of Dr. Bliss was the inevitable outcome of the publication, the day after the passage of the resolution of expulsion by the Association, of his card in the Washington Chronicle, announcing to the public the fact, and denying the power of the Association to discipline him ; and, subsequently, his expulsion from the American Medical Association, assembled in public meeting at Philadelphia, in pursuance of the following communica- tion : At the annual meeting, April 2, 1872, "Dr. Busey offered the following resolution, which was adopted : " Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to transmit a copy of the majority and minority reports of the Standing Committee of the Association in relation to the case of Dr. D. W. Bliss, together with a report of the action of the Association thereon, to the Secretary of the American Medical Association, to be laid by him before said Association, At a special meeting of the Standing Committee, June 13, 1871, the Chairman, Dr. J. AV. H. Lovojoy, laid before it the following; letter : 286 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Washington City, May 27, 1871. To the President and Ilembers of the Council of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia — Gentlemen : Newspaper and current rumor justifies me in making the charge that Dr. D. W. Bliss, a member of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, has been and now is in consultation with Dr. C. C. Cox (a gentleman known by him as being a rejected appli- cant for membership in the Association), thereby disobeying the six- teenth (16th) regulation and violating his sacred obligation. I deem it proper to call your attention to this violation of said regulation, particularly as Dr. Bliss has publicly and openly declared he did this with the view to test the power of the Association to in- terfere in such cases. As he is a prominent member of the profession, I deem it the more proper the Association should take cognizance of the case. I hope prompt consideration of it will be had, and the Council will call on Dr. Bliss to afiirm or deny this common rumor, for the vitality of the Association depends on the action of its Council at this time. Very respectftilly, yours, etc., Thomas Miller. Statements were also made to the committee by members thereof, of verbal communications made to them by members of the profession in corroboration of the charge made by Dr. Miller; one to the effect that Dr. Bliss " had said that he had consulted with Dr. Cox and intended to do so again, in defiance of the sixteenth regulation," and another that " Dr. Bliss had publicly made the statement that he had called Dr. C. C. Cox to consult with him in the case of the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, to test the power of this Association to enforce its regulation, and that he defied its authority." Thereupon the committee directed its Secretary to communicate in writing with the members named and request each one of them to state in writing all the facts within their knowledge in connection with the declarations made to them by Dr. Bliss, as previously stated, and adjourned to meet June 19th, at which time it requested the replies. At the adjourned meeting the committee, after due con- sideration of the charge and testimony submitted, adopted the following preamble and resolution : PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 287 Wliereas, It has come to the knowledge of the Standing Committee of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia that Dr. D. W. Bliss did meet Dr. C. C. Cox (the latter not being a member of the Association) in consultation at the bedside of the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, in violation of the sixteenth (16th) regulation, therefore be it Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to communicate to Dr. D. W. Bliss the fact, and request him to answer in writing to said charge. The above communication was accompanied with the request that he would respond on or before noon, Monday, June 26th, to which day and hour the committee adjourned. At the meeting, June 26th, there were present of the Standing Com- mittee Drs. Lovejoy, Chairman, D. R. Hagner, Bulkley, Mor- gan, Mackall, Jr., A. F. A. King, Toner, Busey, and J. T. Young. The reply of Dr. Bliss was read, as follows : Washington, D. C, June 21, 1871. Dr. James T. Young, Secretary Medical Association, District of Columbia. Dear Sir : Your communication reciting the fact that I had held a consultation in the case of Vice-President Colfax with Dr. C. C. Cox, of this city (who was not at that time a member of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia), and requesting me to answer in " writing said charge," has been received, and in reply I have to say that I did consult with Dr. Cox, regarding him, as did my illus- trious patient, as an eminent physician, against whom no possible charge of violation of the ethics of the profession could be preferred, and believing, moreover, that the prescriptive rule adDpted by the Association in his case wa.s wholly indefensible and would invoke the disapprobation and censure of the entire profession throughout the country (as it has done), and the contempt of all sensible and cool- iudging people. I will, moreover, inform you that I have violated your rule in another instance, having consulted also with Dr. Augusta, an educated and reputable colored physician (a licentiate, as is also Dr. Cox, of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia) who has equally fallen under your proscriptive and unwarrantable ban. I have the honor to be yours, etc., D. W. Bliss, M.D. This response was not only a confession of his wilful guilt, but an insolent and defiant insult to the committee, which had 288 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. treated him with indulgent consideration, and a threat of such reprobation and detestation as men without principle, but with influence, fancy a sympathizing public will invoke in their behalf. The sequel proved, as it has done many times before and since, that public opinion will not tolerate dishonor, even in a popular and influential physician. After such consider- ation of the charge, testimony, and admissions of the accused as was deemed sufiicient, the committee directed its chairman to report to the Association its findings as set forth in the pro- ceedings of the Association at the meeting held July 3, 1871, as follows : Washington, D. C, July 8, 1871. To the Medical Association of the District of Columbia : The following resolutions having been adopted by the Standing Committee, it has the honor to report them to the Association for its consideration : Resolved, That the Standing Committee finds Dr. D. W. Bliss, upon his own confession, guilty of a " wilflil violation of regulation six- teen (16)." Resolved, That the committee is of the opinion that Dr. D. W. Bliss is an unworthy member of the Association, and it recommends his expulsion. Resolved, That a copy of the findings and recommendation of the committee be forwarded to Dr. D. W. Bliss, also the date of the meeting of the Association. J. W. H. LOVEJOY, Chairman Standing Committee. James T. Young, Secretary. A minority report was offered and read as follows ; Wiereas, Article XVI. of the regulations of the Medical Associa- tion of the District of Columbia declares : No member of this Association shall consult with or meet in a pro- fessional way any resident practitioner of this District who is not a member thereof after said practitioner shall have resided six months in said District. And Whereas, Article XXII. of said Association declares that Every practitioner, at the time of becoming a member of this Asso- ciation, shall sign the following obligation, viz. : PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 289 " The undersigned do approve of the regulations and system of medical ethics adopted by the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, and do agree on their honor to comply with the same." And Whereas, Dr. D. W. Bliss, a member of this Association, did subscribe to the said obligations, and has openly and defiantly vio- lated Article XVI. of the said regulations ; therefore, Resolved, That the said Dr. D. W. Bliss be and he is hereby sus- pended from membership of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia until he has reasonable time to give evidence of his desire to place himself in pi'oper relation with the Association. James E. Morgan. J. M. Ton^er. Both the majority and minority reports convicted the accused of the charges, so that The question upon confirming the decision of the committee in finding Dr. Bliss guilty of a " wilful violation " of regulation 16 was, on division, carried by a vote of 42 in favor of, 1 against. Dr. Morgan now withdrew the minority report, and offered the reso- lution recommending suspension, contained therein, as a substitute for the recommendation of the committee. After the substitute was discussed by several members it was voted upon and rejected. Dr. Palmer moved the adoption of the resolution recommending the expulsion of Dr. Bliss offered in the report of the committee which was carried. The first vote determined the guilt of the accused, which was decided in the affirmative by more than the required two- thirds of 42 ayes to 1 nay. At a subsequent meeting (No- vember 28, 1871) the member (Dr. Reyburn) voting nay is credited with the following declaration : In the course of his explanation said he would not now vote as he did on a former occasion, against the expulsion of a certain member, for he would not defend any man who goes beyond the prescribed rules of regular practice. The second vote determined the punishment, which required only a majority vote, and was carried as recommended by the majority of the committee. 19 . 290 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Five years afterward, at the semi-annual meeting, October 3, 1876, Dr. Bliss renewed, as follows, his application for re- admission, which had been several times previously rejected, and was re-elected by the vote of 31 ayes to 1 nay : Washingtos, D. C, October 3, 1876. To the President, Censors, and Members of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia : Gentlemen : I have tlie honor to apply for readmission to mem- bership in the Medical Association, from which I was expelled for cause some four years since. I have now pursued the practice of my profession for more than twenty-six years, and believe I have always sustained the spirit of true professional ethics with the single notable exception for which I was disciplined by this Association. Since that time I have endeavored to so guide my professional con- duct as to regain the confidence and respect of the medical gentlemen composing the Association and secure the reinstatement and recog- nition I so much desire. I would respectfully refer you to my letter of explanation and apol- ogy to the Association accompanying my application for membership last year, and also to the inclosed statements of Messrs. Helphenstine & Bently relative to the use of my name in an advertising sheet pub- lished by them, indirectly connecting their proprietary medicine, known as a "Eheumatic Kemedy." In conclusion, permit me to assure you that should you favorably consider my application and reinstate me to full fellowship I will strictly conform to the Code of Ethics and feel ever grateful. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. W. Bliss. Previous to his readmission he had confessed to several members that from the day of his expulsion his business had been continuously decreasing until his income was inadequate to support his family. The arraignment, trial, and punishment of Dr. Bliss was one of the most notable and instructive events in the history of the profession in this District. He was at the time a very popular physician, probably holding the largest clientele in this city, attending more distinguished public men than any resident physician, and commanding more influence in the halls of Con- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 291 gress than any score of other medical men. He had been most active and unreserved in the efforts to secure the abrogation of the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and had made public, in boast and braggadocio, his purpose to drive the profession into acceptance of his policies and teachings of ethics. He had, moreover, made public the connection of the accusation against him with the case of the Vice-President of the United States, feeling confident by such course he could " invoke the disapprobation and censure," . . . "and the contempt of all sensible and cool-judging people," and with his shibboleth of power and popularity prosecute his purpose as he thought would most effectually dominate the profession and drive it to a drivelling compliance with his extraordinary de- mands. He was, however, dealing with men and an organized body of men who could neither be intimidated nor influenced by outside pressure and popular and partisan disapprobation. They had the " courage of their convictions " and the will to execute their conclusions. Others may call it prejudice, nar- row-mindedness, or envy. Be that as it may, the results established the courage and wisdom of the proceedings, and left no stain to tarnish the reputation of the Medical Associa- tion of the District of Columbia. The most important lesson taught by this event was but the repetition of one often taught before and occasionally since, to the effect that a physician may successfully contest an accu- sation, but never an expulsion from an organization which carries with it the stigma of professional dishonor. The second lesson refers to the course of the profession during that eventful period. As stated in the preceding chapter, the Medical Society had been assailed with violence by a small faction of its membership, and the entire profession had become involved in a most angry and turbulent quarrel. Nevertheless the large majority, which controlled both the Society and the Association persistently pursued the policy to reassert and re-establish their authority, to vindicate their honor and self-respect, to bring to the bar of justice the re- 292 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. cusant and guilty members, and to hold firmly in the grasp of organized power the just and impartial enforcement of the Code of Ethics, to which its members had voluntarily sub- scribed and agreed " on their honor to comply with." It re- established the supremacy of order and obedience to constituted authority. The condonation was as full and complete as the punish- ment. When the sentence had exhausted itself in the ostra- cism and poverty of the victim, restoration to the Association and confidence of his peers was as unanimous as the verdict of expulsion, but he never regained his former popularity and influence with the community at large. One year later, July 25, 1877, the following application of Dr. C. C. Cox was reported from the Board of Censors, with the recommendation that he be admitted to membership : Washington, D. C, July 10, 1877. To the President and Members of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia : Gentlemen : Proud of the noble calling in which we have a com- mon interest, and entertaining only sentiments of personal kindness and good-will toward those who practise its responsible functions, I cannot consent, without one more effort, longer to remain in the un- pleasant state of isolation to which the rejection of my application for membership subjects me. For the tirst time in a long professional career I find myself, by the ruling of your Association, excluded from the privileges and benefits of consultation with any medical confrh-e at the bedside of the sick. Without proposing to discuss their action or call in question the right of your body to adopt and enforce its own regulations, I am frank to admit that this extraordinary divorce, extending through a number of years, has been and is to me a source of inexpressible mortification and regret ; I therefore again tender my application for admission into the Association, pledging my best efforts to uphold the honor of the profession and cordially to co-operate in its elevation and impressment. Not being made aware of the specific objections urged against my admission (which I would gladly meet), I can only say that should any act of mine, directly or indirectly, have reflected injuriously upon the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, 293 profession or Association I exceedingly regret it, and am prepared to tender the amplest apology for any wrong inflicted under sudden impulses or false impression. If in the past any feeling of hostility may have been entertained by me against any member of the Faculty, it has long since ceased to rankle in my breast, and if I have done injury to any member of the profession I am prepared to make the largest amends consistent with a sense of honor and self-respect. Trusting that this, my final application, may receive your favorable consideration, I am, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, Chris. C. Cox. Dr. Cox was elected to membership by a vote of 52 ayes to 9 nays. Thus ended the Bh"ss-Cox imbroglio, and the last vestige of the discontent and bad feeling growing out of the efforts to abrogate the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia was completely obliterated. Both of these gentlemen have since died, but their memories are crowned with honorable amends for the offences which their peers deemed sufficient justification for the prosecution and punishment. Their final applications exhibited the utmost good feeling and good-will, and elicited an equally cordial response in the unanimity of the condonation of their con- freres and peers. CHAPTER XY. Controversy with the Board of Health. In 1874 the Board of Health, composed in part of Drs. Bliss, Cox, and Verdi, not one of whom was a member of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, adopted and issued a series of " regulations to secure a full aud correct record of vital statistics, including the registration of mar- riages, births, and deaths, the interment, disinterment, and removal of the dead in the District of Columbia," and to require every physician to register his name and residence at its office. A number of physicians, of whom I was one, refused to register because of certain provisions of the regulations. Of such I was the first to return a certificate of death after the regulations went into effect, on the first day of August, 1874. This certificate the Board refused to accept, and notified me that it would not permit the body to be buried unless I com- plied with the regulations and registered at its office. I per- sisted in my refusal to register, notwithstanding the service of several mandatory orders to do so. Finally the body was buried, and I was served with a notice that I would be prose- cuted to the utmost extent of the law. I appealed to the Med- ical Association, and a special meeting was called for August 12th, upon the petition of Drs. Ashford, Barker, and Sowers. Dr. Barker, in explaining the object of the meeting, said " it was generally known that the Board of Health of the District of Columbia had recently issued certain regulations to secure a correct record of vital statistics in the District of Columbia, and that as a difference of opinion existed in regard to com- plying with certain of said regulations iu their present form. 'PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 295 they (the signers), after cousultation with other members of the Association, determined to call the meeting in order to elicit an expression of the profession and to sec if some measure could not be adopted which would induce the Board to modify the objectionable articles so that physicians might comply with them without violating professional honor." Dr. Eliot said " he had seen the Registrar, and the latter had said the Board wanted to quietly settle the matter, and would be glad to have a conference with a committee of the Association. They did not wish to compel a strict compliance with the regulations. They desired physicians to do nothing incompatible with their professional honor." I then offered the following resolutions : Whereas, The Board of Health of the District of Columbia has adopted and promulgated a series of reffulations claiming to be under and by virtue of the authority of an Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An Act to further define and enlarge the powers and duties of the Board of Health of the District of Columbia," approved June 23, 1874, which provides " That it shall be the duty of the Board of Health of the District of Columbia to make and enforce regula- tions to secure a full and correct record of vital statistics, including the registration of deaths and the interments of the dead in said District;" and Wliereas:, It is believed that said Board in the " Third " and " Eighth " of said series of regulations has exceeded its authority and imposed ujjon physicians duties and requirements which ought not to be fulfilled ; and Wiereas, Said Board, acting through its Secretary and Registrar, has exceeded the scope of its own jjublished regulations in that it has threatened to withhold a "burial permit" for the interment of the bodies of persons attended during their last sickness by any physician who may have failed or refused to comply with regulation " Eighth," notwithstanding the certificate of death may have been made, signed, and delivei'ed by such attending physicians according to the form prescribed by regulation "Fourth;" therefore be it Resolved, First. That compliance with the requirement of regulation "Third," which prescribes "That any physician .... who shall attend, assist, or advise at the birth of any child within the District of Columbia shall report to the Registrar aforesaid within six days thereafter, stating distinctly the date of birth, sex, and color ot 296 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the child or children born, its or their physical condition, whether stillborn or not, the full name, nativity and residence of the parents, and the maiden name of the mother of such child or children, and for failure to comply with regulation ' Ninth ' denounces a penalty of from twenty-five to two hundred dollars," would compel the medical attendant to make a public record of the history of every newborn infant; to expose the hereditary and congenital diseases and de- formities of unfortunates, many of which are remedial ; to inquire into and record the vices and crimes of illegitimacy ; to publish the secret physical history of every family ; to expose to public examina- tion information which he derives from his confidential relations to his patient ; to make him the channel through which calumny or revenge could be propagated, recorded, and promulgated, by com- pelling him to fixrnish the name of any man whom the mother of an infant born out of wedlock might choose or be subsidized to declare was the father of her illegitimate child ; to degrade a child through life with the record of an infamous birth ; and, finally, to expose to calumny and slander virtuous parents whose first child might be born previous to the completion of the ninth month of their married life, since by regulation " Second " each marriage ceremony solemnized " must be recorded in the same office within forty-eight hours therein- after." Second. That regulation " Eighth," which provides "That it shall be the duty of every physician, accoucheur, midwife, undertaker, sexton, or superintendent of any cemetery, or other person having charge of the same, practising medicine or doing business within the District of Columbia, to register his or her name in a book or books to be provided for such purpose at the office of the Board of Health of said District, giving full name, residence or place of business, and in case of removal from one place to another in said District to make change in said register accordingly," would seem to recognize the right of any person who may choose to register as a physician, ac- coucheur, or midwife, to practise medicine in the District, and is, therefore a violation of the laws of Congress, entitled "An Act to revive with amendments An Act to incorporate the Medical Society of the District of Columbia," approved July 7, 1838, and "An Act to incorporate the Washington Homoeopathic Medical Society," approved April 22, 1870 ; besides, being wrong in spirit, degrading to the pro- fession, injurious to the well-being of society, and contrary to the teachings accepted by all intelligent people that none but persons specially educated therefor should be allowed to practise the science of medicine, or are competent to make a proper mortuary report. Third. That the medical profession of this District cheerfully PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 297 accept the Act of Congress al)ove referred to in all its proper and legal requirements, and will unite with the Board of Health in every reasonable and practical effort "to secure a full and correct record of vital statistics, including the registration of deaths and the interment of the dead," and to that end they hereby individually pledge them- selves to report to the Registrar of said Board the birth of every child at which they maj' "attend, advise, or assist," giving all useful and proper information concerning the same, but in no case furnishing the names of the parents or the physical condition of the infant. Fourth. That while denying the power of said Board to require any physician to register in the office of the Registrar of said Board, while the names and addresses of all legally qualified practitioners in this District who may be members of this Association will be cheer- fiillj'' furnished by this Society on application to its Secretary, the individual members will not object to registering in the office of the Registrar of said Board, provided proper precautions be taken to prevent unqualified persons from registering, and that no mortuary or birth certificate will be received unless signed by some one of such registered persons or such other person as may be legally qualified to sign such certificate. Fifth. That a committee of five be appointed by the Chair to pre- sent a copy of these resolutions to the Board of Health, and to fur- nish the same to such of the city papers as may desire to publish them. The preambles and resolutious were adopted and the Chair (Dr. F. Howard) appointed Drs. J. Eliot, W. W. Johnston, Busey, Lovejoj, and Bulkley on the committee. After a conference with the Board of Health, followed by a protracted correspondence, the Committee submitted its report to the Association, in which it set forth in detail the conference and the correspondence in full, and concludes as follows : It will then be perceived that the objections of the Medical Asso- ciation to the rules and regulations of the Board of Health, as indi- cated in the resolutions, have been removed so far as the Board of Health considers it has the power under a law equally binding upon physician and Board. First. An assurance from the Board of Health that none but gradu- ates in medicine or licentiates of some legally authorized medical 298 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. institution will be permitted to register their names in the books pre- pared for such purpose by the Board of Health. Second. That the names of parents, their residence, and the physi- cal condition of illegitimate or children prematurely born, shall not be divulged in any report made to the Board of Health. In view of these concessions on the part of the Board of Health the Committee recommends : 1st. That the returns of births be made omitting the names of the parents of illegitimate and premature children and such details as may violate sick-bed and confidential relations. 2d. That while denying the rights of the Board of Health to compel physicians to register at their office, the Committee recom- mend the members of the Association to record their names in the book kept for that purjjose at the office of the Board of Health. The report was adopted, with a vote of thauks from the Association. Subsequent to this action of the Association, August 28, 1874, the Board of Health adopted the following modifica- tions of regulations "third" and "eighth." First. It is hereby ordered that physicians required to register their names under the eighth regulation of the Board, to secure a full and correct record of vital statistics, do so upon a license received from some chartered medical societ}', or upon a diploma received from some medical school or institution. Second. That the expression " physical condition," as employed in the statute heretofore enacted by the legislative assembly of the District, and incorporated in the third regulation, be defined as fol- lows : " The general physical condition," whether healthy or un- healthy. But in no case will the Board require, in the enforcement of this rule, that sick-bed or confidential communications made to physicians be revealed in the rej^ort required by this third regulation. In consequence of some legal technicality, it was thought necessary to have the ordinances of the Board of Health re- enacted by Congress, which was done August 7, 1894, in the following terras : That the ordinances of the late Board of Health of the District of Columbia, as legalized by joint resolution of Congress, approved April 24, 1880, be, and the same are hereby declared to have the same force and effect within the District of Columbia as if enacted by PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 299 Congress in the first instance, and that the powers and duties imposed upon the late Board of Health, in and by said ordinances, are hereby conferred upon the Health Officer of said District, and that all prose- cutions for violations of said ordinances and regulations shall be in the Police Court of the District of Columbia in the name of said District : Provided, that said regulations shall not be enforced against established industries which are not a nuisance in fact. It would seem that this euaetraent, which declares the ordi- nances of the late Board of Health to have all the " power and effect " of a law of Congress, has invested its successor, the Health Officer, under the " eighth " regulation, as modified by its ordinance of August 28, 1874, with ample authority to limit registration to physicians practising medicine in this District to those who may have a license " from some chartered medical society," or a diploma " from some medical school or institution." And when these recent enactments are considered in connection with the provisions of Sections 3 and 5 of the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia the conclusion seems reasonable, at least to laymen, that the enforcement of these laws would, at least in some measure, banish from this jurisdiction the disreputable charlatans and insolent impostors that prey upon the community. It may then be shown, in the near future, that a great and far-reach- ing good has grown out of this controversy, which had its origin in the refusal of one man to comply with regulations of the late Board of Health. The Board of Health which was abolished by a law of Congress approved June 11, 1878, was constituted of five persons, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and was composed of one physi- cian under sentence of expulsion from the Medical Association of the District of Columbia, another under duress of several rejections by the same body, and a third not in the line of fraternal association, and two other persons, more interested in partisan politics and emolument than in sanitary science. The controversy grew out of the attempt to humiliate the 300 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, profession by compelling physicians to disclose the confidence of professional relations and by admitting to register those classes of impostors that have been driven from thirty-eight States and several Territories by the enactment of medical practice laws. It is worthy of note that the same President of the Asso- ciation who had, contrary to parliamentary usage, appointed a chairman with a majority of the Committee in opposition to the proposed revision (1874) of the rules and regulations of the Association, appointed a member Chairman of the Com- mittee directed to conduct and manage this controversy in behalf of the Association who was known to be opposed to the spirit and purpose of the resolutions adopted by the Asso- ciation. In the first instance he succeeded in defeating the expressed will of the Association, but in the latter a like pur- pose proved futile. CHAPTEK XVI. The Arraignment of Physicians in the Government Service for Violations of the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Association of the Dis- trict of Columbia. Prosecution and Acquittal of Surgeon J. H. Baxter. Prosecution and Acquittal of Surgeon Basil Norris. Prosecution and Acquittal of Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett. Angry controversy. Prevalent bad temper. Final settlement. It has been shown in a previous chapter that the Medical Association of the District of Columbia was organized and established mainly through the instrumentality of Surgeon- General Lovell and Surgeon Henderson, of the Army. Whether or not the regulation limiting consultations to membership was a part of the original constitution, by-laws, and system of ethics cannot be determined ; but if not, it must have been adopted at an early date in the history of this Asso- ciation. I prefer to believe that it was a provision of the original draft of the constitution, as otherwise the Association would have fallen short of segregating the men of low and bad repute, which was set forth as one of the most important purposes of its organization. It does not appear, however, that the arraignment of any member for its violation in meet- ing in consultation any member of either the Army or Navy Medical Corps, not at the time a member, occurred prior to November, 1871. Loose observance and flagrant violation of the rules and ethics of the Association, especially of the local code then in force, had become so prevalent, perhaps growing out of the general demoralization of the war and disturbances of 1869-72, that the Standins; Committee was charo-ed with the investi<>;a- o ^ c^ tion of such offences as early as April, 1870, when Dr. Thomas Miller charged that certain members of the Medical Associa- 302 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. tion of the District of Columbia had violated the regulations of the Association by organizing a so-called National Medical Society and associated themselves with persons not members of the Medical Association, and that they had publicly pro- claimed a willingness to consult with such persons in defiance of the regulations of the Medical Association. This occurred early during the controversy of 1869-72 (see Chapter XIII.), when the profession was riven by dis- sensions and personal animosities growing out of that lament- able disturbance. The Standing Committee was so reluctant to prosecute such an investigation without admonition to those accused and under suspicion that it advised a more conserva- tive procedure, and, upon my motion, recommended to the Association the adoption of the following preamble and reso- lution : Wliereas, It is believed that the rules and regulations of this Asso- ciation are not strictly conformed to by certain members ; and, Wliereas, There are physicians practising medicine in this District not members of the Association ; therefore be it Resolved, That from and after the fifteenth day of May, 1871, this Association will hold every member to a strict observance of its regu- lations, and the Standing Committee is hereby instructed to investi- gate every offence which may come to its knowledge, and submit its recommendations. The adoption and publication of this resolution by the Association, April, 1871, was a distinct proclamation of am- nesty for all previous oiFences, and, at the same time, an equally definite revival and assertion of its right and purpose to prosecute all offenders. The arraignment and expulsion of Dr. D. W. Bliss followed soon thereafter ; and later, during the same year, Dr. Thomas Miller preferred charges against Dr. W. P. Johnston for meet- ing in consultation the late Surgeon Maxwell, of the Navy, who was at the time the surgeon stationed in this city to attend the Navy officers, their families, and such other per- sons as were legally entitled to his professional services. PERSONAL EEMiyiSCENCES. 303 These charges were, after full consideration by the Standing Committee, dismissed, as follows : Dr. Busey offered the following preamble and resolution : ^V^^ereas, In the matter of the charge brought by Dr. Miller against Dr. Johnston for violating regulation 16, it is clearly proven that Dr. Maxwell consented to join the Medical Association, or to retire from attendance upon the patient in order to relieve Drs. Hall and W. P. Johnston from the embarrassment growing out of the consultation with them, and has since joined the Association ; and, Whereas, It is believed that Dr. Thomas Miller preferred the charge against Dr. W. P. Johnston to vindicate the authority of the Associ- ation, which has been accomplished ; therefore be it Hesolved, That the charges against Dr. W. P. Johnston be dis- missed. Previous to this prosecution it seems to have been held, and properly. so, as stated by Dr. Hall in his communication to the Standing Committee, that Army and Navy Surgeons on duty in this city were non-residents, and, like transient phy- sicians, not amenable to the rules and regulations of any local association. Such interpretation of the relations of the sur- geons of the Military Corps and civil practitioners, and the practice in accordance therewith, seems to have been aban- doned or modified in consequence of the preceding investiga- tion, for during its consideration, or immediately after its conclusion — 1871 — Surgeon Charles D. Maxwell, of the Navy, and Surgeons J. H. Baxter and Basil Norris, of the Army, made application and were admitted to full member- ship in the Association. These admissions constitute the initial act in the prolonged and angry disturbance that ensued. If the Standing Committee and Association had based the defence and exculpation of Dr. W. P. Johnston upon the broad and generous principle previously the rule of conduct, notwithstanding the regulation limiting consultation to mem- bership, the succeeding criminations and recriminations, which let loose the " dogs of war,"' would, in some measure at least, have been averted. The admission of these surgeons brought them within the penal obligations of the two systems of ethics 304 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. and the regulations then in force upon precisely the same footing as the members in civil life. The discontent and complaints which previous to their admission had been confined to a few of the civil members continued to increase, and became so prevalent and serious that Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett, more courageous than his col- leagues, initiated an investigation by the introduction of the following resolutions : First. That a committee of five (5) be api^oiuted to ascertain to wliat extent medical ofl3.cers of the Army and Navy of the United States are permitted while on duty, by the laws of Congress or the regulations of the Army or Navy, to engage in private practice ; and in what manner and by what means such medical officei's on duty in AVashington have solicited the patronage of persons other than Army and Naval officers in active service, and perpetrated violations of the Code of Ethics required by all honorable and respectable members of the medical profession. Second. That said committee be required to report at a called meeting within ten days the result of said inquiry. The President appointed Drs. A. Y. P. Garuett, J. W. H. Lovejoy, S. C. Busey, J. Eliot, and W. H. Ross on the committee. At a subsequent meeting the committee submitted the fol- lowing report : Your committee, having duly executed the duty imposed upon them by a resolution adopted at the last meeting of the Association, respect- fully report : That in order to fully and accurately comply with the instructions contained in said resolution, they proceeded to obtain, first, such infor- mation as related to the authority under the regulations of the Army and Navy given medical officers whilst on duty to engage in private practice, and to render professional services to others than the officers of the Army and Navy. By reference to the revised Army regula- tions of 1863, page 312, paragraph 1295, they find upon this subject the following : " Medical officers where on duty will attend to officers and enlisted men, and the laundresses and servants authorized by law, and at sta- tions where other medical attendance cannot be procured ; on marches, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 305 the hired men of the Army and the families of officers and soldiers. Medicines will be dispensed to the families of officers and soldiers, and to all persons entitled to medical attendance. Hospital stores to enlisted men." It will be seen by this paragraph, although ambiguously and badly expressed, that only at stations where other medical attendance can- not be procured are medical officers on duty required or expected to attend others than those persons or officers attached to the Army of the United States ; and whilst there seems to be no expressed prohi- bition, it is plain from the language used that where other medical attendance could be had it was the intention of those framing the regulations that medical office rs should not engage in civil practice, thereby employing their time and professional services, paid for by the Government, in a manner not specified by the regulations. Upon this point your committee beg to state that they have ex- amined somewhat in detail into the practice which has obtained here in this city for the past ten or twelve years, and find that it has been and still is the custom of certain Army Medical Officers on duty here in Washington to engage extensively in private practice, rendering their services, for the most part, gratuitously and in many instances supplying parties not immediately connected with the army with medicines and hospital sup plies irom the Army Dispensary of this city. That so far has this practice been pursued that Presidents of the United States, we are informed, have not hesitated to avail them- selves of the services of any Army Medical Officer stationed here for themselves and families, and permitted him to supply them with medicines, etc., from the public dispensary belonging to the United States. This practice on the part of the Chief Magistrate of the States, we are informed, was initiated by President Johnson and fol- lowed by his successor, President Grant, during both of his terms as President of the United States. In the latter case it appears he not only recognized and availed himself of the benefits of this custom, but permitted his influence to be used to retain at this post the par- ticular Medical Officer who had held such relations to his family, and who, under the rules of the Department, should have been transferred to some other post on duty. So far, indeed, was this prerogative ex- ercised by President Grant that this same Medical Officer was required more than once to leave his legitimate duties here in Washington and visit distant points for the purpose of attending the family of the President. It is due to President Grant to add, in this connection, that previous to his term there was a contract surgeon detailed to attend the domestics employed at the Executive Mansion, which was abolished by him. It is scarcely necessary to direct your attention to 20 306 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the disadvantage under wliicli the civil practitioners of medicine here in Washington are placed by this system of Medical Officers of the Army rendering their services on such a large scale gratuitously, with the additional important consideration of having, in many instances, the medicines furnished free of cost to the parties attended. Your resolution having instructed us to inquire into the professional con- duct of Medical Officers of the Navy, as well as those of the Army of the United States, we find upon investigation that there is but one Surgeon of the Navy on duty here who engages in private practice, and that he is in the habit of charging for his services. As regards the second part of the resolution and the information called, for as therein designated, your committee report that having exercised due diligence in communicating with certain members of the profession whom they had reason to suppose could furnish the desired information, and requested of each a written statement em- bracing such violations of the Code of Medical Ethics on the part of Medical Officers of the Army and Navy of the United States as had come within their knowledge and belief, but three (3) gentlemen have been found who were willing to comply with that request ; the testi- mony supplied by these is amply sufficient to prove that the ethics of the profession have been clearly violated and that the conduct of certain Army Surgeons stationed in this city has been undignified and discourteous, but the committee do not feel willing to present this testimony without the consent of these gentlemen. Regarding the terms of the resolution as mandatory, and acting under a high sense of duty to the body of which we are members, as well as to the profession at large, we are not disposed to shirk from the obligations imposed upon us of indicating at least one instance of gross violation of medical ethics as represented upon the authority of one member of your committee, and fully sustained by the evidence of other parties above referred to, we here incorporate the written statement of Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett : Washington, D. C, May 22, 1877. For the information of the committee I beg to state that I am informed upon the most positive and reliable authority that Dr. J. H. Baxter, of the United States Army, a member of the Medical Associa- tion of the District of Columbia, did, sometime about the latter part of April or first of May, express a desire or willingness to visit a lady patient of mine, at the time under treatment by me, stating that he felt a great interest in the case, and that if the patient referred to would i^ermit he would call upon her, examine her, and make a diag- nosis of the disease, at the same time declaring a disbelief in the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 307 expressed opinion of the attending physician as to the nature of her malady. That the said Dr. Baxter was fully aware that the lady was then under my constant attendance, and that he wilfully made this propo- sition with a full knowledge of that fact. (Signed) A. Y. P. Garnett, M.D. Recognizing this body as a Court of Ethics having jurisdiction over all subjects affecting the good standing, integrity, and honorable deportment of all its members, we hold that it is not only competent for your committee, but obligatory upon them, to refer in connection with this statement to the professional standing and general conduct of the party accused of transactions which we must characterize as unprofessional and derogatory to the honorable standing of the mem- bers of this Association. We do not hesitate, therefore, to state that such conduct as that above indicated has been repeatedly charged against Dr. J. H. Baxter in a general way, and has doubtless been heard by most of the members of this body. In presenting these statements reflecting upon the individual whose conduct we had under review we desire to disclaim emphatically being influenced by any prejudice or hostile feeling toward the Medical Staff of the United States Army ; a large majority of those on duty here we regard as gentlemen of the highest character, intelligence, and culture, and esteem them as ornaments to the profession as well as the service to which they belong. (Signed) Alex. Y. P. Garxett, M.D. J. W. H. Love JOY, M.D. JoHxsox Eliot, M.D. Samuel C. Busey, M.D. The report of the Special Committee of five was referred by the Association to its Standing Committee. Subsequently formal charges in writing were filed with said Committee against Surgeon J. H. Baxter. After a protracted considera- tion of the report of the Special Committee, together with the specific charges and the voluminous testimony offered in proof of the charges and by Surgeon Baxter in his own vindication, the Standing Committee submitted the following report ex- onerating Surgeon Baxter, which was adopted by the Asso- ciation by a large majority: 308 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Washington, D. C, July 25, 1877. To the Medical Association of the District of Columbia : In the case of Garnett v. Baxter, the Standing Committee find that the charge and specifications are not proven, and the Committee beg further to report that no charges have been made to the Com- mittee against any other medical ofiicer of the Army or Navy. The following resolution was passed at a subsequent meeting of the Standing Committee : Resolved, That in addition to the report as to the charges against Dr. Baxter being not proven, the Standing Committee desire to state that, in their opinion, Dr. Baxter is innocent of the violation of the Code of Ethics or of the By-laws of the Medical Association as charged against him. Second Part of the Report. Whereas, In the report of the Special Committee of the Association which has been referred to this Committee for consideration it is alleged, " That it has become and still is the custom of certain Army Medical Officers on duty here in Washington to engage extensively in private practice, rendering their services for the most part gratui- tously, and in many instances supplying patients not immediately connected with the Army with medicines and hospital supplies from the Army Dispensary of this city ; " and Whereas, It is made the duty of this Committee (see regulation five) "to attend to and decide on all matters which regard the honor and interest of the Association, and especially all infringements of its regulations which may come to their knowledge ;" it has, there- fore, devolved upon this Committee to inquire into the truth of the allegation set forth in the foregoing paragraph copied from the report of the Special Committee ; and, if true, whether the offence is an in- fringement of any regulation of this Association or of the Code of Ethics. By regulation twenty, " The privilege of consultation is extended to Medical Officers of the Army and Navy without their having be- come members, provided such officers do not engage in general practice among civilians." By the Code of Ethics of this Association (see article entitled Ex- emption from Charges), " omission to charge on account of the wealthy circumstances of the physician is denounced as an injury to the profession, as it is defrauding in a degree the common fund of its support ; and by the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Asso- ciation (Article 7) it is declared to be a point ' of honor ' to adhere to PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 309 the rules governing ' pecuniary acknowledgments ' with as much uni- formity as varying circumstances will admit. The Committee there- fore conclude that the allegation, if true, is an infringement of the Code of Ethics of this and of the American Medical Association." By the revised Army regulations of 1863, paragraph 1295, medical officers " when on duty are required to attend the officers and enlisted men, and the laundresses and servants authorized by law ; and at stations where other medical attendance cannot be procured, on marches, the hired men of the Army, and the families of officers and soldiers." It is therefore manifest that it is no part of the duty of the Army Medical Corps, when stationed in this city, to render professional services or to supply medicines to others than those enumerated in the foregoing regulations, and that when such services are rendered it is the individual act of the surgeon, for which he should be held responsible, if in rendering such service he commits any infringement of the regulation or Code of Ethics of this or of the American Medi- cal Association ; and Whereas, It has come to the knowledge of the Committee " That it has been and still is the custom of Army Medical Officers on duty here in Washington to engage extensively in private practice, render- ing their services gratuitously to persons able to defray the expense of the medical attendance, and in some instances supplying parties not immediately connected with the Army with medicines;" therefore, be it Resolved, That in the opinion of the Committee such practice on the part of Medical Officers of the Army is derogatory to the honor and detrimental to the interests of the profession. Resolved, Secondly, that the members of this Association feel aggrieved at these infringements of the rules of the Association and violation of their individual rights, and hope that it will be only necessary to call the attention of those so offending to the fact, in order to secure the discontinuance of these practices. (Signed) Louis Mackall, President. Cornelius Boyle, Vice-President . Z. T. SOAVERS, Secretary. G. L. Magruder, Treasurer. W. W. JOH>^STON. J. C. ElLEY. A. F. A. King. I sign only the concluding part, which refers to general allegations. (Signed) S. C. Busey. 310 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, I was not a member of the Standing Committee during its investigation of the charges against Surgeon Baxter, and took no part in these deliberations. After it had reached the find- ing "■ that the charge and specifications are not proven" I was elected to fill a vacancy in the Committee and was present at the subsequent meeting, when the resolution declaring " Dr. Baxter innocent of the violation of the Code of Ethics or of the By-laws of the Medical Association as charged against him," but took no part in its consideration, because I had not read the testimony and knew nothing whatsoever of its pro- ceedings relating thereto. I did, however, sign and approve that part of the report designated as the " second part of the report." After the adoption of that part of the report exonerating Surgeon Baxter the Association recommitted " the second part of the report " to the Standing Committee. This was a distinct expression that the Association was not willing to rest the consideration of the issues involved at that point, and was unwilling to accept the conclusion of the Committee as indicated in its resolutions of admonition to the alleged vio- lators of the courtesies and ethics of the profession. The discontent was so prevalent and marked that the Committee continued the investigation, and to make such investigation complete and final it issued the following circular to the members of the Association : Washington, D. C, September, 1877. Sir : 'Whereas, It is currently reported and believed by many mem- bers of the Association that one or more surgeons in the Army or Navy of the United States stationed in this District have rendered gratuitous medical services and supi^lied medicines or other hospital stores to persons not connected either with the military establishment of the United States, or entitled by law to such services, medicines, or hospital stores ; and Whereas, In a sjDecial report submitted to the Association, July 25th, it was stated in general terms that such i^ractices had been in- dulged in, to which exception was taken because of the implied accu- sation of innocent parties, therefore the committee has deemed it PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ^ 311 projier, in order that uo innocent member may rest under any impu- tation growing out of this investigation, to address the following interrogatories to the members of the Association : First. Have you any personal or professional knowledge that any Army or Navy Surgeon, including contract surgeons on duty in this District, has rendered gratuitous professional services or supplied medicines or other hosi)ital stores to any others than those entitled by law to such services and such supplies ? Second. If so, give the name of such officer or officers, and, if not inconsistent with your professional obligations to any patient, furnish such information concerning the alleged abuse as may relate to the subject. If such information is withheld because of any professional obligation, state such fact in your anwer. Third. Have you any knowledge that medicines or hospital stores ordered by yourself or other regular practitioners in this District have been supplied from either the Army or Naval dispensaries located in this District? If so, state the facts and circumstances relating to the same. The committee feel and believe the frank and candid answers of the members to the foregoing interrogatories will enable it to dispose of the issues now pending before it to the satisfaction of the profession, and therefore indulges the hope that the members of the Association will respond promptly to the inquiries. With great respect, we remain your obedient servants, Louis Mackall, Jr., President. Cornelius Boyle, Vice-President. Z. T. Sowers, Secretary. G. L. Magruder, Treasurer. A. F. A. King, J. C. ElLEY, W. W. Johnston, S. C. BUSEY, J. W. H. LOVEJOY, Councillors. Standing Committee of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. P. S. — The committee respectfully request you to address your reply to the Secretary, Dr. Z. T. Sowers, 1324 New York Avenue, within five days from this date. Z. T. Sowers, Secretary. 312 ,PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. After careful examination of the written testimony adduced in the replies to the above circular the Standing Committee submitted the following report to the Association at an adjourned meeting, held November 1, 1877 : The Standing Committee have the honor to report the following resolution as embodying the result of its investigation in the case of the Association versus other Medical Officers of the Army and Navy : Resolved, That after a patient and careful investigation of the matter referred to the Standing Committee, the Committee have obtained no information sufficient to convict any member of the Association of any wilful violation of the regulations or ethics of the Association, but are constrained to report that the evidence before the Committee and the complaints of certain members show that there have been irregularities in the Army Medical Dispensary by which such mem- bers have been aggrieved and their rights in some instances infringed upon ; and the Committee recommend that the surgeon having charge of such dispensary give strict orders to his subordinates that they be more careftil in the infringement of the rights of practitioners or in interference with patients under their charge. Louis Mackall, Jr., M.D., President. Z. T. Sowers, M.D., Secretary. A very animated and somewhat angry discussion took place upon this report, in which Surgeon Basil Norris took an active part, and came so near convicting himself by his involuntary and inadvertent confessions of guilt that his friends congrat- ulated him upon his narrow escape from disgrace. The fail- ure of the Association to adopt the report was a verdict of commiseration for the surgeon in charge of the dispensary, who had either committed or permitted, perhaps both, the abuses charged and proven to the satisfaction of the Standing Committee. The testimony before the committee established the existence of the abuses, but it failed to connect Surgeon Norris with them in such manner as to justify his indictment and prosecution. It was not believed at the time that Surgeon-General Barnes was aware of the commission of the alleged abuses, but it is certain that they ceased immediately after this investigation PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 31 3 and the report of the Committee, and whilst I have no author- ity for tlie statement, I have always since felt assured that the Surgeon- General issued such verbal admonitions to those in charge of the dispensary that restricted its benefactions to those entitled under the law and regulations to its privileges. With the termination of these investigations the contro- versy remained for a time in abeyance, but passion and bad blood were too deep-seated to accept the results as a finality. The Standiug Committee had prosecuted the investigation in the spirit of moderation and forbearance, but the tide of revenge had set in too strongly to be arrested by anything except a decided reversal of popular opinion. After the termination of the Norris imbroglio I retired from the Standing Committee because of the expiration of my temporary term of service and declination of a re-election, and Dr. Lovejoy retired by a formal and voluntary resig- nation. At the same meeting of the Association at M'hich the last report of the Standing Committee was submitted Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett " asked the privilege of making certain written remarks, which were in the nature of a personal explanatiou, and which lie desired to bring to the attention of the Associ- ation." The request was granted, and Dr. Garnett proceeded with his remarks until called to order because he named cer- tain members, and then positively and promptly declined to proceed under any such restraint. He had been assailed by members and others for his course in originating and prose- cuting the investigations of the complaints set forth in his resolution (see p. 304), and claimed the right of self-defence before the same body of gentlemen by which such complaints must be finally adjudicated. Failing in this effort to vindi- cate himself from the aspersions upon his private and profes- sional character, he printed and published his explanation in pamphlet form under the title of An Exposition of Facts, and personally distributed copies, as was his right, to his profes- sional and lay friends. For these acts, which were not denied. 314 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Surgeon J. H. Baxter preferred charges agaiust Dr. Garnett for violation of Article VI. of the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association, entitled " Of differences be- tween physicians;" also the paragraph in the Code of Ethics of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. The section of the local code referred to is as follows : ■ The diflferences of physicians, when they end in apj^eals to the public generally, hurt the contending parties ; but, what is of more consequence, they discredit the profession and expose the faculty itself to contempt and ridicule. Whenever such diiferences occur as may affect the honor and dignity of the profession, and cannot imme- diately be terminated, or do not come under the character of viola- tions of the special rules of the Association otherwise provided for, they should be referred to the arbitration of a sufficient number of members of the Association, according to the nature of the dispute ; but neither the subject-matter of such references, nor the adjudica- tion should, if it can be avoided, be communicated to the public, as they may be personally injurious to the individuals concerned, and can hardly fail to hurt the general credit of the faculty. Article VI. of the Code of Ethics of the American Med- ical Association reads as follows : Section 1. Diversity of opinion and opposition of interest may, in the medical as in other professions, sometimes occasion controversy and even contention. Whenever such cases unfortunately occur, and cannot be immediately, terminated, they should be referred to the arbitration of a sufficient number of physicians or a court-medical. And in the second section of the same article the same gen- eral principle in regard to the publication of such diiferences is set forth in language nearly identical with that of the con- cluding sentence of the section of the local code j)reviously quoted. The Standing Committee, after such consideration of the charges as was deemed full and complete, reported its finding to the Association — that Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett was guilty of the violation of the " paragraph of tlie Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association in relation to ' the differences PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 315 of physiciaus/ and thereby of the Code of Ethics of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia." The Association, after a protracted discussion of the report, declared, by the decisive vote of forty-four to twenty-three, that Dr. Garuett was '^not guilty of a wilful violation of the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association," aud thus ended one of the most angry and hotly contested contro- versies that ever disturbed the harmony of the profession of this District. I, with others, contested the justice of the finding of the Committee, and, as were many others, was gratified at the triumphant vindication of one whom we believed had been unjustly assailed aud accused. I regret that I have mislaid the memoranda of my argument on that occasion. I believed then, as I hold now, that the paragraphs of the Code of Ethics under which the charge was made are not peual enactments, subjecting oifenders to arraignment, trial, and disgrace, but wise and discreet statements of the proprieties of professional conduct in such cases, aud concluding with the pertinent sug- gestion that a certain course of conduct " may be personally injurious to the individuals concerned, and can hardly fail to bring discredit on the faculty." The American Medical Asso- ciation has frequently given a practical interpretation of Arti- cle VI. by the publication iu its Transactions of the " subject- matter of such differences," and in the publication of the proceedings and findings iu regard to the disturbances of 1869-72 in this city it did publicly, by the passage of a formal resolution attaching the " stigma of dishonor " to certain parties, commit even a greater offence, if it be an offence, by the publication of the "adjudication of the arbitrators." The defence was not, however, based exclusively upou the inter- pretation of these paragraphs of the local and general Codes of Ethics, but upon other grounds equally conclusive of the injustice of the finding of the Stauding Committee. It is undoubtedly true that there were words, sentences, and para- graphs in the Exposition of Facts that " stung to the quick " 316 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the victims of its author's animadversion, but they did not " come under the character of violation of the special rules of the Association otherwise provided for." If the suggestions and propositions made by me as early as May, 1874 (see pp. 321-24), had been adopted, as they were for the most part in the revision of 1878 (p. 326), with the sub- sequent changes, these controversies would not have occurred, and the estrangements which followed between the military medical corps and the local profession would have been avoided. I am pleased to state that the entente cordiale has been completely restored, as shown by the admission to mem- bership by invitation during the year 1894 of thirty-five surgeons in the Government medical service, and their active participation in the scientific deliberations of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. CHAPTER XVII. Kevision of the Rules and Eegulations and Abrogation of the Local Code of Ethics of the Medical Association of the District of Columbia. The Medical Association of Washington was organized January 11, 1833, by the adoption of " a system of ethics and a fee bill," and continued to be known by that name until June 8, 1848, when it was changed to the " Medical Associa- tion of the District of Columbia." This change was made necessary because of the application for admission of a number of physicians residing in the adjacent city of Georgetown. In 1848 the American Medical Association, at Philadelphia, adopted a Code of Ethics and made its acceptance by State and local medical societies a prerequisite to representation in that body. Consequently, the adoption of the National Code by our local Association supplied it with two codes, which were not in entire accord in all of their ethical regulations and provisions. These two codes continued in operation until November, 1878, but their diflPerences and contradictious did not seem to attract any special attention or criticism, except when some member was arraigned for violation of some rule of one that was claimed to be in contravention mth some pro- vision of the other. In addition to these two codes the Dis,- trict of Columbia Association had in force a series of rules and regulations which were intended to prescribe and define the conduct and duties of its members in matters of exclusive local and personal concern. Some minor alterations and amendments were, from time to time, made in these rules, sometimes to modify, and at others to make more stringent the rigor of discipline, but usually to eliminate differences of interpretation. The fee bill has, at different times, occasioned considerable agitation, not so much in regard to the amount 318 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. of the prescribed charges as to the neglect or refusal of mem- bers to present and collect their bills for professional services. The settlement in this District of colored and women phy- sicians and the disturbances of 1869-72 convinced a number of the members of the Association of the propriety and wisdom of such modifications of the rules and regulations as would extend the privileges of consultation to these two classes of medical practitioners, and recognize them as legally and ethically qualified members of the profession. There was no jDower either in argument or legislation by which men could be persuaded or made to vote for their admission to full mem- bership. The ballot secures to each member absolute inde- pendence, and protects him in the right of private judgment. No one of either of the two classes of physicians could get votes enough to elect him or her to full membership. It became necessary, therefore, to etfect the purposes in view in some indirect way, and to that -end the Standing Committee, upon my motion, in July, 1871, adopted the following pre- amble and resolution to be submitted to the Association at a special meeting called for July 8, 1871 : Whereas, It is believed that the Medical Association of the District of Columbia will at the proper time, and in accordance with Eegula- tion Nineteen (19), so alter or amend Regulation Sixteen (16) that any member may consult with any regular physician of African descent resident in this District of Columbia ; and ^Vllereas, Such amendment can only be proposed at a stated meet- ing, and cannot be acted upon until one month subsequent thereto, therefore this committee recommends the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That the Association will not hold the Standing Com- mittee responsible should it fail to investigate charges which may be made against any member of this Association for meeting in consulta- tion any resident, licensed, regular practitioner of medicine of AMcan descent until thirty (30) days subsequent to the final action of the Association upon any such amendment to Regulation Sixteen (16) as may be proposed at the next stated meeting in October. After an animated and protracted discussion the preamble and resolution were adopted by the Association by a vote of PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 319 33 in the affirmative to 17 in the negative. Strange as it may seem, it is, nevertheless, a fact that many of tiiose who have been classed as the " hostile faction " united in a determined opposition to the passage of this resolution, thus illustrating the story of the " dog in the manger ; " because they could not get all they wanted would not take any part thereof. But even more strange is the fact that some of those who were unwilling to make any concessions to the colored physicians recorded their votes in the minority with the " hostile faction," thus exemplifying another frequent occurrence of two extremes meeting on the common ground of opposition to some moderate and judicious measure of policy. At the semi-annual meeting held October 3, 1871, Dr. J. M. Toner moved to amend Regulation 16 by adding the following clause : Medical practitioners of African descent who have received a license from the Board of Examiners of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia may be exempted from the action of this regu- lation, and those members desiring to do so, may consult with them as long as such practitioners continue to practice according to the received tenets and ethics of regular medical practice as recognized by the Association. Dr. Toner also offered as an amendment to Regulation Twenty (20) to strike out the words " a majority " and insert the words " two-thirds." Dr. Reyburn moved to amend Regulation Twenty (20) by striking out, in the second section, all that part following the word Association, and insert, "And all graduates of regular medical colleges who are licentiates of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and in good standing in the profes- sion shall be entitled to membership in this Association on signing the Regulations and Code of Ethics." These amendments were ordered to lie over for one month, and on motion of Dr. Thomas Miller the President and Sec- retary were authorized to furnish " the press such an abstract 320 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. of the proceedings of the meeting as they may judge proper for publication." At the adjourned meeting held November 14, 1871, to con- sider the proposed amendments, the amendment offered by Dr. Toner to extend the privileges of consultation to 'the physicians of African descent was on motion laid on the table by a vote of 18 yeas to 15 nays ; but Dr. A. W. Miller, who voted in the affirmative, moved a reconsideration, pending which the Association adjourned to November 28th. At the latter meeting the motion to reconsider was carried by a vote of 28 yeas to 8 nays, and the amendment was adopted by a vote of 33 in the affirmative to 9 in the negative. The other amendments offered at the semi-annual meeting were lost. The amendment requiring two-tliirds to elect was, however, renewed at a subsequent meeting and adopted October 1, 1872. No further definite effort at revision was made until May, 1874, when Dr. J. W. H. Lovejoy offered the following amend- ment, which was the first attempt to define and segregate the class of physicians who were then, as now, known, in common parlance, as " sundown doctors " — that is, medical graduates who practice medicine before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. : Addition to Article XX. of the regulations : Medical i^ractitioners holding clerkships in the Government offices, or engaged iu any business unconnected with the regular practice of medicine, shall not be eligible to membership in this Association, but may be elected associate members. The associate members shall be entitled to the benefits of consulta- tions, but to no other privilege in the Association. Candidates for associate membership must be licentiates of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia ; shall make application and be recommended and elected in the same manner as the mem- bers, and shall sign within one month the approval and pledge con- tained in the twenty-second article of the regulations, of which the Secretary shall keep a copy for their signatures separate from that for the members ; and they shall be subject to the same assessments and liabilities as the members. In support of this amendment Dr. Lovejoy said : PERSONAL BEMTNISCENCES. 321 I have but little to say in advocacy of the amendment I have offered. I am aware that the subject in all its aspects is as familiar to every member of the Association as it is to me, and I have no doubt that every one has ab-eady made up his mind as to the vote he intends to cast. I have observed that the opposition to the admission of such physicians as are referred to has been increasing every year until, from one or two votes, three or four years ago, it has grown at least suffi- ciently powerful to reject such candidates. I do not think that these gentlemen have the right to demand full membership in the Associa- tion, with the right to vote and assist in its government ; but I am not so sure of our right to deny them the privilege of consultation, or of " the liberality of exercising it if we had." I am, however, satisfied that unless some such arrangement is made as that which is proposed by the amendment, these gentlemen will be hereafter denied admission, and, consequently, debarred from the privilege of consultation. I have, therefore, offered the amendment in their interest, and I am sure it is all they have the right to ask. Dr. Busey moved " that the pending amendment be referred to a committee of five, which committee shall consider the expediency of a revision of the regulations of the Association, and report in writ- ing." In support of his motion Dr. Busey said " he had offered the reso- lution believing the time had come when the Association should be reorganized. Its Code of Ethics and regulations should be revised and made to conform with the Code of Ethics of the American Med- ical Association. As this body, to qualify its delegates to the national organization, was compelled to adopt the Code of Ethics of that body, and every delegate presenting his credentials was required to sign it, it was manifest that no local provision or regulation antagonistic to the general code could be binding. The code of the American Medical Association was liberal, and surely sufficient to guide and control the intercourse between medical gentlemen and between physician and patient. All provisions and regulations of our local code inconsistent with and antagonistic to it should be stricken from it. He pointed out several of these contra- dictions. He maintained, fiirther, that stringent and penal regula- tions accomplished no good. Honorable gentlemen did not need them, and dishonorable men did not obey them. Unless penal laws were rigorously and imjjartially enforced the innocent suffered, and experience had clearly shown that this body would not sustain the Standing Committee in its efforts to maintain the authority of its own enactments. Hence he desired the good to be as free as the bad. He insisted that the Association should disconnect itself from the 21 322 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and not require a license from tliat organization as an essential qualification of membership. He claimed that female physicians should be allowed consultations. While he was not the advocate either of mixed medical schools or of female doctors, and thought that medicine was not the calling of women, still he was not forgetflil of the fact that in times past women had risen to distinction in the profession, and believed there was more than one now living destined to become eminent. If it was an evil, it was such an evil that neither this organization nor the entire medical profession of the country could abate, and hence it was the part of wisdom, justice, and humanity to strike from our regulations all provisions prohibiting the members from consult- ing with female doctors. This Association purported to be a voluntary organization, but its arbitrary and illiberal regulations made membership compulsory, because it denied to regularly educated physicians rights and privi- leges which by right belonged to them as physicians, and required such to seek admission to secure to themselves such rights. He main- tained that consultations were for the benefit of and belonged to the patients, and that no local society had a right to restrict consultations to its own membership. The regulation of the American Medical Association governing consultations was wise and humane, and noth- ing more was necessary. By denying consultations to those not mem- bers and to females we punish the sick, denied to them the medical advice they desire, controlled members who wished to maintain the integrity of the Association, and by failing to punish those who vio- lated its regulations, permitted those of questionable honor to seek and solicit the patronage of the non-members to the injury of many members. He was opposed to the restriction placed upon professional inter- course with Army and Navy surgeons stationed in this city and faithftilly discharging the duties imposed upon them by law. He maintained that it was a gross injustice to ourselves to require them to become members of this organization to obtain consultations with the civil faculty, and derogatory to their dignity. As the regulations now stood they were required to obtain a license from the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and then, with that as their essential credential, to apply for admission here, or those whom they might be called upon to attend among the Army and Navy families stationed or residing in this city could not obtain the professional advice of a practitioner in civil life in consultation with such surgeon — a monstrous injustice to ourselves. He was opposed to the admission of medical men employed as clerks PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 323 in the departments, not l)ecause they were necessarily incompetent, as had been asserted, but because from the nature of their employment they could not be thoroughly identified with the profession. He was willing to concede to them every right necessary to qualify them to pursue their profession during their leisure hours, but he was unwill- ing to clothe them with authority to regulate the pi-actice of medicine in this District — to enact penal regulations, to limit and prescribe the duties of men whose entire lives, time, and abilities were exclusively devoted to the practice of medicine. He would, therefore, so revise the regulations as to do away with the requirements of membership to secure privileges which ought not to be denied. Membership should be voluntary. It was compulsory as long as it was necessary to secure rights. The Association had but two purposes — to maintain a code of ethics and to establish a schedule of fees — and owes its existence to the fact that the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia prohibited that organization from doing either. It is a clear and pal- pable evasion of the intent and purposes of that law, and had always appeared to him to have been formed by men who at that time (1833) had all the practice, and were determined to retain it whilst they lived. He did not believe that any young man, however pure and honorable he might be, could stand squarely up to the letter and spirit of the regulations and ever have a profitable business among the resident population. He was willing to concede the probable advantage of some few general regulations governing fees — perhaps a minimum limit— but he was opposed to the details of a schedule. The physician and patron should determine the compensation by the character, impor- tance, amount, and appreciation of the services rendered. If the man of twenty years' experience, or the specialist who has devoted his time and talent to the study of a particular class of disease, are worth no more than the graduate fresh from college, then experience, study, and observation go for nothing. The exactions of a fee bill are unjust to a man of experience and to the beginner. In the former case too much labor is imposed to realize a competent support. He is overtasked with work, and his remuneration is in proportion to the amount of work without proper appreciation of the merit and quality of the work. The beginner is required to estimate his services at the same value as the skilled and experienced phj'sician, and hence he is brought in direct competition with him on a basis of compensation. Surely it must be manifest that upon such a basis the skilled will reap the rewards, while the unskilled will stand idly by. 324 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. He. finally, expressed his conviction that penal codes failed either to maintain or to elevate the dignity and purity of the personnel of the profession. That if we wished to raise the standing of the pro- fession it must be by individual emulation in professional qualifica- tion, in dignity, and in honorable and manly bearing. He should widen the contrast between merit and incompetency, between honor and dishonor, between the man of unflinching integrity and the man who by manoeuvres, cunning, and unworthy artifice sought to subsi- dize the confidence and respect of a community. He would hold the membership as something distinctive — a line of separation between the worthy and unworthy. While membership was necessary to secure the privileges and rights which properly and legally be- longed to every regular practitioner of medicine, whether worthy or unworthy, the implied obligation rested upon us to admit every appli- cant, however low in morality or deficient in qualifications. Let the applicant come voluntarily, seeking a badge of honor and distinction, and not be driven to us by our arbitrary regulations. The motion was adopted by division, yeas 33, nays 11, and the President, Dr. Flodoardo Howard, appointed the committee of five, but Dr. Busey " said he would not act, because he could not serve on the committee as organized. He did not desire to give reasons, but he might have been willing to allow his name to remain if other appointments had been made." I believed at the time that the President had organized the committee with a majority of members who had openly opposed the propositions I had distinctly made, and which the Asso- ciation had approved by the decisive vote of three to one. My declination to serve on the committee may have been indiscreet, but its report made at the semi-annual meeting, October 6, 1874, established the fact of its opposition to the measures of reform which I and others had advocated. Its recommendation mainly referred to the business aspects of the Association, some of which were valuable, but it ignored Lovejoy's proposed amendment to classify the " sundown " doctors and mine to rescind the local Code of Ethics, and re- fused to modify the regulations limiting consultations to members and excluding women from the privileges of con- sultation, and Surgeons of the Army and ]^avy also unless PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 325 they became members of the Association. Several of the amendments proposed by the committee relating to the mode and manner of conducting business, fees, and the reciprocal duties of an attending and consulting physician were adopted, but most of its ])roposed amendments were rejected by large majorities. The Association " did, however, adopt several measures of reform. Lovejoy's amendment to classify "sun- down " doctors was, after a protracted struggle, adopted by a decisive vote ; and the amendment of Dr. D. R. Hagner that "the privilege of consultation may be extended to Medical Officers of the Army and Navy without their having become members " was also adopted, but unwisely with the amend- ment offered by Dr. Ashford, " provided such officers do not engage in general practice among civilians." There were also some alterations made in several paragraphs of the local Code of Ethics that modified some of its inconsistencies and objec- tional provisions. The revision was in the main in the direction of reform, but was incomplete and unsatisfactory. The two following amendments, the first offered by myself and the second by Dr. Reyburn, were rejected by large ma- jorities : No practitioner who has a license to practice ffom some medical board of known and acknowledged respectability, recognized by the American Medical Association, and who is in good moral and pro- fessional standing, should be excluded from such fellowship or be refused admission to a consultation, when it is requested by the patient, so long as such practitioner continues to jsractice according to the received tenets -and ethics of regular medical practice as recog- nized by this Association, and all regulations or parts of regulations inconsistent with this be and the same are hereby repealed. Female medical practitioners who comply with the rules and regu- lations governing the regular practice of medicine in the Disti'ict of Columbia should not be debarred from the privilege of consiiltation on account of their sex. The amendment to modify the limitations of consultations, offered by myself, is identical in import and nearly so in lan- guage with Section 1, Article IV. of the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association defining " the duties of 326 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. physicians in regard to consultations," which was then as now in force, and is paramount and supreme to any regulation in contravention which the Medical Association of the District of Columbia could adopt. Notwithstanding, the District Association did then, by a very decisive majority, and has continued to adhere to the limitation of consultation to mem- bership, with the notable exceptions as previously stated at page 319. This is another illustration of those strange lapses into which bodies of men occasionally fall and persistently prescribe a rule of conduct for their government in direct contravention of their own edict and of the supreme law under which they derive their legal standing a-nd authority. It is only by virtue of the adoption of the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Association that the Medical Associa- ciation of the District of Columbia can exist as an ethical organization with any standing in the profession of the country. The issue of revision remained in abeyance until April, 1878, when, upon my motion, the "rules and regulations of the Association were referred to a Committee of Five, ap- pointed by the Chair, for revision and amendment," to report in writing at the semi-annual meeting in October following, at which meeting t*lie committee submitted its report, as follows : To the Medical Association of the District of Columbia : In pursuance of the resolution, hereto annexed, passed by the Asso- ciation at the annual meeting in April, 1878, and communicated to the committee by the letter of the Secretary of April 13th, your committee beg leave to report the accompanying revision of the rules and regu- lations. Many of the proposed amendments consist in re-arrangement of existing provisions, without material alteration of language ; some omissions have been suggested, and several new sections have been added. The committee unanimously recommend the acceptance and adoption of this revision, to take effect on and after the next annual meeting. Samuel C. Busey, M.D. Louis Mackall, M.D. J. W. H. LovEJOY, M.D. Thomas Antisell, M.D. J. M. Toner, M.D. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 327 This report, with a few verbal alterations in some of the proposed amendments, was adopted with great unanimity. It eliminated many of the objectionable provisions, admitted women doctors to the privileges of consultation ; defined more definitely the duties of the Standing Committee and method of procedure in investigation and prosecution ; made two- thirds vote of the committee necessary to a verdict of guilt, and two-thirds vote of the Association necessary to determine the nature of the punishment, and abolished the local Code of Ethics. The revision of 1878 has been from time to time amended in some of its most important details. Six mouths' probation has been prescribed for applicants for membership, by deferring the election to the stated meeting succeeding the one at which the application may be made ; the proviso denying consulta- tion without membership to Army and Navy Surgeons "who might engage in general practice among civilians " has been repealed ; the class of associate members, otherwise knows an " sundown doctors," has been abolished, but those previously elected to that class retain the privileges of consultation, and all full members who " may accept a clerkship or engage in any business not connected with the regular practice of med- icine" forfeit their membership ; and the following regulation defining " sick-leave certificate " has been added : In certificates on account of illness given to employes in the public offices, or others, respecting absence from official duties, the disease shall not be specified, neither shall the name or nature of the disease be divulged by any written description or statement of its symptoms given to the patient himself, nor by any specification of the disorder, nor by any disclosure which may be construed into an evasion of the meaning of this regulation. The provision extending consultation to women physicians has in some measure become inoperative, because of the ad- mission of that class to full membership. The exclusion of "sundown doctors" from associate mem- bership became an imperative necessity, because of the numer- 328 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. ous instances of incompetency and resulting disaster to patients because of the neglect incident to their business or clerical duties during the hours when competent medical service was most needed. To that class must be attributed the recent introduction (October, 1894) and dissemination of smallpox in this city, growing out of failure to diagnosticate the first case by a " sundown doctor " in attendance, and the return of the death certificate of " confluent varicella." In this connection I reproduce the following order in rela- tion to the " sundown " doctors employed in the Bureau of Pensions : Department op the Intep.ior, Bureau op Pf.nsions, Warhington, D. C, December 29, 1894. ' Order No. 281. If any clerk or employe of the Pension Bureau shall hereafter attend patients as a physician or medical adviser, it will be regarded as sufficient ground for recommending that his fiirther services in this Bureau be dispensed with. The danger of bringing contagious diseases to the other clerks and employes of the Bureau and of allowing such diseases to spread in the community is obvious, and has been manifested in recent cases. Moreover, a calling which is likely to require clerks and em- ployes to be up at night, and to demand their prompt attention at all times, is inconsistent with the proper discharge of their duties in this Bureau. (Signed) William Lochren, Commissioner. The " sick-leave certificate " issue was for a period of years a perplexing problem, because of the persistent demand of Cabinet officers and heads of bureaus that such certificates should set forth disclosures which medical men could not commit to writing, or else punish the patient with loss of pay during the period of illness. The adoption of the regulation before cited seems to have settled the question by uniting the profession in common obedience to a rule inviolable with- out punishment. Tiie adoption of the sick-leave regulation and the forfeiture of the membership of those who might, in whole or in part, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 329 abandon the practice of medicine by engaging in business in- compatible with the proper discharge of the duties of a prac- titioner of medicine exhibit tlie liighest standard of courage and determination to purge the profession of recusant mem- bership. The foregoing synopsis of the history of revision sets forth the slow but progressive efforts of reform which have accom- plished much good. Many objectionable provisions have been eliminated, many others have been so modified and altered as to remove objectionable and illiberal restrictions, and others have been so clearly defined that differences of interpretation are much less frequent. There remain, however, some regu- lations which fall short of the more advanced conception of medical ethics. These, at least some of them, are, perhaps, justifiable, in view of the peculiar environments of the pro- fession in the District of Columbia. The absence of a medical practice law makes it necessary to retain the limitation of consultation to membership and to those, not members, to whom it has been legally extended by definite designation. The District of Columbia is now the common rendezvous ot the impostors and charlatans driven from the States by the enactment of medical practice laws, and some sharp and inci- sive mark of distinction between such refugees both of the itinerant and permanent class, has become of imperative necessity, as well for the protection of the community as for the maintenance of the honor and dignity of a scientific pro- fession. The retention of a fee bill schedule, with its minimum and maximum charges* for every distinct and definite profes- sional service, partakes too much of the ill-advised rules of trades unions, which demand the same wages for the incom- petent as for the skilled artisan ; offers protection to the ignorant, in that it holds his services equal in value to those of the learned and skilled, and invites a class of unfit men to sneak into a benevolent and scientific profession who could not earn a decent livelihood as ordinary mechanics. The regulations in regard to fees and consultations, as did the 330 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. organization of the Medical Society in 1819, and Medical Association in 1838, grew out of the necessity of protection from the wrongs, injuries, and disreputable practices of the horde of irresponsible and ignorant charlatans that infested and desecrated the infant city; and, it is probable, they will be continued in operation as long as such protection and dis- tinction are made obligatory by the failure of Congress to enact a suitable medical practice law. I have diifered with the majority of my colleagues in regard to the wisdom of such arbitrary regulations, and on several occasions in times past have emphasized my dissent without success, but have, finally, acquiesced in the will of the majority. CHAPTER XVIII. Medicine in the District of Columbia during the period from 1848-95. I HAVE in several of the preceding chapters referred to special conditions relating to the practice of medicine in this District during the decade 1848-58, and to men and families occupying conspicuous positions in the community, especially to many medical men who acquired distinction and success in the profession. It would seem, therefore, reasonable and proper that this volume of reminiscent history should be con- cluded with a more detailed narrative of some of the methods, procedures, and therapeutics of that date, that my readers and young contemporaries may trace the progress in scientific medicine in this District during the forty-seven years of my professional career. I have in the preceding pages named men whose qualifica- tions were up to the highest standard of attainment during the periods of their active professional lives, and have nothing to add that will detract from their merit and skill ; but I am now dealing with medical methods and therapeutics along the outlines of the field of observation and compulsory limitation of therapeutic resources and medicament^. The pharmacy of therapeutics has so changed that the prac- titioner of the present time cannot realize the disadvantages of the era of crude preparations, nauseous compounds, nasty decoctions, bitter powders, and unsavory ptisans, with the addenda of acrid taste, sickening odor, and stomachal disgust, which in many cases made the treatment less endurable than the disease. There were no proprietary preparations to solve the problem of therapeusis ; no palatable elixirs to tempt the taste of the drug-fiend ; no sugar-coated pills to conceal the acrid bitterness of drugs in common use ; no capsules, cachets, 332 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. or konseals to promise easy deglutition, but to dissolve as they passed the isthmus of the fauces and leave sticking fast their sickening flavor; no hypodermatic tablets to save the stomach and rectum from the dosage of extemporaneous mix- tures hurriedly constituted and rudely prepared ; no soft, elastic catheters or rubber syringes with adjustable tubing and attachments, nor atomizers to make the treatment of anginose and laryngeal affections easy and flexible ; only mops, probangs, caustic- holders, and gargles with which to frighten and punish refractory children, and to drive timid adults to patent medicine cures and less hurtful domestic methods. There were no drummers to supply gratuitously all-healing balms and universal panaceas in such abundance as to make people believe the chief object of life was to take medicine and die soon. The business of manufacturing pills, tablets, and triturates by the ton, for ready use, and to teach physicians how to write and constitute prescriptions, with the sly suggestion, when ordering such, to name the manufac- turer, thereby setting forth the mercenary rather than the beneficent purpose of the vender, are the products of a recent and progressive civilization. There were no artificial foods to economize the waste of life with predigested aliments, so concentrated and with such a succession of after-coming super- excellent benefits, that an occasional look at the charmed preparation will sufiice to restore health, strength, and vigor to the most attenuated economy. There was no fashion in sickness or drugs. People got sick because the atmosphere was insalubrious, the weather was too cold, or too warm, or inclement, the sun was obscured by the clouds, or the blazing, sunny days were too long and nights too short, or the food was badly and improperly pre- pared. There were no river flats to fill the air with malarial emanations, though fever and ague were more prevalent then than now ; no sewer gas to conceal the numerous domestic unsanitary conditions ; no Potomac water teeming with fecal bacteria and debris from its enormous area of polkited PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 333 water-shed, to supply drinking-water and supplant the springs, wells, and pumps supplied with the cooling draught from the sepage of open pasture fields, leaky privies, cess- pools, and a high subsoil water-level. Funerals were ciieap, and cemeteries were unpopular and filled with the spirits of dead men. Washington City was, however, blessed with the decennial meetings of the Pharmacopoeial Convention, that made and provided forms and methods for preparing pills, powders, tinctures, salves, plasters, unguents, infusions, decoctions, syrups, and innumerable other compounds with abbreviated titles, by weight and measure so precisely stated that the ordinary drug-clerk, who learned his business by learning his mistakes, could, with crude instruction, fill the measure of comparative accuracy after several years of impecunious service. Washington physicians enjoyed the superior ad- vantages over those of other cities throughout the length and breadth of the land, of seeing and hearing the Convention resolve to do and not to do what others could ascertain only by reading its Transactions, usually published about the middle of the succeeding decade, and they had the felicitous pleasure, at the cost of ten dollars per capita, of showing the menu of the National Hotel (1850) at a banquet, which every- body, not excepting the absentees, enjoyed. Notwithstanding such advantages and environments, the resources of therapeutical applications and medicaments in the treatment of disease were very limited, but the popular belief that the beneficial effects of drugs were proportionate to the intensity of subjective result was a great comfort after an over or indiscreet dose of gamboge, scammony, or the more elegant preparation of hiera picra Andromachi. The more drastic the cathartic the higher the confidence in its utility. Hence it was that castor oil and Epsom salts and senna and salts were so universally popular. Pharmacy and chemistry had not then taught how to prepare either to tempt the pai- ates of sick children and recalcitrant adults. Coxe's hive 334 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. syrup and boneset tea were equally popular — the first to cure croup and the latter to sweat out " colds " under blankets in an overheated room. HHot whiskey punch was not less gen- eral in use than now ; in fact, whiskey in some form was the most popular medicament in the Pharmacopoeia as in the saloon. But calomel was the sheet-anchor of hope. It was the initial dose to disinfect and clean out the alvine tract, and the last hope in obscure and dangerous cases. When it failed to revive the harbinger of restored health or fell short of ptyalism the giver languished in despair and the taker " gave up the ghost." J Dr. B . . . s was not the only phy- sician who proclaimed the miraculous powers of submurias. hydrarg., and took special pleasure in forbidding the use of cold and ice water and exposure to fresh air until the alimen- tary tract had been thoroughly evacuated by an after-dose of castor oil and Epsom salts. In no department of medical science have the advances been more marked and important than in the management and treatment of the diseases of infancy and childhood. It has escaped the era of ignorance, inhumanity, superstition, and legendary aphorisms, and now stands upon the basis of physiology, pathology, and rational therapeutics, to which it has attained through the slow but continuous progress of study and research. Pediatric medicine was not taught as a separate branch of medicine during~tHefirst half of this cen- tury in this country, and not at all, except as an appendage to the tail end of the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women and children, with incidental reference to ligation of the cord, removal of the vernix caseosa, and first dressing of the newly- born. The minor complaints were left to the care and man- agement of the old " granny nurses," who handled babies as they would chunks of solid flesh, patted them backside up across their jogging laps and dosed them, as in their wisdom seemed most appropriate, with the nostrums of ancestral re- nown. Catnip tea, with its bitter and pungent taste, but not wholly innocuous properties, was the universal remedy for PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 335 "three" and "nine weeks'" colic. Tooth rashes, stomach coughs, and milk crust were relegated to the vis medicatrix naturce, with the portentous prediction that cure would afflict the victim with some grave mental disorder or produce an acutely fatal disease. Any physician who had the temerity to attempt the cure of crusta lactea would invoke the anathemas of a neighborhood of ancient mesdames whose wisdom had been quickened by numerous births, and could each count their quota of graves in the favorite cemetery. I have not and perhaps never will forget the direful maledictions upon my first attempt and promise to effect a harmless cure, when with heated tongue and hotter words my effort was charac- terized as the plea of the experimenter to accomplish some- thing my seniors had not dared to attempt. The maladies of later infancy and childhood commande<:l more intelligent at- tention and were treated in general upon the basis of identity with similar affections in adults. Calomel. was the popular drug in general use and universal application, varying in dosage and admixture with other drugs according to symp- toms, without any special regard to the nature of the morbid process. ]\Ieasles found its panacea in saffron tea and an over- heated chamber ; scarlet fever was treated with throat mops, inunction with bacon fat, and general medication ad nauseam; pleurisy and pneumonia with sinapisms, embrocations, blis- ters, cups, venesection, tartar emetic, and, of course, calomel, and such other medicaments as fancy and whim might suggest. Diet and feeding and ice and cold water were unknown quan- tities in the practitioner's armamentarium. The drummer fiends had not then invaded the District of Columbia. The diarrhceal diseases or " summer complaints " of young children were considered indispensable conditions of teething ; and lancing of the gums to promote eruption of the tardy in- cisors was the inflexible law of initial treatment, to be followed by the administration of drugs ad infiniium. Calomel and chalk, lead and opium, rhatany, kino, catechu, and blackberry root in tinctures or teas, constituted the regime of therapeutics, 336 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. with a dietary of breast-milk, however attenuated with age, supplemented with the milk of one cow or one she-goat fed upon the scanty pasturage of uupaved streets or the refuse of the stable. It was not so much a question of cure as of sur- vival until the teeth and frost came, at which time the changes in the medication and limited dietary had been so wrung aloug the grooves of empiricism until the attenuated forms of the survivors were only held together by the joint ligaments. All else had disappeared but the loose and flabby skin and bones. The literature of the diseases of infancy and childhood, even at that date, was rich in treatises by Stewart, Dewees, and Condie, of our own country ; of U^nderwood, in England ; and Billard, Gjiersant, and Bouchut, of France ; but they were only found on tiie library shelves of the comparatively few progressive practitioners of medicine then residing in this city. These were speedily followed by the works of Meigs and Pepper, J. Lewis. Smith, Churchill, Tanner, Vogel, and numerous others of later date, until now the bibliography of pediatric medicine is a library in itself. It was the custom then with many well-to-do families to employ young men to attend the children, and when to this was added the circumstance that I was somewhat interested in that branch of medicine, and was accredited by several of my seniors, my opportunities for observation and success were very much enhanced. Surgery and obstetrics were quite up to the general standard of excellence. There was no physician who devoted his atten- tion exclusively to either of these branches of medicine, but there were several very dexterous and successful surgeons, and an equal number who were thoroughly qualified obstetricians. Every physician who either wished to retain or to acquire business attended cases of confinement, but only a limited number undertook operative surgery. The men with large family practices attended large numbers of obstetrical cases; except in a few instances they would refer some such cases to PEBSOXAL REMINISCENCES. 337 a favorite but younger practitioner who was seeking that class of business. Operative obstetrics was almost entirely limited to the two professors of that branch, one in each of the medical schools of medicine then in existence. Anaesthesia in surgery and obstetrics was introduced early after its discovery, but only a few of those who attended childbirths ventured to employ it, and some of them only when the patient demanded it. Its use was not, however, confined to the young men. Puerperal mortality was much higher and stillbirths much more numerous than now. Resuscitation of the stillborn was an unknown expedient, and puerperal or childbed fever was a general designation covering numerous puerperal maladies, the most of which were ascribed to indiscretion in diet, diso- bedience of orders, imprudent exposure, or some other more trivial circumstance. Neither surgeon, obstetrician, nor other general practitioner hesitated to go direct from the dressing of a foul wound, a case of erysipelas, or other infectious disease to a labor case. Such culpable negligence was rife with dis- astrous results, notwithstanding the fanpus controversy of Holmes with Meigs and Hodge and the proclamation of danger by Semmellweis, which sounded the imheeded tocsin of alarm, by conveyance of septic poison to the lying-in by phvsicians in attendance upon patients suffering from certain infectious diseases and contagions. Antisepsis and antiseptic precautions were unknown, and even cleanliness of the body, bed, and chamber of the lying-in woman was neglected, and in many cases forbidden, because of alleged danger of taking cold. The diet of such patients was generally limited to toast and table tea until after the establishment of the milk secre- tion, and then perhaps a more generous diet of animal broths in very small quantities at fixed intervals, with the most rigid injunctions against excesses. On the night of the third day the routine dose of castor oil was administered nolens volens. Puerperal convulsions were treated, perhaps exclusively, with copious venesection, with the addition, in occasional cases, of an active purgative. The success of the treatment 22 338 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. in selected cases was quite as good as more recent methods, but it lacked the discrimination which a more thorough knowledge of causation has contributed to greater success. Such cases were more frequent, because of the total neglect of preventive treatment. The precursory symptoms which so clearly indicate the threatening complication of pregnancy and labor received but little and in most cases no attention beyond the comforting assurance that the alleged disturbances were conditions incident to and would subside with the termi- nation of the pregnancy. Urinary analysis was rarely made, and then only in a crude manner by unsatisfactory methods. The treatment of this and other complications of pregnancy and labor have steadily advanced with the progress of scientific investigation, until the methods of prevention have been so multiplied and perfected and are so generally understood and employed that the mortality of the lying-in has been reduced to a fraction of one per cent. Surgery and obstetrics have kept pace with the marvellous progress which has brought these branches up to their present standard of excellence and exactness, and the roster of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia contains the names of men whose reputations at home and abroad are equal to any in the country. The discovery and introduction of anaesthesia, antisepsis and methods of preventioUj more enlarged experience, improved operative skill, greater accuracy in diagnosis, and a higher standard of medical education have widened the scope of these departments of medical science and added lustrous success to their achievements. In this progress and these results the profession of this District has shared alike with progressive men in every part of the world. It may be asserted that gynecology, a specialism closely allied to surgery and obstetrics, has been wholly developed during the present half-century. It has grown from a green baize handbag, with its contents of several cylindrical specula, a sponge-holder, porte-caustique and glass pessary, and an oc- casional patient reluctantly submitting to a physical examina- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 339 tion, to the stupendous proportions of great hospitals and private sauatoriuras in every city and township in the land, with all the addenda of luxury and scientific adornment tiiat lavish wealth and proficient skill can provide for the patients of all ages, grades, and castes of suffering women, who flock in droves to secure admission to the institutions owned and conducted by men of recognized ability, dexterity, and success in this special department of medical science. The annals of medicine furnish nothing comparable to the development which has crowned the researches and discoveries of Simpson in Scotland, Baker Brown in England, Marion Sims in America, and Gustave Simon in Germany, who simulta- neously sprang up in distant lauds and illuminated the civil- ized world with achievements that have restored millions of suffering women to health, strength, and vigor. Not less marvellous have been the development and multiplication of patients with the commensurate increase in the number of gynecologists, with genius to promote, utilize, and enlarge the scope of their brilliant discoveries until gynecology has grown into a vast field of such enticing opportunities that the novice, without manual experience, can leap from the lecture-room and college clinic into the croAvded wards of his own private hospital equipped with all the auxiliary appurtenances of mechanical skill and addenda of progressive gynecology, to the end that women must be cured of complaints and dis- orders of which their grandmothers knew not, and learn how not to die until their time has come. Women, since the days of Eve, have lived, menstruated, married, borne children, suf- fered lacerations of the perineum and cervix and other ab- dominal, pelvic, and uterine disorders, but not until the impetus given to surgical gynecology by the discovery of anaesthesia in 1846 and Sims's speculum in 1848, did the epidemic of this class of diseases begin which has continuously spread over the civilized world until now it is barely possible to find one free from some one of these disorders so quickly cured by the knife. When I came to this city there was not 340 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. one gynecologist here ; now the town is full of thera, and more are coming. They are like vicious habits — as soon as one is acquired, others follow in quick succession. At the beginning of the present half-century, as before, the practice of medicine in this District was in the exclusive control of the general practitioner, popularly known as the " family doctor," a few of whom devoted special attention to some one branch of medicine, as, for instance, surgery, mid- wifery, or ophthalmology ; but they took all classes of disease and accepted all cases referred to them by the general prac- titioner. The " f amily do ctor " has been so generally and successfully supplanted by the limited specialists that barely enough of them are left to flavor the general composition of the fraternity. The subdivision and creation of new fields of labor hav^e contributed to the great advance and present high standard of medical science. It is probable the limit of such subdivision has not yet been reached, for several of the specialisms — gynecology, for instance — give signs of breaking up into one or more minor specialties. In fact, if the patrons of this and several other specialisms continue to increase in the same proportion as during the past forty years, they will each break up into specialties of single diseases, and then people will only die by accident and old age. Indeed, it is not with- out hope that these two causes of death will eventually sub- mit to the successful treatment of some as yet undiscovered specialism. Notwithstanding the relief from such multifarious duties which has thus come to the general practitioner through the humane interposition of the brethren who limit their practice to the- diseases of one or two regions of the body, and take everything else that offers, the practice of medicine in general has not lagged behind the general advance, as shown by the great diminution in the mortality ratios of the few remnants left by the numerous robberies. The appearance of Wood's Practice of Medicine in 1847-48, to which I have referred in Chapter III., gave such an impetus PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 341 to the general practice of medicine that it seems to have sud- denly sprung from the routine of obscure diagnosis and crude therapeusis into a scientific pursuit based upon physiology, pathology, physiological medication, and accuracy in the dif- ferentiation of diseases. Then came the Avar, which gave force to new thought and enlarged conceptions of scientific research, followed in rapid succession by such discoveries as have com- pletely revolutionized the practice of the healing art and well- nigh accomplished the full measure of its beneficence. Rou- tinism has ceased to be an accomplishment, and the man who fails to recognize to-day in any given case what was not present yesterday, does not understand the natural history of disease, and neglects to meet conditions as they arise, and even, in many instances, to anticipate the varyieg changes that may occur in the picture before him, will surely glide into merited obscurity. The grip of the " family " doctor does not shackle the practice of medicine nowadays. Y Only those can realize and appreciate the importance and significance of the progress in the recent past who saw fecal abscess before appendicitis was defined, listened to long dis- courses to establish the identity of typhus and typhoid fevers, have been cognizant of the continuous progress in the diag- nosis and treatment of the diseases of the thoracic and abdo- minal viscera, followed the improved and enlarged dietary of sick people, and been compelled to reconstruct their opinions, remodel their methods, and adapt themselves to the advance- ment in the pharmacy of medicines during the last five decades of progressive medicine. With the advanceraeflt in the study of the nature of disease and more definite and comprehensive knowledge of morbid processes, physicians have learned that it is as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do and how to do it, and that internal medication is not the sole object of medical science ; that high temperatures can be reduced by methods other than potential draughts, drastic catharsis, and blood-letting ad deliquium animi; that opium narcosis is not 342 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. the only analgesic ; that overhe?ited chambers and polluted atmosphere are not conducive to the restoration of health ; that ice, ice-water, and other cooling draughts, with fresh air and free ventilation, are immeasurably more fruitful in good than evil ; that alcohol is not a remedy for all conditions and grades of disease ; and that proper foods, with systematic feeding and skilled nursing, are not less important than chemical compounds and vegetable alkaloids. The subdivision of labor and establishment of specialism in medicine have been the chief factors in the promotion of its marvellous progress during the past fifteen years. In view of the fact that surgery, obstetrics, and ophthalmology in many of the great cities of the civilized world had many years before established their independence of the general practice of medicine, and had thereby attained a standard of proficiency much higher than medicine in general, it seems strange to one who has witnessed the recent progress that the subdivision into more limited special departments had been so long de- layed, and so slow to demonstrate the importance and neces- sity of special expert education as the only method of fitting men for the highest skill in limited special duties. It is true that in the earlier subdivisions the specialist began as a gen- eral practitioner, with, perhaps in some instances, predilec- tions which were sedulously cultivated aud trained ; but most frequently incidental circumstances and favorable opportuni- ties occurring in the line of business fitted him for one of the special branches to which he subsequently exclusively devoted his labors, and such is the proper course of education and training that best qualifies a physician as an expert in any specialty, and has given to the profession the specialists of highest renown. But the progress in medical science is mainly due to the specialists in laboratory work, to whom the world owes the great discoveries in histology, bacteriology, physi- ology, aud therapeutics, upon which are based the advances and achievements in practical medicine and practical special- ism. Such being the case, it is not surprising that the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 343 profession in a young city like this, which lacked the oppor- tunities for original research and investigation, should have been slow to accept specialism, as the most direct course to attain that distinction to which it is now entitled. But even yet specialism in this District, as in some other cities in this country, has not, except in a few instances, risen to the dig- nity of a class or classes of scientific and skilled experts devoted exclusively to the prescribed limitations of their respective specialties, and continues to encroach upon the domain of general medicine to the injury and detriment of all classes of practitioners, and in some measure impeding progress. Public opinion has so cordially and generally ac- cepted specialism in medicine as affording the highest type and grade of scientific work, it only remains for the profession to complete the transfers by the ostracism of hybridism- In no department has the practice of medicine in this Dis- trict shown greater progress than in the nursing, and this reformation has been mostly accomplished during the past ten years. I was educated in the Obstetric Institute in Phila- delphia, in a class with women being taught and trained under the immediate observation and direction of a teacher of ob- stetrics, and began practice in this city at a period when a trained obstetric nurse could not be obtained except as a special favor of one or two physicians who had educated a few for their own employment. It is true there were a few venerable and antiquated old prodigies, garrulous with gas- conade and portentous advice, who would only honor an en- gagement among people of " quality." Aunt Phillis and Hen- rietta Steptoe had, in public estimation, risen to the dignity of Madame Lachapelle, and their vernacular and oracular dispen- sations were implicitly believed and accepted as the rule of con- duct in the lvino;-in chamber of high life. The nurses on the market belonged to a class of ''old grannies," mostly of the colored race, who had loosely fallen into the habit of " nuss- ing sick ladies with little 'uns," who held water and cleanli- ness in holy horror, starved the mothers on " toast and table 344 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. tea," and stuffed the babies with '^ goose oil" and "sugar tits." I fear there is yet left a regiment or more of such grannies to haunt the lives of the doctors to the poor, but the well-to-do classes can be sup])lied with nurses of the highest grade of qualification, graduates from training schools in this and other cities. The Washington Directory for Nurses, for the most part, if not wholly, owes its organization and permanent establish- ment in this city to the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. It has now become self-supporting, and is pro- vided with ample accommodations for the complete fulfilment of all requirements of such an institution ; but it lacks that general support of the profession of the District to which it is entitled, and to which it must appeal for that continued success and usefulness which have contributed so much to the improved management and treatment of disease. It has be- come a common practice for competent and popular nurses, after haviug qualified by registry and indorsement, and ac- quired special popularity with members of the profession, to withdraw from the Directory and organize iuto separate directories of limited numbers, with definite headquarters at selected localities, and then, by special and personal solicita- tion, obtain preference in selection over those to whom em- ployment should be given. The members of the Medical Society owe it to themselves to foster this institution to the exclusion of all private directories or associations of nurses, I know this recommendation will invoke the criticism of some of the best and most popular nurses in this city, but my duty to the sick in this community is far above my interest in the success of any one or coterie of nurses. The transactions of the Medical Society of the District ot Columbia during the past year (1894) give impetus to the progress which has marked the liistory of the profession since 1866. A practical and active working medical society is the final extension of the collegiate and hospital education. The later history of the profession in this District establishes the PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 345 fact that, with but few exceptions, those who have attained the greatest success have been active and intelligent workers in this Society. Since the date (1866) at which the scientific department was reorganized the number and value of contributions have increased beyond the possil)ility of any statement sufficiently condensed for this volume that would intelligently and ade- quately set forth their active and relative scientific value. Suffice it to say that many, both in the line of exhaustive discussion and original research, have been of the highest merit and given to their authors world-wide reputations. Much, however, remains to be accomplished. The Transac- tions of the past year give promise of a progressive future and the speedy attainment of that success in medical science which its location at the Xational Capital demands. During the past two years the Medical Society has asserted itself with that vigor, force, and power which such a body of men united in a common cause can develop and exercise. For the first time in the history of this Government the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States has, through one of its standing committees, invited a medical society to appear, through a committee of its members, before it, to present and explain the report of its investigations into the causes and prevalence of certain diseases in this District, and the importance and necessity for an increased and improved water-supply aud sewerage extension ; and, after having heard that Committee, ordered by joint resolution of both houses of Congress, four thousand copies of the re- port to be printed and illuminated with the graphic illustra- tions which its Committee had prepared to exhibit and demonstrate the completeness of its investigations. Never before in the history of this Society has the municipal govern- ment sought its advice and counsel in matters of grave im- portance pertaining to sanitary science. Not until recently has any body of citizens requested a conference with a com- mittee of this Society in the interest of reforms in which the 346 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Board of Trade is equally concerned and has declared its purpose to promote. And more recently this Society has become a more conspicuous and influential factor in the efforts to secure such legislation by Congress as will prove conducive to the health of this District and protect its citizens and resi- dents from preventable and very prevalent diseases. Through the confidence and partiality of my colleagues during the past and present year the duty has devolved upon me, as its chief executive officer and chairman of its Committee on Legisla- tion, to set forth before public assemblages of citizens and committees of Congress the work of this Society in measures of sanitary reform and preventive medicine that have won for it the respect and confidence of the community at large. Whatever of good that may come to the people from the agitation and enactment of such legislative reforms, some of which it has originated and to others given active support in co-operation with the Commissioners of the District and Board of Trade, to this Society must be ascribed that force and influence which could only be exercised by a body of physi- cians united in a common cause. The orgauization of the American Medical Association in 1847, and of the various special medical societies, together with the recent enlargement of the curriculum of medical colleges, have contributed largely to the advancement .of medical science in this city as throughout the country. Iq fact, it may be asserted that the combination of men of skill and capacity into distinct and special organizations devoted to the consideration of special classes of disease has been one of the chief factors in promoting the rapid development of the recent past. The colleges in this city have advanced with the general progress in the teaching of medicine. Special societies have also been organized. At my suggestion the Washington Obstetrical and Gynecological Society was organized in 1882, and has continued in uninterrupted operation to date. It is probable that no activity has contributed more, or even as much, to the advancement in this city of the science of Ob- PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 347 stetrics, Gynecology, and Pediatric Medicine. The Medical and Surgical Society of the District of Columbia and the Clinico- Pathological Society cover broader fields of study and are doing most excellent work. To these special organizations, together with the very active operations of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, now passed its seventy-sixth year of existence, the marvellous progress of medical science in this District is, for the most part, to be ascribed. In a previous chapter (XII.) I have set forth the history of hospital development in this District, and it remains only to invite attention to the progress in that direction during the period named. In 1848 the hospital accommodations con- sisted of the Washington City and Georgetown Alms-houses and the Washington City Infirmary, under the exclusive management of the faculty of the National Medical College. To the latter institution only were cases of disease, per se, admitted. Each of the other institutions was provided by the respective municipalities with a physician with a moderate salary, whose duty was limited to such medical services as the inmates needed. Now there are four fully equipped general hospitals — the Providence, the Garfield Memorial, the Freed- men's, and the Sibley Memorial ; two special hospitals — the Columbia Hospital and Lying-in Asylum and the Hospital for Sick Children ; one emergency hospital and several large public dispensaries in successful operation. These foundations are not only commendable to the enterprise of a progressive community, but establish the progress and standing of the medical profession, to which their establishment is in the main due. The history of hospital development in tliis District, as told in Chapter XII., sets forth the progress of medicine during the past thirty years and the struggle of the profession to surmount the obstacles growing out of the factional jealous- ies, individual antagonisms, and the broken faith of lay directories which have so handicapped the spirits of scientific progress that much remains to be accomplished before the 348 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. full measure of success will be attained. If my young con- temporaries who now bold the sceptre of ])ower will assert their prerogatives and pursue their purpose with indomitable will and undaunted courage, the coming future will speedily crown their efforts with complete and brilliant success, which will redound alike to their power and to the dignity and majesty of the profession. In 1848 the Medical Department of Columbian College was the only medical school in this District. Its classes did not exceed in number two scores of students. In 1850 the Medi- cal Department of Georgetown College was established. Since that date the Medical Department of the Howard and the National Universities have been established. All of these schools are now in successful operation with largely increasing classes. Medical teaching in this city has advanced along the line of general progress and kept pace with that in the older centres of learning. In 1876 the Medical Department of Georgetown University was reorganized, and I returned to the faculty as the Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine. Immediately after the conclusion of the succeeding course, 1876-77, the faculty proceeded to reorganize the curriculum, and in 1878 estab- lished the three-years' graded course, with written examina- tions. The Medical Department of Columbian University inaugurated a similar course of instruction in 1879-80, and in 1893 both of these schools established the four-years' graded course. The classes of both colleges increased in the number of matriculates from the dates of reorganization, and have continuously increased from year to year since. There re- mains, however, a grave defect in their systems of teaching. The limitation of the lecture hours to the night, beginning about 5.30 p.m., can never receive the indorsement of the advocates of advanced progress in medical teaching. Sun- down-teaching must, to a greater or less extent, make " sun- down-doctors." Both of these schools have reached that stage of success when they can afford to eliminate this defect PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 349 in their systems. It is true each of these colleges has graduated men of marked ability, who have attained distinc- tion in medicine; but it is equally true that their commend- able enterprise has not been rewarded with the success it deserves. The method aud system of teachino- medicine have so changed that mere didactic lecturing has become obsolete, and the manuscript-reading professor has been relegated to the museum of antiquities as a commemorative cenotaph of a by-gone period, when drowsy students slept in profound ignorance of the contents of the musty manuscript. The reforms of recent date consist in preliminary examinations, not yet generally adopted ; the lengthening of the period of study to three years in many, and to four years in some of the colleges ; careful grading of the courses of study ; prac- tical demonstration at the bedside and in the laboratories ; the establishment of fixed salaries for the professors, and the en- actment of Medical Practice Laws in thirty-eight States of the UuioD, in sixteen of which a diploma from a medical college has no legal force beyond the fact that it bears tes- timony of graduation from a college. The enactment of Medical Practice Laws has emphasized the reforms in the plans of teaching and discredited the graduates of the low-grade schools. The standard of educa- tion has been elevated to that extent that forty-two colleges have established the four-years' graded course with increased number of matriculates. As yet the District of Columbia is without a Medical Practice Law, notwithstanding the efforts of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia for several years past to secure such a law, and consequently it has become the rendezvous for the graduates of low-grade schools, who continuously replenish and increase the ranks of pretenders and impostors. So long as the people at large continue to send to Congress two-penny men from three-penny villages, so long will it fail to rise to the dignity and gravity of the occasion and refuse to enact for this District such a Medical 350 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Practice Law as their respective State Legislatures have deemed wise and necessary. Free-thinking is as reprehensible in medicine as in law and religion. Every orthodox religion is based upon the Bible as the only standard of truth, and every orthodox denomination requires of its ecclesiastics an educational qualitication. In every Christian congregation there are many Biblicists quite competent to detect false doctrines and erroneous teachings and sufficiently courageous to expose and combat every de- parture on the part of the priest or pastor from their respective creeds ; in addition there are committees, vestries, ruling elders, presbyteries, synods, general assemblies, an- nual and general conventions and conferences, and bishops, all, according to their respective forms and creeds, clothed with ecclesiastical authority and some with plenary powers, thereby securing the protection from pretenders and im- postors that is well-nigh complete. In law the court, the jury, and adversary stand between client and the verdict, and justice is obtained. In medicine the knowledge and ex- perience of the physician are all that stand between the pa- tient and the grave. It must, then, be manifest to the most casual thinker that legalized medicine, with the requirement of the highest standard of education in scientific medicine, is necessary for the protection of every community from unscrupulous pretenders and mercenary impostors. This fact is now so generally recognized that nearly every State Legis- lature has enacted a law to that effect. The Congress of the United States has not only persistently disregarded the will of the people and the efforts of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, but as late as 1893 chartered a so-called medical organization, with power " from time to time to make such by-laws, rules, and regulations as they might find neces- sary, and do and perform such other things as may be requisite for carrying this act into effect and which may not be repug- nant to the Constitution and laws of the United States." In plain English, that it may make " physicians" as it may, when PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 351 and in such number as it pleases. No standard is prescribed, not even a diploma is required. It can make one of its " physicians " at will out of a coal-heaver, wood-sawyer, or bar-tender, and, worse than all, it can protect the advertising charlatan who seeks to gull the ignorant and credulous masses by robbing them, in that it offers him the cover of legalized fraud by admission to its membership. The foregoing resume is an inadequate review of the period 1848-95, but it brings out in outline the contrast between the beginning and the termination of the period, and shows the continuous and successive stages of advancement of medical science and professional opportunities and attainments during the lifetime of one man. It might have been made more or less interesting by references to some individual members, not previously referred to, with such character delineations as might revive the memories of men, some of whom have long since been forgotten. Among the numerous dead, including every one of my seniors in membership of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, there were some whose conduct in life was not wholly free from criticism ; many more whose usefulness was cut off in the prime of life, and a larger number whom pos- terity will hold in kindly remembrance. The asterisk of death is prefixed to two luindred and fifty names on the roster of the profession, but not to one is the stigma of moral turpi- tude affixed. In the competitive struggle tact and talent have sharply defined the lines between merit and obsequiousness, and in medicine as in other occupations tact has frequently, here as elsewhere, during the past forty-seven years as during other periods, scored triumphant success, while merit, less often, has failed to earn a decent livelihood or win a place on the roster of honor ; but now as always, and here as everywhere, merit is the most direct way to success and renown. But tact is not wholly meretricious, perhaps only so when totally devoid of principle, high aspirations, and human kindness. Talent 352 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. accumulates knowledge ; tact dispenses and converts it into power. Tact and talent create genius ; hence so few in whom these qualities are adjusted. A few fell by the wayside into the slough of Despond and offered their lives as examples which honorable men seek to escape. Others, gifted with sloth and lack of force, never left the starting-post, but waited in contemptuous complaint for that success that only comes to those M'ho seek it ; and some secluded themselves in ignorance, harmless in itself but harm- ful to the coufidiug few who were deceived by the glamour of pretence and empiricism. But the majority rose above the derelictions and vices that afflict such victims with disappoint- ment and failure. The medical profession of this District is now, as it has , been through very many years, handicapped by poverty, over- .' crowding, and itinerancy of a large portion of the population. The annual and quadrennial exoduses are so large — now greater than at any previous period — that even those in full practice cannot compute their incomes for any succeeding year, except upon the reasonable hypothesis that the losses will be compensated by a share of the incoming sojourners and others who may seek a permanent residence, or only to remain for one or several years, and then depart to return no more. Of course, those in high standing with large business and tact will share the larger portion of such classes of people, and their losses will be less by the emigration. Then, too, the winter resident is synonymous with the summer absentee. When the carnival is over fashion and wealth seek other scenes of pleasure and pastime, to return with the winter solstice to repeat the role of the society season and attractions. And to these sources of loss must be added the flock of "dead- heads" and "dead-beats" that follow in the wake of dis- tinguished statesmen and live in crowded attics on promises never fulfilled. This city is also the favorite resort of a horde of political hangers-on, who splurge in paper collars and bor- rowed cuffs at official receptions, are always impecunious, but PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 353 full of hope and promise and in daily expectation of a remit- tance that never comes. But few of the dead accumulated a competency ; some strug- gled long after they had passed the age of active life, to earn a precarious living, and many more left behind them families to contend with the cold grasp of poverty. Notwithstanding the disadvantages of a cosmopolitan and itinerant population, tiie instability of government employ- ment, vicious legislation, and poverty, the profession of this District has accomplished far more than could have been reasonably anticipated a half-century ago, and now presents itself to the medical world as a body of men animated by high aspirations in scientific attainment. With a life so full of incidents, and the witness of the ad- vancement that has been continuous during my residence in the city of my adoption, I can afford to conclude this volume with the expression of gratitude to a kind Providence that has granted to me this privilege, and of hope that my con- temporaries and survivors will continue to prosecute with renewed energy and fidelity the science and practice of medi- cine to the end that this city may become the centre of medical thought and progress. 23 CHAPTER XIX. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF COXTRIBUTIONS TO MEDICAL LITERA- TURE BY SAMUEL C. BUSEY, M.D. 1869. Bromide of Potassium, Uses and Applications of. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Feb- ruary 3d. 1870. Artificial Induction of Labor in Uraemia. National Medical Journal, Washington, 1870-71, vol. ii., p. 1. (Reprint.) 1871. Cancer of the Lymphatics. National Medical Journal, Wash- ington, 1871, vol. i., p. 39. Progressive Muscular Atrophy in a Child. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1871, vol. iii., p. 569. Albuminuria and its Connection with Puerperal Eclampsia. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, January. 1872. Determining Cause of Labor at Full Term. American Jour- nal of Obstetrics, 1872, vol. iv., p. 1. Impaction a Cause of Vesico- vaginal Fistula. American Jour- nal of Obstetrics, 1872, vol. iv., p. 253. Impacted Rectum in a Child Six Years Old. National Medical Journal, vol. ii. Obliteration of the Cervix Uteri During Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1872, vol. v., p. 1. Chloroform Poisoning. American Journal of the Medical Sci- ences, 1872, vol. Ixiv., p. 430. Is the Induction of Premature Labor as a Remedy for and a Method of Prevention of Ursemic Eclampsia a Practical and a Justifiable Procedure ? National Medical Journal, Wash- ington, 1872, vol. ii., pp. 1, 57, 113, and 169. (Reprint.) An Inquiry Into the Nature of the Uterine Supports and the Causes of Displacement. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1872, vol. iv., p. 585. Cundurango: Clinical Reports; Six Cases; Four Deaths. (Edi- torial) National Medical Journal, Washington, 1872, vol. ii., p. 217. Carbolic Acid in Intermittent Fever. National Medical Jour- nal, Washington, 1872, vol. ii., p. 287. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 355 1873. Vaginal Hemorrhage in an Infant Five Days Old. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1873, vol. vi., p. 46. Bronchial Catarrh and Bronchitis ; Inutility of Expectorants. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, February 19th. Obliteration of Cervix Uteri During Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics, vol. v., p. 1. Poisoning by Rhus Toxicodendron. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1873, vol. Ixvi., p. 436 Criminal Abortion. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, April 23d. Three Cases of Renal Disease in Children, probably Caused by Malaria. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, vol. Ixv., p. 120. Bright's Disease. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, February 5th. 1874. Dactylitis Syphilitica. American Journal Medical Sciences, 1874, vol. Ixviii., p. 434. Chorea in Pregnancy. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, February 11th. Abdominal Tumors, Diagnosis of. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, June 17th. Biliary Calculus. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, October 7th. Cancer, Ovarian. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, May 27th. 1875. Epithelioma of the Larynx. American Journal of the Med- ical Sciences, 1875, vol. Ixix., p. 406. Abscess of the Liver. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, December 1st. Mole, Uterus, Hydatiform. Transactions of the Medical Soci- ety of the District of Columbia, March 10th. The Gathering, Packing, Transportation, and Sale of Fresh Vegetables and Fruits ; Competent Inspection and Free Markets for Producers. The Sanitarian, 1875, April. Idem, with additions. (Reprint.) American Public Health Association, 1876, vol. ii. Pessaries. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, May 12th. Polypus of the Tongue and Uvula. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, vol. Ixix., p. 457. 1876. Address in Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children. Delivered before the American Medical Association, June 356 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 8, 1876. Transactions American Medical Association, Phil- adelphia, 1876, vol. xxvii., p. 261. (Reprint.) Congenital Stenosis of the Aorta. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, May 17th. Cancer-colloid of Stomach and Mesentery. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, October 7th. Narrowing, Occlusion and Dilatation of Lymph Channels, Acquired Form. New Orleans Medical and Surgical Jour- nal, 1876-78, from No. 3 to No. 8 inclusive. (Reprint.) Syphilis, Congenital Dactylitis, Chronic Suppurative Otitis, Caries of Petrous Portion of Right Temporal Bone ; Abscess. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Colum- bia, March 1st. Emulsio-phosphatica. Transactions of the Medical Society, June 17, 1874. Congenital Hydrocephalus-aspiration. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, March 8th. Fibromata of the Uterus. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, February 16th. Tabes Mesenterica. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, March 22d. Hemorrhage, Infantile Vaginal. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, October 18th. 1877. Address. Twenty-eighth Annual Commencement, Medical Department, University of Georgetown. (Reprint.) March 19, 1877. Cancer of Abdominal Organs. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, May 25th. Alcohol and Ether. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, November 14th. Congenital Occlusion and Dilatation of the Lymph Channels. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1877, vol. x., pp. 123, 240 and 571, and vol. xi., p. 65. Lymph Channels. Wm. Wood & Co., 1878, pp. 187. Idem. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1878, vol. xxvi., p. 527. Cancer, Mammary. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, March 28th. Empyema. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, January 31st, February 7th and 21st. (Letter of Prof. Joseph Henry.) The Columbia Hospital and Lying-in Asylum ; a Government PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 357 Institution ; its Present and Past Management. Richmond and Louisville Medical Journal, 1877, October. (Reprint.) Hemorrhage into the Cerebelhim. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, June 6th. Eulogy on Dr. William Beverly Drinkard. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, February 14th. Fibroids, Uterine. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, December 12th. Effusion into the Fourth Ventricle. Transactions of the Med- ical Society of the District of Columbia, June 24th. Phthisis (Pulmonary), Natural History of. Transactions of the IVIedical Society of the District of Columbia, Novem- ber 19th. 1878. The Truth Admitted : the Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in Asylum. Richmond and Louisville Medical Jour- nal, 1878, January. (Reprint.) Blatta Orientalis. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, April. Pessary, New. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, April 17th. Oxalate of Cerium and Caflfein as Preventives of the Nauseat- ing Effects of Opium. American Practitioner, 1878, vol. xviii., p. 142. Ileum, Intussusception of. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, November 13th. Jarborandi. Transactions of the Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia, March 27th. Bromide of Potassium in the Uncontrollable Vomiting of Preg- nancy. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1878, vol. Ixxv., p. 140. (Reprint.) Diaphragm. Transactions of the Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia, March 20th. Febris Intermittens. Columbia Hospital Report, p. 317. Entero-colitis, Cholera Infantum, Dysenterica, and Dentition DifBcilis. Columbia Hospital Report, p. 363. Duodenum, Perforating Ulcer of. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, December 4th. Night Sweats in Phthisis. Transactions of the Medical Soci- ety of the District of Columbia, 1878, vol. v., p. 49. Placenta Prsevia, Treatment of. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, March 6th. 1879. Anaesthetics and Hot Water in the Treatment of Torticollis. Medical Record, New York, 1879, vol. xvi., p. 295. 358 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Eulogy : Dr. John C. Riley. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, February 24th. Alternating Anterior and Posterior Version of the Uterus. Transactions of the American Gynecological Society, Boston, 1879, vol. iii., p. 199. The Potassium Bromide .and Suspension of the Action of the Stomach in the Treatment of Uncontrollable Vomiting of Pregnancy. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1879, vol. Ixxvii., p. 112. (Reprint.) 1880. Tuberculosis of the Peritoneum, with the Formation of a Sac Simulating an Ovarian Cyst. Gaillard's Medical Journal, 1880, vol. xxix., p. 469. (Reprint.) Eulogy : Dr. James C. Hall. Transactions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, June 8th. A Contribution to the Pathology of the Cicatrices of Preg- nancy. Transactions of the American Gynecological Soci- ety, Baltimore, 1880, vol. iv., p. 141. (Reprint.) Thrombosis of the Sinuses of the Dura Mater in Fatal Cases of Dysentery in Young Children. American Journal of Obstet- rics, vol. xiii., p. 24. (Reprint.) Chronic Bright's Disease in Children Caused by Malaria. Transactions of the American Medical Association, Phila- delphia, 1880, vol. xxxi., p. 715. (Reprint.) Children's Hospital, Memoranda in Regard to Origin and Organization of. Tenth Annual Report. Cyanosis ; Congenital Abnormality of the Heart ; Two Cases ; One Autopsy. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1880, vol. Ixxix., p. 159. 1881. Anatomy and Histology of the Lymphatic System. American Edition of Holmes' System of Surgery, 1881, vol. ii., p. 447. Anomalies, Diseases and Injuries of the Thoracic Duct. Ibid., p. 451. Diseases of the Thoracic Duct. Ibid., p. 452. Wounds of the Thoracic Duct. Ibid., p. 456. Ruptures of the Thoracic Duct, Receptaculum Chyli, and Lac- teals, Ibid., p. 457. Effusion of Chyle into the Pleural and Peritoneal Cavities. Ibid., p. 459. Symptomatology and Diagnosis of Affections of the Chyle- con- veying Channels. Ibid., p. 461. Intra-abdominal Lymphatic Varices. Ibid., p. 462. Chylous Hydrocele ; Galactocele ; Chylocele. Ibid., p. 465. Varix of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis. Ibid., p. 466. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 359 Fistulae and Varices of the Lymph-vessels of the Penis and Perineum. Ibid., p. 466. Lymph Scrotum ; Cbyloderma; Pachydermia Lymphangiecta- tica. Ibid., p. 469. Wounds of Lymph-vessels. Ibid., p. 473. Lymphorrhagia and Lymphangiectasis. Ibid., p. 473. Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis. Ibid., p. 479. Lymphangioma. Ibid., p. 482. Lymphatic (Edema. Ibid., p. 486. Lymphangitis. Ibid., p. 487. Septic Lymphangitis. Ibid., p. 488. Relation of Meteorological Conditions to Diarrhceal Diseases of Children. Sanitary Care and Treatment of Children, 1881, p. 28. Memoranda in Regard to the Origin and Organization of the Children's Hospital. Tenth Annual Report, 1881, p. 23. Mortality of Young Children ; Its Causes and Preventions. Sanitary Care and Treatment of Children, 1881, p. 28. The Stigma of Maize in Pyelitis and Cystitis. New York Medical Record, 1881, vol. xix., p. 619. Washington Malaria and the " Catching of Cold." National Health Bulletin, 1881-82, vol. iii., p. 389. (Reprint.) Acute Hypersesthesia of the Peritoneum, Either Circumscribed or Diffused, Following I\Iinor Gynecological Operations and Manipulations. American Practitioner, Louisville, 1881, vol. xxiv., p. 275. Idem. Transactions of the American Gynecological Society. Philadelphia, 1882, vol. iv., p. 34. 1882. The Influence of the Constant Use of High-heeled French Shoes upon the Health and Form of the Female, and upon the Relations of the Pelvic Organs. American Journal of Obstetrics. 1882, vol. xv., p. 964. (Reprint.) Idem. Gaillard's Medical Journal, New York, 1884, vol. xxxvii., p. 620. Eulogy: Dr. Francis A. Ashford. Transactions of the Medi- cal Society of the District of Columbia, May 20, 1883. 1884. Craniotomy Upon the Living Foetus is Not Justifiable. Ameri- can Journal of Obstetrics, 1884, vol. xvii., p. 176. (Reprint.) Scarlatina Puerperalis. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1884, vol. Ixxxvii., p. 392. (Reprint.) First Annual Address Delivered before the Washington Ob- stetrical and Gynecological Society, October 5, 1883. Ameri- can Journal of Obstetrics, 1884, vol. xvii., p. 176. (Reprint.) 360 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 1885. Diseases of the Abdominal Glands (Tabes Mesenterica) . Pepper's System of Medicine, 1885, vol. ii., p. 1182. The Causal Relation of Obstructed Cardiac Circulation to Lymph Stasis. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1885, vol. xc, p. 373. (Reprint.) The Natural Hygiene of Child-bearing Life. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1885, vol. xviii., p. 1051. (Reprint.) Idem. Transactions of the American Gynecological Society, New York, 1885-86, vol. x., p. 81. Lymphangitis. Pepper's System of Medicine, 1885, vol. iii., p. 983. Address of Welcome to the American Gynecological Society at its Tenth Annual Meeting, held at Washington, D. C, Sep- tember, 1885. Transactions of the American Gynecological Society, 1885, vol. x., p. 24. 1886. The Hygiene of Pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1886, vol. xix., p. 1. (Reprint.) Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 3. Maternal Impressions. Discussions on Dr. Barker's Essays, New York. Transactions of the American Gynecological Society, New York, 1886, vol. xi., p. 116. (Reprint.) Albuminuria and its Connections with Puerperal Eclampsia. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1886, vol. xix., p. 1. Fecal Impaction Obstructing Labor. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1886, vol. xix., p. 1093. 1887. Persistent Vomiting During Labor Relieved by Anaesthesia. Journal of the American Medical Association, Chicago, 1887, vol. viii., p. 484. Labor Pains Mistaken for the Pains of Vesical Repletion. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xx., p. 295. (Re- print.) Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 116. A Drachm of Monsel's Solution Given instead of an Equal Quantity of the Fluid Extract of Ergot. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xx., p. 931. Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 123. Four Drachms of the Fluid Extract of Cascara Given for an Equal Quantity of the Fluid Extract of Ergot. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xx., p. 929. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 361 Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol, i., p. 112. Cystocolpocele Complicating Pregnancy and Labor. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xx., p. 925. (Reprint.) Idem. Transactions of the American Gynecological Society, New York, 1888, vol. xii., p. 83. Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 117. Vesical Distention Mistaken for Puerperal Peritonitis. Ameri- can Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xx., p. 924. Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 116. Some Rare Clinical Observations in Obstetrical Practice. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xv., p. 921. (Re- print.) Idem, Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 112. A Caul-sac Obstructing the Diagnosis of Position in Head Presentation. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xv., p. 921. Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1885-87, vol, i., p. 112. 1887. An Elongated and Protruding Bag of Waters Obstructing Diag- nosis of Presentation. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. XV., p. 923. Idem. Transactions Washington Obstetrical and Gyneco- logical Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 115. Puncture into the Pelvis of the Foetus with a Blunt Hook. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1887, vol. xv., p. 928. Idem. Transactions Washington Obstetrical and Gyneco- logical Society, 1885-87, vol. i., p. 120. 1888. Address of Welcome to the American Gynecological Society at its Thirteenth Annual Meeting, held at AVashington, D. C, September, 1888. Transactions American Gynecological Society, 1888, vol. xiii., p. 24. The Physiological and Clinical Phenomena of Natural Labor. American System of Obstetrics, 1888, vol. i., p. 479. Chronic Inversion of the Uterus. American System of Gyne- cology, 1888, vol. ii., p. 693. Neuralgia of the Lingual Branch of the Right Trifacial Nerve. Transactions American Medical Association, Chicago, 1888, vol. ii., p. 697. 362 PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. Cystocolpocele Complicating Pregnancy and Labor : a Supple- mented Contribution. Transactions American Gynecological Society, Philadelphia, 1888, vol. siii., p. 402. Address of Welcome, First Triennial Session of the Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons, held at Washington, D. C, September, 1888. Transactions Congress of American Physicians and Surgeons, 1888, vol. i., p. 27. 1889. Scarlet Fever. Keating's Cyclopaedia of Diseases of Children, 1889, vol. i., p. 555. A Specimen of General Cancer with History of the Case. Journal of American Medical Association, Chicago, 1889, vol. xiii., p. 858. The Effusion of Chyle, Chyle-like, Milky, Fatty and Oily Fluids in the Serous Cavities. (Reprint.) American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 1889, vol. xcviii., p. 563. Idem, with additions. Transactions Association of American Physicians, Philadelphia, 1889, vol. iv., p. 76. Diseases and Injuries of the Absorbent System. Buck's Refer- ence Hand-book of Medical Sciences, 1889, vol. viii., p. 81. Diseases of the Thoracic Duct. Ibid., p. 81. Wounds of the Thoracic Duct. "Rupture of the Thoracic Duct. Effusion of Chyle into the Cavities: Chylothorax. Ibid, p. 83. Effusipn of Chyle into the Peritoneal Cavity. Ibid., p. 83. Intra-abdominal Lymphatic Varices. Ibid., p. 86. Chylangioma Cavernosum. Ibid., p. 88. Simple Lymph Sarcoma, Ibid., p. 88. Chylous Hydrocele. Ibid., p. 89. Varices of the Lymph Vessels of the Penis. Ibid., p. 90. A Case of Exophthalmic Goitre Treated Successfully with Sul- phuric Acid and Strophanthus. Journal of the American Medical Association, Chicago, 1889, vol. viii., p. 825. The Wrong of Craniotomy upon the Living Fcetus. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1889, vol. xxii., p. 51. (Reprint.) 1890. The Oil-silk Jacket in the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma. Medical News, Philadelphia, 1890, vol. Ivi., p. 415. Vulvar or Vaginal Hemorrhage in the Newly-born. American Journal of Obstetrics, 1890, vol. xxiii., p. 495. (Reprint.) 1891. The Transmission from One Person to Another of the Poison of Rhus Toxicodendron. Medical News, Philadelphia, 1891, vol. lix., p. 555. Ibid.; . P- 82. Ibid.^ . P- 83. Cavities : Chylothorax, PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 363 Idem. Transactions of the Washington Obstetrical and Gyne- cological Society, 1889-90, vol. iii., p. 25. 1893. Ice Dealers' Combination of the District of Columbia. Report of Committee of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. 1894. Address at the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Medical So- ciety of the District of Columbia and at the Banquet, Feb- ruary 16, 1894. Transactions of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. Address at the Banquet. Ibid. Address of Welcome to the Association of Military Surgeons, Washington, May 1, 1894. Transactions Military Surgeons, vol. iv., p. xiii. The Contagious Disease Hospital. National Medical Review, 1894, vol. iii., p. 27. The Medical Society of the District of Columbia in 1894, with some Important Recommendations. Annual Address of the President, delivered December 19, 1894. (Pamphlet.) IXDEX. Act enabling transfer of Orphans' Home, 231 Age of retirement of physicians, 48 Alumni Society, exclusion of, 272 Ambition, absence of, 209 American Medical Association, amendment prohibiting multiplica- tion of representation, 42, 283 meeting of, at Nashville, 107 survivors of, 42 semi-centennial of, 42 Anaesthetics, 40, 337 Anna Eoyal, 67, 69 Antisell, Thomas, sketch of, 140 An appeal of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, 247 Apoplexy, case of, 56 Ashford, F. A., Columbia Hosjiital Dispensary, 116 death of, 238 Confederate Army, 189 Garfield Hospital, 189 sketch of, 188 Askew, H. F. , report of, 267 Asylum, St. Elizabeth, 131 Atkinson, W. B., letter of, 42 Audenried, Mistress, contribution of, 220 Aunt Phillis and Henrietta Steptoe, 345 Avenue, Pennsylvania, 65, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 B., Dr., 96 Babies, not born men, 94 Banks, N. P., Speaker, 95 Barker, H. H., 219 Baxter, J. H., 307, 308 Beale, James S., 200 Beau Brummel, 67 Beau Hickman, 90 366 INDEX. Belvoir, 111, 113, 114 Berry, W. H., 107 Bibliography of contributions, 354 Billings, John S., 237, 238 Blake, E. Tucker, 141 Blake, James H., 135, 137 Blake, John B., 125, 141 Blanks, prescrijition, 61 Bliss, D. W., 274, 285, 287, 290 Blount, Paramount, 232 Board of Health, 297, 298 Bohrer, Benjamin S., 129, 130, 131 Borrows, Joseph, 142, 251, 264 Botanic Club, 133 Breckinridge, Eev., 127 Broadhead, John M., 73, 85 Brummel, Beau, 67 Busey, Samuel C, 17, 19, 22, 24, 25, 45, 55, 60, 61, 109, 111, 112, 115, 120, 252, 265, 278, 295, 316, 318, 321, 324 Butler's Medical Journal, 107 Calhoun, Webster, and Clay, 94 Capitol, laying corner-stone of, 145 Carroll Row, 25 Causin, N. P., sketch of, 175 Cenotaphs of deceased Congressmen, 28 Central Dispensary and Emergency Hospital, 219 Chapel, little white, 127 Chapman, Professor, 29, 42, 157 Charcoal-burners, 92 Clagett, Darius, 21 Clay, Webster, and Calhoun, 94 Clayton, Senator, 72, 78 Commentary, 203 Committee, Arrangements, at Philadelphia, 275 Ethics, report of, at Philadelphia, 276 special) rejjort of, 305 Condict, H. F., sketch of, 143 Congress, attendance of, 93 noted members and Senators of, 93 Congressional mess, 26 Consultation, limitation of, 318, 329 Convulsion, puerperal, 337 ISDEX. 3g; Convention, Pliarmacoi)ccial, 333 Coony, 92 Coxe's hive sj^-up, 333 Cox, C. C, 254, 255, 259, 271, 274, 292 Cullen, Treatise on Materia Medica, 21 Davis, A. McD., 168 Davis, L. J., 222 Davis, N. S., 267, 269 Dawes, Frederick, 143 Delegates, meeting of, 253 Dick, Elisha C, 144 Dinner in New York City, 97 Diseases of infancy and childhood, 334, 336 Discontent and grievances, 103, 104 Dispensary, Colnnibia Hospital, 115 Central, 219 Army, 312 Dove, a M„ 60, 101, 111 Drinkard. W. B., 183 Drug fiend, 80 Druggist, hop-and -go-skip, 58 Drummer, 332 Dyer, John I., 60, 105 Eliot, Johnson, 24, 187 English, Miss, seminary of, 21 Ethics, medical, 104 Ewell, Thomas, 213 Executive Committee, Garfield Hospital, 225 Exposition of Facts, 315 Fairfax, Orlando, 147 Fashion in sickness, 332 Ferdinand X. Y. Z., 78 Fillmore, inauguration of, 94 Fire Department, 75 Flora Columbiana, 133 Ford, Charles M., 191, 200 Foote, Senator H. S., 94 Founders, 127, 206 Freedmen's Hosintal, 218 368 INDEX. Gardxee, Charles K., 84 Garfield Memorial Hospital, 224, 226, 236, 239 Garnett, A. Y. P., 107, 192, 196, 304, 306, 312, 315 Gautier, placard of, 107 General Hospital of the District of Columbia, Georgetown, 224 Georgetown College, 53, 123 physicians, 103 triangulation of, 22 Gerhard, W. W., 24, 49 Gibson, Professor, 41, 43, 44 Goose industry, 65 Granny nurses, 334 Gunnell, F. M., 25 Gunnell, James S., 167 Gynecology, 338 Hagxer, Daniel E., 202 Hale, John P., 94 Hall, James C, 24, 105, 117, 147 Hare, Professor, 41 Harrison, William Henry, 95 Harvard University, 135 Hazel's Eow, 71 Henderson, Thomas, 135, 136, 204 Herb drops, 107 Hickman, Beau, 90 Hill, Capitol, 82 noted citizens of, 84 residents of, 83 society of, 84, 86 stores of, 83 Hodge, Professor, 43, 44 Holmes, Oliver Wendell, poem of, 99 Horner, Professor W. E., 43 Hospital, Columbia, 116 Children's, 117, 118 establishment of general, 212 management of, 241 Pennsylvania, 59 Ewell's proposed, 213 Hostile faction, 251, 281 Houston, John H., 26, 73, 75, 76, 84 Howard, Flodoardo, 152, 324 INDEX. 369 Howard, H. P., 60 Huntress, The, 60, 70, 71 Huntt, Henry, 133, 134, 135, 136 Infancy and childhood, diseases of, 116 Johnson, Richmond, 152 Johnston, W. P., 24, 178, 180, 253, 303, 304 Johnston, W. W., 221 Jones, William, 105 107 Keller, I. M., 255, 261, 267 Kleinschmidt, C. H. A., 221 Kollock, Cornelius, 221 Labor, subdivision of, 341 Law, medicine, and religion, 350 Lay majorities, 246 Lee, William, 200 Library, new building for, 66 Library, Surgeon-General's, 102 Liebermann, C. H., 107, 153 Lincoln, Abraham, 25, 27 Lincoln Hall, 223, 224 Lindsly, Harvey, 24, 108, 110, 155, 156, 165 Lochren, Commissioner, 328 Longevity of founders, 206 of i^ioneers, 208 Louise Home, 115 Louse Neck, 114 Lovejoy, J. W. H., 253, 320, 324 Lovell, Surgeon-General, 204 McCoNNELL, Felix K., 90 McWilliams, Alexander, 132, 133 Madison, President, 126 Magruder, George L., 219 Magruder, Hezekiah, 21, 23, 157 Magruder, W. B., 168 Marbury, William, 186, 256, 270, 271 Market days, 92 Martin, Charity, 23 Mattingly, Mrs. Ann, 127 24 370 INDEX. Maury, Thomas F., 199 May, Frederick and George, 205 May, John Frederick, 24, 105, 107, 158 May, Frederick, 124, 125 Medical and Surgical Society, 347 Association, 317, 346 College, National, 23, 24 Department, 54, 104, 113 Faculty, Columbian College, 214, 348 practice law, 349 profession, 352 Society of the District of Columbia, 60, 115, 227, 250, 251, 344 Medicine, law, and religion, 350 Meehan, John S., 85 Members, alive, 18 Memory, aberration of, 182 Menu of banquet in New York, 97 Miller, Mr. Justice, 223 Miller, Thomas, 24, 55, 64, 107, 115, 116, 169, 170, 171, 174, 204, 256, 307 Minority report, Stille and Woodward, 268 Toner and Morgan, 268 Minutes of Medical Faculty, University, 30 Monument, 66 Morgan, E. Carroll, 197, 198 Morgan, James E., 196 Multiplication of representation, 283 Naval Academy, 136 Observatory, 66 Norris, Surgeon Pennsylvania Hospital, 24, 40 Obstetric Institute, 38 Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, 346 Obstetrics, 335 Odd characters, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73, 79, 80 Oddity in negroes, 79 Office hours of physicians, 157 Palmer, G. S., 273 Palmer, W. G., 201, 256 Paterson, Senator, 259, 272 INDEX. 371 Patient, elderly woman, 57 first in high life, 57 Patze, Adolphus, 159 Peace, Surgeon Pennsylvania Hospital, 39 Pennsylvania Avenue, G5 Hospital, 39 Pepper, William, 24, 39, 207 Perry, R. Ross, 180 Pharmacopoeia, 137, 333 Pharmacy of therapeutics, 831 Physicians, charges for visit, 63 memorial of, 228 obstetric fee, 63 of African descent, 62 retirement of, 48 signatures of, 230, 231 wife and horse, 62 Poem by Holmes, 99 Polk, James K., 21 Profession, power of, 242 Purvis, Augusta and Tucker, 245 Randolph, Surgeon Pennsylvania Hospital, 24, 39 Receptions, 86 Relics of student life, 48, 49, 50 Religion, medicine, and law, 350 Revision of rules, 326 Reyburn, Robert, 247, 261, 277, 281, 319, 325 Riley, Joshua, 24, 159 Ritchie, Joshua, 168 Ritchie, Lewis W., 221 Row, Carroll, 25 Hazel's, 71 ' Royal, Anna, 67 Sahgent, Nathan, 26 Saunders, W. H., 24 Schools, classes of, 46 Senators and members of Congress, 94, 95 Sewall, Thomas, 205 Shaaff", John T., 135, 136 Sibley Memorial Hospital, 347 Sick-leave certificate, 327, 328 372 INDEX. Sim, Thomas, eulogy on Eusli, 138 Sims's speculum, 339 Smith, T. C, 142 Smith, Walter, 123 Snyder, John M., 177 Society, alumni, 272 Solomons, A. S., 222, 223, 224 Special hospitals, 240 Standing Committee, 302 report of trial of Bliss, 288, 289 Steptoe, Henrietta, 343 Stille, Alfred, report of, 260 Stone, R. King, 24^ 54, 56, 107, 115 friendship of, 54 Stonecutter's yard, 28 Struggle, competitive, 351 Succession in medicine, 214 Summer school, 39 Sundown doctors, 348 Surgery and obstetrics, 334, 338 Survivors of Class of 1848, 53 of Wood's private class, 53 Swine nuisance, 65 Table of decedents seventy years old, 139 Taylor, Zachary, 26 Ten miles square, 145 The United States Telegraph, 84 Thomas, John M., 24 Thompson, Benedict, 200 Thompson, J. Ford, 257 Todd, Seth J., 199 Toner, J. M., 17, 19, 217, 319 Trade, Board of, 345 Transfer of Orphans' Home, 235 Tyler, Grafton, 24, 161 Unmarried physicians, discrimination against, 59 War, close of, 114 with its transformations, 65 Warfield, Peregrine, 21, 129 Warren, I. N., 135 INDEX. 373 Warrington, Joseph, 24, 34, 38 Washington and Georgetown Ahns Houses, 347 City, 62, 63, 64 City Infirmary, 214, 215 Directory for Nurses, 344 Providence Hospital, 217 Watterson, George, 85 Webster, Calhoun, and Clay, 94 Wilniot proviso, the, 26 Wood, George B., 24, 31, 36, 47, 216, 340 Woodward, J. J., 268 Worthington, Charles, 54, 121, 122, 123 Worthington, Nicholas, 21, 122 Young, Noble, 104, 109, 110, 111, 162, 216 25 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. OCT 10 195G NOV 2 1 RECD pME3>-Wt BRMMEDua JAN 1 2 REO'Q Form L9-6m-3,'54( 3446) 444 \NS 0(o 3 1158 01193 b2«4