THE
Ausfralian Medical 7ournal
JANUARY 15, 1894.
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ANNUAL MEETING.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1894.
(Hall of the Society, 8 p.m.)
Present :—Mr. C. S. Ryan (in the chair), Professor Allen, Drs. Gresswell, Adam, Mollison, Andrews, Mackay, Hall Owen, Stirling, Jones, Williams, G. H. Fetherston, R. H. Fetherston, Hamilton Russell, Webster, Fletcher, Herman Lawrence, Astles, Eccles, Hooper, Roeckel, Barker, T. N. FitzGerald, Bennie, Kenny, Courtenay, Burke, Gardner, Johnson, J. P. Ryan, Syme, Bage, Meyer, A. J. Wood, Balls-Headley, F. D. Bird, Jamieson, Moore, Maudsley, Brett, W. R. Boyd, Nihill, Hughes, Downie, Lynch, Morton, Grant, and Webb.
Dr. E. S. Jackson, of Brisbane, was present as a visitor.
The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed.
Three gentlemen were nominated for membership.
The Annual Reports of the Committee, the Hon. Librarian, and the Hon. Treasurer were read as follows and adopted :—
COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Though the year that has passed has not been in any way noted for stirring or exciting events, it has, probably, been one of the most important in the history of the Society.
The adverse state of the colony's affairs has been shown to some extent in the continued slight falling off in our membership, which now numbers 140 ordinary members, 19 life members, 17 corresponding members, and 10 honorary members.
We regret to say that, during the year 1893, the mortality amongst our members has been very heavy, and not only has our loss been numerically great, but we have been deprived of some of the oldest and best friends that the Society ever had. Dr.
James Robertson, Dr. Bowen, Dr. Haig, and Dt. George Graham were all ex-Presidents ; Drs. Robertson and Bowen held, too, the office of Secretary of the Society in its earlier days. at. Ilaig and Graham showed their interest in the Society by the presentations they Made to it. Drs. Fletcher and Steel were valued members.
VOL. XVI. No 1. A
2 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 15, 1894
11
The proper work of the year has really flourished. In addition to the Annual Meeting, there have been eleven ordinary meetings, and two Special meetings. The attendance as a rule has been large. There has never been any lack of papers ; pathological specimens have, as usual, formed an interesting and instructive portion of the Society's work ; and during the past year there has been a marked increase in the number of living exhibits. Some of these have illustrated important points in surgery or medicine, and have elicited interesting discussions.
The following is the list of papers read and of cases and specimens shown :-
" Epidemic Pneumonia," by Dr. W. A. Wood.
" Two Cases of Laminectomy," by Mr. F. D. Bird.
"Three Cases of Sporadic Cretinism," by Dr. A. J. Wood.
" The Pathology of Haemorrhoids in reference to their Treat- ment," by Dr. Roeckel.
" Electric Installation for Lighting and Cautery Direct from the Main," by Dr. J. W. Barrett.
" A Case of Foreign Body in the Larynx, and Removal by the method of Laryngo-fissure," by Dr. J. W. Barrett.
" A Case of Injury to the Brain, with Loss of the Muscular
Sense, by Dr. Laycock.
" A Case of Ichthyosis Sauroderma," by Dr. Herman Lawrence.
" A Case of Ichthyosis Hystrix," by Mr. J. P. Ryan.
" A Case of Optic Atrophy in which the Hypodermic Injec- tion of Strychnine, with other Treatment, was coincident with the Arrest of the Atrophy," by Dr. J. W. Barrett.
" A Case of Acute Perforation of the Stomach," by Mr. R. A.
Stirling.
"A Few Observations on the Artificial Feeding of Infants,"
by Dr. A. J. Wood.
"Twelve Cases of Hirsuties treated by Electrolysis," by Dr.
Herman Lawrence.
" A Case of Ulcerative Endocarditis," by Mr. G. A. Syme.
" A Case of Arsenical Peripheral Neuritis," by Dr. D. Grant.
" Twenty Cases of Abdominal Surgery," by Mr. G. A. Syme.
"The Causation and Mode of Causation of Peritonitis in Women," by Dr. Balls-Headley.
" The Use of Antipyretics in Typhoid Fever," by Dr. Jamieson.
JAN. 15, 1894 Medical Society of Victoria. 3
" Some Head Cases," by Mr. F. D. Bird.
"Case of Labour obstructed by Hydrocephalic Fcetus- Rupture of Uterus—Porro's Operation—Recovery," by Dr. R. H. Fetherston.
List of cases shown :—
" Anchylosis of the Lower Jaw," by Dr. Gardner.
" Old Burn of Arm and Axilla, treated. by Plastic Operation,"
by Dr. Moore.
" Gunshot Wound of Leg, closed by Plastic Operation," by Dr. Moore.
" Two Cases of Sporadic Cretinism," by Dr. A. J. Wood.
" Primary Chancre of Lip ; Primary Chancre of Finger, with secondary symptoms ; Leucoderma ; Dermatitis,"
by Dr. Noyes.
" Laminectomy," by Mr. F. D. Bird.
" Supra-pubic Cystotomy for Stricture of the Urethra," by Mr. F. D. Bird.
" Malformation of the Lower Jaw," by Dr. J. W. Barrett.
" Injury to the Brain, with Loss of the Muscular Sense," by Dr. Laycock.
" Supernumerary Eyebrows removed by Electrolysis," by Dr. Herman Lawrence.
" Spasmodic Torticollis cured by Neurectomy ; Radical Cure of Hernia (Bassini's method) ; Suppurative Synovitis of Knee-joint successfully treated by incision without drainage," by Dr. Gardner.
" Ichthyosis (3 cases)," by Dr. Noyes.
" Cancrum Oris," by Dr. Gardner.
" Myxcedema," by Dr. Coxwell.
" Complete Extirpation of the Larynx for Carcinoma," by Mr. C. S. Ryan.
" Old Dislocation of Elbow replaced by operation ; Abdom- inal Hydatid treated by Bond's operation," by Dr. Moore.
"Abdominal Hydatids successfully treated in the same patient by Lindemann's operation and by Bond's operation," by Mr. F. D. Bird
Pathological specimens :—
" Pedunculated sub-peritoneal Fibro-myoma, removed by Abdominal Section," by Dr. Gardner.
A 2
4 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 16, 1894
" Duplication of both Ureters throughout their whole length,"
by Dr. Gardner.
" Specimens from the body of a Sporadic Cretin," by Dr. A. J. Wood.
" Fibro-rnyoma of the Uterus, removed per Vaginam," by Dr. Adam.
" Heart and Kidneys from a case of Mitral Stenosis, with Interstitial Nephritis," by Dr. J. Williams.
" Gunshot Wound of Skull (several cases) ; Fibroid Degen- eration of the Heart ; Twin Fcetuses ; Bruising of the Brain in the Fissure of Sylvius," by Professor Allen.
" Tubercular Disease of the Epididymis and Testis," by Dr. Moore.
" Unusual Foreign Body removed from the Nose," by Dr. J. W. Barrett.
" Specimen of Ichthyosis Sauroderma," by Dr. Herman Lawrence.
" Photograph of Case of Ichthyosis Hystrix," by Mr. J. P.
Ryan.
" Fibroid Phthisis ; Osteo-Arthritis of Knee ; Calcified Aortic Valves, with chronic ulceration of Tricuspid Valve ; Syphilitic Testis ; Globular Aneurism of the Aortic Arch ; Acute Atrophy of the Liver ; Primary Sarcoma of the Liver," by Professor Allen.
" Ruptured Uterus, removed by Abdominal Section," by Dr. R. H. Fetherston.
" Acephalous Monster ; Hydatid of the Liver opening into the Pleural Cavity ; Sacculated Bladder ; Aneurism of the Heart ; Osteo-arthritis Deformans of Shoulder and of Knees; Ulcerative Endocarditis of Pulmonary Valve ; Tubercular Larynx ; Sarcoma of the Upper Jaw and parts around ; Acute General Tuberculosis in Adult ; Carcinoma of the Pancreas," by Professor Allen.
" Gall-stone removed from the Small Intestine by Abdominal Section," by Mr. C. S. Ryan.
" Tumour of the Cerebellum," by Dr. Maudsley.
"'Tuba] Gestation (Tubal Abortion)," by Dr. Adam.
" Ectopic Gestation," by Dr. Rowan.
" Vesical Calculus formed around a hair-pin," by Dr. Rowan.
"Monkey's Brain containing a Hydatid Cyst," by Dr. W. A.
Wood.
Jell. 15, 1894 Medical Society of Victoria. 5
" Hydatid Mole," by Dr. Davenport.
" Double Pyo-salpinx, with Cysts in both Broad Ligaments and Uterine Fibroid," by Dr. Adam.
" Ectopic Gestation (two cases)," by Dr. Balls-Headley.
" Tubal Gestation," by Dr. Moore.
" Collection of Calculi, Vesical and Renal ; Epitheliomatous Larynx ; Left Subclavian Artery, eroded by a Hydatid Cyst ; Uterus removed for Pelvic Suppuration, with Tuho-ovarian Abscess opening in the Rectum ; Tumour removed from Left Labium ; Nasal Polyp ; Omentum from a case of Strangulated Femoral Hernia ; Cancerous Uterus and Parovarian Cyst removed per Vaginam ; Specimen of Gun-shot Injury to Ulnar Nerve ; Biliary Calculi ; A Collection of Ovaries removed for intrinsic disease, or to anticipate the Menopause in Uterine Fibroids ; Sequestrum from Upper Jaw in case of Can- crow Oris," by Dr. Gardner.
"Duct Cancer of the Breast," by Dr. Moore.
Innominate Aneurism," by Mr. C. S. Ryan.
" Lipoma, Dermoid Cyst of Ovary, and Ovarian Cyst with Twisted Pedicle," for Dr. Adam ; for Dr. Williams, " a Heart in which a Fish-bone was Lodged," by Dr.
Mollison.
There were also several interesting demonstrations during the year :—
" Operation on the Posterior Cervical Nerves for Spasmodic Torticollis," by Dr. Gardner.
"The Character of the Coagulum found in the various artificial foods by precipitating proteids by re-agents,"
by Dr. J. W. Barrett.
" The Variability of Fats at various stages of Milking, as shown by Babcock's Milk-tester," by Dr. A. J. Wood.
"Carter-Brain's Improved Bottle for Junker's Chloroform Apparatus," by Dr. E. A. Mackay.
At the last Annual Meeting the resignation by Dr. Bowen of his office of Trustee was accepted, and at a Special Meeting, held on the same evening, it was resolved, "That His Excellency the Governor in Council be requested to increase the number of Trustees from three to five, and that the President (Mr. C. S.
Ryan), the retiring President (Professor Allen), and Dr. J.
Williams be nominated accordingly." After some correspondence,
6 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 16, 1894
the request of the resolution was acceded to. Later in the year, by the death of Dr. Graham, another vacancy for a Trustee occurred, and the nomination by the Society of Dr. Jamieson has been accepted by the authorities.
For some time past it had seemed to members of the Committee that the usefulness of the Society would be greatly extended if such a journal as the Lancet could be supplied to its members.
After some correspondence between the Committee and the proprietors of the Lancet, certain proposals were made by the latter, and at a special meeting held on November 1st, the following resolutions were carried :—(a) "That the Society affirms the desirability of supplying the Lancet instead of the Australian Medical Journal to its members at the present subscription." (b) "That the Society empowers the Committee to make the necessary arrangements with the proprietors of the Lancet." The proposals of the Lancet proprietors, with one slight modification, were then accepted, and as a cablegram has been received from the Lancet office accepting our modification of their proposals, the Committee has now the pleasure of announcing that in future the Lancet will be supplied to members at the ordinary subscription in the place of the A ustralian Medical Journal.
The fact that the Society is not in the future to supply the A ustralian Medical Journal to members, must not be held to imply that the Society is in any way intending to discard the Journal, whose fortunes have been for many years so closely linked with its own; and the Committee would now most strongly urge all members to do their best to maintain the Australian Medical Journal, whose history is really the history of the Society.
The Committee has held twelve ordinary and two special meetings, and the attendance of members has been as follows :--
Mr. C. S. Ryan 12 Dr. Jamieson ... 13
Dr. Gresswell 12 Dr. Maudsley 9
Dr. Adam 7 Mr. J. P. Ryan 12
Professor Allen 9 Dr. Williams 9
Dr. Balls-Headley 6 Dr. Moore 14
Dr. Barrett ... 8 Mr. Webb 8
Mr. F. D. Bird 8 Dr. Brett 13
Mr. Girdlestone 2 Mr. Syine 9
Dr. Grant 5
JAN. 15, 1894 Treasurer's Report. 7
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The Treasurer in account with the Medical Society of Vsctoria for the year 1893.
Dr.
To Balance from 1892 .. , .
„ Subscriptions and Entrance Fees, &c., 1893
„ Interest on F. D. R. ..
X 214 286 2
s. d.
4 11 11 2 17 10
£503 13 11
Cr. s. d.
By Caretaker's Salary and House Expenses 11 0 0
„ Gas .. .. • . • . 5 0 9
„ Stillwell's Account for 1892 183 8 6
„ City and Water Rates 5 5 0
„ Repairs—
R. Robertson £2 18 6
Bell 8 3 0
Clauscen 1 5 6
12 7 0 Books and Periodicals-
Geo. Robertson and Co. £37 5 6 Melville, Mullen, and Slade 7 7 0
Sydenham Society 1 6 0
45 18 6
„ Testimonial to the late Dr. Bowen 6 6 6
„ Lands Department (Trustees' Registration) .. 2 2 0
„ Commission on collecting 1892 accounts, 5 per
cent. on £122 17s. .. .. 6 2 6
„ Mayer, Meltzer, and Jackson 2 2 6
„ Redemption of the late Dr. Le Fevre's Debenture 3 10 0
„ Fire Insurance 1 0 0
„ Binding (Detmold) 14 11 0
„ Stamps— Secretary .. ,62 10 0
Treasurer .. 3 3 0
5 13 3
„ Exchange on Country Cheques , . 0 9 6
„ Reuter's Telegram from London .. 0 14 6 305 11 6
Balance in Bank 197 4 4
Stamps in hand 0 18 1
£503 13 11
BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1893.
ASSETS. X S.
By Hall, Furniture and Books .. .. 1000 0 0
„ Cash in Bank .. .. 59 4 4
„ Fixed Deposit in Bank 138 0 0
X s. d.
By Stamps in band .. .. 0 18 1
„ Subscriptions in Arrears, say 200 0 0
£1398 2 5
LIABILITIES. X s. d.
To Debentures Outstanding .. . 237 6 0
•• ,, Interest due .. 22 7 0
„ Stillwell's Account for 1893 .. .• .. 154 1 0
£413 14 0
„ Balance in favour of Society .. 984 8 5
£1398 2 5 LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
I have very little to report respecting the library. We continue
to keep ourselves abreast of the times with the current journals,
and manage occasionally to add a few plates, illustrations, and books.
I find that the serials have been much referred to of late, much more so than in years past, and undoubtedly the library is com- mencing to supply a want which will become more and more experienced as journalistic literature increases.
I have much pleasure in acknowledging the following subscrip- tions and presentations :—Dr. Bird, £1 ls.; Dr. Herman Lawrence,
£1 ls. ; Dr. Brett, £1 ls. ; Dr. Percy Webster, £1 ls.
Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society, The Obstetric Society, and Clinical Society have been good enough to send us copies of their Transactions. We have received cases of American Journals from Dr. Bingham, of the Boston Medical Library, and from the Librarian of the New York Academy of Medicine. Dr. Nyulasy has been kind enough to present us with " Stanley's Plates on
Bone Disease." The Royal Society of Victoria has, as usual, forwarded a copy of their Transactions ; the Government Statist, the publications of his office ; and Dr. Mueller, of Yackandandah, and Dr. Hardie, of Brisbane, the books they have issued. " The Transactions of the Third Intercolonial Congress," from Dr. Beattie Smith. Dr. Gresswell, several volumes of the "Transactions of the Epidemiological Society."
The Government of India, "The Report on the Leprosy Commission." Dr. Billing, " Washington Library, Index Medical Catalogue, Vol. XIII."
8 A ustralian Medical Journal JAN. 15, 1894
J. 15, 1894 Annual Address. 9 ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS FOR 1894.
The Election of Office-Bearers for 1894 was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows :-
President—Dr. Gresswell.
Vice-Presidents (2)—Dr. Adam, Mr. F. D. Bird.
Hon. Treasurer—Dr. Brett.
Hon. Librarian—Mr. J. H. Webb.
Hon. Secretary—Dr. A. J. Wood.
Hon. Auditors (2)—Dr. Barker, Dr. Bennie.
Members of Committee (10)—Drs. Asties, Balls-Headley, J. W.
Barrett, Gardner, Grant, Hinchcliff, Maudsley, Moore, J. P.
Ryan, and Mr. G. A. Syme.
The President, Mr. C. S. RYAN, moved that a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Dr. Moore for his services to the Society as Honorary Secretary during the past two years. The motion was seconded by Dr. Adam and carried.
Dr. MOORE returned thanks.
The retiring President then introduced the President-elect, Dr.
GRESSWELL, who thanked members for the high honour conferred upon him in electing him their President. He then called, upon the retiring President to deliver the Annual Address.
ANNUAL ADDRESS.
Mr. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN,—In relinquishing in favour of my worthy successor, Dr. Gresswell, the chair to which it pleased you to elect me twelve months ago, permit me to con- gratulate the Society on the successful year through which it has just passed.
Our Secretary has just given you a resume of the work done, and you will .see that the papers read, and the discussions which have taken place, have been quite on a level with those of former years, and the attendances have been most gratifying, showing the great interest which has been manifested by our members.
I am happy to say that this has been a year of peace, no burning questions or unpleasantnesses of any kind having arisen, and I have to thank you warmly for the tranquil and pleasant time you have afforded me.
Death, Gentlemen, I am sorry to say, has claimed of late many from onr ranks, and it has selected several who, in their time and clay of strength, were the most active of our members. Amongst those that we have lost, one of the foremost here and in his
10 Australian Medical Journal. JAR. 15, 1894
profession was the late Dr. James Robertson. In his vigor, he fulfilled every office that pertains to this Society—Secretary, Librarian, Treasurer, President. Once, in consequence of some unfortunate disagreement, he left us for a time, but on his return, again took a leading part in our counsels. Dr. Haig was a very old personage amongst us, and formerly a most regular attendant.
He also once filled our chair, and by a liberal gift at an important juncture, gave a good fillip to the library that we are making every effort to build up. Dr. Graham had not only been our President, but was up to the time of his death one of our Trustees. Until a few years ago, he was a most regular attend- ant at Committees, &c., and although of late " there was perhaps a little rift in the cable," I am sure that his regard for us was always strong. What shall I say of Dr. Bowen ? This Society, indeed, owes much to him. It was through his energies that we possess the hall we now assemble in. He was the originator of the scheme, and the collector of the funds that constructed this building, and a few years ago was the leading spirit in every- thing that concerned our welfare. He too, had undertaken the work of every office of this Society, and by his death I do not hesitate to say we have lost one of the warmest and most dis- interested friends we ever had. Others, such as Dr. Steel, Dr.
Fletcher, and Dr. Dunn were members of the Society, and when their leisure permitted, were occasionally seen at our meetings.
Your Committee, as just mentioned by the Honorary Secretary, opened up negotiations with the Proprietors of the Lancet to supply that Journal to all members. We were led to adopt this step from the fact that we believed that the getting of this Journal would be a very great boon to many of our Country Members, many of whom got really very little for their £2 2s.
subscription, seeing that they rarely were able to attend our meetings, and practically never used the library. The ordinary Subscription to the Lancet is £2 5s. per annum, so that it will he evident to you all that your Committee have acted well, in that they have been able to make such terms, that members get the Lancet and have all the other advantages of belonging to the Society for the same amount as they formerly paid for membership, plus the Australian Medical Journal. The Lancet is such an excellent paper, so catholic in its views, so up to date, not the organ of any clique, nor one absurdly devoted to purring over the virtues of the profession, that to obtain such a periodical
Annual A ddress.
JAN. 15, 1894 11
regularly, and the membership of the Society to boot, for what was the ordinary subscription, is an advantage which we think must commend itself to the great body of our country practitioners.
I trust that this innovation will be acceptable to all, and will tend to enlarge and strengthen our membership. But now there rises the question, how will this innovation affect our own Medical Journal ? Gentlemen, it must not do so prejudicially ; that we cannot allow. Our publication is one that every member of this Society should take an interest in, because it is the oldest existing monthly Medical Journal, and although it may not be so charged with original 'material as some other serials, yet it should be remembered how small our numbers are, and how few amongst us have the leisure or opportunity to devote themselves to writing medical articles. Besides this, on its circulation depends our library, and the continuance of the nearly completed sets of British Medical Journals that lie on our shelves. Without the exchanges, we could not afford to keep the library alive for six months. It is also the chronicle of this Society, the recorder of our meetings, and I am sure reflects great credit on its painstaking editors. I trust that all will do their best to maintain its efficiency and ensure its circulation by at once becoming subscribers.
Passing now to a few of the leading medical topics of the past year, one of the most striking of them is the advance that has taken place in the treatment of myxcedema, the introduction into therapy of what are designated "organic extracts," and the recogid- ,tion of the fact that ductless glands play a more important part
in the economy than they were credited with until recently. It seems that, as long ago as 1869, Dr. Brown-Sequard, the eminent Parisian physiologist, asserted that "these structures had not only au internal secretion of their own, but that they also exerted a material influence on the blood from the interchange of nutrition."
It is nearly sixty years ago since Addison established the connection between disorganisation of the supra-renal capsules and the peculiar train of symptoms which are grouped under the disease which still bears his name ; but with respect to all ductless glands, this was, up to a short time ago, the fullest extent to which the physiologist and pathologist had reached. As to what their business was, what purpose these glands fulfil during life, what results save the cuticular discolouration and anaemia in supra-renal disease, what results followed or accompanied the
12 Australian Medical Journal. Zug. 15, 1894 destruction of these structures by disease, they had not formed an opinion. In 1883 Professor Kocher of Berne, probably just anticipated by M. Reverdin, connected the effects of the removal of the thyroid with the cachexia strumipriva, and this in its turn was recognised as the mucin disease, already named by the late Drs. Fagge and Sir William Gull as myxcedema. Now at once these glands, instead of being mere "inept derelicts" of foetal life, assumed an importaiit place in pathology, and were again subjected to fresh investigations. The experiments of Professor Horsley confirmed all that Kocher had said at the International Congress, and the latter naively suggested the grafting of a gland in the mesentery of those suffering from mucin disease. His proposal was almost immediately acted upon by M. Lannelongue, who succeeded in vascularising a gland in the position suggested ; but I believe this piece of thyroid failed to retain its functions. Here very likely the whole matter might have been put aside for a time, but for the re-appearance at this juncture of Dr. Brown-Sequard.
The Professor now produced organic extracts, carefully prepared by his process of filtration, and showed that they could be safely injected subcutaneously. Both Wooldridge and Langendorff had asserted that the use of these extracts was dangerous, and consequently useless as therapeutical agents. In 1890 Dr.
Brown-Sequard perfected his testicular extract, claiming for it more than rejuvenating properties. He speaks of " life-giving powers even in the presence of such awful trouble as superficial cancer." Though his language was exaggerated, this eminent physiologist did great service in calling attention to these glandular extracts at a time when they needed publicity. The trial of thyroid extract in mein disease proved an eminent success. It has since, as you all know, been supplanted by thyroid feeding, which is less troublesome and can be carried out by the patient himself. From the thyroid to the thymus the transition was natural, and soon a physician, Dr. McAllister, experimenting in this direction, claims to have relieved, if not cured, pseudo- muscular hypertrophy in a boy, by an extract prepared from the latter gland. It seems now that others are finding that certain symptoms are prone, though not invariably, to follow the removal of other glands, such as osteo-arthritis, the removal of the ovary. Lymphadenoma is another affection which may be of glandular origin. May not pernicious anaemia come under the same category 1 And who can tell where the list ends 4
JAN. 15, 1894 Annual Address. 13 Acromegaly, at present considered of neuro-trophic source, may it not be considered under this heading, and so forth. One lesson we have certainly learned from the experience of the last two years, and that is, that no surgeon can totally remove any ductless gland with impunity, and that the destruction of these structures is likely to be followed by terrible consequences to the economy.
Another subject on which considerable attention has been con- centrated in medical circles at home, is the anti-toxin treatment of tetanus. At first, when the action of the protective tox- albumins was announced, and the microbe of tetanus isolated, arguing from the success that had attended the use of analogous bodies in the treatment of hydrophobia, chicken colera, &c., we hoped for great things. To gain information as to what steps scientists were taking in this direction was extremely difficult, as, although some of the popular English magazines indulged their readers from time to time with articles on the subject, the British Medical Journals were extremely reticent. It seems, however, that anti-toxin has not proved quite the success it promised to be But here let me qualify my words. Anti-toxins are not, as was at first supposed, and as their name would imply, antagonists, antipodes, antidotes. They simply confer immunity against the particular malady to which they are applied. Up to the present, the two Italian experimenters in this direction, Tizzoni and Catani, are reported to have treated successfully no less than eleven cases, but then these were all slight instances. Although cures resulted, yet they did not take place until after several days. M. M. Roux and Vaillard, of France, describe eight cases, all of a very mild character. On the whole, as far as I can gather, altogether about twenty-seven cases have been treated and published, and three others are known, of which the results have been suppressed. This would make in all thirty cases, of which twelve have proved fatal. On the other hand, ordinary hospital cases' treated by narcotics, anodyne and the like, give a mortality of 80 or 90 per cent. So it will be seen, making due allowance for the paucity of numbers, that some slight success has attended the anti-toxin treatment of tetanus. Figures, however, I repeat, on this subject are few and very hard to procure. It has been suggested that as anti-toxin has- a power of establishing an immunity against tetanus—and I think this is fully confirmed every hospital should have a stock in hand, and a harmless
11 Amaralian Medical Journal. JAN. 15, 1894
injection might be given in all such instances as injuries that are likely to be followed by tetanus, such as dirty machinery accidents, or where a long time has intervened between the infliction of an injury and the attendance of the surgeon.
An active discussion has, during the last year, taken place in English and other medical journals, with regard to the nature of the coccidia to be found in cancerous structures. The subject is now rather a contention amongst the microscopists than a clinical one. From a pathological point of view I cannot offer an opinion, but from a clinical aspect, where I am more at home, I must confess I think that the evidence offered in favour of the parasitic nature of cancer is rather strained. There are great difficulties to overcome in accepting such a theory. For instance, as far as we know, carcinoma is not contagious. Parasitical affections, as we understand the word parasite, are eminently and invariably so.
Cancer breeds true, that is to say its secondary deposits are always similar to the primary tumour. Parasites simply occasion irritation, and the cell proliferation which is the result, partakes of the nature of the immediate tissue, which is generally a simple structure such as connective tissue. Cancerous new growths are highly vascularized, and so highly organized as to contain not only vessels but lymphatics. Parasitic tumours on the other hand are of the simplest nature. The endemic nature of cancer is also a very unsettled question. Certainly the propositions of Drs. Davidson and Haviland are not borne out by facts. Carci- noma, I believe, is universally distributed, and has no particular affection for locality or race. However, certain epithelial tumours are parasitical, such as some warts ; I do not mean the single papillomata or the venereal, but those that cover the hands of constant participants in post-mortem examinations,: and also the multiple warts seen on the hands of schoolboys. So, too, the affection molluscum contagiosurn has long been considered due to the irritation of a minute organism. These are somewhat more than simple cell proliferations, and their structure may be considered neo-plastic. I am afraid, Gentlemen, no nearer approach has been made to the etiology of this dreadful disease.
I question, in fact, if we even have a glimpse of what cancer is ; why it should affect one person and not another, and why it should assume such divers forms in different individuals. I do not think the discovery of what these diseases are will really be arrived at by any direct method. Developments in medicine
JAN. 15, 1894 Annual Address. 15 often come about in extraordinary and unexpected ways. Kocher and the cachexia strumipriva, as I have just related, is an instance in point of fact. Emmet notices a tear in a cervix ; he sews it up, and from this apparently insignificant incident, more light is thrown on the nature of uterine diseases, than ever they received before. Thus it probably will be with cancer. Some day an individual viewing the work of an ancient writer, or regarding the labour of some contemporary with a bilious and oblique vision, may see matters as we do not see them at present, and unexpectedly tumble across a finger-post pointing to the true etiology ; but until such time I am afraid our goal will not be reached.
In another branch of our art a great stride has been made, which bids well to revolutionize the treatment of a class of cases which is far from uncommon, and is met with by the general practitioner at all times and in all places. I allude to the opera- tion of symphiseotomy, or the division of the pelvis through the symphysis pubis, in cases of labour complicated by contracted pelvis. Formerly, there were but two alternatives for a pregnant woman with a contracted pelvis, viz., the destruction of the child, or the mother must undergo a serious operation, involving the probable loss of the sexual functions, and at the same time there was no certainty of the child being born alive. But the most recent operation of dividing the pelvic bones and ligaments, and thus allowing delivery with the aid of forceps per vias natura les, has completely changed that, and there is now no reason why a woman with a pelvis measuring two-and-a-half inches, and even less in conjugate diameter of the brim, should not become the mother of children without undergoing the danger of a capital operation, or being subsequently seriously impaired. The operation, which is performed at or near the end of the first stage of labour, is a simple one, but requires considerable care in the attention to details, and is at times complicated by considerable haemorrhage from the venous plexus round the clitoris.
It has been performed several times in Great Britain and on the Continent with marked success. I am informed that it has been recently successfully performed at the Women's Hospital, and a living child delivered from a woman who previously had had four children destroyed before they could be delivered. The expansion of the bones after division at the joint is about two inches or more, and I understand they readily come together subsequently.
16 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 15, 1894 The mode in which appointments are made to the staffs of our hospitals still remains very unsatisfactory. In some instances the appointments are made by the Managing Board or Committee, and the offices are held practically for life, in others the staff is elected by a popular vote, and holds office only for the short term of four years. That these popular elections are degrading to the profession is generally admitted, and they have been formally condemned by the highest authority in medical ethics. All attempts at reform however, have hitherto ended in failure. One of my predecessors in this chair suggested that this Society should appoint a Committee to discuss and report on the subject. The suggestion has never been carried out, but surely an authoritative expression of the views of the profession on this important subject would carry great weight with the public, and help very materially the cause of reform. What the exact nature of that reform should be, it is hardly for me on this occasion to say. My colleagues on the staff of the Melbourne Hospital have come to a unanimous opinion on the subject, and their views are well known. Shortly, it may be said that they desire a longer but reasonable term, and the right of succession from the out-door to the in-door positions. Whether any radical change in the system of election be made or not, one thing is not only absolutely necessary, but eminently practicable. T refer to the prevention of trafficking in votes. The fact that just before the last election the number of subscribers suddenly increased by over 1000, is sufficiently suggestive of the means adopted by some candidates to endeavour to secure their election. This wholesale manufacture of what have . been termed " faggot votes," is what ought to be and can be prevented. All that is necessary for this end is to abolish voting by proxy, to give votes proportionately to the number of years subscriptions have been regularly given, to give no vote except to subscribers of at least twelve months' standing, and to make .plumping invalidate a ballot paper. If these suggestions were enforced, it would never be worth a candidate's while to expend money on "faggot votes." The voters would all be known, and would have to vote for some of the candidate's opponents as well as himself, and the number so made would be overwhelmed by the votes of old subscribers.
The Metropolitan Board of Works deserves to be congratulated on the excellent progress it is making with the Sewerage Scheme.
It is being carried out both expeditiously and cheaply, and at the same time time in a thorough manner. It is to be hoped, when
JAN. lo, 1894 Annual Address. 17 the time comes to make the connection between private houses and the sewers, if this is not done by the Board, that it will take the responsibility of having the work passed by a competent officer, and thereby satisfy the householder that the work for which they have to pay is being performed in a satisfactory manner. The first consideration in the sanitation of a city is that its water supply should be as free from all perishable and organic matter as possible.
It has been shown over and over again, beyond all cavil, that cholera and typhoid fever are disseminated almost wholly by the contamination of drinking water with the germs peculiar to these diseases ; therefore it goes without saying, that it should be the aim of all cities to have its drinking water pure.
The condition of our fire plugs is not yet satisfactory, and although credit must be given to the Metropolitan Board of Works, in that during the past six months these have all been cleaned, still it is questionable whether this is sufficient. The present appliance is so situated that when the water pressure is much reduced, dust and filth from the streets is bound to enter the main, reduction of the pressure to a degree which permits the admission of filth is of frequent occurrence, consequently it is evident that we require in the future more than the mere cleaning of these water appliances. In the present depressed financial condition of Melbourne, this is a question of great expense ; but could not the replacing of these fire plugs be done gradually I
There is just one other sanitary subject I would like to allude to, and that is the necessity which exists for providing some means for the isolation of persons ill with dangerous infectious diseases.
This matter has already received some consideration, for I find that after many representations made to the Municipal Council of the metropolis by the Board of Public Health, a conference was convened consisting of delegates from the various Municipal Districts and the matter was discussed. The conference then appealed to the Board of Public Health for plans. Specifications ana estimates concerning the matter and every information was provided six or eight months ago, and yet there the matter hangs fire, and nothing further seems to have been done. At present there is not a single bed in the metropolis to which a poor patient suffering from any infectious disease, such as measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria, and the like, can be sent to. We have never had typhus fever, but if by chance an instance or two occurred, it would be utterly impossible to isolate them, and the same with
18 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 15,1894
malignant scarlet fever. I need not remind you that, if the poor need treatment in Hospitals for non-infectious diseases, they need it equally for infectious. This is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs, and we are skating on very thin ice.
Never in the history of Melbourne has the metropolis been so healthy. I believe the mortality is very small, and has been for the last few years. Had this occurred after the drainage scheme had been completed, the improved state of affairs would have been set down to the Metropolitan Board of -Works,. But fortunately, desiccation and the tracing of typhoid fever to milk farms and the like, and the careful supervision of the public health by my worthy successor, appears to have consummated much that was desirable. It seems to me that the best investment that any Government in Victoria ever made was when the services of Dr.
Gresswell were obtained. He has certainly been the greatest foe we doctors ever had. Still, it is our boast that we, as a profession exist as much for the public good as for our own, and with all my heart, I wish him " God speed " in the excellent work he is doing.
This Society has always taken a warm interest in the welfare of the Medical School of the Melbourne University. The number of students has not increased recently, but most of us will be
. disposed to think that this is riot a matter for regret—otherwise there is abundant room for congratulation. The Library of the School has undergone a great expansion, especially in the depart- ment of periodical literature. A widely-circulated appeal led to fifty additional journals being supplied gratuitously. The schedule of medical periodicals compiled by Professor Allen at the begin- ning of last year already needs amplification.
The Science Laboratories are more a feature of the University, of which it may be justly proud, and the facilities existing for original research are beginning to bear fruit. The practical classes in Pathological Histology and Bacteriology have been more fully organised, and many medical practitioners have taken advantage of the post-graduate courses conducted by Dr. Cherry.
The Museum of Pathology now contains a very representative collection of specimens, set out in proper order, and considerable progress has been made in the preparation of the detailed cata- logue. When this large task has been fulfilled, Professor Allen will have rendered an essential service to medical science in this Colony.
A tribute to the excellence of the system of education and examinations in the chief Medical Schools of the Colonies is
a
JAN. 15, 1894 Annual Address. 19
afforded by the recent decision of the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of London, to admit colonial graduates at once to the final examination under the conjoint Board, credit being given for all the preceding tests. So large a concession as this might induce the Colonial Universities to consider whether they might not, with advantage, recognise the extrance examinations of the Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom, for the absence of recognition in this respect is the only bar to substantial reciprocity in every- thing save the final examinations. I am aware that there are difficulties in the way, but perhaps they are not insurmountable.
It would be well for the Colonial Medical Schools to gain a larger number of graduates of the great Colleges of the old country. I do not think that the distinctive characters of the Colonial qualifications would be harmed thereby.
I have to thank you, Gentlemen, for the attention you have given me in reading this very imperfect address, and also for the loyal manner in which you have supported me during my year of President, an honour which I will always esteem as one of the greatest in my past career. I hope in bringing this to a close, that you will allow me to state my regret, and I believe that of the Society, in the resignation of Dr. Moore, from the Secretary- ship. The work of Secretary entails a considerable amount of minute keeping, letter writing, and business of a very thankless nature. Dr. Moore has devoted a considerable portion of his time to these duties, and has carried them out with courtesy and ability, and personally, I myself am much indebted to him, and I feel sure the Society is also.
The President, Dr. GRESSWELL, moved a vote of thanks to Mr.
Ryan for his excellent address, to every word of which he had listened with the greatest interest. At the same time he would like to add the thanks of the Society for the services rendered by Mr. Ryan during his year of office as President.
Mr. J. P. RYAN, in seconding the motion, said that he wished to draw special attention to one or two points in the interesting and entertaining address to which they had listened. The first was the water supply. If the Society were to take this matter up, he thought great good might be done. The milk supply should also receive attention.
The motion was carried by acclamation.
Mr. C. S. RYAN returned thanks.
B 2
MG
20 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 15, 1894
tritisk Melficai Association.
VICTORIAN BRANCH.
ANNUAL MEETING.
Wednesday, December 20, 1893.
(Rooms of the Austral Salon, 8 p.m.)
The President, Dr. GRESSWELL, was in the chair, and there was a large attendance of members. Among visitors there were present, Mr. Cameron, M.R.C.V.S., Rev. Rabbi Saunders, and Mr. Halkett Dawson.
The HONORARY SECRETARY read the Report of the Council as follows :—
Comic REPORT.
The Council of the Victorian Branch of the British Medical Association, for the year 1893, reports as follows :-
Twenty-three new members have been elected during the year ; three members died (one of them honorary), 7 resigned, and 20 were erased from the Roll under the By-laws of the Association, making now 204 ordinary and 7 honorary members.
The Council records with regret the deaths of Drs. Graham and Haig, and of Mr. Aubrey Bowen.
Dr. Graham was one of the founders of the Branch, and bad held the offices of Treasurer and President. He had the interest of the Association thoroughly at heart, and as an old colonist and a most respected member of the profession, no man stood higher in the common estimation.
Dr. Haig came to the Colony in the early days of the goldfields epoch, and was one of the earliest residents of South Melbourne.
He was thoroughly respected by all who knew him, and for many years was Honorary Auditor of the Branch.
Mr. Bowen had been a member of the Branch for some years, but had not filled any official position in it. As a specialist in Ophthalmology, he was one of the first to achieve distinction in this city.
There have been 10 ordinary meetings of the Branch, and also an informal meeting in conjunction with. the Melbourne Medical Association, to hear Mr. Purcell's address on the " Customs of the North Queensland Blacks."
JAN. 15, 1894 Council's Report. 21 The Council has met 13 ti mes. The attendances were as follows :-
Dr. Gresswell (President) 11 Dr. Shields 4 Dr. Meyer (Vice-President,
absent six months
Dr. Henry
Mr. Kenny (Hon. Treas.) 8 12
on leave) ... Dr. Molloy 8
Dr. Neild... Dr. McAdam ... 11
Dr. Springthorpe ... 10 Dr. Mullen (Hon. Sec.) ... 12 The following business was transacted at the meetings :-
PAPERS.
" The Meteorological Aspect of Typhoid Fever," by Dr.
Carstairs.
"A Localised Outbreak of Diarrhoea and Dysentery in con- nection with Contamination of Water," by Dr. Gresswell.
" A Study of Phthisis Mortality in Victoria, with Special Reference to the Census Year 1891," by Dr. Coxwell.
" Notes on the late Case of Lost Memory," by Dr. Shields.
" Surgical Experiences at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Lon d on—Torticollis," by Dr. Roeckel.
" A Case of Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteo-Arthropathy,"
by Dr. Springthorpe.
" Some Recent Experiences of Small-pox Cases—Results of Vaccination and Quarantine Regulations at Hong Kong,"
by Dr. Coane.
" The Present Outbreak of Measles," by Dr. Carstairs.
"Some Cases of Cancer of the Tongue and Floor of the Mouth," by Mr. Stirling.
" A Subglottic Papillotna occurring in a Tuberculous Subject,"
by Dr. Cox.
" Pathology of Lichen Ruber .Planus," by Dr. Herman Lawrence.
" Continued Notes of a Case of Pott's Disease " (See Australian Medical Journal, September 15, 1892), by Dr. Roeckel.
" Series of Brain Cases" (Continued)—Operative Interference (a) "Sarcoma of the Right Motor Area."
(b) " Sarcoma of the Right Anterior Fossa."
(c) "Irritative Dementia, with Bony Thickening follow- ing Injury."
22 Australian Medical Journal. SAN. 15, 1894 (d) " Chronic Mania, with Left Auditory Hallucinations
and Arm Tremors."
(e) "Delusional Mania following Injury."
By Dr. Springthorpe.
" Notes on a Case of Persistent Trigeminal Neuralgia—
Curetting of Gasserian Ganglion from Cavum Mecklii,"
by Mr. O'Hara.
" Two Acute Cases of Fatal Poisoning in Children, and their Relation to the Milk Supply," by Dr. T. Gray.
" Notes on a Case of Myxcedetna, Treated with Thyroidin,"
by Dr. Hamilton Kenny.
" A Case of Acute Intestinal Obstruction due to Volvulus- Laparotomy—Recovery," by Mr. Stirling.
"Notes on a Case of Loreta's Operation (3 years ago) for Stricture of the Pylorus," by Mr. O'Hara.
" A Case of Post-Influenzal Graves' Disease," by Dr.
McAdam.
" A Successful Case of the Porro-Caesarean Section," by Dr.
Dunbar Hooper.
EXHIBITS.
In addition to the presence in many cases of the patients, whose cases were detailed, the following exhibits, &c., were shown :—
Onychomycosis in Girl of 14, by Dr. Noyes.
Extensive Lupus Vulgaris in Girl of 14, by Dr. Noyes.
Micro-photographs of Bacilli, by Dr. Nelly.
A Heart (Mitral Stenosis and Regurgitation) which would not stand Digitalis, and Duodenum showing Membranous Inflammation following the Drinking of Polluted Water, by Dr. Springthorpe.
Your Council has the pleasure of recording a year of satisfactory progress. The interest of the Branch in all medical matters has been fully maintained. There has been an increase in the number of the active members, and in the average attendance at the monthly meetings, whilst the Treasurer's report speaks for itself. There is ample reason therefore for anticipating a future of increasing prosperity.
During the year our Vice-President visited Europe, and appeared at the Annual Meeting of the Association in Newcastle, where he acted as member of the Council, and was the guest of the President, Dr. Phillipson. The Council desires to record its
JAN. 15, 1894 Council's Report. 23 appreciation of the courteous recognition everywhere afforded to its representative.
Your Council has found itself unable to allow an independent Branch at Ballarat, though it has expressed itself willing to assist in the formation of a Ballarat District.
Since April last the Branch has met in the rooms of the Austral Salon. The central position of this place of meeting is fully appreciated by members, especially suburban, and has no doubt a factor in better and more punctual attendances.
Your Council has paid considerable attention to the question of the suppression of quackery. At the last Annual Meeting, letters were read which showed that exalted patronage had been given to a travelling and theatrical electricity-monger.
Enquiry by your Council showed that the person patronised was identical with a well-known Melbourne criminal. The action taken of this regard by your Council was thus amply justified by subsequent developments, and further, has been the means of speedily checking similar exploitations in other Colonies.
In some cases, your Council by authority of the Branch, instituted proceedings against charlatans, with successful results. One of these will. evidently form a landmark in medical law. A case was taken under an English statute which prohibits the practice of medicine ; the justices fined the defendant, who appealed to the Supreme Court. His Honor Mr. Justice Hood held that our local Medical Act did not repeal the English laws if in force. Previously, it had been thought it was no offence to practise medicine unless the irregular practitioner took some medical title, and by varying their assumed titles, the charlatans were too often successful in evading the law.
The important question of the contamination of our Metro- politan Water Supply has again engaged the attention of the Branch, and the matter brought prominently under the notice of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works. Your Council regrets that vital reforms are still postponed by the responsible authority.
The attempt to enforce the retirement of the City Coroner, on the ground of economy, led to your Council calling a Special Meeting of the Branch, which passed a resolution pointing out that such a step would be false economy, and must result in lessened security to life. Your Council has reason to believe that the action of the Branch was a factor in the retention of Dr. Youl.
During the year an attempt was made to revise the by-laws, which have long been out of print. After being constantly on the notice paper for about nine months, the by-laws are in many details still unrevised, and the continued postponement of the consideration of them, and the very small attendance at the only meeting at which they were considered, are proof that such matters should be dealt with by the Council, and not by the Branch.
The Council recommends its successor to obtain power to adopt such method of dealing with by-laws, due regard being had to the rights of individual members.
On the motion of Drs. FISHBOURNE and Nixfm., the Council's Report was adopted.
The HONORARY TREASURER then read his report :—
TREASURER 'S REPOaT.
Receipts and Expenditure for Twelve Months ending December 18, 1893.
Dr.
To Balance in Bank as per last Statement .. .. 118 9 5
„ Subscriptions • • .. 394 4 0
„ Interest on Deposit in Melbourne Savings Bank .. 1 10 0
£514 3 5 Cr.
By Hon. Treasurer's Expenses 1892 (Dr. Meyer) .. £7 15 2
„ Caretaker (Mrs. Coade) 5 0 0
„ Remittances to British Medical Association 247 5 0
„ Law Charges 25 0 0
„ Stillwell and Co., Printing and Stationery 51 4 7
„ Hire of Rooms for Meetings .. 6 0 0
Hon. Secretary's Expenses .. 3 12 0
„ Hon. Treasurer's Expenses, including Exchange
on Remittances, &c. 5 8 0
„ Deposit in Melbourne Savings Bank 150 0 0
„ Balance in Bank . • 12 18 8
£514 3 5 Audited and found correct,
AUGUSTUS LEO KENNY, ARTHUR W. CLEVELAND, F.I.A.V.,
Hon. Treasurer. Auditor.
The HONORARY TREASURER being the one best informed with regard to its pecuniary affairs, felt called upon to most sincerely congratulate the members upon the financial position of the Branch. During the year .1893, the Council had devoted much 24 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 15, 1894
JAN. 15, 1894 Election of Office-bearers. 25 time to the accounts, and by the active co-operation of the members, were enabled to produce the highly satisfactory state- ment just read. Many erasures had been made, and many circulars of varied verbiage had been sent out. In just a .few cases offence had been taken where none was intended, and in order that complete satisfaction should be given, and that a fresh start might be made, the accounts had been examined and audited by a Chartered Accountant.
For the year, 154 subscriptions had been received, as also arrears to the amount of £145 19s. There remained due 34 subscriptions for 1893, and the amount of £43 1 ls. 6d. in arrears for previous years. Whilst acknowledging the hearty response of members to requests for subscriptions during a year of so great depression, he desired to draw their attention to the expenses involved in collecting subscriptions, much of which could be saved by promptness in responding to the first circular issued.
It had cost £3 for circulars and postage to collect subscriptions during the year, this being equal to two subscriptions. In addition, by members failing to add exchange at the rate of six- pence to country cheques, the Branch was put to an expense of
£1 10s., equal to one subscription. These items seemed small until members would consider that 10s. 6d. per member is all that is available for the working of the Branch. He expected a great improvement in this respect for 1894.
By the exercise of careful foresight, the funds of the Branch were not locked up in any of the banks that had closed during the year. Early in the year it was decided to deposit. £150 in the Savings Bank, and the sum of £1 10s. interest had been earned up to 1st July, this was added to the principal, and at the 31st December, 1893, the sum of £2 15s. 4d. would be available, over and above the principal £151 l Os.
The law charges were incurred in cases referred to in Council's Report.
The actual position of the Branch at the time of speaking was, that there was the sum of £164 9s. 6d. available for any purpose, and free from all liability.
On the motion of Mr. SYME and Dr. LAWRENCE, the report was adopted.
ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS FOR 1894.
Mr. Syme, whose name appeared as a candidate, having with- drawn, the PRESIDENT stated that, as the number of the members
26 Australian Medical Journal. JAN. 15, 1894
then remaining on the nomination paper was precisely that required for the full complement of the Council, those members would constitute the Council for the ensuing year. He accord- ingly declared the following to be the Council for 1894 :—
Dr. Gresswell, Dr. Henry, Mr. A. L. Kenny, Dr. McAdam, Dr. Meyer, Dr. Molloy, Dr. Mullen, Dr. Snowball, and Dr.
Springthorpe. He then stated that the Council would retire for
the election of office-bearers, and he hoped that while they were
thus engaged, the other members would find interest in examining
—(1) A lad suffering from fistulous actinomycotic empyema, and shown by Dr. Nelly, on behalf of Dr. M'Inerney and Dr.
Riordan, at his (the President's) request. (2) Microscopic speci- mens of actinomyces, shown by Dr. Nelly. (3) Several exhibits kindly shown at his (the President's) request, by Mr. Cameron, M.R.C.V.S., viz., the lower jaw of an ox largely affected with actinomycosis ; the lower jaw and part of the vertebral column of a horse and the scapulae of a hyena, each of them affected with a peculiar form of rarefaction ; and also the jaw of another horse presenting dentigerous cysts. These, in the absence of the Council, would be spoken to by Dr. Nelly and Mr. Cameron.
The Council then retired, and on returning, Dr. Gresswell
announced that Dr. Felix Meyer had been elected President, Dr.
Snowball Vice-President, Dr. Mullen Hon. Sec., and Dr. Kenny
Hon. Treasurer.
Dr. GRESSWELL then installed the President-Elect, who having thanked the Branch for the honour conferred upon him, and having expressed the hope that he would prove himself worthy of the confidence so generously reposed in him, called upon the ex-President to read his retiring address. Dr. Gresswell then
spoke as follows :—
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.
Mr. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN,—Another year, our four-
teenth as a Branch of the British Medical Association, having
now terminated, it is thought well to call the usual halt, to take
a general survey of our position, to sum up our numbers and our funds, and to refer to some of the current questions which may interest us ; and as retiring President, it falls to me to engage,
though it be but in brief, with these matters.
It has already been announced by the Council that our members now number 211, and that the funds immediately at our disposal
