cession worth? If this species of apostolic mantle rests upon the allopathic school alone, please give them all the benefits they can derive from their ancient lore; a specimen of it I will now give you, that you may judge how much it would benefit you in your practice. I will not quote from some ignorant pretender of those times, like a modern Beach or Thompson, but from high authority. At different periods, as you know, a disease visited Asia and Europe, which, for want of a better or more scientific name, was called "the plague" or "black death." In the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries its effects were terrific throughout the old world, in some states slaying nine tenths of the inhabitants. Now, I will not stop to say a word in regard to the nature of this disease, but quote some of this ancient, scientific lore, to show you how intelligently and scientifically those ancients must have treated this malady.

The medical faculty of Paris, the most celebrated of the fourteenth century, were commissioned to deliver their opinion on the causes of the "black death," and to furnish appropriate instruction.

The following is an abbreviated copy of their declaration :

"We, the members of the College of Physicians of Paris, have, after mature consideration and consultation on the present mortality, collected the advice of our old masters in the art, and intend to make known the cause of this pestilence more clearly than could be done according to the rules and principles of astrology and natural science; we, therefore, declare as follows:

"It is known that in India and the vicinity of the great sea the constellations which combated the rays of the sun and the warmth of the heavenly fire exerted their power especially against the sea, and struggled violently with its waters; hence, vapors originated which enveloped the sun, and converted his light into darkness. These vapors alternately rose and fell for twenty-eight days; but at last the sun and fire acted so powerfully upon the sea, that they attracted a great portion of it to themselves, and the waters of the ocean arose in the form of vapor; thereby the waters were in some parts so corrupted that the fish which they contained died.

"These corrupted waters, however, the heat of the sun could not consume; neither could other wholesome water, hail, snow or dew originate therefrom. On the contrary, this vapor spread itself through the air in many places on the earth, and enveloped them in fog. Such was the case all over Arabia, in part of India, in Crete, in the plains and valleys of Macedonia and Sicily. Should the same thing occur in Sardinia, not a man will be left alive; and the like will continue so long as the sun remains in the sign of Leo, on all the islands and adjoining countries to which this corrupt sea wind extends, or has already extended from India.

"If the inhabitants of those parts do not employ and adhere to the following or similar means and precepts, we announce to them inevitable death, except the grace of Christ preserve their lives.

"We are of the opinion that the constellations, with the aid of nature, strive, by virtue of their divine might, to protect and heal the human race; and to this end, in union with the rays of the sun, acting through the power of fire, endeavor to break

through the mist. Accordingly, within the next ten days, and until the 17th of the ensuing month of July, this mist will be converted into a stinking, deleterious rain, whereby the air will be much purified. Now, as soon as this rain shall announce itself by thunder or hail, every one of you should protect himself from the air, as well before as after the rain, kindle a large fire of vine wood, green laurel or other green wood; worm wood and chamomile should also be burnt in great quantities in the market places, in other densely inhabited localities and in the houses.

"Until the earth is again comparatively dry, and for three days afterward, no one ought to go abroad in the fields. During this time the diet should be simple, and people should be cautious in avoiding exposure in the cool of the evening, at night and in the morning.

"Poultry and water fowl, young pork, old beef and fat meat, in general, should not be eaten. Broth should be taken, seasoned with ground pepper, ginger and cloves. Sleep in the day time is detrimental."

"At breakfast one should drink little; dried or fresh fruits, with wine, are not injurious, but highly so without it. Beet root and other vegetables, whether eaten pickled or fresh, are hurtful: on the contrary, spicy pot herbs, as sage or rosemary, are wholesome. Cold, moist, watery food is, in general, prejudicial. Only small river fish should be used. Too much exercise is hurtful. The body should be kept warmer than usual. Rain water must not be employed in cooking.

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'If it rain, a little fine treacle should be taken after dinner. Fat people should not sit in the sunshine. Good, clear wine should be selected and drank often, but in small quantities by day. Olive oil, as an article of food, is fatal. Equally injurious are fasting and abstemiousness, anxiety of mind, anger and immoderate drinking. Enemas are advised. Bathing is injurious.

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Every one should observe these rules, especially those who reside on the coast, or upon an island into which the noxious wind has penetrated."

I make no apology for this long quotation, because it comes from Paris, and from the most celebrated medical faculty of the fourteenth century, and sufficiently illustrates the state of medical science at that time.

I might refer to other ancients, who caused a certain "quack" to be thrown into prison because he asserted that the earth revolved. They were "regulars" who did it, and believed the teachings of their fathers.

The self styled "regulars" of to-day are welcome to all this ancient learning, which they derive from their natural progenitors; and if this same "plague" or "black death," which is now in Russia, should visit this country, they can, if they choose, monopolize all the benefits derived from the skill of their ancient brethren. I said Eclecticism never takes a step backwards. Although they are ever changing, they are ever progressing; searching the entire face of the earth for new remedies, and like true philanthropists, freely giving to the entire profession for the good of suffering humanity.

How is it with the allopaths? Have they gone backwards?

Where is the famous lancet, which has killed more men than the lance? Where is there one amongst them who dares to practice the absurdity once so famous and universal? And who told them thirty years ago that it was a dreadful practice.

I get the following from Prof. Jos. R. Buchanan, who ought to know:

"In 1834, Prof. Cook, an acknowledged leader of the allopathic school, recommended calomel, beginning with twenty grains, and doubling the dose as often as it was repeated. Mr. Douglass, a theological student, was treated for cholera, and given teaspoonful doses until he died. Rev. Mr. Britton estimated the amount taken at a pound and a half. Mr. Britton himself took three fourths of a pound, and, strange to say, survived. This treatment was by Prof. Cook, the leader of the mercurial system, and professor in the Transylvania University."

Where is the allopath to-day who dares publicly to boast of even using calomel, not to say twenty grains or teaspoonful doses?

Which of the allopaths would assert to the people of to-day that "until the earth is again completely dry, and for three days afterwards, no one ought to go abroad in the fields" after rain? "Poultry and water fowl, young pork, old beef and fat meat generally, should not be eaten." "Dried or fresh fruit, with wine, are not injurious, but highly so without it. But root and other vegetables, whether eaten pickled or fresh, are hurtful. Only small river fish should be eaten. If it rain, a little fine treacle should be taken after dinner." (This treacle is a compound of sixty-four remedies, mixed with honey.) "Fat people should not sit in the sunshine." "Olive oil, as an article of food, is fatal." "Enemas are advised, bathing is injurious."

Now, I say, which of the allopaths would make such assertions as these to-day? Would not the common people hold him in contempt for presuming upon their ignorance? Yet, a few hundred years ago, they were the teachings of the most famous college in Paris and in Europe.

Then, what is all this boasted antiquity, which the old school seems so proud of, worth? They cannot follow out the teachings of a single principle, as taught by them, even thirty years ago— some time after Eclecticism was fully organized under Morrow,

Newton, King, Buchanan, Jones, Freeman and their compeers. They have gradually fallen into the wake of Eclecticism, picking up a crumb here and a shred there, until they have actually become rather a respectable class of practitioners; and yet they give us no credit, and this is what we object to. We don't mind giving them; but we want them sometimes to say, "Thank you." And now allow me to say a few more words in regard to organization.

In Michigan, there are three hundred Eclectics; and yet, owing to their tardiness in organizing and asserting their rights in an effective manner, they are denied a chair in the State university. On the other hand, in California, in the winter of 1875-6, an attempt was made by allopaths to sweep Eclecticism from the State by legal enactments. The little band, not a dozen in number, organized, and were seen wending their way to the legislative halls, where they fought and won the battle, and obtained equal rights and privileges in law with the allopaths. Now her State society numbers fifty-two members, and they have, in a measure, captured the State.

Michigan, too, is fully aroused, and will doubtless soon obtain her rights.

We have a national association, composed of "permanent members," and delegates from State societies and colleges. Twentythree States have organizations; and it is earnestly hoped that every State in the Union will soon be represented by delegates to the

national.

You know the old adage, "In union there is strength." Politicians and public functionaries know it as well. And when, by organizing all our forces, we show our power, and also show a disposition to assert that power, we will be recognized and respected. There are many other things I would like to speak of, but will not trespass farther.

Welcoming you with open arms to our fair young city, and hoping we may have a pleasant and profitable time at this and all future meetings, I am, yours truly.

MASSACHUSETTS ECLECTIC MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The nineteenth semi-annual meeting of this society, was held at Boston, January 14, 1880.

Dr. G. W. Mussö, of Boston, read an essay on "Uterine Therapeutics."

Dr. Wm. Wyman, of Townsend, read an essay-subject, "Hysteria."

Dr. Wm. Bailey, of Boston, read an essay on the subject of "Absorption."

The essays elicited a very general discussion by the members present.

Dr. James Atwood Tabor, of Lawrence, Mass., was examined by the councillors and admitted to the society.

Dr. H. G. Barrows reported the action of the pyrophosphate of iron as a tonic, and said that it did not constipate.

The next annual meeting of the society will be held in Boston, June 3 and 4, 1880.

A. L. CHASE, M. D.,

Secretary.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE DES MOINES AND ILLINOIS DISTRICT

MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOR 1880.

The Des Moines and Illinois Eclectic Medical Association met in the office parlors of Dr. D. C. Miller, at Hamilton, Illinois, December 27, 1879.

The meeting was called to order by the president, D. C. Miller, M. D.

H. M. Hamblin, M. D., Hamilton, Illinois, secretary.

The committee, consisting of Drs. Stevens, H. Nichols and H. M. Hamblin, on constitution and by-laws, recommended that a committee of three be appointed to draw up a constitution and bylaws, which shall harmonize as near as possible with those of the three States to which the members of this association belong-this "instrument," when perfected, to take the place of the "Illinois Rules," under which the association is at present working. Carried. Committee-Dr. Stevens, Sutter, Illinois; Dr. J. M. Hamlin, Red Oak, Iowa, and Dr. Lee, Edina, Missouri.

A board of censors was appointed for one year, consisting of Dr. Dailey, Red Oak, Iowa; Dr. Reynolds, Centreville, Iowa; Dr. Rathburn, Swedonia, Illinois; Dr. B. F. Hendricks, Canton, Missouri, and the president.