PACIFIC MEDICAL JOURNAL WINSLOW ANDERSON, A. M., M. D., M. R. C. P. LOND., etc. W. F. SOUTHARD, A. M., M. D., Managing Editor. COLLABORATORS. C. F. BUCKLEY, B.A., M.D., L R.C.P.Edin.. etc. H. D'ARCY POWER, L.S.A.Eng., L R.C.P., Ire. P. C. REMONDINO, M. D GEO. C. MACDONALD, M.D., F.R C.S, Ed. W. E. TAYLOR, M D. W L. ADAMS, M.D CARL C. HANSEN, M.D. GEORGE H. POWERS, A.M., M.D. J. H. DAVISSON M.D. O. A. RUGGLES, M.D. THOS. MORFFEW, D.D S. FRANK HOWARD PAYNE, M,D. JOHN H. HEALY, M.D. A. W. MORTON, A.B., M.D. J. F. DILLON, A.M.. M.D. A. P. WOODWARD, M.D. CHAS. E. JONES, A.B., M.D. F. F. KNORP, M.D. WM. J. JACKSON, Ph.G., M.D. F. W. HARRIS, M.D. WM. A. BRYANT, M.D, D.D.S, P. A. DUBOIS, Ph G. WALTER F. LEWIS, D.D.S. A. SCHLOSS, M.D. FRED. W. Lux, M.D. H. N. ROWELL, M.D. CLARK L. ABBOTT, M.D. LOLITA B DAY, M.D. ROBERT E. O'CONNELL, D.D.S. CHAS W. MILLS, A B, M D., D.D.S. C. M. TROPPMANN. Ph.G., M.D. B. F. WILLIAMS M.D. WILLIAM BURFIEND, D.D.S. JOHN M. STOWELL, M.D. BERTHA WAGNER-STARK, M.D. J. H. SEYMOUR, M.D. CALVIN W. KNOWLES, D.D.S., M.D. CORYDON B. ROOT, M. D., D.D.S. DR. MAX SICHEL, J. C. HENNESSEY, D.D.S. A. F. MERRIMAN, JR., D.D.S. S L. STRICKLAND, D.D.S. The Editors are not responsible for the views of contributors. All matters relating to the editorial and business departments should be addressed to the PACIFIC MEDICAL JOURNAL, 1025 Sutter St, San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO, JUNE, 1903. Editorial. AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. The fifty-fourth annual meeting, which convened in New Orleans from May 5th to the 8th, 1903, will long be remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to be present. While for strictly convention purposes some other city with less number of attractions might better have been chosen, we have no hesitation in saying that there never was a time when the American Medical Association more wisely selected a place for its annual meeting. Listening to prepared papers and discussions is not the only purpose which should animate the medical men is these annual gatherings. In selecting different sections of the country the idea has been that medical men in that part of the country thus favored would take greater interest in the Association by having the opportunity of attending its meetings and becoming members, while those who came from a distance might learn something of a portion of their own country which possibly they had never visited. The great increase in membership during the past few years attests to the truth of this idea. To those who urge that on account of the constantly increasing membership, these meetings should be held where there are large hotels and halls, we would reply that this is true in part. Given accommodations enough, hotel or otherwise, there need be but little trouble in finding places for section work. We are glad that the fiftyfourth annual meeting met in New Orleans, and we are more than glad that it was our privilege to be present. While we did not neglect the meetings, we freely availed ourselves of the privilege given us to take a closer look at this historical old city than is usually afforded the traveler who simply passes through. The South, which has always been noted for the warmth of its welcome to those who came in the right spirit and well recommended, more than sustained its reputation. We believe that we voice the sentiments of all visitors to New Orleans this spring when we say that the citizens of New Orleans most cordially aided the medical profession in making this event a grand success, and that we were met with outstretched hands and given a right royal welcome to their beautiful Southern city. It was our privilege to arrive two days before the regular session opened, which gave us an excellent opportunity to visit many of the places of interest in and about the city. Our first discovery was that this is a city of great commercial activity, that it seems to be a healthy as well as a most prosperous city. We learned that a vast sewer system is about to be inaugurated at a cost of $30,000,000, which, it is believed, will make New Orleans one of the healthiest cities in the country. The attendance was larger than was at first expected. Naturally, the larger representation was from the Southern States. I was greatly surprised on going over the list of members present to find that of the Northern States, Ohio had the largest representation. Illinois came next, followed very closely by Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The North Atlantic States were not as well represented as they should have been. From California, more than 2,000 miles distant, there were from 20 to 25 members present. All sections were well attended. The medical section, as was expected, had the largest attendance, more than any two or even three other sections. It is our judgment that by subdividing this section more and better work will be accomplished, as well as being more expeditiously done. The surgical section had the next largest number, followed by the section on ophthalmology. The work accomplished at this session was certainly above the average, not because the meeting was held in New Orleans, but, since each year is marked by improvement in the great domain of medicine, papers which are annually submitted become of greater value and interest. At the present time there are but few, if any, papers read which have as their sole purpose advertising the writer. The rule that papers shall be but twenty minutes in length, and discussions but five minutes, has greatly increased the efficiency of these meetings. This rule should be enforced in all local medical societies, as it is the arena where our young medical men receive their training in presenting papers and in discussions. The rule that no paper shall be read unless the author be present is a most excellent one and should be strictly adhered to, since the time of these meetings is for those who are present, not those who simply want to get their paper in the published proceedings. While it is true that there was no supremely great paper offered, and no novelties to attract visitors, there were an unusually large number of valuable contributions to the general store of medical knowledge. At Artillery Hall, there was a good display of pathological specimens, and in the upper hall, in connection with the usual exhibit by the leading manufacturers, a fuller exhibit of electrical apparatus than is usually seen. On the whole, it is within bounds to say that any one attending the section in which he was particularly interested could not but help bring away many valuable suggestions. The use of the lantern as an aid to the reader of papers to illustrate his subject was one of the features which is fast becoming recognized as a necessity. The entertainments provided were exceedingly attractive. Receptions were held on Wednesday evening, at the residences of Mrs. Cartright Eustis and Mrs. Maurice Stearn. Thursday evening's beautiful entertainment was given in City Park. The illuminations were on a grand scale and very effective. The programme showed a more scientific and systematic arrangement of papers than ever before. Titles and synopses were furnished long enough in advance so that members came prepared to more intelligently discuss the papers. We believe that the late convention has been beneficial to the National Association as well as to the medical profession of the South. The same reasons which lead other associations to meet in a different city for their annual or triennial gatherings should determine the governing Board of the American Medical Association, in its selection of a place of meeting, viz.: to awaken greater interest in medical matters among local medical societies and medical men. The presence of a large number of representative men from every quarter of the country has stimulating effect on all present, but more especially so where these meetings are convened. For some months preceding the time for the meeting and for some time after a decided change is perceived in medical circles. The deadly routine of individual work, or even local society work, which at times becomes apathetic, gives place to animation. Meetings of committees, which must be frequent, bring medical men into closer relationship with each other, and in the general desire for a successful meeting a more fraternal feeling develops. These remarks are suggested not from what we observed in New Orleans, but what we observed in this State when the American Medical Association met in San Francisco, in 1894. It is our firm belief that these great gatherings have a tendency to take us out of the ruts which we are so liable to get into as well as out of ourselves. The whole coast so profited by the meeting held in 1894, that we hope the house of delegates will soon again consider San Francisco, as a city for another meeting. W. F. S. MEDICAL EDITORS ASSOCIATION. The meeting of the Medical Editors Association, coming as it did the day before the regular opening exercises, added not a little to the interest of the occasion. On Monday, the fourth, a meeting was held in the amphitheatre of the Poly clinic, President Winslow Anderson in the chair. A goodly number were present, representing many of the leading journals in the country. After the President had in a few words of welcome called the meeting to order, Dr. McDonald, of New York, the Association's very active and efficient Secretary and Treasurer, read his report. Papers were read by several members which brought out discussions on many points connected with journalism. Several of these papers will appear in the JOURNAL. In the evening a banquet was given at Antoine's celebrated restaurant, which was attended by about fifty persons. Dr. Winslow Anderson, as toast master, opened the exercises with a short but witty speech of welcome, which at once put every one at ease. Although all the speeches were impromptu the company present hd no regrets, as most of the speeches were brief and to the point. Our venerable friend, Dr. Garcelon, of Maine, who rarely misses being present at a meeting of the American Medical Association, in his speech contrasted the state of medicine when he was a student with the conditions existing at the present time. The old doctor, who has an excellent memory, related with great relish many stories about medical practice of 50 and 60 years ago as well as about his confreres of those ancient days. No little credit is due Dr. Chas. Chassaignac, of New Orleans, for the success of this meeting. W. F. S. AMERICAN MEDICAL EDITORS ASSOCIATION Discusses a Wide Range of Interesting Topics. The annual meeting of the American Medical Editors Association was held May 4th at 2 P. M., in the amphitheatre of the New Orleans Polyclinic. The amphitheatre was prettily decorated in the national colors. President Winslow Anderson, of San Francisco, called the meeting to order. He said he wished to introduce to the gathering a gentleman to whom the thanks of the Association were due in large measure, for the hard work he had done as Chairman of the Arrangement Committee in preparing for the Convention, Dr. Charles Chassaignac, of New Orleans. Dr. Chassaignac spoke a few words of welcome. He said he extended the welcome in a triple capacity, as a |