shown, in one case, a careful anatomical investigation; in another, to explain the physiological and toxicological effects of drugs; and, in another, or conjointly with this, to test the contents of the alimentary tube, and, even of the blood and its eliminations. Unless legal provision be made by government for the pecuniary remuneration of the individuals to whom these important, and often most indispensable offices may be assigned, public justice is suspended, and the administration of the law, by the action of the courts, arrested; or these laborious professional duties performed for the use of the government gratuitously, which is an anomaly in our social and political system. No other class of citizens are expected to perform professional duties without compensation-nor will they perform them-and these individuals, by refusing their aid, as it is reasonable that they should, may thus render the action of the law void and inoperative.

Considering the great amount of beneficiary duties necessarily devolving on the medical man, it is still more important that some legal provision for the payment of his just claims should be made.

A physician is summoned to render aid to a person supposed to be poisoned or feloniously injured by the action of another partyhe attends without reward, the patient being probably a pauper. The present illiberal system expects that he make the necessary inquiry after death by anatomical investigation or chemical analysis; and that he communicate in detail the result as a witness in court, giving, at the same time, an opinion based upon this investigation, which none but those learned in medical science are capable of doing (in the meantime neglecting his private affairs and his remunerative professional business), and there is no pecuniary provision made in his case except as common witness-while all other agents of equal, and oftentimes of much less, importance to a correct understanding of the facts and a just judgment, are promptly and amply provided for.

The remedy naturally suggested to the profession by self-respect, is a declension, firm though respectful, to perform autopsies and make chemical analyses when requested, or illegally commanded, by the judicial authorities in those States of the Union where there is no provision for the remuneration of medical experts and witnesses. It is time, your Committee believe, for the members of our profession to assume a frank, bold and resolute position. There is no legal authority which can compel a medical man to open a dead body, or make a chemical examination of the contents of the ali

124 REPORT ON THE MEDICO-LEGAL DUTIES OF CORONERS.

mentary tube; and, should he be subpoenaed to attend an investigation, it is only admissible to testify as to facts within his own knowledge, and he can refuse respectfully and firmly to go further.

The members of the profession of medicine everywhere are, as a class, beneficent and self-sacrificing, laboring always cheerfully and gratuitously in the cause of humanity and in the service of the destitute. But they, too, must live while they thus labor, and it cannot be expected by government, they should serve the wealthy in their most professional position without the obligation being recognized and requited.

I cannot bring this report to a conclusion without acknowledging the important aid and counsel so cheerfully extended by Drs. D. Francis Condie, of Pennsylvania, and Grafton Tyler, of Georgetown, D. C., my colleagues on the Committee appointed at the Philadelphia meeting of the National Medical Association.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

WASHINGTON, April 14, 1857.

A. J. SEMMES, M.D.,

Chairman of the Committee.

REPORT

UPON THE

TOPOGRAPHY AND EPIDEMIC DISEASES

OF THE

STATE OF GEORGIA.

BY

JOHN F. POSEY, M.D.,

OF SAVANNAH.

REPORT UPON THE TOPOGRAPHY AND EPIDEMIC

DISEASES OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

THE State of Georgia must, for purposes of medical topography, be divided into three unequal parts.

The largest, occupying more than half the area of the State, extends from the sea-coast and Florida line on the south to the head of navigation of the larger rivers.

The second division is separated from the first by a line beginning at Augusta, at the head of navigation in the Savannah River, and running nearly west-southwest, by Milledgeville and Macon, to Columbus, at the head of navigation in the Chattahoochee; and is bounded on the northwest by a line drawn from the northeastern corner of the State, and running nearly southwest till it reaches the western boundary line of the State, about half way between Columbus and Nicajack, on the Tennessee River.

The third occupies all the space, within the State, lying northwest of the last-mentioned line, and is much smaller than the second. The first division is, geologically, of tertiary formation, varying in height and quality of alluvium according to the distance from the sea-coast.

Dr. P. M. Kollock describes the part nearest to the sea thus:"The topographical features of this district may be distinguished into three separate orders, marked by strips or sections extending lengthwise from northeast to southwest.

"Commencing with the Sea Islands on the east, we remark a series of sand-knolls or hillocks, apparently washed up by the sea from its bottom, varying in elevation, intersected by salt-marshes and creeks, and inclosing frequently brackish ponds and lagoons.

"The growth of these islands is live-oak, water-oak, bay, gum, and pine. The live-oak predominates on the southern parts of the islands, almost to the exclusion of the pine; while this last is found at the northern end.