History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

76 History of Medical Practice in IllinoisGovernor of Illinois, Hon. R. J. Oglesby. Dr. E. P. Cook of Mendota respondedfor the Society: "While as a body, we are non-partisans, as citizenswe comprehend the necessity of politicalorganization, and accordinglyidentify ourselves with the political party that champions our viewsof current public questions involving the prosperity and stability ofgovernment. The nature of our pursuits excludes us from active participationin public affairs, but brings us in intimate contact and a closerfellowship with the individual units that constitute the body politic,which you are the head, than any other class in the community."The Committee on Arrangements announced that a reception would begiven the Illinois State Medical Society by the Governor and his wife atthe Executive Mansion on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday eveningreceptions were held at the residences of three Springfield physicians.Thus, the social activities during the annual meeting were increasing, andthe scientific papers and discussions were growing in number until thethree days of the meetings were full from morning to late evening.A forerunner of the commercial exhibitor was present. Dr. David Prince,of Jacksonville, Chairman of the Committee on Gynecology made his report."Following his report, Dr. Prince made an extended exhibit of gynaecologicalinstruments, furnished from the tables of druggists in attendance."This is the first mention in any of the official minutes of the meetingsof the House of "druggists in attendance."The delegate from the Missouri Medical Society reported that inofthatstate "last year they adopted the rule requiring every member of the associationto be a member of some local organization as a pre-requisite to membershipin the State Medical Association." Dr. N. S. Davis replied that theConstitution and By-Laws of the Illinois Society had contained such aclause for several years, "that a member of this Society must be a memberof a local society, a member and supporter of a local society in the countyor district where he resides, as well as a regular graduate in medicine. Thereason for this was to encourage the profession to maintain organization athome. There is a great advantage in this, and the same rule also prevailsin the A.M.A."Physicians were urged to report cases of contagious disease to the Boardof Health at once. Dr. Rauch of Springfield reported that in a certainlocality an attempt had been made to hide the occurrence of 140 cases ofsmallpox with 27 deaths in six weeks. In consequence of this negligence,several other areas became infected. The Board of Health felt that the firstcase of any contagious disease should be reported promptly and that instructionsshould be carried out properly in the care of these cases.Physicians were asked to urge their legislators in Springfield to supportthe "anatomical bill" dealing with disposition of bodies "to be buried atpublic expense."