History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

82 History of Medical Practice in Illinoispared and, if the material warranted, "one or more Sections might be insession at the same hour" but this was to be avoided, if possible.The Society passed a resolution that "the Illinois State Medical Societymakes a special request of the Congress of the United States to pass a billcreating a cabinet officer of public health."Following the address given by the President, Dr. Charles C.Hunt ofDixon, the Society asked that several suggestions presented in his remarksbe considered: (1) that a new Committee on Medical Legislation be instructedto use every resource within its power to secure during the forthcomingsession of the legislature, such modifications of the law for thecommitment of the insane of the state; (2) that the Society endorse the planand the objectives of the Pan-American Medical Congress and ask individualmembers to give such aid and encouragement as opportunity mightafford, and (3) that the Society refer the suggestions relating to the ColumbianExposition to the Executive Committee with power to take suchaction as might be appropriate at any time before the next annual meeting.1893 — ChicagoThe year 1893 was headlined in Chicago by the Columbian Exposition,so it was logical that the State Society would meet there to give the physiciansan opportunity to attend both the scientificand business sessionsof the Society and the Fair. There is no mention in the transactions of anymedical exhibit, although at the 1892 meeting the members had consideredsuch an exhibit and went on record recommending participation with theAmerican Medical Association. No report was made to the Society regardingthis recommendation.The Committee on Legislation reported that their activities for the yearhad been concentrated along several lines "for the revision of the law forthe commitment of the insane, to enlarge the state institutions for the accommodationof the 5000 mental aliens in Illinois who were still unprovidedfor; the Medical Practice Act; An act to prevent or control thesale of nostrums; the inspection of milk; medical expert testimony, andother hygienic measures." 14"That we, the membersFuture activities were outlined by resolutions:of the Illinois State Medical Society, and citizens of the State of Illinois,take this occasion to express our earnest conviction that the Superintendentsand employees of all State Institutions should be selected because ofindividual fitness for the respective places, without regard to their politicalopinions, and that when so engaged the tenure of their employment shoulddepend only upon the faithful performance of their duties to the State."14The bill relative to the commitment of the insane was passed, after years of workin Springfield.