History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

Internal Medicine 127no cure for it. Chicago reported 15 cases of smallpox, this low figure undoubtedlybeing due to the increasing number of vaccinations in that city.Articles were appearing in publications on the germ theory and the discoveryof bacteria, as noted by the following quotation from the MedicalTimes: "It must be conceded, however, that, so far as most of the forms ofbacteria are concerned, investigation shows that, if they are not receivedin too overwhelming quantity, the healthier organism offers them an almostabsolute resistance. Proof is also available, in the case of many diseases, forthe assertionalready."that those only are attacked by the disease who were sickl8?6Dr. Hollister again discussed medical education before the State Society.He said that there were too many intelligent quacks and ignorant regularsand that there was a great need for many reforms. He discussed cheapschools versus the best schools, lay education, the use of patent medicines,better licensure regulations, registration of births and deaths, creation ofa State Board of Medical Examiners, and selection of coroners from amongthe physicians. He advised legislation providing that physicians' bills bemade a privileged account and that court testimony be paid for in advanceexcept pro bono publico. He stressed the need for state and county boardsof health with doctors in control.The Committee on Medical Practice reported that epidemics of scarletfever, puerperal fever, erysipelas, rubeola, diphtheria and dysentery hadbeen widespread in 1875.There was considerable discussion on scurvy, the significance of thecrepitant rale, the cure of acute rheumatism with salicylic acid, and Dr. J.S. Billings, Surgeon General of the United States, reviewed the choleraepidemic of 1873. Dr. James Etheridge discussed the differential diagnosisof rotheln, measles and scarlet fever.An excellent history of "Early Medical Chicago," by Dr. James NevinsHyde of Chicago, appeared in the Northwestern Medical and SurgicalJournal.Chicago this year reported a severe epidemic of scarlet fever.The practice of medicine was to be markedly effected in future years byone event of this year, namely, the invention of the telephone by AlexanderGraham Bell.Q(. M1877The annual address was given by Dr. T. D. Fitch of Chicago in whichhe noted the advantages of organized effort, the necessity for good citizenship,the advantage of joining some medical society, and he made a pleafor physicians to cultivate association with their colleagues.The Committee on Medical Practice reported on the theory of a specificetiologic agent for each disease.