History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

44 History of Medical Practice in IllinoisThe House voted that the local Committee on Arrangements should berequested to "consider the propriety of issuing annual cards of membership,with power to act."Then everybody was thoroughly and politely thanked: Dr. Davis for hiswork in office and for his valedictory address; the Committee on Arrangements;the Masonic Fraternity of Vandalia; the citizens of Vandalia andthe speakers at the meeting—all by official action with the Secretary instructedto "so inform those mentioned." So Dr. Davis as Secretary wentback to Chicago to face the same tasks as are faced today: courtesy to thosewho had assisted, thanks to the speakers appearing before the assembledphysicians, appreciation to the city officials where the meeting was held,a "bread and butter" letter to the officials of the building where meetingstranspired—and with a mental resolve that next year the meeting would bemore efficient, would run more smoothly, would offer more scientific informationfor those in attendance and would present a more unified fronton economic and political problems. How far the little candle throws itsbeam! It is doubtful if our powerful torch of today burns any more brightlyor is fed by any more enthusiasm than was this first glimmer, lit and tendedso carefully by these early members of organized medicine.1857— ChicagoIn the Lecture Room of Rush Medical College, the seventh annual meetingof the State Society came to order. The largest House, representingmore groups and more county units than ever before, opened its session.Physicians from McLean, Boone, DeWitt, Rock Island, Winnebago, Cook,Union, Stark and Will Counties represented component branches. In orderto enlarge the representation and to interest the membership, the Housevoted that any local society not sending delegates to the meeting but havingmembers in attendance, "such members might act as delegates by reportingthemselves to the Committee on Arrangements." In this manner, Coles,Edgar, Fayette and Montgomery Counties secured representation.Dr. N. S. Davis made the first detailed report of the Publishing Committeefor the fiscal year 1856-57. As Secretary, he had mailed circulars toall the members he could find in the different volumes of the transactions,notifying them of the amount of annual dues. As a result, he raised $88.00,all of which he paid over to the Treasurer. All committees were sent writtennotices, telling of appointments and listing the names of the committeemembers. The transactions for 1856 were published at a cost of $95.00.However, due to the condition of the treasury, the Secretary hesitated tohave 1000 copies of the Constitution and By-Laws and the Code of Ethicsprinted; he expressed the sincere hope that this would be possible duringthe coming months.