History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

64 History of Medical Practice in Illinoisresentative body and that if any state or county medical society shouldsend as a delegate either a woman or a Negro, the Association was bound toreceive the delegate." 6 Dr. Stevenson, perhaps with remarkable wisdom,must have sat peculiarly quiet throughout the session, since her name doesnot appear as a participate in the making of motions, the offering of resolutions,the discussion of any papers or the presentation of any contribution.The Secretary of the State Society, on the second day of the meeting,announced that an appeal from action on the part of a county society hadbeen received. Dr. Whitmire stated bluntly: "It seems to me that every localsociety should have charge of its own members. If we recognize a countysociety, then the action of the county society in regard to its own membersshould be final and we should not interfere. We have been bothered withthis matter before."On the third morning, Dr. Sarah Hackett Stevenson presented her reporton the progress of physiology. She may not have spoken during her tryingtime as the first woman delegate to the American Medical Association, butthe members of the Illinois State Medical Society heard her present a carefullyprepared report: "a general survey of the present status of the science,and some of the more recent theories with regard to the functions of certainorgans." Careful, meticulous documentation, minute and detailedstudy gave her courage. After her paper had been referred to the Committeeon Publication she said:"I was in hopes that there would be some discussionon some points in my report. I see the Professor of Physiology in RushMedical College is here. I should like to hear his opinion in regard to thesequestions. We are all students; and I do not wish you to feel that because Ihave said these things, I am sensitive about having them disputed." Towhich Dr. Freer replied: "I am unable to take any exceptions to the paper.I used to be very happy to find fault if I could. .". .Toward the close of the meeting, following almost three full days ofscientific deliberations, the Jersey County Medical Society brought beforethe House a carefully worded request for cooperation from the Society inthe establishment of a State Board of Health. Dr. E. W. Grey had prepareda paper dealing with "Facts for the People," and Dr. Chambers offered thefollowing resolution: "That a Committee be appointed to memorialize thenext legislature on the subject of the appointment of a State Board ofHealth; and that with proper modification, the act by which the Board ofHealth of Massachusetts was inaugurated be submitted tothe same as abasis for the Illinois State Board: RESOLVED, That as members of theState Medical Society, each one shall consider himself bound to urge the6 Fishbein, M.: A History of the American Medical Association, 1847-1947. Philadelphia,W. B. Saunders Co., 1947.