work and they themselves are personally acceptable. Make the man and not the school of medicine the criterion of membership. This is heresy, unpardonable it may be at this time; but, mark my words, some day the doors will open, and the sooner the better for the medical profession in this and in every other state. The problem of the union of the sects of medicine is similar in principle to that of the union of the churches. Just two steps are necessary-first, "Stop talking!" second, "Work together!" As long as there is talking and attempting to adjust doctrines, little will be accomplished; but let the sects, clerical and medical, do something together and amalgamation is eventually inevitable. We need not worry about the form of faith if only we do the work that lies before us. These comments upon law and medicine may be summarized in these words: Each and every profession should strive for a more perfect and efficient organization for the two-fold purpose of self-improvement and increased power in service to the state. Bearing in mind the principle of unification which seeks to combine all professional forces in the aim and endeavor to uplift the citizens of the state, I wish to make the following suggestions to the Connecticut State Medical Society: First, let a good-will campaign be inaugurated by this Society, by its component County, Associations, and by the various city medical societies throughout the state. Let the spirit prevail to cultivate more cordial relations between medical brethren by extending invitations to attend meetings and enlisting the coöperation of non-affiliated members in all general movements for the public good. Second, instruct the Committee on Public Policy and Legislation to invite representatives from the State Homeopathic Medical Society, the State Eclectic Medical Society, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Charities, the Yale Medical Alumni Association and from any other organization of allied interests to meet with it for the consideration and, if possible, the concerted action upon all matters pertaining to the life, health and sanitary condition of the citizens of the state. Third, let this Society request the State Bar Association to appoint a permanent committee on medical legislation to meet in joint conference with the Committee on Public Policy and Legislation to discuss and, if possible, to formulate plans for concerted action on all matters of mutual interest to the legal and medical professions. These two latter suggestions, if followed, may not prove satisfactory as working methods, but certainly there should be some attempt on the part of this Society to enlist aid in the fight it is making to advance the health interests of the state. As regards the assistance likely to be rendered by the committee appointed by the State Bar Association, too much must not be expected. The progressive changes in medicine are so continuous and the ways of the law so conservative that there is bound to be difficulty in the settlement of many problems unless the two professions agree to labor together in patience. Labor and patience! Aye, there's the sum of the whole matter! This harangue about the ways of the law may be deserved or not. Alas! we know that the ways of the men of medicine are far from what they should be. As they stand and move in regiment form the need of discipline and training is terribly apparent. But, thank God, these men wearing the Red Cross on their sleeve are fast coming to the front. Listen! An army of the most expert engineers backed by the financial resources of a great nation stands halted before the most stupendous piece of work ever attempted in the history of mankind. No wonder there is a pause! The memory of the failure of another powerful nation to accomplish the task is still fresh. Too well do these engineers know that it is not a question of wealth nor of skill. These can avail nothing without the fundamental requisite, health. Suddenly there steps to the front an officer of the U. S. Army, Colonel Gorgas, recently President of the American Medical Association. Gentlemen, the true leader of the Panama Canal project is a medically trained expert in sanitation! And so I say, ye men of the law who safeguard the state, look to your laurels! Likewise, ye men of the cloth, beware that your leadership is not usurped! Remember, he that restraineth himself to spit not in public places is thinking of others more than his own convenience. Remember that such an act exemplifies the spirit of altruism and the moral side of the laws of sanitation and of the whole teaching of preventive medicine. Remember that such a deed, small as it is, represents the law of love in full and radiant action. And this is the kind of action that the world wants; it is doing, not simply talking about it. Splendid and inspiring is the heritage of good deeds left us during the life history of this ancient and honored Society! Yet, I repeat, there never was a more urgent time than now for its members to prove themselves worthy! Our profession and our State need the best that we can give. Everywhere the world-cry is for men, men who do things. May we each answer a ringing "Here am I" to the call of the Bishop of Exeter: Give us Men! Men from every rank, Fresh and free and frank; Men of loyal breeding, The Nation's welfare speeding: Men of faith and not of fiction, Men of lofty aim in action, Give us men-I say again Give us men! DR. FRANK H. DONALDSON (Fairfield): There have been many times in the history of our Society when beautiful words. have been listened to and enjoyed, only to be speedily forgotten. I trust, however, that this excellent address will not follow the usual course. I move, therefore, that the Committee on Publication be instructed to use every effort to have this address printed in the immediate future, and distributed throughout the state; in order that it may reach the minds of the public whom we are seeking to educate. DR. WILLIAM H. CARMALT (New Haven): I think that I have a right, from thirty odd years of attendance at these meetings of the State Society, to make comparisons. I cannot help it. I have heard nearly every Presidential Address that has been delivered, and I have made one or two myself; but I have never before listened to an address that I thought had so much meat in it as this, and so deserved the attention of the audience. I think that we all owe a great deal of thanks to Dr. Hallock for bringing these matters so strongly and beautifully before us. The motion is before you. Those in favor will say "aye"; I shall not ask for the "noes," for there would be none. The meeting stands adjourned. |