Proceedings of the Connecticut State Medical Society ...

Meech, Treasurer, Middletown; Miss Mariana Townsend, Financial Secretary, Middletown. Executive Committee-Dr. F. S. Smith, Chester; Dr. D. A. Fox, Clinton; Dr. C. H. Bush, Cromwell; Dr. A. M. Pratt, Deep River; Mrs. E. P. Hull, Durham; Mrs. W. C. Reynolds, East Haddam; Mrs. E. H. Bevin, East Hampton; Dr. F. B. Bradeen, Essex; Dr. F. P. Chillingworth, Haddam; Mr. E. C. Nichols, Killingworth; Mrs. E. P. Camp, Middlefield; Dr. James Murphy, Middletown; Dr. Irwin Grannis, Old Saybrook.

The objects of this society are "to promote a thorough investigation of conditions regarding tuberculosis in Middlesex County; to educate public opinion as to the causes and prevention of tuberculosis; and to take such action as may be best to eradicate the disease." The President informs me "the society secured the services of one of the district nurses, hiring a substitute to do her regular work while she personally investigated and collected data regarding cases of tuberculosis, thirtyfive in all. It is planned to gain more information, especially about cases outside of Middletown, through the Committee on Statistics and the members of the Executive Committee.

"The aim of educating the public was furthered by sending delegates to the Tuberculosis Congress, who reported what they learned there in a public meeting in Middletown; by securing men eminent in their line to lecture in public on subjects relating to tuberculosis; by giving everyone a chance to visit free the Tuberculosis Exhibit of the Boston Association, held in Middletown City Hall; and by distributing illustrated literature on tuberculosis printed in five languages.

"The society hopes to open a free clinic, where all in the county unable to pay a doctor, but suspecting that they may have tuberculosis, may be examined free of charge. It has rented for the current year a splendid site in North Cromwell, where it intends to establish a camp for tuberculosis patients, operating it first as a day camp, and later keeping it open day and night, provided sufficient funds can be obtained."

The health of the community is menaced by many dangers besides tuberculosis, and it is a source of gratification and

relief that the City (Middletown) Health Officer has been very active and successful in his official capacity in carrying out the various hygienic measures designed to prevent disease. The law against spitting in public places, the rigid inspection of milk, frequent fumigation of school buildings, inspection of tenement houses, and enforcement of the building and sanitary laws, deserve special mention. In these various activities the hearty coöperation of the medical profession and the intelligent laity is evident to all, and with united action great results are sure, since removal of sources of infection and educative measures are combined.

Zeal for public health and the introduction of preventive measures pervades the entire county, the physicians acting as instructors and educators in their respective communities. Notices forbidding spitting are posted in factories and public buildings, and attention is called to the dangers of a neglect of this precaution. It can truthfully be said that harmony and concord and a spirit of coöperation characterizes our entire membership.

The Middlesex Hospital can to-day look back upon six years of progressive utility and successful service, and contemplate the future with courage and hope. It has been overcrowded during the last three years, but a new wing, nearly completed, will afford great relief. This wing provides a main kitchen, nurses' dining-room, pharmacy, and laboratory on one floor, while above are private rooms and a children's ward. These rooms and wards are furnished by various benevolent individuals.

This hospital, with its excellent management, has been able to pay its running expenses. Its endowment, however, is altogether inadequate, and should be increased largely, in order to enable it to always keep its equipment up-to-date and to respond to any emergency. Undoubtedly some benevolent friends of humanity will devote a share of their abundance to this noble institution in the future, as in the past.

The Connecticut Hospital for the Insane is as usual overcrowded. The roster shows an average of 2,460 patients.

The district nurses find their work constantly increasing its scope, and their services are invaluable. During the last official year they made 5,385 visits. A new feature was inaugurated on April 18, 1910, when systematic visits to the public schools of Middletown began. The nurse looks into the condition of the eyes, ears, throats, teeth, etc., of the pupils, and refers cases appearing to need treatment to physicians, dentists, and oculists. "Backward children" are investigated; home conditions, dietary, and habits studied; dressings are applied, etc., etc. This work is arranged for two months only, but a successful start has been made. Funds should be provided from some source to make this desirable and essential work permanent. "Any permanent success in preventive medicine can only be attained when we begin with the children."

In regard to contract work, efforts are in progress to insure its abandonment. It is not always easy to secure proof of its existence. We hope during the coming year to ensure its complete and permanent abandonment, without losing any of our members.

Our Secretary reports that no member is in arrears for

taxes.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMES M. KENISTON.

(h) Tolland County, by Dr. Thomas F. Rockwell: Mr. President and Gentlemen of the House of Delegates:

As Councilor for the Tolland County Medical Association it is my privilege to report once more that everything has been pleasant and harmonious during the past year, with no loss in membership to our Association by removal or death.

Every regular practitioner in the county is now a member of our Association in good standing, except one young man who is doing contract work for one of our German sick and benefit societies. I trust before the close of another year that he will see that it is for his interest to give up his contract and become one of us.

Our Association has had two well-attended meetings. The semiannual meeting was held at Stafford Springs and the annual at Rockville. At both meetings the papers were remarkably good and the discussions were spirited and full of practical suggestions.

Dr. Samuel D. Gilbert, our honored President of the State Society, favored us with his presence at our annual meeting. His address and talk on the great need of the old-time physician was listened to with marked interest and attention.

Respectfully submitted,

THOS. F. ROCKWELL.

(5) Report of the Treasurer, Dr. Joseph H. Townsend (New Haven), to the Connecticut State Medical Society, for the year ending May 25, 1910: