Quite a number of medical practice acts were introduced, but few passed. The chiropractors were active and bills to license members of this cult were introduced in practically all the states, but without success. Several bills concerning osteopathy were not passed. Pharmacist bills passed in Kentucky and Maryland. An amendment to the optometry law was adopted in Maryland, and regulations for optometrists were passed in New York. A chiropody law was also passed in this state, as were midwife, veterinary, and dentistry laws. New Jersey provided for an Inspector of the State Board of Medical Examiners. TUBERCULOSIS New Jersey passed two important laws on this subject, allowing county freeholders to establish tuberculosis hospitals (Chap. 269) and stating requirements of the superintendent (Chap. 278). New York provided for tuberculosis hospitals in its general hospital law (Chap. 265), already mentioned above, and also established departments of occupational therapy in tuberculosis and general hospitals. Maryland passed a bill regarding reporting and control of this disease. Virginia appropriated $15,000 for a clinic of doctors and nurses in a bureau of tuberculosis education of the State Board of Health. VENEREAL DISEASES AND SOCIAL HYGIENE Bills requiring physical examination before marriage, which were introduced in a number of states, were not generally successful. A number of bills prohibiting druggists from selling venereal disease remedies except on physicians' prescription, were also introduced. Mississippi appropriated $16,000 to fight these diseases. MISCELLANEOUS Anti-vivisection and anti-vaccination bills in several states were, as usual, killed. Water supply bills were passed in New York and other states. State Health appropriation bills were generally passed. New Jersey passed a law concerning membership on its State Board of Health. Vital statistics measures passed in Kentucky and Virginia. Acts relating to municipal health were passed in several instances. C. 2. The States and the Federal Maternity and Infancy Act. According to the Unitel States Children's Bureau forty-one states have now accepted the provisions of the Act for the Promotion of the Welfare and Hygiene of Maternity and Infancy, which became a law on November 23, 1921. Ten of these states (Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia) accepted the act by legislative enactment, while the remaining thirty-one adopted it by proclamation of the governor in the absence of a legislative session. The states which have not accepted the act are: Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island and Washington. On April 18, 1922, the Federal Materity and Infancy Board approved the plans of twenty-three states for the administration of the act. (See Statement No. 25, page 2.) The Attorney General of Massachusetts has recently declared his opinion that the Federal Maternity Act is unconstitutional. A copy of this opinion is reproduced in the United States Congressional Record of May 11, 1922 (pages 7371-7374). A. 5. The Federal Maternity and Infancy Act. Opinion of the Attorney General of Massachusetts. Forty-two states have now accepted the terms of the Act for the promotion of the welfare and hygiene of maternity and infancy. (See Statement No. 26, page 12.) Since the recent opinion of Attorney General J. Weston Allen of Massachusetts, declaring this act to be unconstitutional is of interest to sanitarians, we are including an abstract of it. This opinion, of course, has no effect at law. If Massachusetts should bring a suit in equity against those Federal officials charged with the administration of the act, the United States Supreme Court, having original jurisdiction, would try the case and decide the constitutionality of the act. The attorney general, in presenting his opinion to the Massachusetts legislature, argues that: (a) The Constitution does not give the Federal Gov. ernment power to regulate the internal affairs of any state such as would occur in the enforcement of the Maternity and Infancy act, whereby the U. S. Children's Bureau would actually have control of internal affairs of the states. (b) The act vests in the Federal government certain powers relating to maternity and infancy that manifestly fall within the scope of the police power reserved specifically to the states in the Constitution by the Tenth Amendment. (c) It is illegal for the state government to yield powers granted to them by the Constitution and such powers can only be granted to the Federal government through an amendment to the Constitution. (d) The act cannot be legalized upon the ground that it comes within scope of the "general welfare clause" of the Constitution, as this clause conferred no power on Congress to enact legislation for general welfare, but was placed there to limit the taxing power of the Federal government. (e) The Maternity and Infancy statute is not an ap propriation measure, but an attempted exercise of power over maternity and infancy, and is not even for the general welfare of the United States, but only for certain states. Many cases and court decisions are cited in support of this reasoning. A complete copy of the opinion appears in the Congressional Record for May 11, 1922, beginning on page 7371. Editorial Comments Though the summer months are at hand and many of our societies have adjourned their meetings until fall, we urge that organizational associations be not permitted to lie dormant until fall. Why not a county picnic, or better, a picnic with your neighboring county? Besides a pleasant outing and relaxation, valuable friendships may be cemented. In place of talking pills, splints, tumors and bacteria, talk about your relationship to the public and lay your fences to obtain the support of your represenatives in the legislature. We hope to hear of many such outing days arranged for by the suitable committee from each society. Emanating from the success of the Woman's Auxiliary of the State Medical Association of Texas, theer was organized in St. Louis during the A. M. A. meeting a Woman's Auxiliary to the A. M. A. The object of this auxiliary is: To extend the aims of the medical profession through the wives of doctors to the various women's organizations which look to the advancement in health and education. To assist in entertainment at all medical conventions, to promote acquaintanceship among doctors' families, so that closer fellowship may exist. Officers were elected and an active campaign of nation wide organization of these auxiliaries is being undertaken. We believe the plan a splendid one and trust that ou rcounty societies will further the movement. Tell your wife about it and get her to get the wives of the other doctors in your county interested. Details and information may be secured from Mrs. H. L. D. Kirkham, Corresponding Secretary, 3711 Mount Vernon, Houston, Texas. The Red Cross has still millions of dollars of war funds on hand. The war is over and the demands for Red Cross relief is rapidly disappearing. The Red Cross officials have been receiving lucrative salaries and of course are loath to relinquish their positions, as they must do if there is nothing to occupy their time. Hence they are casting about for avenues of activity and seemingly have concluded to establish free clinics for the treatment of the people. Extended plans for the conduct of such clinics and the scope of their activities have been formulated. The House of Delegates of the American Medical Association has gone on record that such activity on the part of the Red Cross is unwarranted and is without the scope of that organization's object and purpose. We add our protest to that of our national association and urge our members to record with the Red Cross our emphatic disapproval of their proposed plan. An Act to Provide for the Dissemination of Legal Information and to Prevent Litigation in the State of Michigan. Provides for a central state bureau at Lansing. For a legal information center in every county seat. For officials, traveling lecturers and office help. Making it possible for any citizen to secure the very best legal advice from state paid officials in his own county seat free of all charges and expense. Shake something like this over a few heads. It would turn the public eye from three dollar imaginary "mysticism" to the mysterious extortions of another profession. Say, it is a mighty good thing. If we get state medicine we will have free law advice. It would give the honest physician more time to look after his patients, for he would not have to worry so much about the fences at Lansing. And, by Gee-ee-ee, I could start it by just writing ten letters. Had a lot of stuff partly ready, but have been ill with the real Flu and could not get my manuscript in even decent green ink form. I had some horrible rides to make, and it is getting me. Summer resort doctors here now when the roads are good and I get plenty of rest. Doctors, for heaven's sake, quit pleading guilty. You have saved many lives, and now they are trying to make you apologize for it. It is quite likely some should have been allowed to go, but leave that to God, He will get them in time, and if He don't they may call you again. Cut out that mysticism stuff. What physician should be accused of that? If we do not tell every dead beat, grafter or would-be healer what we use and the doses, they holler that we ought to educate the public. Well, who paid for the little we know? They did not, and they do not intend to pay for it if they can get some way provided to get your best services for nothing. The average physician is an honest man. The best way to stop this clamor is for him to look the judge squarely in the face and say: "Not guilty." Then the costs will be assessed to the people as usual, and the doctor can go back to his collections. Our duty is to our patients. Good practice will hold our patients. But you can't watch the politicians too closely. It may be necessary for some of you to sleep with them, but have something in your vest. "JACK PINES." Deaths Doctor Frances A, Rutherford was born in 1839 and died in Grand Rapids May 24, 1922, from cerebral hemorrhage. She was graduated from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1868 and was in practice in Grand Rapids for more than a half century. The doctor was formerly obstetrician and gynecologist to the Blodgett Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Kent County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Doctor Arthur M. Gerow was born in 1845 and died in Cheboygan May 21, 1922. He graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Buffalo in 1868. Doctor Charles Douglas was born in Streetsville, Ontario, in 1843 and died in Detroit May 26, 1922. He graduated in medicine from the University of Toronto in 1864. The doctor came to Detroit in 1876. He was a pioneer in the specialty of children's diseases. He belonged to the Wayne County Medical Society, Michigan State Medical Society and American Medical Association. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Donald (wife of Dr. W. M. Donald of Detroit), Mrs. Campbell (wife of Dr. Don M. Campbell of Detroit), Miss Kathleen Douglas of Detroit, and Mrs. J. T. Lee of Chicago. Doctor R. E. Finch was born in 1849 and died in Gladwin April 28, 1922. He licensed in Michigan in 1900. Doctor William J. Duff, Health Officer of Port Huron for the past eight years, died suddenly of angina pectoris on May 26th. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1856, and came to Port Huron in 1868. He was a graduate of the Michigan University Medical School in 1885, and was a member of the Michigan State Medical Society. As a physician he was kindly, painstaking and able; as a health officer, very efficient; as an American, he was unusual in his devotion to and his love for his country. His patriotism never for an instant fell below one hundred per cent. State News Notes COLLECTIONS 144 Physicians' Bills and Hospital Accounts collected anywhere in Michigan. H. C. VanAken, Lawyer, 309 Post Building, Battle Creek, Michigan. Reference any Bank in Battle Creek. Position wanted-Harper Hospital Graduate, 1921, now taking P. G. work in office management and surgical technic, is open for position. Address 3380 Hudson Ave., Detroit, Mich. Old established practice for price of real estate. Terms. Address G. H. S., 4602 Mt. Elliott Ave., Detroit, Mich. Wanted-A few Book Agents to sell the new "Crowning Edition" of the celebrated "Book on the Physician Himself." Rare chance. Address the author, D. W. Cathell, M. D., Emerson Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. C. W. Walker has located in Iron Mountain. Dr. L. W. Haynes was recently elected a member of the Detroit Athletic Club. Dr. A. N. Collins of Detroit sailed, June 10, 1922, for a several months' trip abroad. Dr. Crane of Kalamazoo has returned from a three months' visit to European clinics. Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Mullenhagen of Detroit, announce the birth of a son, Walter Jr., on May 26, 1922. Miss Margaret Walker, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Frank B. Walker of Detroit, was married June 26, 1922, to Mr. G. M. Hawthorne. Mr. Ralf P. Emerson, son of Dr. and Mrs. Justin E. Emerson of Detroit, was married, June 17, 1922, to Miss Sarah W. Davis of Lapeer. Dr. Max Ballin read a paper on "Goitre from an Etiological Point of View," before the Detroit East Side Physicians' Association, April 20. Ernest E. Welch was convicted of practicing medicine without a license May 19, in the Recorders Court, Detroit. Dr. T. A. McGraw read a paper illustrated with lantern slides on "Endocrinology," before the Highland Park Physicians' Club, May 4. Dr. P. L. Marsh of Ann Arbor read a paper on "The High-Fat Diet Treatment of Diabetes," befort the Wayne County Medical Society, May 29. Dr. Henry Carstens was elected Chairman and Dr. Douglas Donald Secretary at the May 29th meeting of the Medical Section of the Wayne County Medical Society. One hundred and fifty-one students took the primary and 79 the final examinations given by the Michigan State Board of Registration in Medicine at Ann Arbor, June 13, 14, 15, 1922. Mrs. Steinbrecker has recently donated to the Library of the Wayne County Medical Society, some 300 volumes from the library of her husband, the late Dr. A. H. Steinbrecker. Dr. Robert B. Harkness of Houghton was recently appointed a member of the Michigan Advisory Council of Health by Gov. Groesbeck. He succeeds the late Dr. J. G. Turner. Books have recently been presented to the Library of the Wayne County Medical Society by Doctors Belle Warner, H. M. Rich and H. E. Safford. Dr. H. Lee Simpson read a paper on "Anatomy and Surgical Pathology of Nose and Accessory Sinuses in Relation to Medicine," before the Detroit Academy of Medicine, May 9. Dr. Joseph C. Bloodgood of Baltimore is one of 10 men selected from 20,000 alumni of the University of Wisconsin for a place in the Wisconsin Hall of Fame. Dr. Udo J. Wile of Ann Arbor was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the American Dermatological Association at its annual meeting, held in Washington, D. C., May 2, 3, 4. At the annual election of the Wayne County Medical Society, held May 15, Dr. W. M. Donald was elected President; Dr. W. J. Stapleton, Vice President, and Dr. B. C. Lockwood, Secretary. The wedding of Dr. Rowland F. Webb and Miss Lois Mary Lillie is announced. The Doctor and his bride are spending their honeymoon in Europe and will return to Grand Rapids about September 1. An obstetrical department has been opened recently at the Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, under the direction of Dr. Everett D. Plass, formerly Associate Professor of Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Medical School. The Board of Regents of the University of Michigan appointed, May 26, Professor Howard L. Lewis, (Instructor in Physiological Chemistry in University of Illinois) to the Chair of Physiological Chemistry in the University of Michigan. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Medical Education and Licensure voted, May 4, not to accept by reciprocity any physicians licensed in Illinois during 1921, because of the irregularities reported in granting licenses during that year. The following officers were elected May 11, by the Detroit West Side Physicians' Association: Dr. H. P. Doub, President; Dr. G. A. Wilson, Vice President; Dr. Frank Weiser, Secretary, and Dr. H. D. Harm, Treasurer. Dr. Don M. Campbell read a paper on "Diseases of the Eye in Relation to Systemic Disease," and Dr. Emil Amberg on "Preventive Measures in Deafness in Children," before the Detroit West Side Physicians' Association, May 11. At the Annual Meeting of the Detroit East Side Physicians' Association Dr. A. G. Huegli was elected President; Dr. R. Bolazny, Vice President; Dr. H. L. Clark, Secretary Dr. L. O. Geib, Treasurer and Dr. William Hipp, Member of the Board of Control. The Detroit Diagnostic Hospital, Jefferson Ave. East, is expected to open its new building early this fall. The following physicians are connected with it: Drs. C. G. Jennings, J. W. Vaughan, T. B. Cooley, P. F. Morse, E. R. Witwer, A. F. Jennings, C. F. Thomas and W. C. Cole. Four chiropractors (C. L. Tennant, Z. B. Mead, H. F. McKnight and Florian Palmer) who were recently convicted in the Detroit Municipal Court of practicing medicine without a license, were each fined $200 or four months in the Detroit House of Correction by Judge Keidan, June 15. Dr. C. L. Stevens of Athens, Pa., recently presented the Library of the Wayne County Medical Society with a number of issues of the Pennsylvania Medical Journal, practically completing the files of that Journal. Doctors Bell and Ray Connor also have made donations recently to the library. The Michigan State Homeopathic Medical Society held its Annual Meeting May 11, in Ann Arbor. The following officers were elected: Dr. T. G. Yoemans of St. Joseph, President; Drs. Guy Alway of Ann Arbor and H. S. Carr of Niles, Vice Presidents, and Dr. M. Al A. Darling of Detroit, Secretary-Treasurer. Dr. L. J. Hirschman read a paper on "The Surgical Treatment of Constipation," and Dr. W D. Ford, on "The Medical Treatment of Constipation," before the Detroit Medical Club, May 18. Dr. F. T. F. Stephenson was elected President; Dr. C. E. Simpson, Vice President, and Dr. Stuart Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer, May 18. The Michigan Association of Industrial Physicians and Surgeons, at its Annual Meeting held in Flint, June 7, 1922, elected Dr. Guy L. Kiefer of Detroit, President; Dr. C. S. Gorsline of Battle Creek, Vice President; Dr. G. C. Pemberthy of Detroit, Secretary-Treasurer and Dr. T. F. Heavenrich of Port Huron, Director. The Michigan Health Officers Association held its Annual Meeting in Flint, June 8, 1922, and elected the following officers: Dr. Guy L. Kiefer, Detroit, President; Dr. David Littlejohn of Ishpeming, Vice President; Dr. W. J. V. Deacon of Lansing, Secretary-Treasurer, and Dr. R. M. Olin of Lansing, Delegate to the American Public Health Association. The Annual Meeting of the Academy of Surgery of Detroit was held, May 14. The following officers were elected: Dr. Max Ballin, President; Dr. A. W. Blain, First Vice President; Dr. Charles Kennedy, Second Vice President, and Dr. W. W. Barrett, Secretary-Treasurer. Dr. C. G. Darling of Ann Arbor read a paper on "The Importance of Early Operations." Flint board of education has voted to install complete dental and health clinics, and to maintain a staff of nurses under the direction of a school physician, and two dentists, for the care of Flint school children. Medical and dental examinations of school children have been carried on here previously by the city health department. Clinic equipment is to cost $25,000, it is said. On June 9, Dr. L. J. Hirschman of Detroit gave a clinic at the University of Buffalo, illustrating Local Anesthesia in Ano-Rectal Diseases. On July 6, 7 and 8, Dr. Hirschman will hold a clinic in Spokane, Wash., before the Pacific Northwest Medical Association. On July 11, he has been invited to address the Portland, Oregon Medical Association, and will speak on "The Present Status of Local Anesthesia in Ano-Rectal Disease." The 35th Annual Report of the Children's Free Hospital, Detroit, recently published, shows the attending medical staff as follows: Dr. E. R. Hoobler, Director of Medical Department; Dr. T. B. Cooley, Associate Director of Medical Department; Dr. G. C. Pemberthy, Director of Surgical Department; Dr. F. C. Kidner, Director of Department of Orthopedic Surgery; Dr. H. L. Begle, Director of the Department of Ophthalmology; Dr. J. S. Wendell, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology; Dr. H. A. Reye, Director Neurological Department; Dr. H. L. Simpson, Bronchoscopist and Oesophagoscopist; Dr. E. R. Witwer, Director of Laboratory. In the Annual Report of Providence Hospital, Detroit, recently published, the Attending Staff is as follows: Drs. D. O'Donnell, A. S. DeWitt, H. S. Schmidt, (Medicine); Drs. F. B. Walker, A. McDonald, W. J. Seymour, Geo. Potter, E. J. Panzner, (Surgery); Drs. W. Welz, F. J. MacDonald, J. N. Bell, (Obstetrics); Drs. H. W. Yates, G. V. Brown, W. A. Harper, E. A. Pillon (Gynecology); Drs. R. E. Mercer, Wadsworth Warren, (Laryngology); Drs. Robert Beattie, Ray Connor (Ophthalmology); Drs. A. W. Ives, D. R. Clark (Neurology); Drs. W. E. Keane, C. P. Sibley (Genito Urinary); Dr. R. A. Wollenberg (Dermatology); Dr. Daniel La Ferte (Orthopedics); Dr. I. L. Polozker (Pediatrics); Dr. J. A. MacMillan (Proctology); Dr. D. M. Graham, (Oral Surgery); Dr. J. E. Davis, (Pathology), and Dr. George Chene (Roentgenology). County Society News GENESEE COUNTY The Genesee County Medical Society met on Wednesday, May 24, 1922, President Miner in the chair. Dr. A. D. Wickett, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Michigan, gave a most timely address on "The Treatment of Hay Fever and Asthma." He discussed the modern theory of asthma being a protein sensitization. While perennial types are due to foods, animal emanations and infections, he considers the infective role the most important in therapy. In the sea. sonal types, the early hay fevers are usually due to the pollen from trees and have such a brief course that treatment is seldom needed. In this region, summer types are best treated by ascending doses of the Timothy antigen, and the later autumn types, by that of Ragweed. When an attack is already begun, autogenous vaccines give most relief. In chronic asthma, he considers it imperative to clear up all foci of infection in the tonsils, teeth, sinuses, and to make autogenous vaccines from infective material, including the sputum. He makes the vaccine from all the organisms that grow in culture. W. H. MARSHALL, Secretary. ACADEMY OF SURGERY OF DETROIT The Academy of Surgery of Detroit held the last meeting for the summer at St. Mary's Hospital on Friday evening, May 12, 1922. The paper of the evening was by Dr. Cyrus W. Darling of Ann Arbor on "Intestinal Obstruction." The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Dr. Max Ballin; Vice President, Dr. Alexander W. Blain; Second Vice President, Dr. Chas. Kennedy; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. W. D. Barrett. IRA G. DOWNER, Secretary. Correspondence The Editor of the Journal of the Michigan State Medical Society: Having been informed that your association was in session at the present time, I took the liberty to write you about a matter which in my estimation should be given serious thought and prompt action taken by the medical profession of this state. You medical men sometimes wonder why you are not getting results in prescribing for your patients, but if you will read Mr. H. H. Hoffman's recent report you will satisfy yourself that the State Board of Pharmacy are not doing their duty in protecting the public and physicians against drugs sold in the drug stores of our state, that are not up to standard. Mr. H, H. Hoffman is the State Director of Drugs and Drug Stores, and in his recent investigation stated that he found that more, he didn't state how much more, may have been twice as large a per cent, but he did state that more than 20 per cent of all medicines analyzed in the state laboratories from samples obtained from drug stores throughout our state, are not up to standard strength. Does this mean anything to the medical profession of this state? Do they get the desired results in prescribing for their patients? Mr. Hoffman reports that, but what action has he taken in the matter? Has he made any prosecutions as they do in other states, when he finds such a condition? Has he made any prosecutions of drug store proprietors who allow their prescriptions to be compounded by registered druggists and in most cases apprentices? Read his report regarding the number of drug stores which are running without competent registered non druggists to handle your prescriptions. Is it any wonder you may not be getting results, or at least better results in prescribing? The condition is without a parallel and I think requires the attention of your association. Very truly, RALPH STILLMAN. The Editor of the Journal of the Michigan State Medical Society: Your letter of June 12 has reached me today. I do not need to thank you with all my heart for the letter. You speak very generously of what I endeavored to do and if even in a slight degree wholesome and satisfactory results were secured, I am delighted beyond words. I am sure you know that I am sufficiently human to appreciate what you say. When I receive the stenographer's notes I shall endeaver to go over them as promptly as possible and return them to you. In the meantime, let me assure you that if this University or its Medical School can be of the slightest service to the State Medical Society or to the profession in general, we are only eager to be called upon. Very sincerely yours, M. L. BURTON. MALNUTRITION AND THE SCALES A wave of enthusiasm for the weighing and measuring of school children is at present sweeping over the country. This enthusiasm is a healthful and cheering sign and the custom is capable of great good, but it should be directed by cool com mon sense. The chart by Dr. T. D. Wood and the chart by Boas and Burke, vary by at least 5 per cent, so that a child normal by the Wood chart, is abnormal or below normal by the other. So there is nothing inspired or sacred about the conclusions of either chart. Normal and average are not synonymous terms and the question, "Is this child undernourished?" can not be settled by the scales alone. If we are not to rely on the scales alone, what other data have we on which to base a pronouncement of malnutrition? Dr. Rose has adopted the following method of assigning relative values for a 100 point diagnosis: 1-General appearance as to vigor and alertness (25 points). Bright eyes, animated movements and good posture are not the usual accompaniments of malnutrition no matter what the scales say. 2-Musculation (25 points). Good firm muscles, whether well padded with fat or not, do not go with malnutrition, no matter what the scales say. 3-Color or complexion (25 points). A clear ruddy complexion is not always present in a person of good health, but when present it counts strongly against malnutrition no matter what the scales say (except the flushed cheeks of excitement or of fever). 4-The scales (25 points). These are a very valuable aid in detecting malnutrition, not to be compared however, to the thermometer in detecting abnormalities of temperature, but perhaps to the |