USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Medical Society of Franklin County : its history and sketches of early practitioners of the county > Part 1
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WB -
AP4 F &M4M 1892
Medical
ociety
franklin ounty
istory, and
Ketshes of
Practitioners of the ounty.
John Montgomery, ML. D.
.
WB 1 AP4 F8M4M 1892
31710120R
NLM 05148886 1
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Surgeon General's Office
LIBRAR
Section; They',
No.
140434.
PRESENTED BY
John Montgomery, M.D.
al
Complimenti 8 J. Montgomery. " Pr
٠
al
MEDICAL SOCIETY
OF
FRANKLIN COUNTY;
ITS HISTORY,
AND SKETCHES OF
Early Practitioners of the County.
BY
JOHN MONTGOMERY, M. D.,
CHAMBERSBURG, PA.
PUBLISHED BY MEDICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA.
SUMO
CHAMBERSBURG, PA. : J. R. KERR & BRO., PRINTERS. 1892.
GENL'S OF 140434 CE LIBRARY
anny WB 1 APA FEMAM 1892
CHAMBERSBURG, 1891.
The following extract from the minutes of the annual meeting and banquet of The Medical Society of Franklin County, July 21st, 1891, which was attended by a large num- ber of physicians from this and adjoining counties, will explain itself: "After President, Dr. S. S. Bishop, had extended a hearty welcome to the guests, Dr. John Montgomery read a paper on 'The Medical Society of Franklin County ; its history, and sketches of early practitioners of the county.' After the reading of the paper, which claimed the most careful attention ot the audience, Dr. G. S. Hull made a motion that a special vote of thanks be given to Dr. Montgomery for his most ex- · cellent and valuable paper, and then commented upon the great amount of research necessary in the preparation of such a paper, and complimented the doctor upon the careful and skillful elaboration of his important subject. Dr. H. G. Chritz- man, after speaking in glowing terms of the merits of the pa- per and insisting that it should be preserved for the future by being put into a more permanent form, offered an amendment that a committee of three be appointed by the president to wait upon Dr. Montgomery and request a copy of his manu- script for publication, in pamphlet form, by the society. The motion as amended was unanimously carried. The president appointed the following committee: Dr. G. S. Hull, Dr. H. G. Chritzman, Dr. A. H. Strickler."
Appended is the correspondence which took place between the committee and Dr. Montgomery.
CHAMBERSBURG, September 7th, 1891.
JOHN MONTGOMERY, M. D.
DEAR DOCTOR :
At the late meeting of the Medical Society of Franklin County the undersigned were appointed a com- mittee to wait upon you and request a copy of your valuable historical paper for publication.
As we are now organized and ready for work, we make this request and hope that you will, by transmitting to us a copy of the paper, allow your brethren to honor you, and their society as well, by putting into permanent form your most ad- mirable, complete and valuable "Medical Society of Franklin County ; its history, and sketches of early practitioners of the county.
Very truly yours, GEO. S. HULL, A. H. STRICKLER, H. G. CHRITZMIAN.
CHAMBERSBURG, P.A., September 12th, 1891.
To GEO. S. HULL, M. D.,
A. H. STRICKLER, M. D.,
H. G. CHRITZMAN, M. D.
GENTLEMEN :
Your esteemed note of the 7th inst., is received. I am grateful for the expression it contains, and deferring to your opinion and better judgment as to any merits which my address before the Medical Society of Franklin County, in July last, may possess, I comply with your request and deliver the manuscript thereof into your hands to be used as you may deem proper.
I am conscious that the paper is imperfect in many ways, but should it in the remotest degree tend to rescue from ob- livion the names of worthy members of our profession in the dim past, I will be amply repaid for the labor its preparation has occasioned me.
Sincerely yours, JOHN MONTGOMERY.
GENTLEMEN :
In behalf of the Medical Society of Franklin County, it is my privilege to second the cordial greeting extended you by our worthy Presi- dent. We want you to feel that you are, indeed, welcome guests, and that our greetings are heartfelt and sincere; that we regard it as an important event in our history to have you assemble with us to-day to join in our discussions and partake of our hospitality.
I have been assigned the duty of furnishing a paper on this occasion bearing upon the history of this Society and members of our noble calling, who in by-gone years signalized their usefulness in this county.
I have assumed the task with much diffidence and discharge it to the best of my ability. This is the third organization of its kind that has existed in
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MEDICAL SOCIETY
this county within a century, all of which held the same title.
Notwithstanding the recognized ability and high character of many of the members of the earlier so- cieties, they soon disbanded, for unknown reasons. The first was formed on the 4th of January, 1825, at the house of Col. John Findley, in Chambersburg. Dr. S. D. Culbertson was Chairman and Drs. Dean and Findley Secretaries of the initial proceedings. I quote from the minutes, which are eminently worthy of being produced here and now :
Resolved, 1st. That a Medical Society be estab- lished in Chambersburg, to meet semi-annually, and that Drs. Dean, Culbertson, McKnight, Lane and McDowell, be appointed a committee to draft a con- stitution, and make a report thereon at the first meeting of the Society, which will be held on the 7th of February, at early candle light.
Resolved, 2d. That one of the objects of this con- vention is to establish a uniform and fixed mode of charging, suited to the state of the times. The pub- lication of the bill of rates which has been agreed upon shall be delayed until after the meeting in
9
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
February next, in order that the physicians who could not make it convenient to attend may again have an opportunity of being present and vote upon a revision of its several items.
Resolved, 3d. That the mode of charging, which shall have been agreed upon and published, be con- sidered as the standard by which all contested ac- counts shall thereafter be settled in case they are referred to any of the members of this society.
Resolved, 4th. That the annexed regulations, which have been read to the convention, be published as the "rule of conduct" by which the members of this society shall be governed in their intercourse with each other and the siek.
Resolved, 5th. That all the members of the medi- cal profession of Franklin county and its immediate neighborhood who do not attend the next meeting, or express their approbation of its proceedings by letter, or otherwise, be considered as inimical to the objects of the society, and unwilling to subject them- selves to the government of the set of rules to which the convention feel fully persuaded every honorable- minded physician will at once subscribe.
2
10
MEDICAL SOCIETY
Resolved, That the above proceedings be signed by the Chairman and Secretaries and be published.
Signed, S. D. CULBERTSON, Chairman.
A. T. DEAN,
Secretaries.
W. A. FINDLEY,
The adjourned meeting, in pursuance of the fore- going resolutions, was held at Col. John Findley's, Chambersburg, Monday evening, February 7th, 1825, and organized. The constitution for a Medical So- ciety was reported and adopted and signed by all present. Dr. John McClellan was elected President ; Drs. S. D. Culbertson and A. Heatherington, Vice Presidents; Dr. A. T. Dean, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. N. B. Lane, Recording Secretary; A. N. McDowell, Treasurer; Drs. A. McDowell, Sr., G. B. McKnight, and L. Byran, Standing Committee, were the officers elected for the ensuing year.
Resolutions adopted: 1st. That the fee bill, which had been reduced to suit the state of the times, be signed by all the physicians belonging to the Society and take effect after January next.
11
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
2d. That all medical bills be presented for set- tlement, as far as practicable, at the expiration of every year, and where any account is settled within six months after it has been contracted, a discretion- ary power be left with the physician to make a dis- count.
3d. That all physicians who belong to this Society shall proceed to settle up their back accounts as soon as possible.
4th. That Dr. A. T. Dean, the Corresponding Sec- retary, be authorized to open a correspondence with the different Medical Societies which are now in ex- istence in the State of Pennsylvania, or which may be hereafter organized, in order that such measures may be devised and adopted as will be best calcu- lated to suppress quackery, not only within the im- mediate neighborhood of such societies, but over the whole State, and that in order to the more effectual attainment of this end, the combined talents and influence of such societies be so directed as will be most likely to secure the enactment of a law for the regulation of the practice of medicine in this Com- mon wealth.
12
MEDICAL SOCIETY
5th. That the Corresponding Secretary be further authorized to open such correspondence with indi- viduals and the different Medical Associations as will best tend to the advancement of Medical Science or in any way promote the honor of the medical profession.
6th. That we, the Medical Society of Franklin County, agree to subject ourselves to be governed by and most rigidly adhere to all the rules and reg- ulations which are laid down in the Medical Ethics of Dr. Percival, and which have already been pub- lished in the papers of this place.
7th. That these proceedings be signed by the President and Secretaries.
JOHN MCCLELLAN, President.
N. B. LANE,
Secretaries.
A. N. McDOWELL, J
CHAMBERSBURG, February 15th, 1825.
At this meeting rules of order were also adopted. Letters from Drs. McGovern, Scott and Lightner, stating cause of absence and endorsing action of meeting. The revised fee bill was adopted and all
13
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
present signed Constitution and By-Laws and Fec Bill. Signed by 31 persons and 7 by proxy. The subject for discussion at the next meeting, "The laws which govern, and the causes which produced, and the treatment of our late epidemic." Dr. Boggs was appointed to prepare an address to be delivered at next meeting, the object of which will be to show the present state of the medical profession in this section of the State and to expose those causes which tend to retard its progress and improvement.
Meeting, July 4th, held in Court House. Vice President Culbertson in chair. Several members were elected and introduced, and the President de- livered a charge or address to the new members. Thirteen members reported absent, one of whom was recorded as having left the meeting without permis- sion.
In consequence of the meeting being not well attended the subject for discussion was postponed until next meeting. Dr. Boggs read his essay, which received a vote of thanks. Charges were preferred against Madeira & Co., Apothecaries, for printing and circulating prescriptions, encouraging quackery, &c.
14
MEDICAL SOCIETY
A committee was appointed to counsel with them and advise them to desist from further irreg- ularities, under penalty of members of the society withdrawing their support; and this as well as other business which may have been before the society, be kept secret. The Secretary was authorized to pub- lish extracts from original communications calcu- lated to promote the dignity and interests of the profession.
An extraordinary meeting called, July 12th, to in- vestigate charges of Dr. Sloan against Dr. McDowell for violation of professional etiquette. Dr. McDowell, after statement, asked postponement. At a meeting the following evening Dr. Sloan made a lengthy written statement of his grievance, Dr. McDowell, Sr., contradicting all charges with vehemence; both parties lost temper and were frequently called to order. The case was indefinitely postponed for want of sufficient confirmatory evidence, &c. After sev- eral meetings to dispose of charges of Dr. Sloan against A. N. McDowell, after exhausting dilatory tactics, friends intervened, charges were withdrawn and an apology accepted.
15
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
At a meeting, February 6th, 1826, Drs. Bishop, of Maryland, Awl, of Strasburg, and Simpson, were ad- mitted. Subject announced was discussed by Drs. Heatherington, Culbertson, Dean, Little and Awl. Dr. Awl exhibited a splint of his invention for per- manent extension of oblique fractures. A delegate was elected to meet delegates of other societies in convention, the object being "The more effectually to put down quackery."
Semi-annual meeting, July 3d, 1826. Dr. Cul- bertson made remarks on the duties of the Chair- man and objects of the Society. Dr. Heatherington read an essay on cause of fevers, alleging "that pu- trefied vegetable and animal matter, under various modifications, will produce fevers ;" discussed by Drs. Dean and Little. Dr. Bishop was appointed to pre- pare a paper on " effect of atmospheric pressure on the circulation of the blood." Dr. McGovern, essay- ist, to select his own subject. Subject for discussion, " Are medicines or any active articles absorbed in their active and formal state; or is it necessary they should be, to manifest their effects upon the sys- tem."
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MEDICAL SOCIETY
Fourth meeting, January 9th, 1827. Dr. Bishop read essay on subject assigned. Dr. Dean on "skin, functions, disease, &c.," to be continued. Dr. Boggs on case of hydrophobia. Dr. Heatherington spoke on same subject. Discussion postponed. Constitu- tion and fee bill were revised.
Fifth meeting, July 2d. Dr. Rankin read essay on "Generation." Dr. Lane on "Hydrophobia." Dr. McGovern on "Nitric Acid." Subject for discussion at next meeting, "What is the best method of treating that form of disease denominated dyspepsia, which of late years has become so prevalent." The subject "Absorption of Medicines" was discussed, essayists appointed, &c.
Sixth meeting, January 7th, 1828. Dr. Boggs read essay on "Dyspepsia," giving rise to discussion.
Dr. Byrne read on "Morbus Coxarius, or hip joint disease," urging importance of investigation into "Morbid Anatomy." It was made imperative upon members who were appointed to take part in discussions and prepare essays. Four members were appointed to discuss "Hydrocephalus, its pathology and treatment," and two essayists for next meeting.
17
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Seventh meeting, July 7th, 182S. Treasurer in- structed to collect fines due. Meeting being small, discussion postponed. The next subject to be dis- cussed, " Hemorrhages, but more particularly the passive form of hæmoptysis." Fines for absence to be continued at $1.00.
Eighth meeting, January 5th, 1829. Subject, “ Hy- drocephalus " and "Passive hemorrhage " discussed. Dr. S. B. Crawford read paper on "Hemorrhage" and Dr. Little on "Cause of fevers." Dr. Crawford exempted from fines when absent. Twelve members present, seventeen absent.
Ninth meeting, July 6th, 1829. Subject, “Passive hemorrhage" was reviewed and discussed. The effi- cacy of "Scotch snuff" in tracheal affections was discussed. Dr. McClellan read an interesting case of suppression of urine in an old man, in whom he introduced very frequently the catheter, permitting it to remain in the bladder for weeks. He also re- ported other interesting cases, one of which the suc- cessful removal of the parotid gland twenty-four years ago. These cases ordered to be published in the " American Journal Medical Sciences." Subject 3
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MEDICAL SOCIETY
for discussion at next meeting, "Cause, pathology and treatment of typhus fever."
Tenth meeting, January 4th, 1830, held in Ma- sonic Hall. A communication received from Medi- cal Society at Pittsburg, urging assistance in en- deavor to have law passed "To regulate the practice of Physic, Surgery and Midwifery" in this State, &c. This was considered a desirable end, and petitions were prepared and sent to the Legislators. Dr. P. Fahnestock extolled the use of flour on burns and scalds, as suggested by a Dr. Marshall. Dr. McClel- lan, who had been President from organization, withdrew active membership and was elected an " honorary member." It was agreed to meet quar- terly instead of semi-annually. Dr. S. D. Culbertson was elected President. "Typhus fever " was again announced for debate at next meeting and essayists appointed.
Eleventh meeting, April 5th, 1830. After the usual business essayists were appointed and the dis- cussion postponed. The reply to Pittsburg letter re- specting act for suppression of quackery appears on this minute. This is an extract: "We have long
19
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
wished such an effort would be made, and will now cheerfully co-operate with you in your endeavor to effectuate so laudable an act, and in order the more effectually to meet your views have to request you to furnish, without delay, a copy of your petition, &c." This is the last meeting recorded and proba- bly the last held.
These extracts from the minutes of the parent or- ganization furnish an index of the condition of the medical practice in this county in the dim past, and portray, in some measure at least, the vexa- tions our predecessors had to contend with. That the profession has advanced, that the standard in essential things is higher to-day than in the early decades of the present century, is made apparent from these records.
The next society was formed in 1853. We find it holding its first meeting in the parlors of the old Franklin Hotel, in this place, where the Central church now stands, November 26th. This was an informal meeting to consider the propriety of form- ing a county society, and was presided over by Dr. Eliab Negley, of Mercersburg, with Dr. A. H. Sen-
20
MEDICAL SOCIETY
seney as Secretary. A resolution was passed calling a meeting of the physicians, January 7th, 1854, for the purpose of organization, &c. This meeting con- vened at the appointed time at the Franklin, now Repository Hall, Dr. E. Negley, Chairman, and Dr. S. G. Lane, Secretary. A committee reported a Con- stitution and By-Laws, which were adopted unani- mously, and adjourned to convene in regular ses- sion first Tuesday, April 4th. At this meeting of- ficers for the ensuing year were chosen: President, Dr. S. D. Culbertson ; Vice Presidents, Drs. John Hunter, John Lambert; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. E. Negley ; Recording Secretaries, Drs. E. D. Rankin and S. G. Lane; Treasurer, Dr. J. C. Rich- ards; Censors, Drs. Senseney, Hunter and Grubb ; Board of Examiners, Drs. Richards, Davidson and King; delegates to the State Medical Society, Drs. Richards, Senseney and Davidson. This Society, ear- nest and efficient, composed of men of marked ability in the medical profession, met twice a year, but ceased to exist in a few years.
The present organization was formed January 19th, 1869, the meeting for that purpose being held in
21
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
the room over Clippinger & Minnich's, then Gel- wick's store, on the northwest corner of Centre Square. A call for this meeting, having been pre- viously circulated, was signed by the following physi- cians: Drs. A. H. Strickler, E. Negley, R. S. Brownson, J. S. King, Mercersburg; Jas. M. Gelwix and W. A. Hunter, Upper Strasburg; Max Kennedy, Orrstown; S. S. Huber and C. T. Maclay, Greenvil- lage ; H. G. Chritzman, Welsh Run; J. N. Snively, Benj. Frantz, E. A. Herring, J. B. Amberson, John M. Ripple, Waynesboro; H. Buhnuan, Quincy ; H. X. Bonbrake, Mont Alto; F. A. Bushey, G. D. Carl, Charles Michaels, E. D. Rankin, J. K. Davidson, Greencastle; J. M. VanTries, St. Thomas; J. H. Flickinger, Dry Run; John S. Flickinger, Fannetts- burg; J. H. McClintock, Loudon; George Cleary, Upton; A. H. Senseney, J. Lambert, J. C. Richards, John Montgomery, E. G. McGovern, T. J. McLana- han, J. L. Suesserott, W. H. Boyle and Samuel G: Lane, of Chambersburg-thirty-six. It will be no- ticed in this call that there was but one survivor of the first organization, Dr. McGovern, and he has since passed away. I will state just here that the only
22
MEDICAL SOCIETY
survivor of the second Medical Society, organized in 1853, is Dr. Jas. K. Davidson, of Greencastle. At this meeting, January 19th, there were present, Drs. W. A. Hunter, James M. Gelwix, J. N. Snively, E. A. Herring, J. B. Amberson, J. Lambert, J. C. Rich- ards, A. H. Senseney, J. L. Suesserott, S. G. Lane, T. J. McLanahan, Thos. M. Kennedy, John Montgom- ery and W. H. Boyle-fourteen.
A temporary organization was effected by appoint- ing Dr. John Lambert Chairman and S. G. Lane Secretary. On motion, a committee, consisting of Drs. A. H. Senseney and John Montgomery, was appointed to draft a Constitution and By-Laws. A committee was appointed to report officers for permanent organization. At the afternoon ses- sion the committee reported a Constitution and By-Laws, which were unanimously adopted. The committee on organization reported the following officers, who were unanimously elected : President, A. H. Senseney, Vice Presidents, J. K. Davidson, A. H. Strickler; Treasurer, J. C. Richards ; Re- cording Secretary, W. H. Boyle; Corresponding Secretary, S. G. Lane; Censors, J. L. Suesserott, B.
23
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Frantz and W. A. Hunter; delegates elected to the State Medical Society, A. H. Senseney, J. C. Rich- ards and J. M. Gelwix. After some further business the Society adjourned to meet July 6th. The So- ciety continued to meet semi-annually until Janu- ary, 1872; since then quarterly meetings have been held.
This Society is now in the twenty-third year of its existence, and on looking over the minutes it is surprising to note the important work it has accom- plished. The number of interesting cases reported and the numerous creditable papers submitted for the mutual benefit of the members, as well as the able and entertaining discussions upon subjects frought with interest to the profession and to the community, are certainly surprising.
In this Society the presiding officer cannot suc- ceed himself. Rotation is the rule. During the past twenty-two years the Presidents have been in the following order: A. H. Senseney, J. K. David- son, J. C. Richards, W. A. Hunter, J. A. Snively, S. G. Lane, W. H. Boyle, J. Montgomery, J. L. Suesse- rott, T. J. McLanahan, A. H. Strickler, H. G. Chritz-
24
MEDICAL SOCIETY
man, W. P. Noble, R. W. Ramsey, D. F. Unger, J. M. Gelwix, D. Maclay, E. Hartzell, Amberson, Frantz, Fritz, Palmer, Bishop. The Recording Sec- retaries, not so fortunate, were retained for lengthy periods : First, Dr. W. H. Boyle, 6 years, until 1875, elected President; S. G. Lane, 2 years, 1875 and 1876; J. Montgomery, 7 years, until 1884; Dr. Palmer, 4 years, to 1SS7; since then Dr. G. S. Hull has been Secretary.
We have reason to congratulate ourselves upon the continued harmony which has marked this So- ciety. Our Constitution teaches us that :-
"The objects of this Society shall be the advance- ment of medical knowledge; the elevation of pro- fessional character; the protection of the professional interests of its members; the extension of the bounds of medical science, and the promotion of all mneas- ures adapted to the relief of suffering, the im- provement of the health, and the protection of the lives of the community."
In these objects thus set forth there is not one of a selfish character; every feature has an important bearing upon the welfare of the general public in
25
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
some manner, rather than upon the profession itself.
How long Medical Societies have been in exist- ence we have no means of determining. We are told that probably the original dates back to the Asclepiada, the children of Esculapius they were styled. The priests who had charge of the temples of ÆEsculapius, the God of Medicine, were the only authorized physicians of antiquity. Formerly the priesthood of Æsculapius was hereditary, but subse- quently pupils were initiated into the mysteries of medicine. The Medical Societies of the capital cities of Europe are all institutions of longevity and influence, and have won wide celebrity on account of their invaluable contributions to medical science. In this country similar societies are of comparatively modern origin; but some few State organizations and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, date back into the past century. These societies accomplish good results independent of the diffusion of knowl- edge, by a cordial interchange of opinions; and the members of the profession who stand aloof from them do injustice to themselves, as well as to their med- 4
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MEDICAL SOCIETY
ical brethren. It should be the imperative duty of every practitioner to contribute his individual expe- rience to the general store of medical knowledge. There was a time when the healing art was guarded with a jealous care and transmitted from father to son, with a solemn oath not to divulge its mys- teries, but we have come under the bright light of a new dispensation, with a wider range of scientific thought and action.
By fraternal association the intellect is enlarged and mutual confidence and esteem are secured. Prof. Gross (Transac, 1871,) aptly said: "We are here not to quarrel or to indulge in angry discus- sions, but to work and to deliberate how we can best promote the interests of the profession, which in point of usefulness is inferior to none under heaven; a profession which has received the sanc- tion of God himself; a profession which can only be degraded when it is unworthily exercised by those who profess it." Such profession should be a unit ; every worthy member of the craft should be an active member of a Medical Society.
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