A defence of the medical profession of the United States : being a valedictory address to the graduating class at the medical commencement of the University of New York, delivered March 11, 1846 / by Martyn Paine.

  • Martyn Paine
Date:
1846
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A defence of the medical profession of the United States : being a valedictory address to the graduating class at the medical commencement of the University of New York, delivered March 11, 1846 / by Martyn Paine. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    And this leads me. gentlemen, to consider the objects of the approaching National Convention of Physicians in this city, and how far the interests of medicine are likely to be promoted by this contemplated event. The present occasion seems pecu- liarly appropriate for casting a broad glance over the existing state of medicine in this country, of considering its defects, and how they may be removed, and how, in other respects, our noble science may receive, at the hands of a National Convention, that impulse which must be ardently desired by every enlightened and honorable mind. But it is due to my colleagues to say, that in all which I shall set forth, I am alone responsible,—am alone aware of the subject which I am about to discuss. The project of this National Convention of Physicians origi- nated with a young man in the township of Binghampton. It may be also proper that I should premise that he was sub- sequently elevated to the dignity of Chairman of the Commit- tee of the New York State Medical Society, by whom his project had been espoused. To him has been delegated the work of expounding the contemplated objects of the Convention, and, unfortunately, to him the correspondence with the Medical Colleges. But, gentlemen, it is now time that I should lay before you the Circular of the State Medical Society, concerning a general meeting of the profession. That Circular sets forth,—that:— Whereas, It is believed that a National Medical Con- vention would be conducive to the elevation of the standard of Medical Education in the United States. And Whereas, There is no mode of accomplishing so desirable an object without concert of action on the part of the Medical Societies, Colleges, and Institutions of all the States. Therefore, Resolved, That the New York State Medical Soci- ety earnestly recommends a National Medical Convention of Delegates from Medical Societies and Colleges in the whole Union, to convene in the city of New York, on the first Tues- day in May in the year 1846. for the purpose of adopting some concerted action on the subject alluded to in the foregoing preamble. Resolved, That Doctors N. S. Davis, James McNaughton, and Peter Van Buren be a committee to carry into effect the above resolution. Peter Van Buren, M. D., Secretary of New- York State Medical Society. [Dated,] Albany, February 6th, 1845. When I first heard of this Circular, I had hoped much from amicable and dignified consultations amongst the Delegates that might be assembled from all parts of our Union ; but, finding, at