Epidemiological Society, for the Investigation of Epidemic Diseases.

  • Epidemiological Society of London
Date:
[1852]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Epidemiological Society, for the Investigation of Epidemic Diseases. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    referred to the recent discoveries in magnetism, to Reid s theory of storms, and other important results of combined observations, -which could not, by any possi- bility, have been discovered by one man, or by voyagers in one ship. In the study of epidemics, there is a vast field for inquiry,—their causes, the question of conta- gion, (a question which one individual despaired of ever seeing settled, and declined to join the Society on that account,) the incubation of diseases, the period of a buildino- remaining infected after the removal or recovery of a patient, and the method of treatment or cure. Indeed, through our ignorance of these subjects opprobrium has fallen on our art. But we may hereafter be enabled to obtain greater insight into all these things. The question of the treatment of yellow fever was once in the same predicament. The propriety of bleeding was much disputed. It is now known that bleeding is always fatal in this disease. If only some such negative fact were discovered of cholera, it would guide us at least to avoid doing mischief, and point indirectly to some positive discovery. One good must certainly result from the formation of this Society. The public will feel that medical men are alive to the subject, and sincerely anxious to apply their minds and their means for the public benefit. But they do expect the public to respond to I his. The medical members not only give their time and their talents, but their annual guinea to the Society. But this will not be by any means sufficient to carry out the neces- sary researches. Accordingly, any gentlemen interested in the objects are eligible as Subscribers, and their subscriptions need not be limited to that sum. Also dona- tions from the public to any amount will not be refused; and if necessary, it is hoped, grants from Government for some of the specific purposes contemplated by the Society will be forthcoming, as^they have been on other occasions. Dr. Addison joined cordially in the congratulations of his friends, that this Society commences its operations under such happy auspices as the sanction of the noble chairman. He was only giving utterance to a sentiment common to all present, when he said that the mere presence of Lord Ashley, on the occasion, proved at once that the object of the Society was the welfare and happiness of mankind. Nor was the Society less happy in the fostering care of a physician, who, if not the founder of the Society, will ever be identified with its origin. His friend Dr. Babington had not only devoted his especial attention to the subject, but he was as much esteemed as well known, as an honourable, upright, and exemplary member of the profession. The best and only reward the institution promises to its supporters is the sympathy of the benevolent, the applause of the good, and the unaffected gratitude of all parties. The investigation of epidemics has been limited in a great measure, hitherto, to the exertions of individuals ; but it is far beyond their scope. And if the Society opens the remotest prospect of so understanding their diseases as to prevent or mitigate their ravages, it is well worthy of being established. Dr. Golding Bird reiterated the opinion that all who have had any experience in these investigations must know that no individuals can possibly be equal to the task. Individuals are ])rejudiced, and are apt to describe facts as they appear to them, or rather, as they wish them to appear; and one advantage of the Society is, that facts are submitted to others, and are subjected to a strict ordeal before they are placed on record. Thus we shall have a large mass of observation which can be depended on. None of the occurrences connected with epidemics happen by acci- dent. They obey fixed laws. Astronomy presents apparent accidents, but further observation shows that they are only apparent. So the ordinary deviations from health must depend upon causes susceptible of investigation. The discoveries which we hope to make may not be so sublime or so magnificent as the discovery of a new planet, but they may tell more to the relief of suflering, and the moral and social benefit of mankind. John Propert, Esq. said that these discussions might be tedious and sickening to some minds, but when the good of mankind was the object, he was sure that Lord Ashley would be the last man to be weary or disgusted, lie cordially ap- proved of the constitution and government of the Society. ^ *