The chief point, perhaps, of Dr. Reeves' address, and the one calling out most expressions of approval, was the arraignment of Congress for its failure to provide means for the support of the National Board of Health. He cited the liberality shown to care for domestic animals, the fisheries, the Indians, and, indeed, almost every conceivable object, but Congress was unwilling to grant even a sum sufficient for gathering and publishing the reports from local boards. He expressed a strong feeling against the attempt to have the work for which the National Board was created to perform, done by the Marine Hospital Service.
A large part of the time of the meetings was taken up in hearing reports from committees appointed at the meeting in St. Louis, 1884. Among these reports were some of great interest. Prof. Sargent, of Harvard, gave a report upon “School Hygiene in American Schools and Colleges,” and this was enlarged by a paper from Dr. Hartwell, of John Hopkins University, on “The German System of Physical Education.” At this meeting prizes were to be awarded, in accordance with the wish of Mr. Lomb, of Baush & Lomb, Rochester. The subjects were:
1. “Healthy homes and food for the working classes.”
2. “The sanitary conditions and necessities of school-houses and school life.”
3. On “Disinfection and individual prophylaxis against infectious diseases.”
4. On “Preventable causes of disease, injury, and death in American manufactories and workshops, and the best means and appliances for preventing and avoiding them.”
These prizes were in cash, and amounted to five hundred dollars each, the decision resting with a separate committee for each. Without taking more space, it may be said that these meetings are usually attended by about three hundred members, from all parts of the country. Canada sends representatives, and the meeting in 1886 is to be held in Toronto. Very diverse opinions are developed, and sharp discussions are the order. All shades of medical and lay topics and views are brought out, but all meet on the common ground of desire for improvement in health. The medical officers of the army and navy are always well represented by such men as Drs. Billings, Sternberg, Gihon, Turner and others, while Hon. Erastus Brooks of New York is a layman whose views have been and still are relied upon as representing a philanthropic sentiment which can be found in all communities.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY—ADJOURNED MEETING, OCTOBER 15TH.
REPORTED BY L. B. TUCKERMAN, COR. SEC.
Dr. Himes presided.