On the left side the os uteri is smaller, the opening not exceeding a quarter inch, the length being laterally. The lips are in a pouting shape, the anterior, especially, having quite a fold above it. The sound enters freely nearly an inch in a direction upward, outward and slightly backward; lining membrane apparently folded. Very little secretion. By introducing two fingers of the left hand, palm upward, the index into the right vagina and the second finger into the left, the two uterine mouths can be examined simultaneously, and this gives a very vivid impression of the condition. As to the shape of the whole uterus very little can be determined by bimanual examination, the vaginal walls being so tense and abdominal thick. By the rectum the uterus can be felt flat and wide, but no bi-lobing is apparent.
The young lady could not be persuaded to permit an examination during menstruation to determine whether the flow took place on both sides.
MEDICAL SOCIETIES—THEIR BENEFITS TO US AND OUR DUTIES TO THEM.
BY DR. WILLIAM FORSTER, RETIRING PRESIDENT VENANGO COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Though at best societies in their present form are not very old, medical associations, differing somewhat in their organization and aim, are as old as the science of medicine itself. Even in the fabulous ages it had its heroes, and some rose to the height of deification. In earlier ages those who practiced medicine were looked upon as inspired. They, in addition to belonging to a profession, constituted a class or caste. In some Asiatic nations, and among some of our Indian tribes, it is very much the same at present.
One must belong to the caste, or be able to trace his descent from it, as a necessary qualification to practice medicine.
This is the earliest form of a medical society, and though it may not possess many progressive elements, it has elements of strength.
What few investigations it did make, it kept. Its peculiar organization and position fitted it for being a good conservator; and when the star of empire took its western course, the tide of medical knowledge stored up and held sacred and secret in Asia, Egypt and Greece, flowed out and was diffused over five continents.
Hippocrates, about twenty-five hundred years ago, took the light from under a bushel. About three hundred years later the great Alexandrian school or society—for it was a society as well as a school—trimmed the light and set it higher, but it was so obscured and encompassed with exclusiveness and secrecy as to be a long time in reaching the masses.
The first societies in Germany, France and Great Britain were in connection with their institutions of learning, as they were at an earlier period in Egypt and Greece. In Rome we have reason to believe that they were more independent, as the physicians used a society seal as a label for their medicine. Truly independent society organization and work is comparatively of our own day. Even in the early part of the present century, British authority was the London, Edinburgh and Dublin colleges.