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Wigan, have had to deal with odd cases, as also Man- AT a meeting of the governors of the Middlesex Hospital on chester, the infected person being removed to the Clayton May 28th Mr. Leopold Hudson, F.R.C.S. Eng., antral surgeon Hospital. In Dublin matters have certainly improved of late, to the hospital, and assistant surgeon to the Hospital for and in the two weeks ended May 18th there were but 15 Sick Children, Great Ormond.street, was elected assistant and 12 admissions respectively to hospital, the 61 patients surgeon to the Middlesex Hospital, in succession to under treatment a month previously having decreased to 44, Mr. Andrew Clark, who has been recently appointed surgeon. though there have to be added to the latter number 35 con- valescents in hospital at Kilmainham. Only one death took place in the two weeks, of a person aged over twenty years and vaccinated. These data serve to show that the epidemic is on the wane in the city. - THE annual meeting of this Association was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Thursday, May 23rd. Among those were Dr. G. J. Mr. THE of and present Eady (President), George Jackson, Congress Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Paediatrics, F.R.C,S. (President-elect), Dr. J. W. J. Oswald, Dr.F.H. which was to have been held at Bordeaux on Aug. 12th, is Alderson and Mr. George Brown (Vice-Presidents), Mr. to take four on 8th. place days earlier-namely, Aug. R. J. W. Oswald and Mr. Frank Greaves (hon. Medical men desirous of in the are secs.), taking part congress Dr. Bedford Fenwick (hon. treasurer), Mr. J. B. Cook desired to their intention of so doing as soon signify Dr. J. Pollock Simpson, Dr. Mark Sharman, Mr. A. G. Beale, as to the Dr. Lefour, Rue Duffour possible secretary, Mr. H. Rainsford, Mr. J. L. Dr. Rivers Bordeaux. Callaghan, Willson, Dubergier, 11, Dr. J. W. O’Bryen, Mr. A. Primrose Wells, Dr. Fletcher Beach, Dr. R. M. Beaton, Dr. R. Paramore, Dr. Andrew Murray, Mr. H. Banks, Mr. A. Kisch, and Mr. M. Cursham Corner. THIS association has in the course young acquired strength The annual report stated that the number of members had of the past year under the vigorous guidance of Dr. Eady, been nearly quadrupled during the past twelve months, and who has now retired in favour of a provincial president-Mr. whereas formerly the majority resided in the metropolis there George Jackson, F.R.C.S. Eng., of Plymouth. Its membership was now a very large proportion who practised in the provinces, has increased, especially in the provinces. One of the in Scotland and Ireland. The debt-collecting department had obtained a fair measure of success. The sale and transfer members the existence of the association as a justified of practices department had been thoroughly organised, and distinct on the that the British Medical society ground was now available for the assistance of members. The legal Association was giving too little attention to the interests assistance department secured from the solicitor to the Asso. of men in general practice. This view is scarcely tenable, ciation first-class legal advice and assistance at much reduced but it is worthy of note by the larger association. The charges. There had been no necessity for a formal arbitra- tion the but in various cases the Council which the association were those during past year ; questions chiefly occupied had advised differences which had arisen between of the medical aid associations and the Midwives upon Regis- members and other practitioners, or other persons outside the tration Bill. A necessity for some legislation with regard profession, and in all but one of these cases the advice had to midwives was admitted, but the feeling was in favour been adopted and further trouble prevented. In several of highly trained nurses rather than midwives proper. instances members had insured their lives or property through the of the Association, and had saved them. A deputation was appointed to wait on the General agency thereby selves a considerable sum, while the funds of the Association Medical Council on the of medical aid asso- subject had also benefited to a similar extent. The Council con- ciations and kindred devices for sweating medical men. sidered that the dangers to which the poor were at present The executive committee of the Council have considered exposed at the hands of ignorant and incompetent midwives this request, but have declined to recommend the were too great to be ignored, and it therefore recommended Council to receive the deputation, seeing that the Council the members to authorise the Council to carry out a scheme for the of the education and control of a new has considered and on the of such improvement already reported subject class of workers, in the shape of obstetric nurses who shall features of are associations. Among other the association not be certificated until they are properly trained and an insurance department and an arbitration board. What is efficient, and who will be required to work directly under the wanted in the profession is a strong esprit de corps which supervision of medical men. will lead to united action not only in large centres but in Among the resolutions discussed at the meeting and carried was one Dr. Bedford smaller ones. A cordial between such associa- unanimously proposed by cooperation Fenwick, and seconded by Dr. Alderson, approving of the tions and the medical authorities would help much to pre- scheme suggested by the Council for the better education serve the prestige of the profession. An account of the and control of obstetric nurses, and authorising the Council annual meeting and dinner of the association will be found to carry the same into effect. On the motion of Mr. George Brown, seconded by Mr. opposite. - George Jackson, the following resolution was passed nem. eon. "That this considers that the Bill at AT the Levee held at St. James’s Palace on last meeting Monday present before the House of Lords would, if passed into law, the following gentlemen were presented to H.R.H. the Prince be fraught with the greatest danger to the public, and of Wales on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen: Dr. AIIchin, especially of the poor women of the labouring classes, who by the Duke of Westminster, KG.; Dr. T. Lauder Brunton, would thus be misled into believing that women qualified by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart.; Dr. Radcliffe Crocker, by Sir under this Act were really skilled practitioners of midwifery. This considers that such would John Russell Bart. to the meeting legislation largely Reynolds, (Physician Household) ; tend to undo the effects secured the Medical John and Sir John Russell good by Acts, Sir Eric Erichsen, Bart., and would be harmful to the whole community by placing Reynolds, Bart,, by the Earl of Rosebery, K.G. (First the practice of midwifery upon a lower level of skill and Lord of the Treasury) ; and Mr. Christopher Heath, efficiency than that required from other branches of the President of the Royal College of Surgeons, by Lord medical art. " Ribblesdale. On the motion of Mr. A. G. Beale a resolution strongly ___ approving of the action of the Council with regard to medical aid and a to wait WE understand that there is a somewhat severe outbreak associations, appointing deputation upon the General Medical Council and present to that body of typhoid fever in Plumstead and Woolwich, attributable, it petitions signed by registered medical practitioners against is alleged, to milk contamination. the action of medical aid associations, was also carned. 1391

Dr. Eady, Mr. Brown, Mr. Beale, Dr. Oswald, Mr. Greaves, as capable of attending midwifery cases unless she was fully and Dr. Sharman were elected to form the deputation. qualified in medicine, surgery, and midwifery. If she had A resolution authorising the Council to promote such a not those three qualifications she must attend cases only scheme of home hospitals and out-patients’ dispensaries as under the direct superintendence of a medical officer. He may seem to be most suitable to the needs of general practi- (Sir Walter Foster) stated that he had given notice to the tioners and the public was unanimously adopted. General Medical Council that at their meeting in the ensuing Dr. Eady then delivered his valedictory address, in which week he would move the following resolution : "That this he referred to his successful year of office and the help he Council, while desiring to improve the education, training, had received from the Council and officers of the Association. and control of women who act as midwifery nurses, is unable He briefly passed in review the work of the year and called to give any support to the Midwives Registration Bill, inas- attention to the insurance department, which helped both the much as that Bill would give women a legal status to under- insured and the Association. He also referred to the success take the sole charge of cases of midwifery, for which no of the arbitration board. Referring to the friction between persons are qualified unless qualified in medicine, surgery, medical officers of health and practitioners, he thought a and midwifery." Speaking of the competition among little good sense and kindly forbearance would effectually medical men, he said all attempts to raise salaries of medical smooth over any difficulty that might otherwise arise. In officers were rendered futile. Cases were sent up to him conclusion, he paid a tribute to the memory of Dr. Henty, where he considered the fees inadequate, but if he told the who had gone to his rest full of years and honour, and who local bodies so they replied that they could have half a dozen had left behind a name that would always linger in the medical men at the same price. As long as this insane com- hearts of those who knew him. petition went on no Minister, however strong his desire might Dr. Eady then conducted Mr. Jackson to the presidential be to benefit them, could do any good. chair, and the meeting came to a close with the usual Dr. Glover congratulated the Incorporated Medical Practi- compliments to the chairman. tioners’ Association upon the satisfactory state of its affairs. THE DINNER. He wished to touch for a few moments on the question of the Midwives but he could not that there The members afterwards to the Bill, help feeling present adjourned Queen’s were other matters of besides this and he did Salon for where Dr. took the chair. He importance Bill, dinner, Eady again not wish them to lose of other which were was Sir Walter Foster and Dr. J. G. sight things eating supported by Glover, into the and character of the There were and friends and members of the dignity profession. many Association, besides members of the methods of those at the rallied round the profession pursuing practice present previous gathering, on a scale which would alter its whole President. huge very seriously retiring character. With to the Midwives Bill he recognised The loyal toast of "The Queen " been regard having duly with pleasure the amount of unanimity among them. He was honoured, sensible of the evils caused untrained Dr. the toast of the "The deeply by midwives, Eady proposed evening, and some must be found. He the Medical Practitioners’ Association." After remedy recognised respect Incorporated that had been to the General Medical and he to the of the paid Council, referring satisfactory position Association, he believed that that would not the to the of the Midwives Bill. He was body wantonly disregard passed question sorry interests of the It was that the to a few members of the had them- profession. suggested say profession separated women should have three like the selves from the and because the latter did not years’ training highly great majority, trained nurse. But such trained nurses were the think with them it was assumed that did not want highly they of the rich. The to them to the on this That was an error. luxury only way supply legislation important point. classes who now midwives would be to make mid- were alive to the evils of the and were employ They fully present day like and throw it on the rates. This anxious for to the state of wifery free, education, legislation remedy existing things. would be a serious and one of to the Midwives Bill because it course, very questionable They objected Registration to the If the of a humble would in no tend to those on the con- advantage profession. provision way mitigate evils, but, class of midwives in strict subordination to medical would increase them tenfold and foist on the acting trary, general men is a blow to the the of a class of a number of to an unedu- profession, provision public large practitioners belonging trained nurses would be "a blow." cated class who would to be and highly staggering know j just enough dangerous, Other toasts followed, and the was to a if with be constrained or meeting brought licensed would difficulty controlled. close. There were no penal clauses in the Bill, and no penalty was ______provided in cases of a complicated character. Still-born children would become more common and other offences THE ROYAL MILITARY TOURNAMENT. against the law would be rife. The Association had not con- fined itself to finding fault with the Bill, but had adopted an alternative scheme. The present Bill started with the , THE Royal Military Tournament no ov being held at the assumption that a midwife was a necessity. He maintained Agricultural Hall, Islington, promises to prove in every way that a midwife was not a necessity. What had been done for as successful as its predecessors and in many respects to sick must be done for obstetric This was nursing nursing. them. From a spectacular point of view it is a not to be done by three months’ training. A better class of surpass decided success, and we that when the women must be taken and given a longer and better sincerely hope on we as from a training. The scheme referred to did away with a midwife Tournament closes June 6th may say much and substituted for her the obstetric nurse. Two years’ financial point of view. To Colonel Onslow and to Colonel general training as a sick nurse and one year’s special Tully and his committee the highest praise is due, not only were training proposed. on account of the efforts have forth to the The Mr. of the they put please President-elect, George Jackson, spoke but also for the in which have endeavoured harm that the medical aid associations had done in Plymouth. public, way they Dr. Bedford Fenwick proposed "The Visitors," couplmg to minister to the health and comfort of the troops. with the toast the names of Sir Walter Foster and Dr. James The main object of the Royal Military Tournament is to Grey Glover. provide money for military charities; but apart from this Sir Walter Foster, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the the amount of good that must be done to the soldier Local Government Board, in responding, said he had made throughout the British army, both moral and physical, is a special effort to be present at this dinner in order that he almost incalculable. Only the men who have proved their might show the interest which he took in the work of the ability at local tournaments are allowed to compete at the Incorporated Medical Practitioners’ Association, and to Royal Military Tournament, and thus a spirit of emula- apologise for his absence on previous occasions. No man tion is fostered among the troops for the honour ; and had a greater interest than he had in the thorough training this increased interest in feats of strength, skill, and pre- of women to look after their sisters in the peril of cision must necessarily improve the moral tone, for intem- labour, and he was sure that all would desire to place perance of living and high physical skill are incompatible. them in a better position ; but he looked upon the present No colonial troops have entered for competition this year, Bill as a severe blow not only to the public, but to the but almost all branches of the services are represented, ard profession. The Midwives Registration Bill, he thought, a small contingent of the Egyptian army, or fellaheen was a contravention of the Medical Acts of 1886. He soldiery, under the command of Sergeant-Major De Vere, a had laid it down in a Minute, which he hoped the past instructor in the gymnasium at Aldershot, who go Local Government Board would be guided by, that no through some gymnastic exercises, show what excellent woman was to be recognised by the Local Government Board soldiers they make when properly trained.