THE SENN BANQUET

Testimonial Banquet and Presentation of Medallion and Loving Cup\p=m-\A Splendid Tribute of

Praise and Esteem from the Medical Profession

A testimonial banquet was given to Dr. Nicholas Senn, there are hundreds present who remember how a similar ban¬ Chicago, at the Auditorium Hotel, Saturday evening, Nov. 11, quet served to sustain the declining years of a man whom the 1905. profession all honored, and there are those who every day There was an attendance of 686, and from forty to fifty make acknowledgement of the fact that at that selfsame mo¬ physicians, approximately, were turned away because proper ment this section of the country was made a better land to accommodations could not be provided for them—a matter of live in and a better land in which to practice medicine. Dr. great regret to the committee of arrangements. There were Evans referred to the banquets given to Christian Fenger and representatives present from N. S. Davis, after which he twenty states. Dr. William introduced Dr. Joseph D. A. Evans, Chicago, acted as Bryant, New York City, who toastmaster. Messages of con¬ presented Dr. Senn with the gratulations were read from gold medallion. several prominent physicians Presentation of the Medallion. in different parts of the Dr. Bryant said that he United States, who regretted knew of nothing that gives their inability to attend this him greater comfort than to notable event. be able to fulfill the humble Dr. Joseph D. Bryant, New position that he was requested York City, presented a gold to do, the opportunity of span¬ medallion to Dr. Senn, minia¬ ning, by a few sincere, honest ture replicas of which were words of affection and praise, distributed among those in at¬ the brief interval between the tendance. On one side of the bestowal of a token of distin¬ medallion was a likeness of guished regard and its accept¬ Dr. Senn; on the other the in¬ ance by Dr. Senn, whom the scription: "To Nicholas Senn, profession so much delight to the Master Surgeon, from his honor. It is fitting that one Fellows, November 11, 1905." whose professional career be¬ Dr. L. G. Nolte, Milwaukee, gan about the time of that of Wis., presented Dr. Senn with Dr. Senn should be chosen for a silver loving cup, given by this gracious purpose; one his former private pupils. whose effort to emulate hie Between the speeches were achievements added much to interspersed musical selections the total of his own; one by the Swiss Quartette and whose respect for him, begot¬ singing by the banqueters, Dr. ten of years of friendly inter¬ Norval H. Pierce leading. Drs. course, has deposited in his Fernand Henrotin, Daniel R. heart a regard for him that Brower, Jacob Lang, and Wil¬ knoweth no abatement. liam E. Quine related very Along the pathway of medi¬ amusing and interesting anec¬ cal endeavor for nearly a dotes about Dr. Senn. Ad¬ quarter of a century noted and dresses were made by Drs. enduring examples illustrative Witherspoon and McMurtry. of the wise forethought and The occasion was a memor- generous co-operation are seen of his able one. Good fellowship prevailed, and Dr. Senn, the center in the cause of advanced standing. Instances surgical that sur¬ of attraction, received a tremendous ovation. technic foretell notable results now proclaimed great gical triumphs. The organization of military medicine, of no re¬ of a Series. This Banquet One cent date, has yielded an abundant harvest because of his early Toastmaster Evans, after calling the meeting to order, said conceptions and continued earnest culture. The books made by to the in a certain sense, this testimonial to Professor Senn is him, those given by him, will testify, respectively, that, recol¬ not the result of Chicago effort, but represents the spontaneous bright sunshine of active life and the somber shadow of sentiment of the of the Mississippi Valley. View¬ lection. Human afflictions, which before his time yielded only profession of ing the matter from that standpoint, he said there was no rea¬ to indomitable fate, now yield to the outcome the inspira¬ tion of his and the handiwork of his technic. son why a word of welcome should not be said to any man teaching Long- now in the within the sound of his voice. But, on the other hand, there deferred and defeated hopes are revealed happy contributed the graces of are many men who have journeyed to Chicago from afar in opportunities by saving reparative he the lion's share. order to add their testimony, their presence, and their words wisdom and skill of which has given is a to the testimonial that is those who live in the city Dr. Senn classed a distinguished man, distinguished given by because of his at¬ of In behalf of the central committee of arrange¬ surgeon—distinguished not only surgical Chicago. but because of the standard of his ethical in¬ ments, he extended a welcome to the visiting physicians from tainments, high of a nature. I the from the eastern seaboard, from the stincts and ennobling attributes generous May Mississippi Valley, of states, and from the states of the Pacific. While Professor not, at this time, as a humble servant joyous friends, present gulf in their this beautiful of the love and Senn is the beneficiary of this meeting, we are no less gainers to him, behalf, symbol some cherish for the likeness of a sterling by it. This is a series of banquets started years ago, and respect which they him;

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a New York University User on 05/25/2015 man, embossed on pure gold, and bearing the legend of true Brainard and Gunn and Edmund Andrews, of Chicago. But distinction? (Here Dr. Bryant presented Dr. Senn with a twenty years ago we were behind in surgical pathology. Here gold medallion, the audience arose, waved handkerchiefs and and there men of European education had come to this country cheered lustily.) and established spheres of influence for scientific work. The He expressed the hope that this token, emblematic of that work of Fenger, of Chicago; Lange, of New York, and others, which is noblest in human character, may serve to admonish while to a certain extent local in character, was of incalculable doubting souls to strive for the highest and best of aims. benefit to the people of the entire country. The mass of the (Applause.) profession of this country twenty years ago were behind the Loving Cup Presented. Germans in pathology. Germany in scientific surgery had us The mass of the in this did The next introduced was Dr. L. G. Milwaukee passed by. profession country speaker Nolte, not know the until Senn's Wis., who a silver loving cup in behalf of Dr. Senn's position they occupied "Principles presented of was This book was former students, and in so said: "As a token of Surgery" published. (Applause.) private doing It had its effect in and love and Dr. Senn, I with this cup popular. diffusing knowledge surgery affection, present you in this This book did the to Dr. Senn), the emblem of love, and wish country became instantaneous. more to (handing cup teach the profession how little knew and how much that you a great many more years of usefulness, and trust that you they was being accomplished than any one that had may spend the afternoon of your life in good health." (Ap¬ thing happened. Following this were notable contributions to surgical pathology plause. ) Roswell John Collins of and At this at the suggestion of a South Dakota physi¬ by Park, by Warren, Boston, juncture, others. At about this time there also the book cian, who was unable to be present, the toastmaster requested appeared great of Gerster. It the how to the new the audience to rise and drink a toast to the late Christian taught profession apply which and others had forth. the teacher of Nicholas Senn, which was accordingly knowledge Senn, Fenger brought Fenger, There at this a series of letters done. appeared time, too, from abroad, in The Journal of the Medical Dr. Senn's Reply. published American Association, and written by Senn, describing in clear-cut, forci¬ toastmaster then introduced Dr. who was enthusi¬ The Senn, ble the conditions as existed in German the of language they actually astically received. He rose amid waving handkerchiefs clinics. These letters told the profession what they did, what and and when was restored among hearty cheers, quiet said, they thought, and how they did it. Dr. Senn had written up other "I from your hands, Dr. this things: accept Bryant, the work of these men in such an absorbing and fascinating beautiful medallion, and assure that I would rather ac¬ you style that every man felt as though he himself had visited it from hands than from the hands of one I cept your any these clinics, and had seen these men work. These letters were know of. 1 this tribute. I value it much more appreciate a stimulus for every medical student, who desired to do sur- than I would a decoration a hand." highly by royal (Ap¬ geiy, to go to Germany or be drawn there as by a magnet. "That the of one man. This an plause.) means judgment is man who did felt he could not do to his the of Every surgery justice expression of love, respect and good wishes of noblest patients if he had not been abroad, and consequently he slaved are two in all professions." (Applause.) "There things this and saved for the purpose. Multitudes of American students that have an one world, Dr. Bryant, always intrinsic value; went to so that there were more medical students in cherished Germany, is labor, the other is gold. This medallion will be Germany than in all the other foreign countries combined. as a of this and highly valued souvenir memorable gathering. American surgery was soon Germanized in the United States It is to me an evidence that arduous as my labors, they may under the leadership of Dr. Senn. In ten years America was have been, have not been entirely in vain. I thank you, Dr. Germanized in surgical pathology. American students, who for and for address. I Bryant, your presence your eloquent had attended German clinics, brought back what was best in also to thank Dr. Nolte as the of old stu¬ wish spokesman my each one and all of this was grafted on American surgery. In and wish to tell him that I have been in the dents, may past America, more than in any other place, there is now have seemed to taught a somewhat severe master; I may my students what may be called a living pathology. The scientific German times of But let me to unjust at (cries never, never). say you accepts little that does not emanate from the deadhouse or never a student do what I not do I have asked to would my¬ does not come from the laboratory. self." (Applause.) Another characteristic in this country which has been car¬ Senn then a the text of he was Dr. read poem, which, said, ried out more thoroughly than in any other plaee abroad is from the most famous of the ancient taken one of philoso¬ this : We see borderline cases in which the surgeon and The title of was "For Life is Short, phers—Seneca. the poem physician must work in harmony. Joint investigations are and Art is Long." necessary. Therefore, the laboratory, postmortem examina¬ said: me heartiest In conclusion, Dr. Senn "Let return my tions, the physician, the surgeon, must enter into the committee of making thanks, first, to the members of the arrange¬ of scientific surgery. and to Dr. I thank all the ments, particularly Evans. gentle¬ At a time when American surgery was relatively held in who have from afar to me from the men come bring tributes contempt, Senn, by a series of brilliant articles on for their sweet and practical profession. I thank the Swiss choir songs, subjects, such as pancreatic disease, branchial cysts, etc., made each one of for for friend¬ I thank you your presence, your the surgeons of the world respect America. It is fitting, there¬ ship, for your respect, and for your good wishes." (Loud and fore, that the profession should acknowledge their indebtedness prolonged applause.) to this man, whose work has been an inspiration to ambitious Mayo on "American Surgery." Americans, and to know that by hard work a reputation can be built in the West that is and for this and The next speaker was Dr. William J. Mayo, Rochester, up durable, many the owes Minn., who spoke to the toast, "American Surgery." Dr. Mayo things more profession a lasting debt to Senn. (Ap¬ said that there is a in this country that is so typical plause. ) surgery Tribute from the ond characteristic that it can be said to be "American surgery." Army. Col. Philip F. U. S. the next said There was a time in which it did not exist. Twenty years ago Harvey, ., speaker, that Dr. Senn has not made substantial the surgery of the United States of America was the surgery only surgical contributions to the medical service of the extended

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a New York University User on 05/25/2015 in any century, the most potent influences in this great ad¬ was royally and hospitably entertained by distinguished sur¬ vancement have been the medical societies and medical press. geons and physicians in the various cities they visited. Dr. They have played an important part in the stimulation of Senn proved himself to be a very agreeable and delightful trav¬ original research, in the development of individuality, and eling companion, and their trip proved to be one triumphal in the diffusion of knowledge. The local medical societies have march. grown both in size and number; they have become great post¬ Dr. Senn in American Medical Literature. schools from which no ever graduate pupil graduates. Dr. Charles A. L. Reed, Cincinnati, said that Dr. Senn had are medical societies which have varied functions. There contributed largely and liberally to the value and quality of There are national associations for the of development special the mass of literature. In the last the American American great surgical twenty years work, as Surgical Association, Gyne¬ his contributions to American medical literature amount to etc. These societies are various cological Society, performing more than 250 238 of which relate to sub¬ functions in the advancement of medical science in entries, surgical important jects. In the list of titles are 12 printed volumes, some large, this country. are limited in membership, and consist They some small, but all of them important, of them almost of authors, teachers and men who are many being exclusively used as text-books, others as standard works of reference in to be in rank as authorities in the various known the advanced the majority of medical schools in the western of medicine and hemisphere. departments surgery. Of these contributions a number have been translated into The American Medical Association has a function almost foreign languages. The range of subjects embraces practically its own, almost the medical organi¬ exclusively unique, among every department of surgery. For the most these con¬ zations in this country, namely, to reach the great body of the part, tributions are absolute protocols of originar investigation. to federate into one great organized body, through profession, They cover, among other subjects, the surgery of the district and state societies, the of the pro¬ pancreas, county, organization stomach, the intestines, gall bladder, etc. Dr. Reed com¬ which will be in accord with the of the age, as fession spirit mended Dr. Senn's in broad a life actuated in of human endeavor, and to diffuse example citizenship, seen every department an altruistic of a the by spirit personal self-sacrifice, by spirit of knowledge among the members of the profession by publica¬ patriotism. (Applause.) tion of a great weekly medical journal, and to bring the pro¬ fession into close touch, so that great work can be accom¬ Dr. Senn as a Thorough Diagnostician. plished. It has been the special purpose of this association to Dr. William E. Quine, Chicago, spoke of his association reach after the country doctors, the village practitioner, physi¬ with Dr. Senn as an interne at the Cook County Hospital. He cians in small towns, and bring them in close touch with one has seen Dr. Senn as an interne engaged in controversy with another. This association has, within the past few years, the members of the attending staff of that institution—men grown to be one of great power, and yet its work has scarcely who represented the strongest elements of the profession—in United States begun. There are 130,000 physicians in the who relation to problems of diagnosis, and he has seen him floor need to be brought into the district and county societies and every one of them, though boy he was. The intensity of his within the influence of this great national organization. In earnestness, the thoroughness of detail in his methods, im¬ them the of this work there have been leaders, among founder pressed Dr. Quine and inspired him in his work. It was some¬ the association—Dr. Nathan Smith Davis. Furthermore, thing of a liberal education to be under the inspiration and felt through Dr. Senn's achievements, his influence has been guidance of such a man. He investigated thoroughly every in the association for years. His contributions to the Section case from the very foundation to the most minute and most on Surgery and Anatomy have been valuable. The association intricate of its ramifications. Dr. Quine said that he was sure in is destined is the largest body of medical men the world, and that Dr. Senn will close his professional career as he began it to accomplish work along lines that will be more and more ap¬ and as he has lived it through every day of his life—with sin¬ the than other medical preciated by the mass of profession any cerity, with intelligence, with dignity of effort, and with an society in existence. (Applause.) eye single to the best interests, the greatest happiness of his The Medical Man Versus the Surgeon. fellow-men, and the greatest advancement of his brethren in the medical profession. (Applause.) Dr. John A. Witiierspoon, Nashville, Tenu., after capti¬ The of "Auld the the the stories told in his droll singing Lang Syne" brought proceedings vating audience by he way, to a close. said that if medical men had made diagnoses early enough sur¬ geons would have saved thousands of patients they have lost. Since there is so much abdominal surgery being done, there is CANADA. ample excuse for internists to make diagnoses as early as pos¬ Less Typhoid in Montreal.—During the whole of 1904 there sible, because surgeons have so frightened the appendix that were 574 cases of typhoid fever in Montreal. The disease has it curls up behind the cecum and internists can not find it. not been near so prevalent during 1905. In the first ten ( Laughter. ) months of the year there were 294 cases, whereas in the same After brief reference to the late Spanish-American war, Dr. time in 1904 there were 493. Witherspoon said that, should war threaten this country again, Clergyman Arrested for Practicing Medicine.—The Rev. W. the boys of the fathers who wore the gray, and the boys of the J. Arnold, a well-known Anglican clergyman of Margaret's been fathers who wore the blue, will march side by side, and they Bay, Nova Scotia, has prosecuted by the medical board of Nova for medicine without a will want no man as their more than Nicholas Scotia practicing license. The surgeon eagerly the minister He is not a but he prosecution was not successful, as did not collect Senn. (Applause.) only great surgeon, fees. has shown his patriotism. He is a good citizen. He is ever any More for candidates on and all occasions, to bare his face to the bayonet Applicants License.—Twenty-five pre¬ ready, any sented themselves before the board of the of foe that threaten this and country. examining College any may grand glorious of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia at the annual the owes him honor. Therefore, profession doubly (Applause.) examinations held a few weeks ago. Eighteen were success¬ ful. The number of for license was in Dr. Senn as a Military Surgeon. applicants greatly ex¬ cess of any former Dr. Charles Adams, Chicago, the Association year. representing Additions.—A waited of said that this organization has now Hospital deputation on the Ontario gov¬ Military Surgeons, ernment last aid to additional hundreds of members with one and this beats for week, asking provide accommo¬ many heart, dation for the Gravenhurst and Toronto Free its Nicholas Senn. He recounted Dr. Senn's con¬ Consumption founder, Dr. The former has room for 25 the latter to and active he has taken Hospitals. patients, tributions military surgery the part for 100.-The new Alexandra Montreal, for conta¬ of that Hospital, in the deliberations body. gious diseases among Protestants, will be ready for patients in Western is a Dr. Senn as a Traveler. January.-The Hospital, Toronto, erecting new addition at a cost of $10,000.-A sanitarium for con¬ of Dr. Senn as a Dr. Daniel R. Brower, Chicago, spoke in Quebec is to be erected. A com¬ around sumptives province shortly traveling companion and of the trip he took with him pany has been organized and has received 500 acres of land the world via Siberia. He referred to Dr. Senn's interna¬ from the Quebec government.-Niagara Falls, Ont., is to tional reputation as a surgeon and to the manner in which he have a hospital at a cost of $17,000.

Downloaded From: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/ by a New York University User on 05/25/2015