a place for the next meeting, said that they named the city of Washington. Dr. Ray moved an amendment, that Providence, R. I., be substituted for Wash. meeting be held two years from that date. from those presented in mania; the person, on admission, when told where he is, for a moment comprehends what is said to him, but in a very short time-a few minutes even-he relapses into his delusions, and ifington. He farther moved that the next food is offered him, questions as to whether it be not human flesh, &c. . . . There Dr. Stribling would suggest that the was certainly much similarity between this future meetings of the Association should disease and delirium tremens, and if it had be so arranged as to meet at the same time appeared in persons whose character would and place as the American Medical Assohave laid them open to a suspicion of their {ciation. He thought it would lead to good being addicted to intemperate habits, would, results, by enabling them to diffuse inforundoubtedly, in many cases, have been re-mation, on the specialty to which they apferred to that cause, and have been called plied themselves, among their professional delirium tremens. But, and without a sin- brethren otherwise engaged. gle exception, the contrary has been the case, it having occurred only in persons whose moral character was unimpeachable. Females have furnished a fair proportion of cases. One case occurred in a person who had been insane and under treatment for a number of years (a female, suffering with monomania); the disease passed through its various forms and exacerbations, and terminated in death. Dr. Kirkbride thought Dr. Stribling's suggestion utterly impracticable. For the short period during which the Association met, the business brought before them gave ample employment to its members; and he considered it most important that they should keep themselves entirely distinct from all other bodies whatever. Dr. Bell thought that the locality of new asylums offered a very desirable point of meeting, as it would induce a harmony of Dr. Ray said that he had found etherization very beneficial in enabling the adminis-action, by causing new institutions to send tration of food and medicine. Dr. Bell thought that etherization might be valuable as an adjuvant to opiates in inducing sleep. Dr. Bell then described a case where chloroform had induced insanity in a lady to whom it had been applied by a dentist. This lady, having remained a year under his charge, had very suddenly committed suicide, although she had never before betrayed any traits of suicidal mania. Dr. Kirkbride has had two cases under his care, whose insanity, their friends have not the slightest doubt, was induced by e herization and chloroform. Dr. Stribling moved that a Committee of Finance be appointed; which being agreed to, Drs. Kirkbride, Stribling, and Buttolph were appointed. their superintendents to attend the meetings. in the community to reap the benefit of It would also create a more general desire what experience the Association may have. tion exerted no influence whatever upon the Dr. Ray's opinion was that the Associacommunity other than through its publications. fluence of the Association would be much Dr. Kirkbride was of opinion that the inimpaired were its meetings to be held less frequently than at present. The amendments proposed by Dr. Ray having been separately put to the meeting by the Chairman, were severally rejected, and the nomination of the Committee very generally supported. Dr. Kirkbride, from the Committee appointed last year to draw up a series of proA letter was read from Dr. Chandler, of positions embodying the views of this Asthe Worcester Hospital, excusing his un-sociation relative to the organization of avoidable absence from the meeting; and Hospitals for the Insane, then read a draft from Dr. Earle, asking for such reports of of the results of their labour. Asylums for the Insane as had not reached him; also, from Dr. Mead, of the private asylum, near Cincinnati, calling the attention of the Association to his Psychological Journal, of which copies were laid on the table by the Secretary, Dr. Buttolph. Dr. Tyler, from the Committee to select The first two propositions were then discussed at some length. Dr. Steuart, President of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Hospital, by invitation, explained the organization of that asylum, and gave a very interesting, and in some degree detailed, historical ac count of the institution from its foundation {tion was taken up in detail, and some verup to the present time. The farther discussion of the proposi tions was then adjourned, on motion of Dr. Kirkbride, in order that a paper prepared by Dr. Stokes be then read. Dr. Stokes then read a paper "On the Advantages and Expediency of establishing, in each State or other District, a Board or Commission of Experts, for the purpose of{ investigating and testifying in trials, criminal and civil, where the question of mental soundness is involved." bal alterations and additions made The Evening Session. The members having assembled in their Session Room, On motion of Dr. Kirkbride, Dr. Bell was appointed chairman of a committee on reDr. Bell read a paper, which, being on solutions, to express the sense of the Assothe same topic as Dr. Stokes's, ciation with reference to the courtesy and generous hospitality extended to its members during their stay in Baltimore, and also with regard to the visits paid by them to On motion of Dr. Stribling, were both laid on the table, the discussion of the two to be taken up together. Adjourned at 2 P. M., to meet at the various public institutions. Drs. Stribling Maryland Hospital at 4 P. M. and Kirkbride were afterwards added to the committee. The Treasurer, Dr. Kirkbride, reported from the Finance Committee, that no expenses had been incurred, and consequently that the balance remaining in his hands was the same as last year. The papers read by Drs. Bell and Stokes in reference to the criminal insane, and to the subject of medical testimony generally in criminal and civil questions where the question of mental soundness is involved, were discussed. preserve Life." A brief discussion on the subject was held. On motion of Dr. Patterson, it was Carriages being then in waiting to convey the members to the Maryland Hospital, they proceeded there at once. The Institution is located in the suburbs of the city, on a gentle elevation. Under the guidance of Dr. Steuart, President of the Board of Directors, and Dr. Fonerden, the resident physician, they examined the establishment thoroughly, and expressed themselves as much gratified with the neatness and good order observable, and the general appearance of comfort among the patients. The very limited extent of land belonging to the Dr. Kirkbride read a paper " On the ForInstitution is a great drawback, as not giv-cible Administration of Food in order to ing a field for the exercise of that manual labour which is now considered so necessary an adjunct to medical treatment in the cure of insanity, and in maintaining the Resolved, That this Association regards physical health of patients. This deficiency, with continued admiration and unabated inhowever, Dr. Fonerden seems to remedy, terest the benevolent and unwearied efforts as far as in his power, by the systematized of Miss D. L. Dix to secure ample provision walks of patients in the airing courts of for the proper care and treatment of the inthe Hospital. But this defect will be far-sane of our country, and that she is entitled ther and entirely obviated at the new asy-to our warmest sympathies and our co-operalum which is now in course of erection, tion in her efforts to promote the great cause and which has 130 acres of land attached to of philanthropy. it. During their visit to the hospital, the Resolved, That the Secretary be instructmembers partook of a very bountiful anded to furnish Miss Dix with a copy of these elegant repast prepared for them. They resolutions. also held a session in one of its spacious rooms. An unusually lengthened and animated discussion was had of the "Propositions" read in the morning by Dr. Kirkbride, in the course of which many The members of the Association left Balinteresting facts were elicited, which, were timore in the 9 A. M. train, and on their we to dwell upon, would extend our report arrival in Washington found carriages prebeyond our utmost limits. Each proposi-pared to convey them to the site of the Then adjourned to meet in the City of Washington at 11 A. M. on Friday. Fourth Day. at the City of Washington, on the second Tuesday of May, 1854, at 10 o'clock A. M. After their adjournment, the members partook of an elegant dinner, provided by Dr. Nichols, at Willard's Hotel, presided over by the Mayor of Washington, and at On the Organization of Hospitals for the Insane. new United States Hospital for the Insane of the Army and Navy, and of the District of Columbia, and for the erection of which an appropriation of $100,000 was made by the last Congress. The farm selected is about two miles from the Capitol, and is admirably calculated for the purpose intend-tended by several of the prominent physied, having privacy, beautiful scenery, and cians of the District. unusual facilities for the various arrangements desirable about such an institution. Dr. C. H. Nichols, who has been appointed Superintendent, is directing the building operations, and is admirably qualified, by habits, education, and previous pursuits, for his important post. If the Government car. ries out this object with the good judgmentally to protect it from all influences conthus far shown, the institution will be one of which the whole country may feel proud. After visiting the capitol, the Smithsonian Institute, and other points of interest in the city, the members of the Association, by special appointment, paid their respects to President Pierce, by whom they were most courteously received at the Executive mansion. The President expressed his gratification at meeting such a body of scientific men, and his deep interest in the cause in which they are engaged. He had himself been a Trustee of the New Hampshire State Hospital up to the time of his removal to Washington, and fully appreciates the importance of a wise and liberal provision for all this class of the afflicted. I. The general controlling power should be vested in a Board of Trustees or Managers, if of a State institution, selected in such manner, as will be likely most effectu nected with political measures or political changes; if of a private corporation, by those properly authorized to vote. II. The Board of Trustees should not exceed twelve in number, and be composed of individuals possessing the public confidence, distinguished for liberality, intelligence, and active benevolence; above all political influence, and able and willing faithfully to attend to the duties of their station. Their tenure of office should be so arranged, that where changes are deemed desirable, the terms of not more than one-third of the whole number should expire in any one year. III. The Board of Trustees should appoint the Physician, and on his nomination, and not otherwise, the Assistant Physician, Steward, and Matron. They should, as a Board, or by Committee, visit and examine After leaving the President's, the Asso-every part of the institution, at frequent ciation met at Willard's Hotel, to complete stated intervals, not less than semi-monthly, the business for which they had assembled. and at such other times as they may deem The propositions relative to the organiza-expedient, and exercise so careful a supertion of Hospitals for the Insane, agreed to vision over the expenditures and general yesterday, were directed to be entered on operations of the Hospital, as to give to the minutes and published as the unanimous the community a proper degree of confidence sentiments of the Association on the subjects in the correctness of its management. referred to; and it was recommended to the IV. The Physician should be the Superdifferent superintendents to publish them,intendent and Chief Executive Officer of the with those previously adopted, as an ap- establishment. Besides being a well edupendix to their Annual Reports, for the cated physician, he should possess the purpose of giving them more general pub-mental, physical, and social qualities, to fit licity. him for the post. He should serve during As customary, resolutions of thanks to good behaviour, reside on, or very near the the Trustees and Directors of the various premises, and his compensation should be institutions visited by the Association, also so liberal as to enable him to devote his to Dr. Steuart, Dr. Nichols, and Mr. Jack-whole time and energies to the welfare of son, proprietor of the Eutaw House, in Bal. timore were then moved and unanimously agreed to. the hospital. He should nominate to the Board suitable persons to act as Assistant Physician, Steward, and Matron; he should The Association then adjourned to meet have the entire control of the medical, moral, and dietetic treatment of the patients, the different institutions may require a consider. unrestricted power of appointment and disable number of persons to be employed in charge of all persons engaged in their care, various other positions, but in every hosand should exercise a general supervision {pital, at least all those that have been reand direction of every department of the Institution. ferred to are deemed not only desirable, but absolutely necessary, to give all the advanV. The Assistant Physician, or Assistant tages that may be hoped for from a liberal Physicians, where more than one are re-and enlightened treatment of the insane. quired, should be graduates of medicine, of{ such character and qualifications as to be able to represent and to perform the ordinary duties of the Physician during his absence. VI. The Steward, under the direction of the Superintending Physician, and by his order, should make all purchases for the institution, keep the accounts, make engagements with, pay and discharge those employed about the establishment; have a supervision of the farm, garden, and grounds, and perform such other duties as may be assigned him. VII. The Matron, under the direction of the Superintendent, should have a general supervision of the domestic arrangements of the House, and under the same direction, do what she can to promote the comfort and restoration of the patients. XIV. All persons employed in the care of the insane should be active, vigilant, cheerful, and in good health. They should be of a kind and benevolent disposition, be educated, and in all respects trustworthy, and their compensation should be sufficiently liberal to secure the services of individuals of this description. MEDICAL NEWS. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. American Medical Association. Circular of Committee of Publication to the Members of the Association.-In conformity with a resolution of the American Medical Association, it becomes my duty to inform you of the decision of the Committee of Publication in regard to the price at which the forthcoming volume of Transac VIII. In institutions containing more than 200 patients, a second Assistant Physician and an Apothecary should be employed, to the latter of whom, other duties, in the male{tions will be furnished to the members of wards, may be conveniently assigned. IX. If a Chaplain is deemed desirable as a permanent officer, he should be selected by the Superintendent, and like all others engaged in the care of the patients, should be entirely under his direction. the Association and to others. The price of single copies has been fixed by the Association at five dollars. Any individual desiring two copies, will be furnished with them upon his remitting to the Treasurer nine dollars. Societies, associations, and institutions requiring six copies for the use of their X. In every Hospital for the Insane, there should be one Supervisor for each sex, exercising a general oversight of all the attend-members, will be supplied with them on ants and patients, and forming a medium of communication between them and the officers. XI. In no institution should the number of persons in immediate attendance on the patients be in a lower ratio than one attendant for every ten patients; and a much larger proportion of attendants will commonly be desirable. remitting to the Treasurer twenty-five dollars, or they will be supplied with twentyfive copies on remitting seventy-five dollars. Those who wish volumes 5 and 6, may obtain them by remitting eight dollars. In consequence of the numerous illus{trations, many of them highly-finished coloured lithographs, with which the forthcoming volume will be accompanied, its XII. The fullest authority should be given cost will considerably exceed that of either to the Superintendent to take every precau of those previously issued by the Association that can guard against fire or accident tion. To defray the cost of its publication, within an institution, and to secure this an at least fifteen hundred dollars, in addition efficient night-watch should always be pro-to the amount already received by the vided. Treasurer, will be required. XIII. The situation and circumstances of{ Your attention is called to the following resolution adopted at the last session of the sun's rays, on a tolerably clear day in sumAssociation. “Resolved, That the delegates from the several States be requested to appoint committees, who shall aid the Committee of Publication in procuring subscribers for and in distributing the annual Transactions of the Association." D. FRANCIS CONDIE, Treas. And Chair. Com. Pub. A. M. A. New Hampshire State Medical Society.— At the annual meeting of this Society, held on the 31st day of May last, the following resolutions, presented by Dr. PARKER, of Concord, were unanimously adopted : mer, it is about 30 deg. warmer than in the shade, it should not surprise us that, to a considerable number so exposed, the extreme heat of the month proved suddenly fatal, by producing congestion of the brain or apoplexy. The average temperature of this month, for Philadelphia, is 71.41 deg. Three times in sixty years, viz., in 1822, 1825, and 1838, the average has risen to 75; twice, viz., in 1793 and in 1853, to 76; and in 1828 and 1831, the average rose, according to Pierce, Ito the unequalled height of 77 degrees. Once, also, in the same lengthened, period, the average temperature of the month has fallen as low as 66 deg. ; in 1833, it fell to 65; and in the summer of 1816, noted for its extreme coldness, the average tempera- ture of the sixth month in Philadelphia is recorded at 64 degrees. Giving an extreme range for the month from 64 to 77, or 13 degrees in sixty years. Resolved, That it is the decided opinion of the New Hampshire State Medical So. ciety, that no delegate should be admitted to membership in the National Medical Association, who represents a medical society which numbers among its members any person or persons adopting as their By collating the monthly fall of rain, as system of practice any form of empiric-recorded at the Pennsylvania Hospital, from ism. Resolved, That the Secretary of this So. ciety be instructed to transmit a copy of the preceding resolution to the Secretary of each of the State Medical Societies, and to 1825 to the present time, it appears that the average fall for the sixth month is 3.85 onehundredths inches; that the least fall there recorded for the same month, up to the pre. dredths of an inch in 1832. The fall of sent year, was one and fifty-five one-hun the Secretary of the National Medical As sociation previous to the next meeting.rain this year, for the month under review, New Hampshire Journ. Med. July, 1853. Weather in Philadelphia in June, 1853.Though the mean temperature of June has, according to Pierce's record, twice within the last sixty-four years, been greater than the month just passed, yet it is believed that at no time within that period has there been such a continued succession of very warm days. During four days, embracing the summer solstice, the mercury rose to 90 deg.; on one day, to 92; one day, to 95; on three days, to 96; and the mid-day heat of one day, the 22d, was, in the shade, 97 deg., Fahrenheit's scale. Our whole summer but seldom furnishes more than ten days in which the mercury rises to 90 deg.; and yet, the first summer month, this year, has furnished that quota. The continued heat of the latter part of the month was rendered more oppressive by the almost total absence of refreshing showers, scarcely less needful, in our climate, to the health of men than of plants. When it is remembered, also, that in the was one and five one-hundredths of an inch only; or one-half inch less than for any June in the last twenty-nine years. This 1.20 inch of rain fell in seven showers, six of which were attended with thunder and lightning. But though the fall of rain has been so slight, and the heat so great, the growing crops have suffered less in this vicinity than might have been anticipated, §rain having been abundant during the spring months. The range of the thermometer for the month was from 56, on the morning of the 1st, to 97, on the afternoon of the 22d, or 31 degrees. Of the 30 days in the month, winds were Northerly Southerly 8 66 The first three weeks in the month were more than usually healthy, the weekly mortality being 135 to 153; while the intense heat of the fourth week suddenly swelled |