Epidemiological Society, for the Investigation of Epidemic Diseases.

  • Epidemiological Society of London.
Date:
[1852]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Epidemiological Society, for the Investigation of Epidemic Diseases. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE PRESIDENT, B. G. BABINGTON, M.D. F.R.S. ON OPENING THE FIRST SESSION OF THE SOCIETY, AT THE HOUSE OF THE ROYAL MEDICAL AND CHIRURGICAL SOCIETY, 53, BERNERS STREET, On Monday, December ‘Ind, 1850. Genti.emen, As the circumstances under which this Society originated may not be known to many here present, I deem it proper to commence what I have to offer you by making a brief allusion to this subject. So long ago as February, 1848, six- teen months before the last appearance of epidemic cholera in this country, our honorary secretary, Mr. Tucker, in a Letter bearing the signature “ Pater,” and published in The Lancet, first gave expression to the notion, that the members of our profession ought to combine for the purpose of accumulating experience with respect to the treatment of that disease. In July, 1849, this notion was further developed in a second communication, under the same name; but it was not until the following September that a new society, for the investigation of cholera and other epidemic diseases, was distinctly proposed, in a third Letter from “ Pater.” In a fourth Letter, published on the 1st of December last, I find it stated, that with respect to the formation of a new medical society, to take into consi- deration a systematic investigation of epidemic diseases, a few medical gentlemen had formed themselves into a committee, had occasionally held meetings on the subject, and, after due consideration, had come to the conclusion that such a society was greatly needed. In that letter, the author, who now, for the first time, wrote in his own name, remarked that there never had been a medical society in this country which had devoted itself solely to the inves- tigation of epidemic diseases, and that, had there been such an one before the late visitation, some more settled plan of treatment might long before have been resolved upon. “It is painful to have to confess,” says he, “that up to this day we know neither the real cause, the means of prevention, nor the cure, of this awful malady; but it is hoped by the combination of talent in all branches of the profession meeting together under one roof, formed into one body for one good—one national cause, that what it is possible for man fo ertect, shall not much longer remain a mystery ” “ Having,” he continues, “ac- complished as much as this country, aided by others, can effect with respect to Asiatic cholera, we shall still have to combat other enemies to the human race, which at this moment are thought but little of—scarlatina, typhus fever, small pox’ measles, &c.,—which are said to have destroyed 12,000 aniuially in London alone. It is thought that the formation and working of such a society would give the hi<rhest satisfaction to the public, who anxiously look to the profession for knowled'o-e in these matters, and that it would ere long, prove a better bond of union between the public and the medical profession than any society which has ever existed.” Mr. Tucker persevered in his exertions, undeterred by many difficulties, and at length succeeded in iiersuading others, bc.sides the immediate friends who formed his committee, to join in the good work which lie liad uiideiTaken. The result was, that a meeting took [ilace on the 6th of March