1150 GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL: ELECTION OF DIRECT REPRESENTATIVES. [

lower school for 100 junior boys, a laundry, the enlarge-ment of the chapel, an addition of 15 acres of land,which will prevent undesirable buildings from being erectedin close proximity to the College, and an enlarged laboratoryand lecture theatre. It is hardly necessary to refer to thevalue of a separate school for junior boys, since none knowbetter than medical men how desirable it is from manypoints of view that young boys should be trained away fromtheir seniors. The foundation-stone of the lower school waslaid in 1895 by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, accompanied bytheir Koyal Highnesses the Princess of Wales and thePrincess Victoria of Wales. The school is complete initself and has a separate matron and its own masters.On Saturday last the Council and other friends of the

College met at Epsom to hand over formally to theschool the enlarged laboratory and lecture theatre whichhave been partly built from a legacy of E500 left

by the late Mr. P. H. Maddock, a master of the College,who died in 1898. It would be difficult to find any better

proof of the value of the work done at Epsom than the factthat a master who was familiar with every detail connectedwith the school should leave to it all his books and picturesand, in addition, bequeath so handsome a sum to the govern-ing body to be used for the benefit* of the College ; and theCouncil could hardly have chosen a more useful way of

perpetuating the memory of a master whose heart was alwaysin his work. In arranging the laboratory provision has beenmade for giving the teacher complete supervision and for

preventing students from having occasion to leave theirwork. Teak benches for 26 boys have been fitted, butthere is room for additional accommodation. The

arrangement is very compact. There are five doublebenches for four students, working two aside, andeach student has two drawers, two cupboards with kneespace between, and two gas-supplies, the taps of which arein front, though the gas points are at the ba’ck of the bench.On each side of the bench there is a sink and there is one

water-tap with two side leads for every two students. At theend of each bench there is a fume cupboard with sliding,counterpoised doors accessible from both sides of the bench.The shelves for reagents are lined with glass plates. At oneend of the room there is a similar bench for six students,with a fume cupboard at each end, and at the other end ofthe room there is a teak bench for general work, a slatebench with hood over for furnace work, and distillations.and a general sink with a draining-board. The waste fromall sinks is conveyed by means of open channels under thefloor to the gulley outside. Over each bench there is a

double gas bracket, which thus gives one burner to eachstudent. Sulphuretted hydrogen is made in two generatorsand is laid on to each fume cupboard. ’

As to the educational successes of the College we havefrequently referred to them. In three recent years 10

scholarships or exhibitions ranging in value from f.30 to ,E80and one sizarship of E30 were gained at the Universitiesof Oxford and Cambridge for classics, mathematics, science,and history. The results of examinations held by theUniversity of London and by the Oxford and CambridgeSchools Examination Board have been exceedingly satis-

factory. At the London Matriculation Examination 48 boyshave passed during the past three years, including one inhonours, and 18 boys have passed the whole of the Pre-liminary Scientific Examination and 11 others part of it. Atthe Joint Universities’ Examinations 29 higher certificatesand 108 lower certificates have been obtained during thesame period. For those boys who contemplate medicineas a profession it would be difficult to find a schoolwhich offers so many advantages as are offered by EpsomCollege. There are no fewer than nine medical scholar-

ships of from 120 guineas to E150 in value at the

hospital schools in London, and of 15 other scholarshipsor exhibitions offered five are of E15 in value, two are of .621,two are of .627, one is of £30, another is of £40, two are of£50, and two are of .660. As the College is recognised as aschool of science by the Committee of the English ConjointBoard boys are prepaied fcr Parts 1. and III. of the firstexamination. The school fees are very moderate when com-pared with those charged by schools of the same class.The ordinary fee is E70 a year, but all sons ofmedical men are allowed a rebate of E10 and a fewsons of medical men in reduced circumstances are ad-mitted at E31 10s. a year. The Council offer annuallyentrance scholarships of £ 30 a year, open to all comers, andare anxious that the College should not be considered as

exclusively for the sons of medical men, since they areconvinced that I class" schools are undesirable. Fifty ofthe boys are Foundation scholars and they are boarded,clothed, and educated free of charge, the whole cost beingborne by the charitable side of the institution.

THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL:ELECTION OF DIRECT REPRE-

SENTATIVES, 1901.

Mit. GEORGE BROWN’S ADDRESS TO THE REGISTEREDPRACTIONERS OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

FELLOW PRACTITIONERS,—As the term for which youelected Dr. Glover and myself in 1896 to represent you in theGeneral Medical Council will expire on Jan. lst next, youwill shortly be called upon to fill the seats which will thusbecome vacant. I beg to inform you that it is my intentionto offer myself for re-election and I venture to hope that myefforts to serve your interests during the four and a half yearsI have had the honour to represent you will insure me cerenewal of your confidence.

It will be in the recollection of many of you that at thelast election I pledged myself, if successful, to do my utmostto carry out a definite line of action in regard to five ques-tions of great importance as affecting the well-being of theprofession. Respecting these, it may be convenient if I as

briefly as possible report progress.1. Amentment of the Medical -lots with a. view to the sup-

presszon of unqualified practice.-As yet it has been im-

possible to persuade the Council to take action in favourthereof, but as some of the most powerful opponents ofmedical reform have during the last year or two ceased tobe members of the Council and their seats are now occupiedby others whose views are more in harmony with those heldby the bulk of the profession, I am not without hope thatmedical reform will be regarded with more favour in thefuture, although some outside pressure may be necessarybefore the Council takes any practical steps to promote a Billto amend the Medical Acts in the direction indicated.

2. To prevent sick clubs and dispensaries whose agentscanmss for patients from obtaining the services ot registered practitioncrs.-It is a great satisfaction to me to know that Ihave assisted in passing a resolution expressing the dis-

approval of the Council with those practitioners who asso-ciate themselves with clubs whose agents systematicallycanvass for patients. This resolution is a step in the rightdirection, but as the expression of a pious opinion it will, Ifear, be of little use. The degrading practice can only besuppressed by dealing with it-in the same manner as oitenceswhich are regarded as infamous in a professional respect. 1shall always insist, as I have in the past, that the absence ofa wage-limit is likely to lead to the abuse of clubs anddispensaries, as well as to friction and contentions amongneighbouring practitioners.

3. To oppose the Bill for the registration of midn;ives.-Through the action initiated by me at the May session, 1897,notwithstanding that the Council had previously -in verydecided larguage, to use the late Sir Richard Quain’s ownwords, declined to interfere with the proposed legislationrespecting the practice of midwives, the Council appointeda special committee to consider the proposed measure. As aresult the Lord President of the Privy Council was informedthat the Council would earnestly deprecate its passinginto law." Happily, in consequence of the opposition thusraised, the mischievous Bill did not receive the sanction ofParliament, and I have no fear that it ever will become lawif the profession as a whole continues to exercise thevigilance and activity in opposing the measure it hashitherto done. Much will depend upon the votes recordedin this election, and you may rely upon me that myopposition to legalising midwives as independent prac-titior.ers will be as keen as ever, and I should like bothmidwives and all unqualified practitioners made legallyresponsible for any damage they may cause to mother orchild or any other person. I am, however, in favour oflegislation to insure the better education and registration ofobstetric and other nurses to act under the direct supervisionof medical practitioners.

4. The raising of the standard of medical education.-In

1151GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL: ELECTION OF DIRECT REPRESENTATIVES.

accordance with my pledges I have worked in harmony withthose members of the Council who are in favour of raisingthe standard of education, and it is satisfactory to report thatduring the last year or two regulations have been adoptedlengthening the course of professional study and raising thestandard of preliminary examinations. It is to be regrettedthat the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal Collegeof Surgeons of England appear disposed to dispute the

authority of the Council in regard to this matter. AlthoughI am a Member of the College of Surgeons I feel that in allquestions relating to medical education the fiat of theMedical Council should be absolute, and as long as I con-tinue to be a member of that body my action will be guidedby a sincere wish to support its authority. Unless theCouncil’s authority be maintained medical education willsoon become chaotic.

5. Increased direct representation.-On two occasions Ihave proposed motions calling upon the Council to make

application to the Privy Council to obtain additional directrepresentation for England and Wales, as provided for inthe Medical Act of 1886, but I regret to say that on eachoccasion the proposition was rejected by a large majority.If I continue to represent you on the Council I shall againpress this question upon the members, but I fear nothing willbe accomplished in that direction unless a direct appeal toParliament be made. I shall do my utmost, both inside andoutside the Council, to assist those who consider that theirrepresentatives on it should be elected by the graduates ofthe universities and the members of the corporations, andnot solely by the senates and councils respectively. It is asatisfaction to me to report that during my term of office Ihave taken an active part in bringing about the promulgationof new regulations respecting the employment of unqualifiedassistants which have done more to protect the publicagainst unqualified practice and to elevate the professionthan any other measure adopted by the Council since theprofession has had the privilege of sending Direct Repre-sentatives to the Council.There are other points I would have desired to mention in

this address, but must deal with them at the public meetings.I would therefore conclude by thanking you for the generousconsideration shown towards me during my term of office,and by giving you the assurance that should you honour meby re-electing me as one of your representatives I shall, as inthe past, do all in my power to serve your interests and to

uphold the honour and dignity as well as the interests of ourprofession.

I remain, fellow practitioners, your obedient servant,6, Gibson-square, London,’N., October, 1901. GEORGE BROWN.

MR. GEORGE JACKSON’S ADDRESS TO THE REGISTEREDPRACTITIONERS OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,—Having been invited by theIncorporated Medical Practitioners’ Association, in conjunc-tion with Mr. George Brown, to become a candidate as aDirect Representative on the General Medical Council, Ihave acceded to their request, and am encouraged to do soby the fact that I obtained 4082 votes at the last election,although very late in the field.On the last occasion, omitting a bye-election caused by

the resignation of Dr. Rentoul, the contest turned principallyon the question of the registration of midwives, the votes infavour of it being only 8443, as against 26,040. I am now,as then, opposed to the registration of midwives, the creationof an inferior order of practitioners. The only way to settlethis vexed question is by the registration of all nurses, whowill be obliged to act under the direct control of dulyqualified medical practitioners.The objects which should engage the attention of the

General Medical Council in the immediate future should bein my opinion :

1. The reform of the Medical Acts, so as to provide fordirect representation of the medical profession in every caseexcept the Crown nominees.

2. Raising the standard of the entrance examinations andlimiting the age of entrance so as not to be under 17 years.

3. The one-portal system of entrance to be secured byforming a Board of Examiners, composed of delegates fromthe present examining bodies.

4. Such an alteration of the Acts which will give theCouncil power to suppress quacks, &c., who practise medicineand surgery under various forms of colourable pretences.

5. A more definite pronouncement against medical men

acting as medical advisers to clubs and insurance societieswhose agents tout for members.

‘

For the information of those to whom I am unknown

personally I may state that I have taken an active part inmedical politics for more than 20 years. In conjunction withMr. Reginald Harrison I set on foot some 20 years ago amovement which had for its object the voting by votingpapers for the election of members of the Council of theRoyal College of Surgeons, which was successful. About 15to 16 years ago I endeavoured to establish locally a medicalsick assurance society, and thus helped to prepare the wayfor the society which at present exists, and does such goodwork. In 1895 I was President of the IncorporatedMedical Practitioners’ Association, and had previouslyfounded the Devon and Cornwall local branch of the-same, which has done good work in checking irregularpractice and the like. Last year I was a delegate of thePlymouth Medical Society to the medical organisationmeeting at Manchester, and was appointed a member of thecommittee, which has had a great deal to do with the reformof the British Medical Association.

I have assisted in the work of establishing the ThreeTowns (Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse) Provident

Dispensary in conjunction with the local branch of the

Incorporated Medical Practitioners’ Association, which workson the principle of a wage-limit, the management being,entirely in the hands of the members of the staff.Asking the favour of your vote and interest,

I remain, your obedient servant,GEORGE JACKSON,

F.R.C.S. Eng., ex-President and Vice-President of the IncorporatedMedical Practitioners’ Association and of the Devon and CornwallBranch of the same, and ex-President of the Plymouth MedicalSociety.

10, Portland-villas, Plymouth, October, 1901.

DR. GLOVER.

Dr. Glover has, we regret to learn, lately suffered from abad eye ; he is now, however, much better. We are asked

by him to say that he regrets much that, acting under strictmedical advice, he is obliged to abstain from attending allpublic meetings for the present.

’ He feels confident that his constituents will realise withwhat reluctance he has to decline invitations from variousplaces where it would be a great pleasure to him to meetthem for the discussion of current questions. He venturesto hope that the inconvenience to them will be lessened bythe fact that his views have been fully stated and reportedon several recent occasions.

MR. VICTOR HORSLEY.When Mr. Horsley was elected a Direct Representative of

the profession on the General Medical Council at a by-election he said that when the next quinquennial electioncame round he would resign and offer himself for re-electionat the same time as the other candidates, thereby saving theprofession the expense of multiple elections. He is now

legally advised that he cannot take this course, as the

wording of the Act places any man who resigns his seat onthe General Medical Council in the position of a dead man.A successor must be elected ; he cannot himself bere-elected.

VITAL STATISTICS.

HEALTH OF ENGLISH TOWNS.

IN 33 of the largest English towns 6451 births and 3684deaths were registered during the week ending Oct. 19th.The annual rate of mortality in these towns, which hadbeen 15’6 and 15’9 per 1000 in the two preceding weeks,further rose last week to 16’8 per 1000. In London thedeath-rate was 16’0 per 1000, while it averaged 17-3 inthe 32 large provincial towns. The lowest death-ratesin these towns were 10-3 in Derby, 11’1 in Bristol, 11’2 inCroydon, and 11’5 in Huddersfield ; the highest rates were21-9 in Salford, 22-0 in Blackburn, 26-9 in Newcastle, and28’8 in Gateshead. The 3684 deaths in these towns lastweek included 467 which were referred to the principalzymotic diseases, against 525 and 485 in the two

preceding weeks ; of these 467 deaths, 168 resulted fromdiarrhoeal diseases, 81 from measles, 71 from diphtheria,59 from "fever" (principally enteric), 47 from scarlet