ENPages
(seq. 16)
At a meeting of the Suffolk Medical Association at Dedham May 7th 1787 Attended Messrs Jerauld, Barker, Thaxter, Shute, Shepard, Richardson, Willard, Draper & Holbrook. Dr Barker in the Chair. Voted Unanimously to accept the report of their Committee chose May [7th?] 1786 for the purpose of revising and amending their former Rules and regulations respecting said Association and the Committee consisting of Doctrs Tufts, Draper & Barker have reported as follows. [??] Health being one of the greatest Blessings bestowed on mankind, it is the duty and interest of everyone to endeavor its preservation when enjoyed, and restoration when lost; but as Time and Ability are not given to all Sufficiently to examine the Animal [OEconomy?] to Investigate the cause and cure of Disorders.
(seq. 17)
The nature and effects of Medicine; these Important duties are more peculiarly Incumbent on those_ who Professedly Practice the Healing Art.
As the charge is Important and the Field extensive, the readiest measures ought to be pursued to Facilitate an enquiry, and attain an Adequate knowledge in what so nearly affects the happiness_ of mankind.
Of the various methods of acquiring and Diffusing Medical knowledge, no one is_ more effected than a Friendly Association_ of its Professors, whose principal views are_ mutual Improvements in the knowledge of Business of the Profession, and the Cultivation of such liberal and Generous Sentiments as may tend to eradicate prejudices and Illiberal Practices, that have hitherto too much disgraced the profession and been of Essential_ Injury to mankind.
Fully Impressed with a Conviction of the advantages that may result from such an Association;– We whose names are hereunto Subscribed do form
(seq. 18)
Ourselves into a Society by the Name of Suffolk Medical Association, and agree to the following Regulations _ Viz) –
1.st. There shall be annually chosen by Ballot. at the stated meeting in May a President, _ Secretary, Three Counsellors, & if need be, _ a Treasurer.
2. The Election of the said Officers shall be determined by a Majority of written votes, when_ Ten members are present it shall require two Thirds of the Votes to make a Choice. _
3. The duty and Office of the President shall be, to Preside in all meetings of the Association & of the Council, to maintain order & due observance of the rules and orders of the Association in meetings assembled to State motions when seconded, & to direct the Secretary to call meetings, agreeable to the Rules of the Association, and he shall have an equivote with the members of the Council and Association.
(seq. 19)
4._ In the absence of the President, the Counsellor_ Senior in age shall Preside, and have_ Similar Powers with the President._
5._ The duty of the Counsellors shall be to_ Prepare the business of Future meetings, Consult and propose the best methods for_ advancing & bringing forward the designs of the Association, to examine all communications, –This shall not be Construed_ however to preclude any member from laying before the Association any matters, or proposing any regulations that he shall think_ condusive to its benefits.
During the recesses of the Society, the Council may direct the Secretary in such medical_ correspondence as they shall Judge necessary_ for the good of the Association.
6._ The Secretary shall summons all meetings of the Council and of the Association by direction of the President, and Shall if Possible, attend all_ Such meetings, take minutes of, ????? ????????
(seq. 20)
and record the doings of the same, and at all meetings shall read the Transactions of the Preceeding meeting, and such communications as may from time to time be made, and shall put and keep on File, all Papers belonging to the Association, and shall have an equivote with the other members in all the said meetings.
7._ And whenever a Treasurer shall be found Necessary & shall be chosen; it shall be his duty to receive all monies raised and all, Donations, & the same to apy out be Order of the President. agreeable to the appropriations of the Association.
8._ Whenever votes are taken the Majority of the votes of such as are present, shall be considered as decisive, unless where provision to the contrary is made by these Regulations.