THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND LIFE ASSURANCE OFFICES.

535 and bring you in

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND LIFE ASSURANCE OFFICES.

great triumph

more

than

£15,000, although I think

to have reached that amount.

it is

Although in

a

our

title we have retained the word " Briton," we have in ourprinciple of business incorporated the leading feature of the THE BRITON MEDICAL AND GENERAL (AND NEW " New Equitable"-that is, its equity to all, and more especially to the medical profession, whose claims to the consideration of insurance companies have been so long unjustly overTHE annual meeting of this Company was held on the 30th looked. (Cheera.) We have dropped the word " new," because, ultimo, at the offices, 429, Strand. G. H. Barlow, M.D., occu- now, happily, this is not altogether a new feature in insurance pied the chair, and opened the proceedings of the meeting by companies, the claims of the medical profession being now calling on the Secretary (Mr. John Messent) to read the adver- acknowledged, owing to the invaluable exertions of the latetisement convening the meeting, the minutes of the last meet- Mr. Wakley, the founder of the New Equitable Company. ing (which were confirmed), and the directors’ report (which Although we can claim the idea, still the office which was,’ will be found in our advertising columns). amalgamated with the " New Equitable" acted upon these ptinThe CHAIRMAN then said,-I rise to propose that the annual ciples, and we have continued to do so, and we do not intend. report and balance-sheet be received and adopted. After so to forsake our colours now that we have become, I trust, true, eventful a year the directors feel a little anxiety in coming good old "Britons." (Cheers and laughter.) It is also debefore you, seeing that they have a heavy account to render. sirable we should act up to the " Briton principles," which I consider this has been the most eventful year in our history. are-just distribution of the profits to the shareholder and Although we have in some degree assumed a new name, we policy holder, and also that valuable and novel feature of making; the policy payable during the lifetime of the assured. I trust. are not a new association, bu two old offices, not only amalnew

gamated, but so thoronghly united that there is no difference we have not in any way departed from those principles. You, between us. The word "amalgamation"hardly expresses the may naturally wonder why this meeting has been held later in firmness of the union that has taken place between the the year than usual. I may state that it was caused by the"Briton" and the "New Equitable." But although this enormous amount of business we had to do, and its compliunion is so complete, it has not been done without some pains! cated nature in consequence of the amalgamation ; but I hopein adjusting and dovetailing it together. I am happy, however, the business which has been done will prove a satisfactoryto say the two systems of machinery have been so fitted to- excuse for its lateness. He concluded by moving the adoption ’ gether that they work as smoothly as if they had been one of the report and balance-sheet. office since their commencement. Still, I may repeat, this has Mr. WEBB (deputy chairman) in seconding the motion, re involved an enormous amount of labour, which could not have marked upon the great success of the institution, and the been done without Mr. Messent, whose devotion to the work valuable connexion it had formed amongst the medical profeshas been, to me, most surprising. (Loud cheers. ) Well, then, sion. He was quite sure their expenses would continue to, as a necessary consequence of all these changes, we meet under diminish, while their revenue would increase. a new roof. The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. I think the necessity for a change in our place of The Chairman here vacated the chair, which was taken by business is shown by the present meeting. Had we been in our old offices, of course we should have been obliged to adMr. Webb. Mr. WEBB then moved that the directors who retire by rotajourn to Exeter Hall, or some other public building, to receive! our members. I hope you are satisfied with what you have tion, Dr. G. H. Barlow (Chairman), Mr. George Chapman, and heard with regard to our business, a very large measure of’ Mr. Wilson Ancell, be re-elected. which has been received from members of the medical profesProfessor PARTRIDGE thought he had some title to second sion. The number of proposals for assurance, the number ofthis motion because of his long connexion with the New Equiassurances completed, and the total amount of income accruing table. He was very glad the Briton had adopted the new from the new business, is not that of a new office, but is really name, as he liked something short and sharp. (Laughter.) He the business of a first-class company. We have not greedily trusted if any other change was ever made it would be to c1l:11 seized upon every proposal that has been presented to us. A themselves the Great Britons, as they had obtained such comconsiderable number have been declined, and a large number modious premises and such a large business (Hear, hear.))Their offices were well situated in the centre of the town; with so surchargecl as to prevent their completion ; still, gentlemen, I know it is a a good name, a chairman of very high character, and a hardwe believe we have exercised a wise discretion. question of extreme interest to what extent you can surcharge working board of directors, success, he thought, was certain todiseased lives. We have had increased experience on that. attend them. (Hear, hear.) The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. point; wehave availed ourselves of all the statistics we could Mr. CHAPMAN, in returning thanks for the three, said that obtain, and have looked into the matter impartially, with a view to make it a source of prolit to the office. We do not the directors might call themselves the foster-nurses of thewish, by arousing people’s apprehensions as to their vitality, societies, and they were proud to see the position to which they to be unjust even for the good of the office. On the other had attained. The directors would continue to use every exhand, the experience of the medical advisers of all offi-ces that ertion to increase the health, strength, and prosperity of the: have laid themselves out to insure diseased lives is on the side! Association. (Cheers.) Mr. OLLIVER next moved a vote of thanks to, and the reof caution. I could speak of two or three large offices that ’ started with the idea that the profits would be exorbitant, but election of, the auditors: Mr. Henry Alcock and Mr. John time has gone on and their expectations have not been realized. Brown on the part of the shareholders; Mr. William Brookes Some may think that we have been too cautious, others ’may on the part of the policyholders; and Mr. C. R. Rowland on think we have not; nevertheless, I hope you will give us credit the part of the directors-that the sum of 150 guineas b& for having exercised a wise discretion. Another satisfactory awarded them for their past services. feature is, that the average amount of our policies in £225. I Mr. JONES seconded the motion, which was also carried think that is a very healthy average. I should like to see it a unanimously. little higher, but not to aver,y large extent, because I believe A dividend at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum, free of inwe are safer in spreading our business over a, large area. The come tax, on the subscribed capital of the company, payable on claims average litt,le more than our policies, amounting in ther Thursday next, was then declared. The CHAIRMAN announced that the bonus was being calctlgross to £26,373. That is a large amount, but I am happy to tell you it is considerably under the average provided by the lated, and they anticipated it would be very favourable for tables. Another element in our prosperity is the economy shareholders and policyholders. ’ with which our affairs are managed. We have every reason to In answer to Dr. STURT, believe that our expenses will be lower next year; many unThe SECRETARY explained that the rate of dividend was asusual expenses having been incurred by the large operations ofF certained according to the profits derived. It might be mote the Company during the past year. But after all these ex- or less. In the New Equitable a fixed rate of 5 per cent. was penses we have, I am happy to say; a balance in our favour of paid, ’irrespective of whether the profits were sufficient or not .640,469, nearly 50 per cent. This is a proof of the success ofF But now that had been altered, and the rate might go up much onr transactions. (Cheers.) Now you will say, "What is likely higher, to 8 or 10 per cent., or, in case of reverses, it could be ’ ’ to be done in 863 ?’’ Well, three-fourths of that is in the womb reduced. The bonus was in addition to the dividend. of futurity; but judging from the past. we may venture to sayr Mr. SKELSEY had great pleasure in moving " that the best that the business of the current year has far exceeded that off thanks of this meeting be tendered to the directors for =their any quarter during any preceding year (cheers) ; therefore we; services during the past year." (Cheers.) He thought they may hope our new business for this year will exceed the last,, I must all feel convinced that the business had been particularly ’

’

’

’

!

,

’

’

,

’

,

,

,

,

.

’

’

’

,

’

’

-

..

536 well managed during the year. (Hear, hear.) He was only a should he say when he told them that many of their negotiapolicyholder, but after what he had heard he should be glad to tions required great delicacy, not only to avoid giving offence, become a shareholder also. He hoped the Association would go but to conciliate ; and all this had been carried out in the most on prospering, and that this year they might not only do as perfect manner, without needless offence being given to anyone, and the confidence and favour of everyone won? (Cheers.) well, but better, than during the past. (Cheers.) Dr. PALFREY said it afforded him considerable pleasure to He felt quite at a loss to express his obligation to that gentle. second the resolution. As a large shareholder, he spoke with the greatest confidence, and was sure every policyholder must be perfectly delighted with what they had heard and seen. Their condition was most satisfactory in every respect. (Hear.) The resolution having been carried with acclamation, Capt. HAMILTON, in returning thanks on the part of the directors, said the directors appealed to the balance-sheet with the utmost confidence; and he assured the meeting that it would be their pride, duty, and pleasure to conduct the affairs of the Association with that zeal and ability which would continne to merit their warmest approbation and satisfaction.

(Cheers.)

Dr. RICHARDS proposed " That the thanks of the meeting due and are hereby given to the town and provincial medical officers and solicitors for their valuable services during the past year." Their medical staff must be considered A 1. They were most eminent and trustworthy men. Their solicitors were much entitled to their thanks, for they tried all they could to keep them out of law; and when a lawyer said, " Don’t go to law," he was an honest fellow. (Laughter.) In duty to the eminent firm of Messrs. Bell, Steward, and Lloyd, he should say they were as respectable and careful as any firm in London. are

(Hear.)

The Rev. Dr. MAJOR seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. LLOYD, in returning thanks, considered it an honour to represent a Company which was conducted so prudently,

and energetically. (Hear.) The CHAIRMAN proposed, in highly eulogistic terms, a vote of thanks to their actuary, Arthur Scratchley, Esq., M.A., which was seconded by Mr. ALCOCK, and carried nem. con. Mr. A. SCRATCHLEY was very much obliged to the meeting for recognizing his services on this occasion. He had rendered them conscientiously. He said "conscientiously," because any actuary who took upon himself to recommend so great an organic change as the union between two Companies which had proceeded separately for so many years, undertook a great responsibility. When an amalgamation was proposed between the New Equitable and the Briton he weighed very carefully the figures, conditions, and circumstances affecting each Society; and he saw that although amalgamations were not always necessarily attended with success, yet this seemed to be one that he could with all the authority of his professional experience recommend his clients, the Briton, and his friends, the New Equitable, to adopt. (Hear.) He said amalgamations were not always attended with success, because it was well known that some amalgamations had taken place in London which had ended in disaster to the Company which was the centre of them. And the reason had been this-that it was very easy to conceive an amalgamation ; it was not difficult to induce shareholders to agree to it; but when all the preliminaries had been accomplished it rested with the board, and still more with the secretary, to see that those points were not neglected which would bring the amalgamation to a successful issue. It was because he had that confidence in the wonderful energy, zeal, and ability of his friend, Mr. Messent, that he saw at once that the Briton was the best office to be the centre of the amalgamation. (Hear.) In going over the figures for calculating the liabilities and assets for the bonus, he found that three years ago they had an annual income of £22,000, and now it had reached £110,000. The balance of assets and liabilities in the year 1859 showed only .f27,OOO as the capital of the Association, -’he spoke of invested assets,-and now they were returned at £180,000. Although last year the office only assured 300 policies more than in 1859, the amount assured was .6150,000

honestly, uprightly,

more.

(Cheers.)

to propose that the thanks of the meeting be given to another officer of the Society, to whom he might say, without the slightest reflection upon anyone, they owed more than to any other single individual-and that was to their secretary, Mr. Messent. (Cheers.) If they considered merely the amount of labour undertaken and carried out by Mr. Messent, he should say they owed him much; but what should he say when he told them that that labour had been of the most difficult and intricate kind, requiring constant attention, constant exercise of judgment, and an unwearied vigilance,

The CHAIRMAN

begged

without which they might have got themselves into difficulties in many of the operations they had carried out ? And what

speaking as a member of that Association. (Hear, hear.) He believed that the manner in which the two Societies had been cemented and dovetailed one into the other was really due to the courtesy and tact of Mr. Messent. (Cheers.) They might speak of themselves as the bricks and stones of the building, and of Mr. Messent as the cement which kept them man,

together. (Hear.) Mr. WEBB, in seconding,

also spoke in the most laudatory terms of Mr. Messent’s services. Mr. OLLIVER endorsed all that had been said by the Chair. man and Deputy-Chairman. The resolution having been carried amid great applause, Mr. MESSENT, in returning thanks, said that he could hardly find words adequate to express his thanks for the manner in which his name had been mentioned. Dr. Barlow had said that it depended to a great extent upon the secretary or upon the builder of an institution as to the dovetailing of the component parts of the structure ; but the skill of the builder would be utterly unavailing unless the materials he had were good. (Hear.) His friend Mr. Scratchley would bear him out that one of the things that amalgamated institutions had most to dread was the meeting together of two bodies which enjoyed different opinions. If they took the secretaries of two offices, for instance, they would generally find that one would do one portion of the business one way, and the other another ; or if they took two boards, they would find one particular on one point and lax on another, and vice versd. (Hear.) But since the amalgamation of the New Equitable and Briton, he thought he might fairly say there had not been a single question that might assume a complexion on which they should cast a shade of regret. (Hear.) That had been one of the chief reasons why success had attended the amalgamation. The anticipations of last year had been more than realized. Somebody then talked of -620,000 new premiums; but when they met last year they had to get the companies fairly together, and everybody knew that .620,000 could not be done. They had, however, done .615,000, and meant to do .620,000 next year. (Cheers.) If they continued as they had begun, there was no reason why they should not do that, and £ 25,000 in the following year. (Cheers.) There was no limit to the extent to which the principles of the Association could be disseminated. They had an agency in Hamburgh, where they had obtained 200 policyholders, and were daily receiving fresh ones ; and in Buenos Ayres they had an excellent agency, and a great number of policyholders. They went on extending their branches all over the globe. He was very glad that the verdict passed by the meeting was in favour of the transactions of the past year. To have carried over nearly half of their receipts in the face of an extraordinary expenditure and an extraordinary year of depression was a wonderful thing to have accomplished. It was a great fact of which they might justly be proud. (Cheers.) Mr. Messent then alluded to the services of the talented and hard-working set of men in the office. Mr. Sutton, their chief clerk, had resigned his appointment for the secretaryship of a new company; and in his place they had appointed Mr. Beaman, who was for some years chief clerk in the New Equitable. He could bear testimony to the ability and courtesy of Mr. Beaman, and to his endeavours on behalf of the Association. (Hear.) He could promise for himself that so long as he had health and strength so long would he be found at his post. (Cheers.) He sincerely hoped those meetings would always be as satisfactory as they had been-that a day would never come when they should have to speak of a diminished dividend or bonus, and when a cloud might be thrown upon their happy annual gather.

ings. (Cheers.)

On the motion of Mr. WEBB, seconded by Mr. CHAPMAN, a was accorded to the provincial superintendents, district managers, and agents, for the great zeal, energy, and care they had taken in promoting the interest of the Association throughout the country. Mr. Harris (provincial superintendent), Mr. Killingrey, Mr. Ivey, Mr. Green, and Mr. Birks acknowledged the compliment. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a close. vote of thanks

—---

BOMBAY.—The health of the town and island of Bombay

is much below par. Fever is very prevalent. The hot season has set in, and the citizens are escaping to the hill stations.

537

THE

following is a copy of

a

resolution

passed at a meeting

of the Executive Committee of the Medical Council, held the 1st instant :-

on

" That, certificates having been produced to the Committee of the conviction of Evan Thomas, at Liverpool, for perjury, and of the conviction of Robert Wrixon, at Reading, for forgery, the Registrar be directed to erase the names of those persons from theMedical Register.’

THE ADAMS DEFENCE FUND. THE following are the names of the Members of the Committee as at present constituted. A list of subscriptions will be published next week. Allan, J. B., 31.D., Hyde-park-place Harris, J. P., Esq., Liverpool. West. Harvey, Wm., Esq., Soho-square. Anderson, A. D., M.D., Glasgow. Hogg, J. M., Esq., Bedford-square. Bader, C.. Esq., Dean-street. Holt, B., Esq., Savile-row. Baker, Alfred, Esq., Birmingham. Hutchinson, W. B., Esq., Guildford-st. Barker, T. H., Esq., Bedford. Jackson, T. C., Esq., Weymouth-street. Beale, L. S., M.B., F.R.S., Grosvenor- Joy, H. W., Esq., Maidstone. street. Kays, M. T., M.D., Inverness-terrace. Bennett, J. R., M.D., Finsbury-square. Kesteven, W. B., Esq., Up. Holloway. Bird, P. H., Esq., Norfolk-square. King, 0., Esq., Greenwich. Blenkinsop, H., Esq., Warwick. Lankester, E., M.D., F.R.S., Savile-row. Bowman, Wm., Esq., F.R.S., Clifford- Latter, H., Esq., Royal-ter., Adelphi. street. Lawson, G., Esq., Park-street. Brady, J., M.D., M.P., Warwick-terrace. Leaf, W. L., Esq., Clapham-park. Brendon, P., Esq., Inverness-terrace. Lobb, Wm., Aldersgate-street. Brooke, C., M.A., F.R.S., Fitzroy-sq. Lund, E., Esq., Manchester. Brown, I. B., Esq, Connaught-square. Mansford, J. S., Esq., Clifton-gardens. Brown, A., Esq., George, Esq., Reading. Brown-Sequard, E., M.D., F.R.S., Meade, R. H., Esq., Bradford. Cavendish-square. Nunneley, T., Esq., Leeds. Burrows, G., M.D., F.R.S., Cavendish- Obré, H., Esq., Melcombe-place. square. Paget, J., Esq., Harewood-place. Burrows, Cordy, Esq., Brighton. Paget, Thos., Esq., Leicester. Burton, J. M., Esq., Lee Park. Quain, R., M.D., Harley-street. Bury, George. Esq., Whetstone. Richardson, B.W., M.D., Hinde-street. Cannan, H. H., Esq., Lower Norwood. Russell, J., M.D., Birmingham. Cape, L., M.D.. Curzon-street. Ryan, W. B., M.D., Norfolk.terrace. Chavasse, P. H., Esq., Birmingham. Semple, R. H., M.D., Torrington-sq. J. Gerrard-street. Clarke, F., Esq., Shillitoe, B., Esq., Finsbury-circus. Coleman, E., Esq., Park-square East. Shute, G., Esq., Greenwich. Coote, H., Esq., Queen Anne-street. Smith, Samuel, Esq., Leeds. Conlson, Wm., Esq., Old Jewry. Tanner, T. H., M.D., Henrietta-street. Covey, W. H., Esq., Wilton-street. Teale, T. P., Esq., Leeds. Critchett, G., Esq., Finsbury-square. Thompson, E. S., M.D., Upper Georgestreet. J., Dangerfield, Esq., College-villas. De Mussy, Gueneau, M.D., Cavendish- Thompson, H., Esq., Wimpole-street. Tomes, J., Esq., F.R.S., Cavendish-sq. place. Traer, J. R., Esq., Hans-place. Dick, H., M.D., Wimpole-street. Hertford-street. Trench, H. G., M.D., Ballspond-road. Druitt, R., M.D., J. Princes-street. U., Turner, Thomas, Esq., Manchester. Easson, Esq., Erichsen, J. E., Esq., Cavendish-place. Waltori, H. H., Esq., Brook-street. Fergusson, Wm., Esq., F.R.S., George- Webster, G., Esq.. Upper Gloucester-pl. street. Wills, S., Esq., Upper Grosvenor-st. Wilson, E., Esq., Henrietta-street. Fisher, A. L., M.D., York-place. Forbes, M.D., Cavendish-sq. Winslow, Flint, R., Esq., Stockport. Gay, J., Esq., Finsbury-place South. Yearsley, J., M.D., Savile-row. Garlick, J. P., Esq., Leeds. JoHN B. WALKER, Gill, S. L., M.D., Bow-road. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Green, J. H., Esq., D.C.L., Hadley. Brook-street. W. M.D., 17, Gull, Clifton-gardens, Maida-hill, W. W., Hart, E. A., Esq., Wimpole-street.

Wandsworth. May,

MEDICAL TRIALS.

EXCHEQUER, APRIL 30. Sittings in Banco, before the LORD CHIEF BARON, Mr. Baron MARTIN, Mr. Baron BRAMWELL, and Mr. Baron WILDE. COURT OF

GIBBON V. BUDD.

This was an action by a physician to recover .621, for fees, tried before Baron Bramwell, at Guildhall, when a verdict was found for the plaintiff for that amount. Mr. Lush, Q.C., moved for and obtained a rule for a new trial, or to set aside the verdict and enter a nonsuit, on the ground that a physician could not recover fees without a special contract. The recent Medical Act, 21st and 22nd Victoria, c. 90, sec. 31, enacts-" Every person registered under this Act shall be entitled according to his qualification or qualifications to practise medicine or surgery, or medicine and surgery, as the case may be, in any part of Her Majesty’s domi-

nions,

and to demand and

recover

rendered or supplied by him to his patients. Provided always that it shall be lawful for any College of Physicians to pass a bye- law to the effect that no one of their fellows or members shall be entitled to sue in manner aforesaid in any court of law, and thereupon such bye-law may be pleaded in bar to any action for the purpose aforesaid commenced by any fellow or member of such College." The College of Physicians have made a bye-law preventing any fellow of the College from suing under this section, but there is no restriction placed upon members simply. Mr. Serjeant PARRY and Mr. H. T. COLE, in showing cause against the rule, contended that the Medical Act required that all persons practising the medical profession should be registered according to their qualifications. The plaintiff was duly registered, and as a member of the College of Physicians he had a right to the remedy specially provided by the 31st section of the Act. Mr. LusH, Q.C., and Mr. DOWDESWELL, in support of the rule, contended that the statute was not an enabling statute intended to confer upon a physician a right to sue; but, on the contrary, imposed upon him a liability to register before he could sue at all; but he was still obliged to make a spe. cial contract before he could maintain an action. The law with regard to a physician’s right to recover his fees was in precisely the same state now as it was before the passing of the Medical Act, except that he must be registered. If he failed to show a contract he had no remedy left to him. The Act made no difference, and gave no right that he had not before. The Act did not compel medical men to register, but invited them to do so, pointing out that if they did not they should not recover their fees in courts of law. Unless the Act of Parliament created a liability which without the Act would not exist, then physicians had no right to recover. Their rights are not enlarged by the 31st section. They have A a right to sue according to their registered qualification. physican always could recover fees if he made a contract, and that was his position now. There still must be an actual

surgical appliances

THE MEDICAL COUNCIL.

in any court of law, with

promise

to pay.

Lordships were unanimously of opinion that the plaintiff was entitled to recover, and discharged the rule. Rule discharged accordingly. Their

COURT OF

EXCHEQUER,

MAY 4.

CLAY V. ROBERTS. a physician at Manchester, for libel certain letters in THE LANCET which imputed to him that he met homceopathists in consultation. The declaration averred that, by the etiquette of physicians and the medical profession generally, it was improper and disgraceful to meet bomoeopathists in consultation, and that it was injurious to the character and practice of physicians to have it supposed that they did so. It then went on to set out the allegations complained of, and connected the plaintiff with them. The defendant pleaded, among other pleas, as to so much of the declaration as was founded on the allegation that by the etiquette of the profession it was considered disgraceful to meet in consultation homceopathists, that it was not so considered. To this plea there was a demurrer. Mr. KEANE, for the plaintiff, was called upon to support the declaration, and a lengthened discussion ensued, and much mirth was created by the learned counsel citing some instances in the old books in which defamatory language had been used of physicians, and he was ultimately called upon to impeach the plea. He contended that as the articles in THE LANCET were only consistent with the desire of the writer to impress upon the public that the plaintiff’s conduct was improper and disgraceful, he was estopped from denying it to be so, and although the word disgraceful was not to be found in the libel itself, yet the substance in the imputation in it was that according to medical etiquette the conduct imputed to the plaintiff by it was disgraceful. The LORD CHIEF BARON said the defendant thought it disgraceful when he published the libel, and he did not think so now. Why should he not traverse the allegation ? Mr. KEANE.-If he has altered his opinion he should apologize, and not put the plaintiff to costs. Mr. Thomas Jones appeared for the defendant, but was not called upon, the Court being of opinion that the plea was a good answer to so much of the action as it related to if made

This

was an

action, by

complaining of

full costs of suit, reasonable charges for professional aid, advice, out. and visits, and the costs of any medicine or other medical or 1 Judgment for the defendant.