The Oldest Member of the Rhode Island Medical Society.
Having reached that bad eminence—the oldest in fellowship of our State Society—an honor which I share with my friend Dr. Turner, who will address you this evening, the Chairman of our Committee of Arrangements has assigned to me the very pleasant duty of greeting you, gentlemen of the American Medical Association, and giving you a cordial welcome in behalf of the profession of Rhode Island on this, Fortieth Annual Meeting, which you have done us the honor to hold in this State.
It goes without saying, that this is a very small State in point of territory. The most extravagant diminutive can hardly convey an idea of its proportions to those of you who come from without the limits of the New England States. We must also admit that the soil in many parts is barren, rough and unfit for cultivation,