Page:Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia - George W Norris.djvu/130



A medical society was instituted in Philadelphia on the 4th of February, 1765, and was, as far as I can ascertain, the first professional organization formed in the Colonies. It was called "The Philadelphia Medical Society." This continued in operation till the 11th of November, 1768, when it was united with the "American Society for Promoting Useful Knowledge," it being judged "that the union might be beneficial to the community, and the ends proposed of both be thereby better answered." Accordingly, at the meeting of the latter society, held on the 11th of that month, a number of the members of the Medical Society attended, and the Medical Fellows were appointed a standing committee