Reports from Societies

THE opening meeting of the Society was held on the 3rd November, when the retiring president, Professor W. W. D. Thomson, introduced Dr. John McCloy to the chair. After thanking Professor Thomson and the fellows and members of the Society for conferring the honour of presidency upon him, Dr. McCloy then referred to the losses which the Society had sustained during the previous year from the deaths of members and fellows. Malcolm Brice Smyth, who died on the 21st December, 1937, was the son of a doctor and one of a family of doctors, all distinguished members of their profession in Belfast. After graduating in Dublin University, he returned to his native city, where, notwithstanding the calls of an extensive practice, he gave generously of his time and skill to the Maternity and the Children's Hospitals as one of the honorary visiting staff. Not much interested in public affairs,. his occasional hours of leisure found him out with a rod or a gun. He held a high place in the esteem and affection of his patients and friends. The long and useful life of Thomas Kennedy Wheeler, who died on 29th December, 1937, in his ninetieth year, formed a link between past and present generations of Ulster medical men, in more senses than one, for he was the son of a doctor as well as the father of doctors. Three years after his father's term of office as president of this society, Thomas Kennedy Wheeler took his M.D. degree in the old Royal University. He was very successful in a large general practice as well as being on the surgical staffs of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Ulster Hospital and acting as Medical Officer to the Methodist College. Esteemed for his ability by patients and colleagues alike, he combined a dry detached humour with a gentleness that endeared him to patients: and those who knew him will remember his courage in personal sorrow and the spirit which enabled him in a time of failing health to continue his interest in his favourite game of bowls. John Rusk, a former vice-president of this Society, died on the 26th January in his seventy-fifth year. After graduating in the Royal University, he spent some time doing post-graduate work in Vienna, and then returned to Belfast, where his ability gained him an extensive practice. He served for a time as Lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Great War, although he was then over age. He was devoted to literature; and as a bowler had an international reputation; and he had a popularity that extended far beyond the wide circle of his personal friends. James Joseph Murray,. a graduate of our university, died on the 4th April last. He was medical officer of the dispensary and the union infirmary in Downpatrick, where he had also a large private practice. He was quiet in manner and amiable in disposition, and was held in affectionate esteem by his colleagues and by his patients rich and poor. David Peter Gaussen, who died last May, was a descendant of an old Huguenot family. After passing through the Royal University with distinction, he did some post-graduate work in London, and then settled in Dunmurry, where he quickly gained a fine practice and was appointed dispensary medical officer. Before retiring