“In the early years of this Society, it was truly _the_ dental society of the Mississippi Valley. It drew its membership from all parts of the great valley, and often dentists were in attendance from over the Alleghenies. It was looked upon, and was truly _the_ dental society of the West for many years; but in the forty-six years of its existence a new state of affairs has come about, in almost every State there are _local_, district societies, and State societies, and all auxiliary, more or less to the American Dental Society. Under this arrangement the Mississippi Valley Society is left somewhat isolated, and has lost much of its prestige. It has become somewhat local in its management, and it is with much difficulty that the programs are filled up each year. Men who write papers say, I have to attend my local society so often, I don't see how I can add another society to my already heavy burden, and many of the workers in dental society affairs are saying quietly, but with much significance, I wonder if the old Mississippi Valley Dental Society has not outlived her usefulness. As for myself I will not try to answer the question, it is a serious question and deserves thoughtful attention.” DISCUSSION. DR. J. TAFT said the paper brought many recollections of the past to mind, and was saddened when he found that nearly all the organizers had passed away, among whom were the Taylors, Griffith, Talbot and others. The work of this Society still has its influence upon modern dental practice. Much attention was paid to appliances and instruments, and many papers stand to-day, among which are those of Dr. Watt. The papers received more discussion at that time than at the present. The Society took the lead in all things. DR. JAMES LESLIE, Cincinnati, Ohio, spoke of the influence of the old Society, upon its future. The character of a society will be retained forever. Many of the important discoveries were made in this Society, and the ability of its members was equal to any in the world. The Society will live forever. DR. J. C. MCKELLOPS, St. Louis, said the Association could never die. Often there is a small attendance because it is not properly announced in the dental journals. PROF. H. A. SMITH, Cincinnati. Ohio:—This is the first Society he ever joined. The conditions are different now from what they were then, and so new methods must be used—new blood. PROF. C. M. WRIGHT, Cincinnati, thought the Society had passed its period of youth, and naturally, was entering upon its old age, and like a person looking in a mirror, he sees gray hairs which indicate a decline. PROF. J. TAFT stated that in 1855 the Society was at a very low ebb, and its continuation was obtained by the election of two new members at that moment. PROF. J. S. CASSIDY, Covington, Kentucky, said the discussion was premature (as it afterward proved to be), that the members have just begun to come in.