Since 1908

Updated 3/4/08

The professional society from which the Michigan Psychiatric Society evolved had its beginnings on November 19, 1908, in a meeting held in Detroit and attended by 30 charter members. Leaders in the organization of this group were Drs. Edmund A. Christian, Albert M. Barrett, Bell Burr, and David Inglis, who, having met incidentally, decided to found a society to hold regular meetings for "the promulgation of professional fellowship and clinical advancement in neurology and psychiatry."

In the first constitution, the purpose was stated, "to further the progress of the study of neurology and psychiatry." It was later learned that the founders also intended that the Society would satisfy "the urgent need for fellowship with one another, and with other men of mutual interests and with kindred feelings and ambitions." They also stressed that there be clinical studies and that cases be demonstrated by presenting patients, at the meetings. The earliest extant copy of the constitution, a 1912 revision of the original, stipulated that " any regular physician or scientist of good repute who was interested in the study of neurology or psychiatry, and has written something distinctive in either field" might become a member. The requirement of submitting a paper remained in effect until 1950. Membership was limited to 40 at the beginning.

Following World War I the Society found itself in a “ rather deep rut of professional inertia and impending disintegration.” This state continued and in 1934 a proposal was made to disband. Had it not been for the talent, energy, and enthusiasm of the late Dr. Martin H. Hoffman, the Society might have accepted the proposal. He rejuvenated and reorganized the Society, generated enthusiasm among the members, and was elected president the following year.