On Nov. 1, 1781, the Massachusetts Medical Society was established, and its charter was signed by Samuel Adams, as president of the Senate, and by John Hancock, as governor of the Commonwealth.

There had been before this time a medical society in Boston, which was the first one formed in America. It appears to have been in existence as early as the year 1785, though it did not continue long. Its records are irretrievably lost, and all that is known about it is gathered from fragmentary sources.

It was during the War for Independence that the physicians and surgeons of this Commonwealth were led to feel the need of some association in order to encourage professional studies. A new field was then opened for medical investigations, and the workers were eager to cultivate it.

It is very likely that it included in its list of members some of the ministers, as they were interested in the study and practice of medicine.

Although the Medical Society in Boston was short-lived, no account of the history of medicine in the State would be complete which did not mention its existence.