College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Council.

The Council of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was established in 1863. The Council originally consisted of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, the Censors, and six elected Councillors who served three year terms. According to the 1863 by-laws, the Council was given "general supervision over the affairs of the College" and was to "carefully consider all questions that may be referred to it, and report to the College, in writing, its decision thereon". After its first meeting on 27 Jan. 1864, the Council met monthly.

Between 1882 and 1886, the Chairmen of the Standing Committees of the College, as well as the Honorary Librarian, were added to the membership of the Council. Also in 1886, the Council was empowered to determine the eligibility of candidates who were being considered for election to the Fellowship. In 1914, the by-laws were amended to state that the Council would receive the monthly reports of the Standing and Special Committees of the College and relate the information from these reports to the Fellows at regular College meetings. The Ex-Presidents of the College of Physicians were added to the membership of the Council in 1925. During this year, the Secretary and Treasurer began submitting annual reports, including expenses and budgets, to the Council.

The 1935 by-laws gave the Council the power to set the budget for the College and "make Rules for the Regulation of College Business". The Council also became responsible for hiring library and custodial staff. In 1972, it became the duty of the Council to appoint the Executive Director of the College. In 1984, the term of Elective Councillors was lengthened to four years. Finally, in 1990, Ex-Presidents and the Honorary Librarian were eliminated from membership in the Council, and the Chairperson of the Board of Advisors was added; also during this year, the number of Elective Councillors was changed from six to eight. The 1990 by-laws state that the Council is the "governing body of the College and shall have ultimate responsibility for establishing policy for the institution, monitoring its implementation, and evaluating it". As of 1992, the Council remains an active body of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

From the description of Reports supplementary to Council minutes, 1941-1959. (College of Physicians of Philadelphia). WorldCat record id: 122579350