A committee, composed of John Barclay Biddle, W. S. W. Ruschenberger, and Anthony E. Stocker, chairman, was appointed 4 July 1854 to consider the expediency of altering the charter of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia to allow annual elections in January rather than July. On 6 Sept. 1854, the committee reported favorably on the motion, due to absence of Fellows during the summer months, recommended the first Wednesday in January for elections, and asked College attorney James W. Paul to make application for the change. The committee made its final report on 5 Dec. 1855, recommending the by-laws be amended to conform with the revised charter. The College first held a January election in 1856.
From the description of Records, 1854 and 1855. (College of Physicians of Philadelphia). WorldCat record id: 122417146
