The Sons of the Desert inspired chapters in other United States cities, and then in the United Kingdom and other countries. In keeping with the tongue-in-cheek “desert” theme, each local chapter of the society is called a “tent,” and each is named after a different Laurel and Hardy film. There are more than 100 active "tents" worldwide, mostly in the United States and United Kingdom. Members meet up regularly to enjoy Laurel and Hardy movies in an informal atmosphere. Many chapters formed in the 1960s are still active today. In addition to local and regional meetings, the Sons of the Desert holds international conventions every
International Society for the History of Medicine International Society for the History of Medicine The International Society for the History of Medicine is a non profit international society devoted to the academic study of the history of medicine, including the organization of international congresses. The society is present in 50 countries, holds delegations in 38 countries, and has about 800 members. It also includes national societies in Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Finland, France, Greece, Mexico, Morocco, Romania, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Membership is open to both physicians and historians. The society holds a biennial International Congress, and, beginning in 2001, an international meeting in the years the