ADDRESS ON MEDICAL BIOGRAPHY.

BY

J. M. TONER, M.D.,

OF WASHINGTON, D. C.

GENTLEMEN OF THE CENTENNIAL INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS:

I APPEAR before you to discharge the duty assigned me of preparing a biographical retrospect of the medical profession of the United States during the centennial period just past. Though apparently an easy task, I cannot approach it without hesitation. Apart from the feelings of diffidence, which under any circumstance this occasion and this audience must inspire, I am fully aware of the caution with which the office of the biographer should be assumed, and that his best efforts are never above criticism.

It is admitted that the measure and the character of the renown which attaches to the hero is, in a great degree, qualified by the fitness of the chronicler who undertakes to record and perpetuate his achievements. With what intimate knowledge and forecast, then, should even the most ready pen essay the work of writing the life of the good and great; when, through natural inability for the task, or want of care, the noblest actions may be placed in a false light, obscuring what should be displayed, or obtruding defects that the mantle of prudence and charity should cover! Conscious of the many difficulties and the very brief time allotted to the reading of this discourse, I shall confine myself to the narration of a few simple facts in the lives of the more illustrious, and to a record of the names of physicians who attained distinction during the century, and I trust that this limitation may be some excuse for the dryness which must necessarily characterize such details.

In glancing over the period to be embraced in this retrospect, I am struck by the paucity of really striking events which have influenced the practice of medicine, and which have left special marks at the end of the first century of our national existence.

Wars have generally been promotive of medical science, and our profession was no doubt much benefited by the contest for Independence. For the first quarter of a century after this armed struggle, the leading physicians and surgeons were those who had served in the army. The most notable event of this period was the occurrence of epidemics of yellow fever, which appeared in the summers of 1793 and 1798 in nearly all our Atlantic cities. This disease tested the courage and taxed the energies and best skill of the profession, and prompted the more eminent

The following are the names of the leading practitioners in each State who served during the Revolutionary War: Connecticut, Aneas Munson; Delaware, James Tilton; Georgia, Lyman Hall; Maryland, John Archer; Massachusetts, John Warren; New Hampshire, Josiah Bartlett; New Jersey, William Burnett; New York, Charles McKnight; North Carolina, Charles Harris; Pennsylvania. Benjamin Rush; Rhode Island, Isaac Seuter; South Carolina, Peter Fayssoux; Virginia, James McClurg.

to reduce their observations to writing, and to have them published, either in defence of their practice, or for the laudable purpose of making contributions to medical science. To us of the present day, it is an agreeable surprise to find that there were then so many medical men of literary ability' in our country.

The second quarter of the centennial period was distinguished by the introduction of vaccination, the occurrence of spotted fever, and the war of 1812. All of these were events which stimulated the profession to more extended studies, and became incentives to authorship; this was especially true of the disease known as spotted fever. The war of 1812 proved to be another great school of experience, although it was not fruitful in medical reports or publications. The aspirations which it aroused in the profession, however, gave an impetus to the establishment of medical periodicals, and to the founding of medical colleges and hospitals.

In following out the plan of dividing the century of our independence into quarters, the third may be marked as noted for the discovery of anasthesia, the epidemics of Asiatic cholera of 1832 and 1848, and the war with Mexico, as well as the discovery and the application of many new and improved methods of physical exploration in the search of disThese aids to diagnosis encouraged more than ever the recording of clinical observations and their publication. Medical journals multiplied, and new medical colleges were founded in most of the States.3

ease.

The last quarter, which has just closed, is specially distinguished by the vast experience of the late war, which was a great school, and which

In my own library I find pamphlets on the epidemics of yellow fever of 1793, and 1798 published before 1800, by the following authors: Dr. J. S. Addoms, Dr. Richard Bayley; Dr. Thaddeus Brown, Dr. C. Caldwell, Mathew Carey, Dr. Isaac Cathrall, Dr. W. G. Chadwell, Dr. Colin Chisholm, Dr. Thomas Condie. Dr. William Currie, Dr. John Beale Davidge, Dr. M. S. Davis, Dr. Jean Deveze, Dr. Richard Folwell, Dr. James Hardie, Dr. J. Henry C. Helmuth, Dr. Charles Holt, Dr. Alexander Hosack, Dr. William Linn, W. Marshall, Dr. D. Nassy, Dr. Pascalis, Dr. J. Patterson. Dr. Benjamin Rush, Dr. Charles Scot, Dr. James Tytler, Dr. Washington Watts, Dr. Noah Webster, and Dr. Nathaniel Weeks. There are also many reports by committees and boards of health, besides numerous articles on the subject in the "New York Medical Repository."

2 The following are a few of the most noted writers on spotted fever: Elisha North, Job Wilson, Thomas Miner, William Tully, L. Danielson and E. Mann, Elijah Lyman, Samuel Woodward, Abraham Haskell, Mason Spooner and Jacob Holmes, John Bestor, Q. Fiske, and G. Williamson.

3 In 1800, there were in the United States but four medical colleges organized and giving instruction, viz.: University of Pennsylvania, Pa.; Columbia College, N. Y.; Harvard College, Mass.; and Dartmouth College, N. H. The number of medical colleges fully organized and giving instructions in the United States in 1825, was eighteen, viz.: University of Pennsylvania, Pa.; College of Physicians and Surgeons, N. Y.; Harvard College, Mass.; Dartmouth College, N. H.; University of Maryland, Md.; College of Physicians and Surgeons Western N. Y., N. Y.; Yale College, Conn.; Medical College of Ohio, Ohio; Vermont Academy of Medicine, Vt.; Transylvania University, Ky.; Brown University, R. I.; Medical School of Maine, Me.; University of Vermont, Vt.; Berkshire Medical College, Mass.: Medical College, S. C.; Jefferson Medical College, Pa.; Columbian Medical College, D. C.; University of Virginia, Va.

It has been ascertained that about two hundred medical journals have been started in the interest of regular medicine in the United States within the centennial period. Of this number, about thirty are now being published. From an estimate, based on pretty good data. I am persuaded that something over seven hundred medical men have been engaged as editors and assistant editors of journals within this period. Medical editors, as a class, are ready writers, well informed, enterprising, and progressive in their profession. The influence of medical journal literature is elevating, and encourages study and the reporting of cases.

5 At the end of the third quarter, 1850, the United States census gave a list of thirtyseven medical colleges fully organized and giving instruction.

has benefited the medical profession of the whole country; by the extended use of anesthesia in painful surgical operations; by the increase of scientific means for exact diagnosis, and the introduction of new and potent remedies and modes of administration; and by the founding of hospitals and medical colleges in nearly all the large cities.2

It is from the professional men who labored not only in these more notable scenes, but from the whole profession who practised during this period, that I shall select for comment those who acquired honorable distinction among their contemporaries. It is well known to you that owing to the peculiar condition and growth of our country, from thirteen Colonies to forty-nine States and Territories during the century, it is difficult to so treat the subject as to be entirely impartial, and not to neglect the claims of any section of the country, old or new.

I will first speak of the medical men of the United States who have by their discoveries, writings, or special skill and devotion to their professon, wou national fame, and then of those who have attained distinction within the several States. Having an earnest desire to make the address acceptable to this Congress, and for the sake of making it worthy of the occasion, I have collected formal biographies of one hundred of the most eminent medical men of the United States for the century. These sketches have been prepared at my request by physicians of note in possession of the requisite data.3

We know that greatness in any avocation, and particularly in the medical profession, is not a birthright, nor can it be thrust upon the undeserving. A kind of popular transitory applause may be achieved without merit, but only those who have done something to advance medical knowledge or to improve the methods of cure, will live in history. The discoverer or the expounder of a new truth, the recorder of an additional fact or a hitherto unobserved symptom, or of an improved procedure in surgery or in the treatment of disease, deserves and will secure a more enduring place in history than he who has gained great popularity or the largest fortune. The qualities and acquirements and the degree of these which can make a medical man illustrious either in his day or in history, I shall not attempt to define. The talent differs in kind and degree that attains eminence in different periods of time, and in the city as compared with the rural districts, in the surgeon' as compared with the physician," and in the writer as compared with the

The late war did for us what the wars of Europe in 1848 and 1856 did there. It improved surgery much, and developed pathology wonderfully, brought hygiene into active exercise, improved the treatment of bone injuries by exsection and resection, and the treatment of wounded joints. The conservative treatment of limbs, the postponement of the period of operation, and the improvement in hospital construction and treatment, mark this period not less than the actual number of operations performed by the extended use of anæsthetics.

The close of the last quarter of the centennial period records sixty-five medical colleges, not including dental schools or colleges of pharmacy.

3

[The biographies referred to in the text, are necessarily omitted for want of space.— EDITOR.]

4 Professor Samuel D. Gross, in the "Century of American Medicine," published in the American Journal of Medical Sciences, names nearly three hundred American surgeons, who, by their operations and reported cases, have won an enduring place in the literature of the profession.

5 Dr. T. Gaillard Thomas, in the " Century of American Medicine," published in the American Journal of Medical Sciences, names nearly one hundred and thirty American physicians who have won distinction in obstetrical practice and gynecological surgery.

Professor S. D. Gross, in his Introductory Lecture entitled "History of American Medical Literature," names nearly three hundred medical authors for the century. From an

teacher. But that there is a something in talent or character which commands success, and that this element stands in the relation of cause to effect, is generally conceded. Even when an elevated standard of professional ability has been adopted, I am embarrassed not only by the difficulty of selection, but by the superabundance of good material.

The names here presented as having won pre-eminence in the medical profession of America, have acquired their distinction chiefly by the possession of high natural endowments and of good education and medical knowledge, with the exercise of unceasing study, and devotion to professional duty. My study is too limited to assume that names not included may not be equally deserving.

The natural ability, habits of industry and systematic study, and scientific knowledge of Dr. Benjamin Rush, added to his acquaintance with men and public affairs, easily place him at the head of the list of the eminent medical men of the century. His professional skill, high moral and benevolent character, and frequent participation in the affairs of his country, rendered him popular with the profession and endeared him to the people. His fame has suffered but little by the lapse of time. His writings are numerous and valuable. (b. December 24, 1745; d. April 19, 1813.) But as the subject of medical literature has been assigned to an abler pen, I shall leave that branch entirely to him.2

Dr. Valentine Mott, by his daring and brilliant operations in surgery, held for many years the front rank. He had the physical and mental endowments, as well as scientific acquirements, application, and profes sional training, essential to a great surgeon. There is scarcely an operation, however hazardous or delicate, that he did not perform with consummate skill and success. His genius, too, was equal to devising new operations and important surgical procedures, and undertaking and executing some operations which before his day were passed over as too formidable to be attempted. He was scarcely less eminent as a writer and teacher than as a surgeon, and no American name is better known to the profession throughout the world. (b. August 1785; d. April 26, 1865.)

Dr. Philip Syng Physick was a surgeon of rare ability, self-possession, and fortitude. As was usual, when he commenced practice, he attended to the general business of physician and surgeon, but as early as 1794 he was appointed one of the surgeons to the Pennsylvania Hospital, and in 1805 Professor of Surgery in the University of Pennsylvania. He always carefully prepared his lectures, and was therefore particularly impressive, for he had thought over and mastered the subjects he presented. He was the author of so many improvements in the department estimate I have made on this subject, I conclude that there are some four hundred authors who have published works, which from their size are entitled to be termed books. If we include pamphlets, it is probable that there are over fifteen hundred medical authors

From a computation which I have made of the teachers of medicine in our country, for the century, I am inclined to think that the list will include nearly two thousand names. 2 Professor L. P. Yandell, of Kentucky, has been designated to deliver the address on "American Medical Literature" for the centennial of our national existence, and to Prof. N. S. Davis, of Illinois, has been given the task of preparing an address on "American Medical Education" for the same period. To Prof. Austin Flint, has been assigned the duty of preparing a history of medicine in our country for the hundred years just past. A careful regard for the field of labor given to each of these essayists, has made me solicitous not to traverse their province, but to adhere strictly to biographical detail at the risk of being tiresome.

of surgery that he was justly entitled to the appellation given him of "The Father of American Surgery." His influence upon practice is felt to the present day. (b. July 7, 1768; d. Dec. 15, 1837.)

Dr. John Warren was an eminent physician and surgeon, and medical teacher. He acquired experience and reputation in the hospitals of the Revolution. While attached to the hospital at Boston, in 1782, he founded the Medical Department of Harvard College, in which he was Professor of Anatomy and Surgery. He was a man of great industry, and enthusiastically attached to his profession, and was during his lifetime the leading surgeon of New England. His genius and aptitude for this branch of the profession has continued to show itself in his descendants. (b. July 27, 1753; d. April 4, 1815.)

Dr. Daniel Drake possessed wonderful powers of original observation, and was the most indefatigable worker for the accumulation of knowledge and the elevation of the profession, that our country has produced. He was the founder of medical colleges in the West, and a writer and teacher of great force and ability. His systematic inquiries into the causes of disease are models worthy of study. The Doctor's valuable labors are certain to be appreciated in the future. (b. Oct. 20, 1785; d. Nov. 6, 1852.)

Dr. John Collins Warren was one of the founders of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and the surgeon in daily attendance to the time of his death. He was the first to use ether, and did much to hasten its introduction into general use in surgery. He was a brilliant operator, popular as a lecturer, and wrote on a great variety of subjects, in all of which he showed his exact knowledge and extensive scientific acquirements. (b. 1st Aug. 1778; d. May 4, 1856.)

Dr. Nathan Smith was a man of extraordinary natural endowments. His ability to acquire knowledge, his industry, perseverance, and success under almost insurmountable difficulties, have rarely been equalled. His founding of the Medical Department of Dartmouth College, and his teaching, by himself, for ten years, all the usual branches, show the character of the man. He was an admirable anatomist, a bold and successful surgeou, and a good general practitioner. By his teachings he did much to advance medicine. (b. Sept. 30, 1762; d. Jan. 26, 1829.)

Dr. Reuben Dimond Mussey was a distinguished surgeon and good general practitioner. His experiments on cutaneous absorption would have of themselves entitled him to a high rank, had he not become still more eminent as a surgeon. For daring and success, some of his capital operations have never been excelled. He was also a popular and successful teacher of surgery. The esteem in which he was held by the profession may be inferred from his election to the presidency of the American Medical Association. (b. June 23, 1780; d. June 21, 1866.)

Dr. James Jackson was a noted physician and author. He was one of the founders of the Massachusetts General Hospital. His great skill in diagnosis, and his eminent success in the treatment of disease, led to his appointment to the professorship of Theory and Practice in Harvard College. His observations, teaching, and writings, almost mark an epoch in medicine in this country. His professional life and labors were great lessons to the profession of high and honorable principles. (b. Oct. 3, 1777; d. Aug. 27, 1867.)

Dr. Nathaniel Chapman was a learned and eminent physician, and teacher of medicine. His special qualifications and success as a physician speedily attracted attention, so that his business was very large aud