EULOGY
ON THE DEATH OF
JOHN DOANE  WELLS, M. D.  //
LATE PROFESSOR IN THE
BERKSHIRE MEDICAL INSTITUTION,
DELIVERED BEFORE THE
FACULTY AND MEDICAL CLASS,
SEPTEMBER, 1830.
       BY HENRY H. CHIL.DS, M. D.




PROFESSOR OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
[published by reque
        PITTSFIELD :





PRINTED BY THINEHAS ALLEN AND SON. 
I
>p 
EUL.OGY.
Gentlemen,
    THE opening of the annual lecture term of  the Berk-
shire Medical Institution  is again announced.    For eight
Successive years have students  resorted to this Institution,
for the purpose of  instruction in the  science of  Medicine,
and the  average number  has  not  been much less than
one hundred.    In the  patronage  enjoyed,  and  in the
success which has attended,  the friends  of  the  Institution
would recognize, with  grateful hearts, the  smiles of a super-
intending Providence.   Neither the period which has elaps-
ed, nor the prosperity  which has followed, have in any de-
gree abated the zeal of its patrons to render it  worthy of
the confidence and  favor of the public.
   Originally designed  to increase the opportunity and advan-
tages for Medical education, on  the  principle  of a liberal
policy, rather than a source of pecuniary emolument to the
Professor, the same motives will continue  to govern, and the
same objects will be kept steadily and prominently in view.
   In a retrospective glance of  the events  which have trans-
pired within the period of the  last eight short years,  how
much  do we find to encourage the philanthropist, to  animate
the philosopher, and to interest all.    I do not  purpose  to
call your attention  to  the great moral and political changes,
which have evolved in  rapid succession, or the improvements,
which have been made in  the  arts and sciences, and  their
practical application to the useful concerns of life, contribut-
ing to  our  convenience,  interest,  and happiness—still less
will it  be expected that I shonM notice the improved systems 
1
oi education, or the various schemo oi bcne\olence in »uc-
■ cssful operation for the melioration  of- the  condition  of
man.
  More appropriate is this occasion to  call your attention to
those subjects which have an immediate relation to the sci-
ence of Medicine—to its advancement,  if  it has advanced—
and to its changes,  for no science experiences greater chang-
es.   I might advert to the theories which  have been espous-
ed, and the theories which have been abandoned—the^rcc^'ce
which has been praised,  and the  practice which  has been
blamed—the improvements in the collateral branches of the
science of Medicine, and their application  to the profession j
these are subjects coming properly under  consideration in a
medical school, and deserving the attention of the medical
student.
  But to the consideration of one event, and one  of  a re-
cent melancholy occurrence, our  minds are  called, in the
performance of a painful duly, at this  first  interview—the
lamented death of John  Doane Wells,  late Professor  in
this Institution.  This is  an  event of  a  roost  solemn  and
deeply afiecting character.  How mysterious are the Provi-
dences of God—what a lesson of humility does this event
teach—how frail a thing is man—how uncertain is the tenure
of his existence here. Youth, activity, friends,  station,  all
avail nothing, when the dread messenger  arrives ;  hard in-
deed it is to realize that he is no more, who so recently stood
widiin tbese walls, full of life and activity—his  countenance
beaming with vivacity, illuminated by  a  mind strong  and
brilliant—he moves, he speaks, we listen to catch  the melo-
dious strains—but ah ! all is silent as the grave !  we may
dream, we may imagine, for we shall neither see  nor hear
him any  more forever.

  If genius, if talents, if usefulness could  stay  the stroke of
death, we should not no* be called to  mourn his  untimely
departure.  For these he was emineptly  distinguished—for
these he  was deservedly exalted fa the esteem and coufidence 
5
of the public—a blessing to the pubic,  the  public  mourn
his loss.
   He died too at an early  age—at an age when few  attain
to great distinction—for him how much celebrity might have
been anticipated—how  much greatness  might he have a-
chieved—how great a  blesssing might he have proved.
   A very brief sketch  of the life of  Dr. Wells, together
with some  notice of the striking features and prominent traits
of character, which be exhibited in his  rapid  progress  and
elevation to distinguished eminence in his profession, may
profitably  occupy our  attention at this  time—animated  by
bis example, and inspired by his success, may a  zeal and
emulation  be  enkindled in your breasts, which shall burn
brighter and brighter till the lamp of life shall be extinguished.
    For the pre-eminent distinction which Dr. Wells  attain-
ed, even before the meridian of life,  he owes  nothing to the
influence of birth or fortune;  though of highly respectable
parentage, he claimed no alliance to the aristocracy of wealth
or power,  adventitiously bestowed.   From  his youth  his
mind was  imbued with sound principles; early convinced of
the value of time, he  rightly  estimated the  importance  of
diligently  improving the opportunities and advantages of ed-
ucation, with  which he was favoured  ; accordingly we find
him early distinguished by his habits of industry and close
application to study, and by the purity of his moral conduct.
    In his classical  studies, holding a rank with the foremost,
always respected  a>>d  beloved  by his associates ; having fin-
 ished his collegiate course, he  graduated in 1817, and imme-
diately commenced the study of medicine,  pursuing  it with
the same zeal and perseverance, for.  which  he was  already
distinguished.  Anatomy  was his favorite study ; his inter-
est in this fundamental branch of the profession  amounted
almost to  enthusiasm.    We promptly  availed  himself of  all.
the means and advantages which opportunity presented for
 improvement; his labors  in the dissecting room—his dem-
onstrations to his fellow-students, and his entire devotedness
to the study of Ms profession, exhibit an example  honoma- 
G
Me to himself and worthy of your imitation.   How well he
succeeded in the acquisition of anatomical  knowledge,  and
the consequent superiority he enjoyed,  is distinctly told  by
the bright prospects which soon opened before him.
   In the year 1820,  he received  the degree of Doctor of
Medicine from Harvard University,  and soon after the ap-
pointment of  assistant to the distinguished Professor,  Dr.
Nathan Smith, then attached to the Medical School recent-
ly established in  the State of Maine.  So well qualified was
he for the duties  which were required, and  with so much a-
bility were they discharged,  that soon after he was appoint-
ed Professor of Anatomy in  the Brunswick  School.  Incit-
ed  by a laudable ambition to excel, he  visited  Europe un-
der the  most  favourable circumstances.  He  was Professor
of Anatomy in a new and flourishing Institution—he was al-
ready well grounded  in  the  science—he had begun  lectur-
ing—he knew precisely what was  wanting to qualify  him
for more extensive usefulness, and he  possessed  the  zeal
and interest requisite for the accomplishment of his purpose.
In Paris,  he spent most of his time while absent ;  for there
he found the advantages superior to those of any other coun-
try.  There he  perfected his knowledge  of  Anatomy.—
Properly appreciating his  opportunities, he applied himself
unremittingly  to  the  study  of his profession.  There  too,
besides  the acquisition of medical  science, he obtained  a
ityle of lecturing not  surpassed by any individual in  any
school  in the  United  States.  In  manner graceful ;  in  lan-
guage pure ;  in  eloquence unrivalled.
   While in Europe,  he purchased, for  the  Maine Medical
School, a Library, and ;\ Cabinet of Anatomy, which, with
the addition since made under his  direction,  constitute  one
of the  most valuable  collections of books and preparation^,
any where fouud  in this country.
   On his return,  laden with the fruits of industry, he enga-
ges with untiring zeal  in  the discharge of his professional
duties    To bis  Professorship of Anatomy is added  that of
Sunrfry.  !!•-• enters upon  the duties  of  his office.   Mrs 
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success is complete !  The high expectations of his friends
are more than realized.   Principally by his labours and by
his talents, the Brunswick School  becomes deservedly pop-
ular, and stands conspicuous among the Medical Institutions
of our country.
   In 1826, Dr. Wells is appointed Professor  of  Anatomy
and Physiology in the  Berkshire  Medical  Institution.  T»
many of you 1 need not  say how well he  succeeded—all
were satisfied—nay more—all were delighted.  None could
fail of being greatly benefited who attended the  clear  and
able demonstrations which he made—who listened  to his el-
oquence, and followed the lucid argument and  the consistent
reasoning to their inevitable conclusions.    His   fame  was
now no longer bounded by Geographical limits—within the
last year he received an appointment in the Maryland Uni-
versity.  But with the increase of his  fame, a decline in his
health was too visible.   He  had tasked his constitution too
severely—and while the powers of his body were weakened,
his spirits were unbroken, his zeal was unabated.    He re-
paired to Baltimore, and gave his introductory lecture to an
audience of  more than  fifteen hundred. It was received with
the highest applause.   He delivered his course of lectures
to a large and attentive class—Trustees, Faculty  and  Stu-
dents listened with astonishment and delight to the  torrent
of eloquence with which he accompanied   his valuable in-
structions.  But the spirit, which had  sustained, and animat-
ed, and carried him triumphantly on, had exhausted the pow-
 ers of the body,  requiring  greater  sacrifices  than his  con-
stitution could bear ; his health failed ; disease  and death
occasion ed by too frequent and  too  great exhaustion, ter-
 minated the short but  brilliant life of one  whose memory
 will long be cherished,  and  whose character his friends will
long delight to contemplate.
   The zeal and interest which  had urged him forward in his
professional  studies did  not cease to influence  him in his
professional labours ; but with the ability with  which  he was
prepared for their discharge, he both deterred and  cowman**- 
8
rd sttcccss.  His lectures on Anatomy and Physiology were
clear and comprehensive ; minute yet full ; judiciously dis-
criminating, he gave to each subject belonging to those sci-
ences the attention which the importance of each justly mer-
ited.  In the science of Anatomy,  which has occupied the
lives of such men as Bell and Hunter, Beclard and Meckel,
he knew all  that was known.  To whatever part of the sci-
ence he directed our attention, he at once excited our inter-
est.  On the subject of Physiology, a science  of  less cer-
tainty and less demonstration, he wisely abstained  from all
visionary speculations.
  To attempt to unfold the  laws of the animal economy far-
ther than the phenomena of animal fife are concerned, or to
explain the  principle  of  vital action  farther  than a full
delineation of the phenomena which are the result, has gen-
crajly  been to appeal  to the imagination for the support of
a favorite hypothesis.    Futile have been all the  efforts Of
ingenuity to subject the elberial agent of life  to the rigid
principles of Mechanical Or Chemical  Philosophy.   Theo-
ry  has followed theory, in varying  succession,  from the
time of Hippocrates to the present  ; and  even now, many of
the most ancient notions on this subject are deservedly the
most popular; while all the ingenious and prominent physi-
ological theories are exhibited to the  student,  his attention
is called to examine (he subject in the  light of reason and
sound philosophy.
   With a full and clear anatomical description of the differ-
 ent organs  of the animal system, he delineated their func-
tions, enumerated  the phenomina of life,  recounting the ex-
periments which go to establish principles and  assign laws
for the government of actions connected with  life.   Thus
 while  his course enlightened and enlarged the understanding,
the minds of his hearers were  guarded  against any  preju-
 dice of bias, which would hindef future investigation.
   The subject matter of discourse is stated ; the  important
 points candidly discussed ;  the whole subject clearly pre-
 sented., and in such a  manner as not only to excite present 
SI
attention, but to  invite  future  reflection and  investigation.
   In the practice of Medicine, Dr. Wells possessed the re-
quisite qualifications for eminent distinction and usefulness—
and in the intervals between his lecture terms he was assidu-
ously employed.   Besides holding the office  of Dispensary
Physician, he was also  engaged in very considerable private
practice.
  With the same zeal and perseverance which  belonged to
his character as Professor,  he applied himself to  the  prac-
tice of Medicine  ; attentive to his patients ;  affable and  a-
greeable in his manners ; generally  beloved,  and rapidly
acquiring the confidence  of  the  public, and  an  extensive
practice.
   The value of decision  of character, as well as  persever-
ance, was duly  appreciated by Dr. Wells.   He saw  and
experienced  the powerful agency of this principle, producing
a  concentration of effort and energy of action, which with
irresistible force bears down all  obstacles, and triumphs o-
ver all opposition.   Its  vast power and influence on the char-
acter is observed in all  those who are  distinguished masters
in the arts and sciences, and  in  the liberal  professions, as
well as in the enterprises of philanthropy and benevolence.

   In our own favored country, where all are equal—where
the road of preferment is open to all—and  where merit  te
the criterion to settle the  reward,  he best succeeds who  best
improves his time.
   Would you, Gentlemen, properly appreciate the traits of
character which  constitute a great and good man, follow the
example of  him whose praise is in  the mouths of all  who
knew him.  In his youth and  in his studies; in his manhood
and  in  his practice ;  industry,  decision and  perseverance
characterize  his every stage of life.  Unaided by affluence,
or the patronage of influential friends, he was early thrown
on his own resources,  and his efforts  corresponded with tho
importance of the  achievements he was destined to make. 
10
  Trust not,  young Gentlemen,  to patrimonial  bounty to
suppK the defects  which negligence creates—improve the
faxoi.rs vt  Providence  to  facilitate >our  progress  in the
high and honorable course of professional study—but never
sutler them to induce sloth, or serve as an apology for indo-
lence, and thus pervert to your ruin the blessings of Heaven.

  The dignity of your nature  forbids that ignorance  and
wealth should usurp the place of knowledge and reputation ;
however captivating the smiles of  wealth, pecuniary  inde-
pendence bears no comparison in value to true independence
of mind ; the law'of the animal economy which unites effort
to improvement,  and strength to exercise, cannot be violated
with impunity.   What conquests have been  achieved by in-
dividuals when thrown entirely on their own resources;  and
lion many have  been destroyed by parental indulgence  and
pecuniary bounty ?  How often has a patrimony, or the ex-
pectancy of one, quenched the spirit of enterprize, and al-
lured to the path of inglorious ease, blasting  the hopes of
the  loo fond and indulgent parent.   While on the other hand,
how numerous the instances  where even  poverty has fired
the  soul with an  all conquering  resolution,  stimulated  the
mind to energetic action, and crowned with success the no-
ble  daring of the heirs of her fortune.

  Be not too much elated by riches, or  the prospect of  a
rich inheritance, nor blinded by its dazling brilliancy ;  and
never suffer poverty to depress or discourage  you ;  or the
anticipation  of it to produce despair.  But while you study
the laws of  the animal economy, regulate your  conduct by
those principles which govern the develqpement, progress and
perfection of the corporeal and mental powers j and if at any
time distrust or  despondency come over yqu, cajl to your re-
lief the many striking examples of the truth and soundness
of  the doctrine ; especially recollect the untieing exertions
of  hi-n whose death we  now mourn,  and on  whose  virtues
 memory will long delight to dwell—who, without the aid  of
 wealth, or the influence of friends, by his own  efforts  rose, 
u
and by his talents gained an eminence in the profession, and
that too, at an early age, standing unri.ailed.  We bave to
lament that in the attainment of so distinguished excellence,
by labor so unremitting,  the powers of his constitution were
tasked beyond their ability to support.
  In the preparation and  delivery of  his lectures nothing
was omitted which would contribute  to aid in producing the
most powerful effect on his audience.   His uniform practice •
of devoting the  hour preceding Lis lecture exclusively to
the particular subject, is proof of hid industry and faithfulness,
and gave him a  familiarity and  ease in  the performance ad-
mired  by all.
   Highly distinguished as was Dr. Wells in his profession-
al qualifications, their attainment costing him much time and
labour, we would not withhold  from  him  the  tribute  which
literature and general science so cheerfully award  and so
liberally  bestow on his character.
   A thorough classical education, with a mind well  disci-
 plined, formed a solid foundation for  the erection of a rich
 and splendid superstructure ; his varied and copious  learn-
 ing ;  the expanded powers of his intellect  present conclu-
 sive evidence of his industry and perseverance,  and justly
 entitle him to the reputation of  a good general scholar.
   But it was his moral qualities, added  to  his intellectual
 powers,  which gave a beauty and interest to bis  character,
 and  threw  around  it a fascination,  endearing him  to his
 friends,  and captivating  all  who fell within the circle of hi
 acquaintance.   Governed by a  delicate  sense.of honor—in
 his feelings actuated by a  spirit of liberality—open  and
 frank in his disposition—above  envy—he disdained  all hy-
 pocrisy—and in  an unparalleled  course of prosperity,  ho
 mail tained a  dignity  and  modesty  of demeanor,  which
 proved his moral worth of the  highest order.   No false phi-
 losophy  darkened the clearness  of his  perceptions,  or dis-
 turbed the purity of his sentiments ; none contaminated the-
 professional instructions flowing from his  lips.   While im- 
                           12
folding the complicated and wonderful  structure of the hu-
man system, he omitted  no opportunity  of impressing on
the minds of his hearers the evidence of the divine agency
and wisdom, displayed in the formation of man,  and of the
power and benevolence of God constantly exerted for hi*
preservation and continuance.   In all the different relations
he  was called  to sustain in life,  he not  only  acquitted him-
:  df with honor, but by his example bequeathed to his friends
and the public an invaluable legacy.  We have seen him in
prosperity aim >>t unexampled ;  wo have seen  him admired
and honored above most others of his age, and we have not
witnessed a corrupting and  destroying influence cither on
t!ie mind or conscience.   The field of his brilliant prospects
i^ openiiiL;-  wider and  wider ; his sphere of usefulness is con-
tinually  enlarging ; his  professional reputation  high  and
immovably e>tabli>hed ;  his numerous friends  sharing with
him a  well  deserved and wide extending fame.   In the pos-
sesion of all that earth can proffer  to  her most favoured
sons, suddenly ami unexpectedly a sad and mournful change
occurs ; he is stopped in his career of prosperity, and com-
pelled  to exchange all the delights of social and active life
for  the torture of pain and the confinement of disease ; here
his  trials begin, and now  is to  be  tested  the  value of his
characlrr for true wisdom.  With  fortitude and patience he
end ires i!.» most excruciating sufferings of body, while his
imud reposes with  tranquil confidence  in  the dispensations
of an overruling  Providence, acquiescing  in  humble sub-
mission,  influenced by  the truths  of the  christian religion,
which  he publicly professed,  his soul rises above all earthly
objects and  holds converse with the skies.
  In prosperity he was not corrupted, and now in  adversi-
ty he does  not despair.  In the nearer approach of death he
<:=s r.ilin  and resigned,  while the bosoms of his friends
"ere  loin  wiih  grief and sorrow.   We  sympathize with
those  fr.ends  in  this  most afflictive dispensation,  and  we
n our.: the early departure  of one whose promise of long
'■  > «t"-iMcd usefulness seemed so  sure, and whose life was so 
13
great a blessing; but  we would bow submissively to the
inscrutable  Providence of the all-wise  Ruler of the Uni-
verse.   And now, though  dead, he yet  speaks  in the most
impressive language,  that of his own bright example,  wor-
thy the aim and ambition of the most devoted student,  and
not less worthy the imitation of the most distinguished  Pro-
fessor.

   No  language or advice, young Gentlemen, can be more
useful  or comprehensive  than this, that you make John
Doane Wells your  standard of excellence ; that you fol-
low the path, he marked out, luminous with his effulgence ;
it leads with certainty direct to a temple consecrated to fame
and to honor,  to usefulness and to happiness.

   Study, then, to attain a true independence of mind; for
this he was distinguished ; and none can be truly great who
are destitute of its ennobling influence ;  not  that indepen-
dence  which originates in selfishness and ignorance, support-
ed by  pride and vanity, ungoverned by reason, contemptuous,
and actuated by no higher principle than supreme self-love.
But cultivate  that independence  which is based on truth
and  rectitude,  ami which,  in  disregard of  consequences,
steadily and perseveringly prompts to the discharge of eve-
ry duty ;  fearlessly approving of what  is right,  and dis-
countenancing  what is wrong ; giving an elevated direction
to efforts  for the promotion  of individual and public happi-
ness.   Intimately allied to this  independence of  mind is de-
cision  of character ;  and  by  this  is also implied energy of
action.  For this our friend was particularly distinguished ;
and to this trait in his character was he indebted, principal-
ly, for the greatness he attained—vemt, videt,  vlncit.—
Inspired by this principle,  plans  were well formed and
promptly  executed—judicious  enterprizes  undertaken and
rapidly accomplished.  Devotion  to  the profession, and a
zeal for improvement,  gave him, at an  early  age, the dis-
tinction and the honors which  ought to satisfy even  long
life.   In disposition amiable ;  in sentiment generous; frank 
14
and open  in  his conduct;  sincere and ardent in his friend-
ships ; no man had fewer enemies.  On a projjer occasion
he once said,  " if there is any one thing I detest, it  is hy-
pocrisy."
  Young  Gentlemen,  with this bright example of unpar-
alleled success and splendid reputation in the profession you
have chosen,  be excited  to great diligence and persever-
ance ;  cherish those virtues which raised  him so high in the
estimation of the wise and good,  and so strongly endeared
him to all who knew him ; and fondly may  we hope, that
after a longer life than was permitted him, your end may be
like his, whose memory is blessed.