P^PLOGHlHlIDXHrG-S 
OF THE 
SECOND ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT 
OK THE 
M Eli A KEY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 
OK THE 
Central Tennessee College, 
nKi,i> in , ” 
THOMPSON CHAPEL, 
NASHVILLE, TEXX., 
Pridn,y Even max Pel>. 23d, 1878. 
NASHVILLE, TEXX.: 
WfvEivi.Y Pilot Print, 52 Cedar Street. 
1878, CALENDAR, 1878 AND 1879. 
First Session begins September 2nd ; ends December 
20th, 1878. 
Second Session begins January 2nd, and ends May 
22nd, 1879. 
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 
The Third Annual Session begins September 20th „ 
1878, and ends February 21st, 1879. PROCEEDINGS. 
Thompson Chapel was crowded on 
the evening of the 22nd inst., to witness 
the graduation of three young men 
from the Meharry Medical Department 
of Central Tennessee College. Fully 
half an hour before the time announced 
for the opening, every seat was occu- 
pied, and it was with difficulty that even 
standing room could be obtained. 
Among those present and seated on the 
platform,besides the Faculty and mem- 
bers of the Medical Class, were 
Rev. Gilbert Haven, one of the Bishops 
of the M. E. Church, and President of 
the Board of Trustees of Central Ten- 
nessee College, Rev. Dr. Phillips, of 
the Nashville Institute, Prof. Chase, 
of Fisk University, Drs. Sneed and 
Tucker, of this city, Rev. H. W. Key, 
of Murfreesboro’, Rev. B. B. Manson, 
of Lebanon, Rev. J. G. Thompson, of 
Springfield, and Revs. L. A. Rudisill 
and Calvin Pickett, of Nashville. 
Rev. Dr. Braden, the President of 
the institution, conducted the exercises, 
which were opened with an invocation 
by Rev. H. W. Key, and the rendering 
of an anthem, with fine effect, by the 
“Tennesseeans: ” 
“Joy to the world.” 
The first exercise on the programme 
was a “ Thesis ” on Malaria, by Loren- 
zo Dow Key, of West Tennessee, the 
full text of which is as follows : 
The word malaria was derived from 
two Latin words, which mean “bad 
air.” It is supposed that the air in 
certain portions of this and other coun- 
tries is filled with germs that are 
formed by the decomposition of animal 
and vegetable matters, and It is 
thought by a large number of writers 
upon this subject that persons who in- 
habit these districts take into their sys- 
tem during the act of respiration these 
little germs which enter the circula- 
tion and produce what is known as 
malarial diseases. Dr. Salisbury, of 
the Charity Hospital of the Medical 
College of Cleveland, Ohio, claims that 
these fevers are caused by the intro- 
duction into the system of cells or 
spores emanating from certain plants, 
which he calls ague plants, and in no 
instance are they found where this 
disease does not exist; and, for an ex- 
periment, cakes of the surface of the 
soil where this malaria prevails were 
taken five miles away, to a high, hilly 
district, where a case of this fever was 
never known to occur, and placed on 
the sill of an open second-story win- 
dow, opening into the sleeping apart- 
rfient of two young men, and it was 
found in a few days after that both the 
young men were attacked with inter- 
mittent fever, while none of the other 
members of the family became affected. 
It is true that this disease may exist 
in any part of the United States, but 
it is found to be most prevalent in the 
Southern and Western States, and es- 
pecially in the marshy districts, and I 
think I will be safe in saying that we, 
as physicians, will find the treatment 
Of this affection to be the largest part 
of our work in the practice of medicine 
in the South ; therefore we should give 
this subject special thought and study, 
for it is only he who thoroughly un- 2 
derstands the disease that can success- 
fully treat it. 
It is said by all who have given this 
subject any thought, that this miasma 
is movable by the wind, and can be 
taken and carried by it to places where 
it does not naturally occur. It has 
also been found that places infected 
by malaria are more dangerous at 
night than in the day-time. Whether 
the poison be more abundantly gener- 
ated or condensed at night, or whether 
the body is more susceptible of its in- 
fluence then, is not positively known, 
but it is certainly true that it is more 
active and pernicious during the dark 
hours. Therefore it is advisable for 
persons who travel these districts to 
do so in the day-time, and persons who 
sleep in the open air at night in such 
places are very apt to have one or 
more attacks of intermittent fever as a 
result. Those who reside in these 
parts must, as far as possible, avoid 
the night air; go to bed early, and 
while it is safe in most parts of the 
country to rise early, in these poison- 
ous districts this precept becomes an 
unsafe one. 
It is also true that malaria loves the 
ground, and that its tendency is down- 
ward. Whether this be from its spe- 
cific gravity or from some attraction 
of the earth’s surface, is not distinctly 
understood. Yet it is so. And per- 
sons who occupy the lower rooms of a 
building are more susceptible to an 
attack of malarial diseases than those 
who occupy the upper rooms of the 
same building. 
There are numerous traits of this 
affection of which time will not allow 
me to speak, but I most heartily rec- 
ommend to you the reading of the 
different writers upon the subject. 
This disease presents itself in three 
principal forms, all agreeing in the 
nature of their cause and in the peri- 
odicity of their attacks : First we have 
intermittent fever, which is the most 
common grade of the disease, and 
which is more frequently met with 
than any other variety. This form of 
the disease generally occurs in three 
types : 1st. The quotidian — that is, 
when the paroxysms occur every day. 
2nd. The tertian — when the attack 
comes on the third day. 3rd. The 
quartan—when the affection shows it 
self every fourth day. The second form 
of this disease is known as remittent or 
bilious fever. The third as pernicious 
or congestive fever. The symptoms, 
in the first stage, are commonly known 
as the cold or chilly. The cold sensa- 
tion comes on, often accompanied with 
shivering, chattering of teeth, loss of 
appetite, sometimes vomiting and 
headache, depression of spirits and 
drowsiness. Next comes the hot stage, 
or fever. In this stage the warmth 
gradually returns, shivering ceases, 
the face becomes flushed, then exces- 
sive heat of body, mouth becomes dry, 
great thirst, violent headache and 
pulse quick and full. This stage may 
last from one to eighteen hours. This 
is followed by the third, or sweating, 
stage. This also comes on gradually, 
the face first becoming moist, then the 
trunk and limbs, while the other 
symptoms subside, and the patient may 
fall asleep, and on waking is found to 
be much relieved. For a long time 
this disease swept its way through the 
land striking down a vast number of 
persons who fell victims to its attack, 
and though a variety of medicines 
were tried as remedies, none were 
found to produce the desired effect 
until there was, providentially, dis- 
covered, away out in the Andes moun- 
tains of South America, a tree, the 
bark of which was found to contain 
properties having power to control 
this troublesome affection, and happi- 
ly, too, was this grand remedy accept- 
ed in the practice of medicine. The 3 
Indians of Peru called it the 
Kina tree, from which we get the 
name quinia, but it is not certain that 
they knew the use of its bark until the 
arrival of the Spaniards. It seemed to 
have been imported to Europe in 1639 
by the Countess Del. Cinchon, wife of 
the Viceroy of Peru, who by the 
use of this bark had been cured of 
a severe attack of intermittent fever, 
and upon this account it was named 
cinchona. From thence the fame of 
the cinchona bark spread to most 
parts of the world. But the discovery 
of the alkaloids, upon which its prop- 
erties chiefly depend, and which are 
now being so extensively used, consti- 
tutes a new era in the history of medi- 
cine, and did not take place until the 
beginning of the present century. Its 
chief active principles are two alka- 
loids, Quinia and Cinchona, which 
are the only specifics in the treatment 
of malarial diseases, and I think I will 
be safe in saying that had not this 
great remedy been discovered, which 
has both the power to allay and pre- 
vent the attack of malarial fever, that 
the Mississippi valley, which is so 
largely infected with this miasma, 
could never have been successfully 
populated. There has been recently 
discovered in Australia a lofty tree— 
the Eucalyptus globulus—which is said 
to possess remarkable prophylactic 
properties, and it is claimed that when 
cultivated in malarial districts it will 
prevent the attack of the disease, and 
that preparations from it will cure 
malaria when it has been acquired. 
This tree has been successfully culti- 
vated in Algiers and California, and is 
noted for the rapidity of its growth— 
sometimes reaching to the height of 
twenty feet in a single year. But it 
still remains to be proven whether 
experience will justify its claims as an 
anti-periodic or not. Pierate of ammo- 
nium has also lately been used as a 
substitute for quinine, and several 
physicians report that it has proved 
highly successfully in their practice. 
After another song by the “ Tennes- 
seeans,” the next speaker on the pro- 
gramme, John C. Halfacre, delivered 
an address on the “ Physician’s Qualifi- 
cations and Responsibilities,” of which 
the following is a brief synopsis : 
The qualified physician must under- 
stand the physical signs; he must also 
be able to tell the different tempera- 
tures that accompany different dis- 
eases ; he must be able to diagnose 
cases and to give a differential diag- 
nosis of every disease, and especially 
those diseases which bear a close rela- 
tionship to each other; he should also 
be able to give a prognosis of different 
diseases. 
I will now explain the terms I have 
made use of in the foregoing state- 
ments : 1st. Symptons and physical 
signs together contribute to diagnosis, 
and diagnosis means a knowledge of 
the character of the morbid process or 
state in given cases—the answer to the 
question, What is the matter? 
Prognosis is the anticipation of the 
progress and results or termination of 
the disease. The essential elements of 
prognosis are a knowledge of the cause 
or causes of the disease present, and of 
the condition of the organs, and of the 
general vital state or degree of vital 
force of the system. Prognosis de- 
pends, therefore, upon diagnosis, but 
is governed, in a majority of cases, 
by those rational symptoms which in- 
dicate the organic energy of the pa- 
tient and the kind and rate of change 
that his system is undergoing. 
Rational symptoms and physical 
signs are distinguished thus: A ra- 
tional symptom is a sign of disease 
which is obvious to the patient him- 
self, or the practitioner, without close 
inspection; a physical sign is one de- 
termined by examination into the 4 
properties and material conditions of 
the organs of the body, as by palpita- 
tion, auscultation and percussion. 
Symptoms guide us hv physiological 
inference, and physical signs by ana- 
tomical necessity. A physician with- 
out a correct knowledge of these, can 
not he successful. 
Suppose, for instance, a person 
should be stricken down with epilepsy, 
and the physician not having a thor- 
ough knowledge of the different symp- 
toms of the disease, should treat it as 
apoplexy; or, again, suppose a person 
should be stricken down with pneu- 
monia, and the physician having a 
limited knowledge of the difference of 
the symptoms between pneumonia and 
pleurisy, should treat the case as one 
of pleurisy. By such a treatment, in 
either case, he would be more than 
liable to lose his case. 
Hence you see that a physician, in 
order to become skillful in his profes- 
sion, must pass through a regular 
course of instruction. 
The song, “Beautiful Flag,” was 
next rendered, and John Silas Bass de- 
livered an address on “ Our Aim as 
Physicians.” The speaker said, in 
substance: , 
“ It is the duty as well as the privi- 
lege of every individual, as he becomes 
capable of entering upon the duties of 
life, to seek that sphere in which he 
can be most useful. If he chooses 
farming, let him enter it feeling his re- 
sponsibilities, and do all he can to ex- 
cel. If he is to be a mechanic, let him 
do his best; if a lawyer, let him go to 
his work with zeal and determination; 
if to teach, or to preach the Gospel, or 
to practice medicine, let him go deeply 
impressed with his duties and obliga- 
tions. The teacher must take care of 
the mind, the preacher the soul, and 
the physician the body, and it requires 
great preparation for either of these 
professions, and especially on the part 
of the colored student, who enters the 
profession of medicine; because it is a 
new field lately opened to our people. 
We know that we are not equal 
in skill to those who have had many 
years of practice, but we do know that 
we have laid the foundation, upon 
which we intend to build, until we 
shall become masters of our profession. 
We know there are many mountains to 
he climbed, and many obstacles to 
overcome, but we Avill ever strive to 
surmount them, and we believe that in 
our effort to accomplish this great 
work, we have the sympathy of all 
true physicians. We shall ever bear 
in mind that our work is one which 
involves the preservation of our race, 
upon which we hope never to bring re- 
proach or disgrace. Gentlemen, we 
are entering into a grand field of ef- 
fort, which I think stands next to the 
ministry. While it is the work of the 
ministry to teach men the laws of God, 
which may be the means of saving 
their souls, it is our aim to instruct 
men in the laws of Hygiene, which, if 
heeded, will secure to them the highest 
bodily enjoyment, and great mental 
vigor. We shall teach them that their 
bodies are the temples of the living 
God, and should be kept free from dis- 
ease. We shall teach that there is no 
need of so much sickness, and show 
that many diseases are brought on by 
violating the laws of their being. The 
question is often asked : Why do more 
colored people die in a given period 
than whites? Simply because they 
more frequently violate the laws of 
health. Why are they more liable to 
violate these laws ? Because they have 
been deprived of men of their race ca- 
pable of teaching these laws, and urg- 
ing the necessity of observing them. 
I know that there is a class 
who say that we will gradually die 
out, but the Medical department of the 
Central Tennessee College is engaged 5 
in preparing physicians who, in a few 
years, will prove that assertion to be 
false, by decreasing the mortality, 
which is now so great among our peo- 
ple. Again, some say that the science 
of medicine is too deep and complicated 
for our race to master; but we intend 
to establish the fact that out of our race 
are coming men to occupy positions 
equal to those held by men of any other 
race.” 
At its conclusion, “Only a little 
Flower ” was sung as a solo, by Miss 
Lizzie Ewing, with fine effect. 
Dr. G. W. Hubbard then delivered 
an address to the Medical Class on 
PRACTICAL HYGIENE. 
It was formerly supposed that dis- 
ease and all the ills that flesh is heir to, 
resulted from the displeasure of the 
gods. 
We frequently hear people speak of 
the mysterious despensations of provi- 
dence, and it is true that many of God’s 
natural laws are at present imperfectly 
understood, but from what has already 
been discovered concerning them, we 
have reasons for hoping that those 
things that [now appear so dark will 
sooner or later be clearly understood. 
When God’s moral laws are violated 
there is hope of forgiveness by com- 
plying with certain conditions, and we 
are not held accountable provided we 
have earnestly and faithfully endeav- 
ored to ascertain his will; but when 
his natural laws have been broken, no 
matter whether it has been done ignor- 
antly or wilfully, punishment is sure 
to follow. 
Probably not one person in a hun- 
dred dies a purely natural death; we 
are all committing suicide, slowly it is 
true, but none the less surely. 
If this is true how important it is 
that we should have a proper under- 
standing of God’s unwritten laws, as 
they have such an important bearing 
on our usefulness, happiness and suc- 
cess in this life. 
As this knowledge is more univer- 
sally diffused the average length of hu- 
man life increases. 
During the last two hundred years, 
although the population of the city of 
London has increased six-fold, the 
death rate has diminished nearly one 
half. Mankind may never again reach 
the advanced age attained by the 
antediluvians, yet we may reason- 
ably expect that a largely increased 
number of our race will reach 
the age of three score years and ten, 
man’s allotted time on earth. 
Small-pox was formerly regarded as 
one of the most dreaded and fatal of 
diseases, but since the discovery of 
vaccination by Jenner, in the latter 
part of the 18th century, it no longer 
terrifies the world by its ravages, and 
no city or community has any reason- 
able excuse for allowing it to prevail 
as an epidemic in their midst. 
The Asiatic Cholera, that from its 
native home on the Ganges has passed 
around the entire Globe, numbering its 
victims by millions, by proper sanitary 
precautions can be almost entirely pre- 
vented from obtaining a foothold on 
our shores. 
Hygiene is the art of preserving 
health; taken in its widest sense it 
signifies rules for perfect culture of 
mind and body. 
Dr. Parkes, an English author, says: 
“ The body is affected by every mental 
and moral action, the mind is pro- 
foundly influenced by bodily condi- 
tions. For a perfect system of hygiene, 
we must combine the knowledge of the 
physician, the school-master and the 
priest, and must train the body, the 
intellect and the moral soul in a per- 
fect and balanced order. 
Then if our knowledge were exact 
and our means of application adequate, 
we should see the human being in his 6 
perfect beauty as Providence perhaps 
intended him to be. It is undoubtedly 
true that we can even now choose be- 
tween health and disease, not perhaps 
individually, for the sins of our fathers 
may be visited upon us, or the customs 
of our life and the chains of our 
civilization and social customs may 
gall us, or even our fellow-men may 
deny us health, or the knowledge which 
leads to health. 
But as a rule man holds his own 
destiny, and can choose between good 
and evil; and as time unrolls the 
scheme of the world, it is not too much 
to hope that the choice will be for goodt 
I propose to speak to-night, more par- 
ticularly concerning those things that 
directly concern the colored peo- 
ple of this country. 
Among the important and interest- 
ing problems now attracting the atten- 
tion of our philanthropists and students 
of social science, is the future destiny 
of the colored population of the 
United States. 
I am not now speaking of their re- 
ligious, political, or educational ad- 
vancement, but of that on which to a 
greater or less extent depends their 
physical condition and future well 
being. 
It has been said that they were not 
fitted for a state of freedom, and that 
instead of increasing as they had pre- 
viously done while in bondage, they 
would rapidly diminish, and, like the 
red man, finally disappear from the 
face of the earth. 
The rate of mortality of the colored 
population of the Southern States, 
deserves our careful attention. 
The following table is taken from 
the second annual report of the Board 
of Health of this city. 
DEATH-RATE PER THOUSAND ANNUALLY. 
White. Colored. 
Nashville, Tenn 26.31 45.35 
Memphis, “ 18.06 40.06 
Chattanooga, “ 18.60 29.05 
Knoxville, “ 18. 31.20 
Richmond, Ya 17.36 28.13 
District of Columbia 19.22 47.60 
Baltimore, Md 19.80 34.42 
Mobile, Ala ..<..12.15 23.17 
Selma, “ 14,28 18.88 
New Orleans, La 25.45 39.69 
Charleston, S. C 27.24 41.94 
Average. ..19.68 34.05 
We will now endeavor to point out, 
some of the causes that produce this 
great and alarming mortality. 
It is evident that it is not owing to 
any inherent weakness in their consti- 
tutions, or lack of adaptablily to the 
climate of the Southern States. 
From 1840 to 1850 the rate of increase 
was 23 per cent. 
From 1850 to 1860 22 per cent, and 
from 1860 to 1870 although exposed to 
the vicissitudes of war, and experienc- 
ing the great and sudden change from 
one condition to another, and suddenly 
thrown on their own resources with- 
out previous warning or preparation, 
notwithstanding these unfavorable cir- 
cumstances the increase was ten per 
cent. 
In the recent report of the U. S. 
Surgeon-General, for the year ending 
June 30, 1877, we find that the average 
number of colored troops in the ser- 
vice was 2075, and the number of deaths 
32, and that while the death rate from 
wounds, accidents and injuries was 
greater among the colored than the 
white troops, yet the death rate from 
disease among the colored was only 7 
per thousand, while among the whites 
it was 8 per thousand. The rations san- 
itary regulations, medical attendance 
and general surroundings being about 7 
the same in each case, this comparison 
is a fair and impartial one. 
The increase or decrease of popula- 
tion can be determined only by a cor- 
rect birth rate as well as death rate. 
As far as my knowledge extends there 
is no city in the South where this is 
done, and until the census of 1880 is 
taken this question can not be defin- 
itely settled. 
In my own private practice in 150 
families, representing 600 persons, 
during the past 18 months, in this city 
and vicinity, as nearly as I can ascer- 
tain, there have been 41 births and 31 
deaths; the birth rate being 45.55 per 
thousand, the death rate 34.44 per thou- 
sand, representing an annual increase 
of a little more than 1 per cent. It will 
also be seen that the birth rate in these 
families is slightly greater than the 
death rate of the entire colored popula- 
tion of Nashville. 
If, as has already been shown, the 
death rate is not owing to constitu- 
tional weakness or climate, the ques- 
tion arises to what cause or causes can 
it be attributed ? 
The first cause that I shall mention is 
impure water. Many families are un- 
able to pay the water tax, and are 
obliged to depend on springs and wells 
for water to be used for cooking and 
drinking. In a limestone formation, 
like that of Nashville, there are nu- 
merous fissures in the rocks through 
which the water will flow for a long 
distance under ground, and it is not 
difficult for the fluids from stables, 
vaults and back alleys to find their 
way through these subterranean water 
courses, and reappear in the springs 
and wells. 
During the prevalence of cholera in 
this city in 1873, it was noticed that in 
one of the suburbs of Nashville, now 
known as New Bethel, that the fatality 
was unusually great. Prof. J. W. 
Dolbear, who investigated the subject, 
ascertained that the victims were those 
that used water from a certain spring, 
and the source of this spring was 
found to be in an old burying place for 
a contraband camp during the war, 
and the water was loaded with organic 
matter, that in this case seemed either 
to produce the disease, or to render the 
system peculiarly susceptible to the 
attack of the epidemic then prevailing. 
Many families live in cellars or 
basements, that are dark, damp and 
unhealthy. 
We sometimes see elegant mansions 
occupied by wealthy people, who enjoy 
all of the comforts ot life, but they 
seem to forget the welfare of their ser- 
vants, and the quarters allotted to their 
use are unfit for ;human habitations. 
Stables located on filthy alleys are 
used for dwellings by the poor class, 
and several families are crowded into 
one small room, into which pure air 
can find its way only through the 
openings in the broken windows, and 
these partially closed with old hats 
and cast-off clothing. 
It is well known that sunlight is 
necessary for the proper development 
of both animals and plants, yet we 
rarely find a house that is properly 
lighted, and if there are windows they 
are usually closed with tight wooden 
shutters, or covered with 4hick cur- 
tains, and there prevails only a dim 
twilight or total darkliess. 
It is no to find per- 
sons who sleep with their heads cov- 
ered both in summer and winter, and 
the constant re-breathing of impure 
air produces blood-poisoning, and a 
long train of diseases that are produced 
by it. 
Many sutler from an insufficient 
amount of sleep; this is partly the re- 
sult of habit and in some degree due 
to the force of circumstances. 
In some of the churches the people 
do not assemble until nine o’clock, 8 
and the meetings,especially during sea- 
sons of revivals,frequently do not close 
until nearly midnight. These is re- 
peated night after night for weeks in 
succession, the meetings being held in 
crowded, ill ventilated rooms, and usu- 
ally accompanied with considerable 
religious excitement. 
This course of action,if long followed, 
is sure to result in nervous and bodily 
exhaustion that renders them suscepti- 
ble to the influence of diseases of 
different kinds. 
There is a great lack of variety of 
food which is so essential to the per- 
fect preservation of health; in many 
families the standard diet is corn 
bread, bacon and coffee. 
The poor are obliged to use articles 
for food of inferior quality, and on ac- 
count of cheapness, purchase unripe 
or decayed vegetables. 
When money is abundant, there is 
often a season of feasting; when it is 
scarce, the other extreme follows. 
Irregular hours for eating, and espe- 
cially hearty meals taken late at night, 
have a tendency to derange the func- 
tions of the digestive organs, and thus 
produce disease. 
The use of intoxicating drinks and 
tobacco is not confined to any particu- 
lar race, and the colored people are by 
no means free from these pernicious 
habits, and I think I shall be justified 
in saying that they spend more money 
for whiskey, tobacco and snuff than 
they do for the support of the Gospel 
and the education of their children. 
The physician is well acquainted 
with the long catalogue of diseases 
that are either produced or aggravated 
by the use of stimulants and narcotics, 
and it is safe to predict that if their 
use is not abandoned they will prove 
a deadly curse to the colored race, and 
hurry thousands to untimely graves. 
Unfortunately the evil consequences 
do not end with the lives of those who 
fall victims to intemperance, for they 
frequently leave behind them children 
who inherit weakened and diseased 
constitutions and uncontrollable appe- 
tites for liquor. 
Lack of proper medical attendance 
is a prolific cause of sickness and 
death. It has been estimated that 
fully one-third of the time and care of 
the medical profession in this city is a 
donation to the public. Notwithstand- 
ing this gratuitous service, many suffer 
for want of medical attention, and 
when the physician is called in it is 
frequently too late for him to be of 
any service. 
Having spoken of some of the most 
prolific causes of sickness and death, I 
will now endeavor to present some 
practical measures which, if adopted, 
would result in greatly diminishing 
the present death rate. An abundant 
supply of pure water should be fur- 
nished by the city, and arrangements 
made by which the poor can obtain it, 
either free of cost or at a nominal rate. 
A severe penalty should be imposed on 
property holders who persist in renting 
houses that are unfit for human occu- 
pants. The colored people should, as 
soon as possible, endeavor to procure 
homes of their own. By industry, fru- 
gality and temperance it will not be diffi- 
cult for them to do this. Building lots 
in the vicinity of this city can be pur- 
chased for one hundred dollars, and 
by paying twenty-five dollars in ad- 
vance, time would be given for paying 
the remainder. Seventy-five dollars 
will build a better house than many 
now occupy; so it will be seen that 
one hundred dollars will secure a com- 
fortable home that could be improved 
and beautified as time and circum- 
stances permitted. Some may reply 
that times are hard, wages low, they 
can not find work to do, and it is only 
with the greatest effort that they are 
able to procure food and clothing for 9 
their families. In all of our large 
cities the supply of labor far exceeds 
the demand. Thousands annually 
leave comfortable homes in the coun- 
try to seek their fortunes in our 
crowded cities. The idle, the vicious 
and the licentious naturally seek the 
city, where they hope to live in idle- 
ness, hide their crimes, gratify their 
passions without restraint and enjoy 
the pleasures of sin for a season. Our 
cities contain too many colored people, 
and a portion of them ought to seek 
homes in the country as soon as possi- 
ble. If there is no suitable employ- 
ment for them in this 'State let them 
follow Horace Greeley’s advice and 
“Go West.” 
In Kansas and Texas there are mil- 
lions of acres of land as fertile as ever 
the sun shone upon that can be ob- 
tained free by settling upon them, ac- 
cording to the Homestead Act, or can 
be bought from one to five dollars per 
acre, and it only needs the strong arm 
and determined will to make the now 
solitary places “ rejoice and blossom as 
the rose.” Experience shows that the 
death rate in the country is much less 
than in the city, and it is not difficult 
to discover why it is so, as many of 
the causes of mortality just mentioned 
are not found in the country, and the 
next census will doubtless show a con- 
siderable increase of colored popula- 
tion in the rural districts, whatever 
may be the condition of those who re- 
side in the cities. 
Much can be accomplished by dis- 
seminating information among the 
people concerning the laws of health 
and the importance of obeying them. 
Children in our public schools and 
higher institutions of learning should 
be carefully instructed concerning 
these things, both by precept and ex- 
ample. There has been instituted in this 
College what is known as “A School 
for Nurses,” in which instruction is 
given in anatomy, physiology, hy- 
giene, the use of simple medicines, 
nursing the sick and preparing suit- 
able food for them. 
Well educated colored physicians 
are needed throughout the South, and 
a most promising field of usefulness is 
open before them. They Know the 
habits, peculiarities and superstitions 
of their own people, and their warn- 
ings and admonition will be listened 
to and treated with respect, when the 
advice of others would be regarded 
with suspicion, and be but little heed- 
ed. We hope in years to come to send 
out from this institution a constantly 
increasing number of carefully trained 
and well prepared young men, who 
will not only be animated with a de- 
sire to succeed in their profession, but 
also inspired with the purpose of being 
useful to their own race, and, like our 
common Master, spend their lives go- 
ing about doing good, and may they 
at last hear it said of them “ Inasmuch 
as ye have done it unto one of the least 
of these my brethren ye have done it 
unto me.” 
The “Tennesseeans” then sang 
“The Old Log Labin in the Lane.” 
At this point Bishop Haven, though 
greatly indisposed, was introduced and 
spoke as follows: 
“ I don’t make long speeches. This 
is a very good place for a sick man to 
be, and I feel that if I were to experi- 
ence a relapse, I should not suffer for 
want of medical attention. Physicians 
are a necessity; in fact, we can’t get 
along without them. I had my speech 
prepared for this occasion, but since 
coming here, I find that I am behind 
the age. When I first came to Nash- 
ville, eleven years ago, I went through 
an untenanted barracks—the gun fac- 
tory—in which were assembled several 
hundred ill-clad, dirty, dusky urchins, 
with blue-back spelling books in their 
hands', striving to learn the twenty-six 10 
characters of the alphabet. In neither 
building did I find a boy or girl that 
was able to perform a sum in addition, 
or answer a question in grammar. But 
times have changed, aud the enter- 
prises which were begun in those old 
buildings have developed into two 
great institutions, Fisk University and 
Central Tennessee College. When we 
look at the roots .of a tree, we notice 
that they strike deep into the ground, 
and the botanist tells us that it is the 
roots, which absorb the nutriment of 
the soil, that gives life and vigor to 
every branch and leaf. This institu- 
tion is taking root, and every time I 
visit here, I find that it is striking 
deeper into the soil of public confi- 
dence, and its branches spreading 
abroad. Departments for the pursuit 
of every profession have been organ- 
ized, and while you have not the facil- 
ities and appurtenances of older insti- 
tutions, you can congratulate your- 
selves on your present advantages. 
With reference to these young men 
who are to graduate, I desire their 
prosperity, and hope they will labor 
to achieve success. The profession you 
have chosen is an honorable one, and 
one that will enable you to be of great 
service to your race. In the early part 
of your career you may be snubbed, 
and receive the shrugging of the cold 
shoulder from others of your profes- 
sion, but if you prove yourselves men, 
in time you will gain their respect.” 
After another piece of music, Dr. 
Braden delivered the following 
address: 
A few years ago a student in this 
school inquired about the facilities for 
a medical education within the reach 
of colored young men. No medical 
school in the Mississippi valley invited 
them into its halls or offered them the 
advantages of its curriculum. To have 
any of the many excellent medical 
schools of the country opened to the 
colored people seemed impossible, 
under existing circumstances. The 
friends in the North had hardly 
dreamed of the necessity of such a 
school for the colored people, espe- 
cially those who were so recently in 
bondage. 
The matter was canvassed among 
the friends of the three colored schools 
in Nashville in hopes of tmiting them 
in establishing a medical school, but it 
was not successful. Feeling that the 
circumstances demanded action in this 
matter, a class in anatomy and physi- 
ology was organized in 1875 under the 
direction of an experienced and skill- 
ful physician of this city. 
At this time Mr. Samuel Meharry 
and his brother, Mr. Hugh Meharry, 
of Indiana, generously offered the 
means which enabled the trustees to 
put into operation this department, 
and the same generosity has enabled 
us to continue it. These Christian 
gentlemen have begun a noble work 
by their benevolence, and will no 
doubt continue their fostering care of 
this department, which bears their 
name, and thus increase its efficiency 
and extend its usefulness in the fu- 
ture. 
In October, 1876, the medical de- 
partment was formally opened under 
the supervision of Dr. G. W. Hubbard, 
a graduate of the medical department 
of the Nashville University, with such 
assistance from the physicians of the 
city as the class demanded. There 
were eleven in the class, one of whom, 
Jas. M. Jamison, graduated at the 
close of the session. On the 2nd of 
October, 1877, the second session be- 
gan. During the session eighteen 
young men have been connected with 
the class, and three received at its 
close the usual degrees. 
For the future of the school there 
is great hope. The increase in the 
number of students has been healthful. 11 
I am here to-night to say a few 
things to the graduates of the school 
who are so soon to enter upon their 
active duties as physicians among their 
people. 
Gentlemen of the Class of 1878: 
I congratulate you to-night. 1st. 
Because you are recognized as men. 
You were born slaves, the recognized 
property of others; your bodies, intel- 
lects, moral natures were under the 
absolute control, or guidance of your 
owners. To-night you are your own; 
no fetter hinds your limbs, no human 
law manacles the intellect, no earthly 
master has the keeping of your con- 
science. You stand on the broad plat- 
form of a common responsibility with 
your fellow-citizens of this great Re- 
public. You share equally with them 
the rights, privileges and honors 
placed within the reach of any, by the 
Constitution of this mighty nation. 
To you is open the door to intellectual 
improvement. You may enter the 
fields of knowledge, gather the rich 
harvests, if you will, and enjoy the 
fruits of your own labor. You, like 
men, are accountable to no earthly 
master for the improvement of the 
privileges and opportunities God has 
so wonderfully thrust upon you. To 
him, who is the Judge of quick and 
dead, the common Father and Bene- 
factor of the human race you will 
give account. I hail you, then, as men. 
2nd. I congratulate you because you 
have had the privilege of acquiring 
knowledge. Your friends have erected 
school buildings, furnished them, sup- 
plied teachers, and thus offered to you 
the opportunity of mental culture. 
No insurmountable obstacle lies be- 
tween you and the highest possible 
intellectual attainment. The fields of 
mathematics, classical literature, natu- 
ral science, law, medicine, philosophy, 
theology, are all open and invite you 
to enter. 3rd. I congratulate you that 
you have not neglected your advan- 
tages, you have toiled earnestly to 
avail yourselves of these privileges, 
you have been industrious, economical, 
and have, as the result of your own 
industry, almost without pecuniary 
aid, outside of you own earnings, 
availed yourselves of the advantages 
of this institution. I commend the 
industry, economy, perseverance, and 
courage, which enabled you to press 
on, overcoming all obstacles. Of your 
poverty, you have not been ashamed. 
Others of your classmates in the begin- 
ning of your schooldays, have fallen 
out by the way, some because of 
real inability to meet the expenses of 
attending school, and other causes be- 
yond their control. Some, I fear, 
from the desire to dress better than 
they could afford with their limited 
means, have used their money for dis- 
play, and such expensive pleasures as 
have made them financially and intel- 
lectually poor. I heartily commend 
your independence, your perseverance, 
your fearlessness of poverty, daring to 
wear the seedy coat, the faded hat, and 
other carefully preserved garments, 
that the mind might be clothed, and 
yourselves prepared to be useful to 
society, and a blessing to the world. 
Your position to-night is the trumpet 
voice of encouragement to poor young 
men, who have the desire to secure a 
thorough education. Your example 
tells them they need not wait for 
others, if they will use the powers 
God has given. 4th. I congratulate 
you on having finished the prescribed 
course of study, and having passed a 
thoroughly satisfactory examination. 
You have endured to the end. There 
were times when you felt, perhaps, 
that you could not go on, but prayer 
and faith conquered, and you have 
reached the termination of your school- 
days, and the end of the prescribed 
course of study; as in the final settle- the DAILY AMERICAN, NASHVTLLE, FRIDAY MQR\TIN(I, FEBRUARY 23, 1*83. 
owes to the American profession the first intro- 
duction and application of the anesthetic agency 
which has done more for surgery than all other 
discoveries and inventions combined. Ameri- 
can surgery for the last forty years leaves a record 
worthy to stand beside that of England or any 
other country. 
There are diseases among us which have so 
far baffled the skill of our most profound 
minds, but for which, no one seriously doubts, 
there is, or may be, a panacea. 
into this lieid you can enter with all the en- 
ergy of your young blood and the fertility of act- 
ive and well-stored minds. An admiring and 
sympathizing community will lend you their 
encouragement and will nail with delight your 
everv element of success. 
You are all natives or residents of this South- 
ern country; some of you live in the vicinities 
infested by that hydra-headed monster, yellow 
fever, whose vital part no medicinal blade has 
yet been found keen enough to reach; and some 
of you, by making this the object of your espe- 
cial study, may yet prove to be the “St. George’’ 
who is to" rid our fair land ot this dread enemy. 
Here, then, is an inviting fie.d for investiga- 
tion. What more can the ambitious young mind 
need to urge it to effort than the thought that a 
great discovery in the calling he has chosen will 
hand his name down through all ages as a 
scientist and benefactor of mankind. No pro- 
fession offers the incentive for study and investi- 
gation presented in yours, and especially to you 
who are among the first of your race to enter into 
this great work. What is not possible to those of 
you who give up your time and talents to deep 
research into tlie darkness that surrounds so 
many departments of your profession ? 
It is, I assume, a part of my task to offer you 
suggestive advice as to your future and profes- 
sional conduct. And, first of all, let me say, be 
men—true, faithful and honorable men. If you 
make mistakes—and what human will.not—let 
them be honest, intelligent mistakes, and not 
awkward, ignorant blunders. The saying. “Be 
sure you are right and then go ahead,’’ has be- 
come axiomatical, and I suggest to you that you 
adopt it as the guide for your professional life. 
Be studious, prompt and energetic. 
I have told you in the lecture-room that you 
are not compelled to answer calls for your pro 
fessional services, but my advice to you is thai 
you never refuse to go, nojmatter how doubtfu'. 
the chances for compensation. For, by so doing 
you will require that all important element of a 
physician’s success—experience. Be cautious 
and discreet. Never loose sight of the fact that 
vour errors may involve the loss of human life. 
Keep ever in view the credit and good name of 
your alma mater. Remember that the world 
still regards the effort to make professional men 
of your race as an experiment, and do not fail to 
do- everything in your power to show it, 
that it " is no longer an experiment, but 
is an established fact. Persist in your 
efforts, continue unremittingly in your studies 
and prove by actual demonstration that 
the intellectual inferiority heretofore ascribed 
to your people is but mistaken prejudice, and 
let your labors among them be directed to their 
improvement and advancement physically, 
morallv and intellectually. 
Dr. Hubbard, Dean of the Faculty, presented 
the class to President Braden, who delivered 
diplomas to the following graduates: 
Lee Roy Fearn, Huntsville, Ala.: Zeiulon Wal- 
lace McMorris, Newburg, S. O.; Isaiah Eugene 
Mullon, A.B., New Orleans, La.; Franklin Reese 
Robey, Mobile, Ala.; Cea Kenchen Wright, At- 
lanta. Ga. 
Dr. B aden stated that the professions were 
crowded in the lower stories—they honor the 
foundations—satisfied to remain where they 
start, but he knew there was room in the upper 
stories, that genius is born, but work is 
s cccssful. 
He advised them to make this a beginning in 
their upward course in their chosen profession 
and be God fearing men. 
Representative McEiwee was called upon and 
made a ringing speech, which was very kindly 
received. 
Senator Agee briefly responded to the ivarm 
call and said that he was always ready to speak 
to the race, that he would be glad to tel) the 
colored people of his county that he saw five 
young colored gentlemen graduate in medicine 
in Nashville with high honors, and would even 
remind the white people of this same fact. 
Doxology by audience and benediction by 
Prof. Chase concluded these interesting exer- 
cises. 
HISTORY. 
Near the close of the war many of the colored 
people crow'dcd into Nashville. Their friends 
helped them in their poverty, feeding the hun- 
gry and clothing the naked. Schools were also 
opened for their instruction, in the churches 
and other buildings hastily prepared for this 
purpose. In one of these church schools origi- 
nated the Central Tennessee College. The pri- 
mary instruction given at first, was confined to 
the primer and spelling-book. This wras all that 
was needed. The school grew in numbors, 
other buildings were secured. A charter was 
obtained in 1866 with the present name, and in 
1807 the Freedmen’s Aid Society took the school 
under its fostering care, and has supported it 
till the present As the pupils advanced in their 
studies, and were expected to prepare to teach, 
the Normal Department was organized, be- 
cause it became a necessity; then fol- 
lowed for similar reasons the theologi- 
cal, preparatory and eollegiate courses of 
study. All did not feel that their life-work was 
to be confined either to teaching or preaching, 
and began to inquire whether it was possible for 
them to have a medical training, as the difficul- 
ty of securing proper medical attention for the 
colored was very great, and the mortality among 
them alarming, the necesity for educated phy- 
sicians became apparent. In 1875, about ten 
years after the opening of the primary school, 
the Medical Department was organized, and in 
1879, through the munificence of Rev. Samuel 
Meharry and his brothers, Rev. A. Meharry, D. 
D., and Hugh Meharry, Esq., the beautiful and 
commodious four-story brick building now oc- 
cupied by the Meharry Medical Department 
was erected. This school has conferred the de- 
gree of M. D. on twenty-three young men. 
Nearly all of them are engaged in the 
successful practice of their profession. They 
have been kindly received by the white 
physicians, and their uniform testimony 
is that these colored physicians, 'sent 
out by this school, give evidence of very thor- 
ough and intelligent preparation for their work 
—the practice of medicine. This is the only 
thoroughly organized medical school in the 
Mississippi valley, south of the Ohio river, where 
colored persons can pursue this study, and when 
it is remembered that in this same territory 
there are over four millions of colored people, 
there is great reason that this school should be 
rendered most efficient, by liberal endowment 
and thorough equipment for its important work. 
The building is constructed of brick, forty 
feet wide, and sixty feet in length, and four sto"- 
rios in height, including the basement. 
The ground floor will be used as a laboratory 
for practical work in Chemistry; the second 
story for office, museum and dwelling apart- 
ments; the third contains a lecture room of suf- 
ficient size to accommodate one hundred stu- 
dents, recitation room and cabinet of Materia' 
Medica; the fourth story is fitted up for dormi- 
tories. 
An additional building has been erected for 
practical demonstrations in Anatomy. 
Graduates of the schools are practicing in 
seven different States and have been kindly re- 
ceived by the medical profession everywhere. 
MEHARRY. 
Interesting Commencement Exercises of 
this Famous Medical College. 
Address of Prof. E. D. Gregory— 
Diplomas Awarded—Sketch of 
the Institution. 
The seventh annual commencement of the 
Meharry Medical College was held in the chapel 
of the Tennessee Central College last night. 
Some time before the announced for the 
opening exercises the audience began to assem- 
ble and soon the room was jammed with a very 
respectable crowd. While the colored element 
predominated, there were many representative 
white citizens present. Promptly at 7:30 p.m., 
the graduating class marched into the hall and 
took seats on the platform, while a beautiful 
march was played by Miss Mamie Braden, the 
accomplished pianist of this institution. 
The exercises were opened with an anthem 
by the college choir. 
Rev. Calvin Pickett offered a short but fervent 
prayer, and asked that the blessings of the 
Almighty be upon the young men who were 
about to'take up the duties of the great medical 
profession, and that they might reflect credit on 
their alma mater, and spread light and intelli- 
gence in the dark recesses of this great land. 
After an anthem well sung by the choir, Dr. 
Braden called upon F. R. Roben, the salt!ta o 
rian, who delivered a very instructive talk on 
the “Circulatory System.” He extended a 
hearty welcome to the audience, and proceeded 
to describe the system minutely, whtch showed 
an accurate knowledge of the heart and its trib- 
utaries. 
Misses Moore and Watson sang the duet “May- 
bell Flowers,” to the great delight of the au- 
dience, who manifested their pleasure by a 
round of applause. 
C. K. Wright, of Atlanta, Ga., the class vale- 
dictorian, delivered a very creditable essay on 
‘Variola” After an exhaustive history of this 
scourge, he proceeded to give the symptoms. He 
called attention to the fact of it being rare, but 
unless carefullj managed becoming an epidemic 
which spread desolation and death to all classes 
of society. A very comprehensive line of treat 
ment. was given and the preventative power of 
vaccination was strongly endorsed. Some start- 
ling facts were mentioned and his surprise that 
every man, woman and child did not have vac 
cination performed, so they might save them- 
selves and protect their neighbors. 
The young gentleman returned thanks to the 
faculty for their kind and instructive teachings, 
and bade the audience a sad farewell. 
A laughable medley was given by a male 
quartette, and though they were heartily en- 
cored, the progiamme would not allow a re- 
sponse. 
E. L. Gregory, Esq., Professor of Medical .Juris- 
prudence. entertained the audience, in behalf 
of the faculty, with the following instructive ad- 
dress : 
PROF. GREGORY'S ADDRESS. 
Harriet Beecher Stowe, in one of her novels 
says, “No man ever did or ever can know as 
much as a young man just graduated from col- 
lege thinks he knows.” “But,” she adds, “a 
very short experience of life suffices to disabuse 
his 'mind of this se.f-sufticiency.,’ 
You young men are just embarking in one of 
the most responsible of the learned professions. 
Into your hands is to be entrusted the all impor- 
tant matter of human life. 
And as to the manner of the discharge of your 
trust you will be held accountable not only to 
man but to God. 
Unlike the lawyer, you eannot appeal to a 
higher court for a correction of errors, nor can 
you obtain another trial on the discovery of new 
evidence in your case. 
Heretofore in your studies you have been 
guided by an able and efficient corps of 
proiessors, who have pointed out the 
difficulties that lay in your path. 
But from this rime forward you are cast upon 
jour own resources, and your own knowledge, 
sknl and good sense must be your guide. 
The field in which your labors a’e about to 
begin was originally enveloped in almost total 
darkness, and even now but a small scope of its 
territory is cleared of all obstacles. 
In the whole world of science I know of no 
branch that is deserving of greater praise and 
higher admiration than that of the medical pro- 
fession. In its advance upon nature’s citadel, 
it has been met with the most stubborn resist- 
ance by the combined powers of ignorance; 
superstition, and even the law. 
The alchemist—the doctor’s ally and friend— 
was ft r ages regarded with distrust. His fierey 
fngly 
hatred of both rulers and masses in the days of 
the earlier history of our civilization. 
His acquaintance with the hues of, and his 
familiarity with nature, caused him to view 
many of the opinions then deemed sacred, as 
frivolous and unsafe. His knowledge and prae 
tices were alike deemed dangerous, and his life 
and liberty were often imperilled or lost. 
4 Yet, in spite of persecution, in spite of public 
opinion; in short, in spite of every obstacle that 
has been thrown in the path, there have been in 
every age some grand minds that have risen 
above the times in which they lived, and by 
their keen researches into the hidden mysteries 
of nature, have discovered some new fact on 
which thejg or some subsequent votary of the 
science, have laid down principles which were 
to become the guide of their brethren in future 
generations. 
For ages this strife continued between ignor- 
ance and superstition upon the one hand, and 
progressive thought and knowledge on 
the other, until the great masses of the 
people saw the error of their rulers, and 
were taught to see that God’s laws were written 
not alone in the mystic text of tradition, or 
through the agency 'of inspiration, but Were 
transcribed in a bold hand on every page of the 
great book of nature. But for me 'to endeavor 
to trace the history of the struggle between pro- 
gressive reason and fixed opinion would be too 
great a task for this occasion and, perhaps, 
foreign to its purpose. The progress that has 
been made by your profession in the last cen- 
tury alone has been wonderful. Why it was but 
a short time ago that the world clung to its be- 
lief ia natural born physicians—the seventh son 
of the seventh son—those who cure by the laying 
on of hands, spiritualistic healers, etc., still",suc- 
ceed to a no small degree in gulling the credu- 
lous. In fact, the science of surgery is but a few 
hundred years removed from barbarism; 
and not over two hundred years ago 
the practice in the treatment oi incised 
wounds was, instead of bringing the edges 
of the wound together for the purpose of union 
by first intention, as is now d >ne, it was opened 
and filled with acid balsams, sugars, leaden 
tubes, etc., to force it into a painful suppuration, 
which was considered necessary to a cure. 
There were, too, the blood-suckers. In the 
army they were usually the drummers. Their 
skill consisted in applying their mouths to the 
wound and continuing to suck and spit blood as 
long as it continued to flow, and then they 
would chew up a bit of paper wad and insert it 
in the wound. 
Numerous equally ridiculous practices might 
be recalled, the uses oJ_ which have but just 
passed out of the memory of our old practitioners. 
But all ti e e absurdities have passed or are rap- 
id y passing away, and the votaries of the medi- 
cal science are becoming bold in thought and 
action. They have interpreted the text, 
“the wages of sin are death,” to mean 
that sin is a violation of na ture’s or God’s 
laws; that this violation is followed by disease; 
that disease produces deaui, and you who are to 
hold yourselves out to the world" as apostles of 
this creed must be possessed of sufficient art to 
prove your faith by your works. 
I have said that the law has been a formidable 
stumbling block to the medical profession, and 
it still continues that impediment even in this 
enlightened age, by affixing a most infamous 
punishment to the so-called crime of grave rob- 
bing. But this is now done, I think, chiefly in 
deference to the demands of those who hold'the 
sacredness of human clay above the cause of 
science. But, .1 imagine, it is now difficult to 
find a legislator, lawyer, judge or juror who, 
when calling to his aid a surgeon in case of 
injury, would not prefer the services of one who 
ha ■ h id the advantage of instruction in the dis- 
secting room—even if he did steal his 
suojo^t—to that of one whose knowl- 
edge of anatomy was purely theoreti- 
cal an I l rive l sole yfrim bo >ks'and plat is. 
But in this present day and age the principal 
difficulties m the North of your profession have 
disappeared. And .now with all the fetters of 
the mind removed, with the gates of knowledge 
thrown open, and an opportunity given to al- 
most even person in the civilized world to walk 
in at them and feast on the stores within—a 
wide field op ms before him; vho enters within 
to the purs i | >f any of the sciences as a life’s 
callinbut more especially I think to him who 
ch o es the medical profession. 
It is perhaps true that it has to contend with 
more sources of errors than tiny of the others. 
And it should be the objector' each of its votaries 
to add to the present fund of knowledge and aid 
in removing from the nrofession the difficulties 
that weigh so heavily upon it. Probably no 
field of science unless it be that of electricity, 
furnishes such opportunities for the investigat- 
ing mind is does that which you have chosen. 
Tt must be admitted that in America more 
than in the Old \Vorld the physician mixes other 
callings with than of his own. This, among 
other reasons, led Sidney Smith nearly half a 
century ago to ask contemptuously: “What 
does the world yet owe to the American physician 
or surgeon?” The implied delinquencv was un- 
true when propounded, but at this day the an- 
swer may unhesitatingly be given that the world 12 
ment of the destinies of men, he that 
endureth to the end shall receive the re- 
ward, so in the affairs of this life, he 
that labors to the end shall win. 5th. 
I congratulate you on your entrance- 
on the duties for which you have been 
preparing. You have looked at your 
people, ignorant of the laws of then- 
physical being, suffering and dying as 
a consequence of this ignorance, and 
have endeavored to prepare yourselves 
to aid in lifting this dark cloud, and 
alleviate the sufferings of the people. 
You are now after years of preparation, 
to enter upon your life’s work, you 
will soon be called to minister to the 
sick in comfortable homes and those of 
poverty and wretchedness; your skill 
is to be tried, your love for the people 
you serve will be sorely tested. Sick- 
ness will not always occur to suit your 
convenience. In winter and summer, 
rain and shine, by day and by night, 
early and late, you may be called to 
visit those in need of your service. 
You are to have the opportunity to 
test your interest in humanity, and I 
congratulate you on the faith I have, 
that you will be equal to the task be- 
fore you. 
Your school-days are about to end 
but not your student life. The field 
you have chosen to enter is a wide 
one, with plenty of room for investi- 
gation. Know what is in your books; 
as soon as practicable get the best and 
latest works on medicine, read the 
best medical journal you can find. 
Be married to your books, and dare 
also to think for yourselves. Study 
your patients, notice carefully the 
various forms of disease, the effect of 
every prescription, the surroundings 
of the sick, whether comfortable or 
otherwise, what influences tend to im- 
prove and what to injure your patient. 
Remember that internal remedies will 
not remove the dirt on the skin, or 
tonics overcome the destructive influ- 
ence of bad ventilation, dampness 
and filthiness. Get yonr mind filled 
with the ideas of healthful surround- 
ings for your patients, and labor to se- 
cure everywhere, observance of the 
laws that will prevent disease as well 
as to heal the sick. Make it your 
business, as it is strictly professional, 
to prevent suffering. 
You will meet here and there gentle- 
men of the profession who have had 
superior advantages to yourself; hold 
on to them with the desire to be bene- 
fitted by their experience, by their 
superior skill and enlarged culture. 
The interests of both races are so 
united, that conflict between them will 
be disastrous to both. You can not go 
to Africa as a people, and it is doubt- 
ful whether that would be best. Your 
home is here. You are no carpet-bag- 
gers. Generations in the future will 
find your people here. Cultivate for 
those generations the friendliest rela- 
tions with your professional brethern, 
and others of the Anglo-saxon race, 
and by your diligence in study, mod- 
esty in deportment, fidelity and kind- 
ness to your patients, and your earn- 
est efforts to promote the highest wel- 
fare of your people, command the re- 
spect of the entire community. 
Without the Divine blessings no work 
can succeed, and as you will need this 
guidance in all your labor, we com- 
mend to you to seek the wisdom which 
is from above. You will need it to 
comfort the sick, cheer the dying and 
console the mourner. Be pure in 
heart; be faithful to your professional 
duties; be studious of the interests of 
all, rich or poor, committed to your 
care. Be anxiously careful about your 
own morals, and your fidelity to the 
religious vows which, I rejoice to say, 
you have all taken. Going out thus to 
your life-work, you can but prove a 
blessing to the people you serve, win 13 
honor from men, and receive Heaven’s 
choicest benedictions. 
He then presented diplomas to the 
graduates, L. D. Key, John Silas Bass 
and John C. Halfacre. 
The following paper which had been 
acted upon, by the medical class at 
a previous meeting was presented and 
read by Mr. H. T. Noel. 
Whereas through the benevolence 
of Mr. Meharry, the trustees have 
been enabled to organize a Medical 
Department in connection with this 
institution, where young men of our 
race might be educated in the medical 
profession, and be instrumental in 
alleviating suffering and pain; and 
whereas the work of the department 
has been successfully conducted to the 
second annual commencement, when 
three of our number have graduated. 
Therefore be it 
jResolved, That we express our un- 
feigned thanks to Mr. Meharry, for 
his generous gifts, also to the Faculty, 
Trustees, and Dr. G. W. Hubbard and 
his associate professors for their in- 
valuable Instruction. 
Resolved, That we hail this Medical 
Department, as one of the distinguish- 
ing ornaments, and fruits of Christain 
philanthropy unknown to the wisdom 
of Pagan times, and that we pledge 
ourselves to present its claims to the 
public, and shall strive to return at 
the opening of the next session and 
renew our studies. 
Resolved, that we heartily congratu- 
late the graduating class, upon the 
high standing they attained in their 
last examination, which evinced 
their qualifications for the medical 
profession, and that we wish them 
unbounded success in their practice. 
At this juncture the Tennesseans, 
rendered the anthem “ Hail us ye 
free ” which was rapturously encored. 
W. A. Knight, Esq., County Trustee, 
presented John C. Halfacre, through 
Dr. Braden, with “Flint’s Practice in 
Medicine. ” The exercise which were 
highly interesting throughout, were 
closed with the doxology and benedic- 
tion. 
COURSE OF STUDY. 
First Year.—Anatomy, Physiology, 
Chemistry, Materia Medica and Dis- 
secting. 
Second Year.—Surgery, Obstetrics, 
Diseases of Women and Children, The- 
ory and Practice of Medicine and Sur- 
gical Anatomy. 
Text Books. — Anatomy, Gray; 
Physiology, Kirke; Chemistry, Steele; 
Materia Medica, Biddle; Surgery, Ash- 
hurst; Theory and Practice, Harts- 
horne; Obstetrics, Leishman. 
Books for Reference.—Theory and 
Practice, Flint; Physiology, Flint or 
Dalton; Surgery, Gross; Diseases of 
Women, Thomas; Diseases of Chil- 
dren, Meigs and Pepper; Dictionary, 
Dunglison. 
terms: 
Tuition, per term, in advance .$30 00 
Material for practical Anatomy, 
at cost. 
Graduating Fee 10 00 
requisites for admisson. 
Applicants must be at least qigliteen 
years of age, of good moral character, 
and pass a satisfactory examination in 
the common English branches. 
GRADUATION. 
1st. To graduate, the candidates 
must have attained the age of twenty- 
one years. 
2nd. He must have studied medicine 
two years, and attended two full 
courses of lectures, the last of which 
must have been at this institution. 
J. P. Andrews, 
J. E. White, 
B. E. Scruggs, 
Committee. 
H. T. Noel, Secretary, 
W. P. T. Jones, Chairman. 3rd. He must pass a satisfactory 
written examination on all of the 
branches laid down in the course, and 
present an acceptable original thesis 
on some medical subject. 
During the past year Anatomical, 
Physiological and Obstetrical Models 
and Charts have been purchased, and 
also a Cabinet of Materia Medica and 
Chemical apparatus. 
Instruction will be given in Ele- 
mentary Pharmacy and Toxicology. 
The teaching, which will consist of 
Lectures and daily recitations, will 
aim to he thorough and practical. 
The third session opens September 
30, 1878. idE CENTRAL TENNESSEE COLLEGE. 
This institution has the following courses of study: 
THE ACADEMIC COURSE 
Furnishes a very complete English course, including Book-keeping, and com- 
mon legal forms for transacting business. 
THE NORMAL COURSE 
Is designed to prepare students for teaching—special attention being given to 
this subject. 
TH~ PREPARATORY AND COLLEGE COURSES 
Embrace the usual studies of a classical education. 
THE THEOLOGICAL COURSE 
Embraces studies in Exegetical, Historical, Systematic and Practical Theology. 
Students in this department are not required to pay tuition, and their other 
expenses will be made as low as practicable. All who enter this department 
must come recommended by the church to which they belong. 
THE SCIENTIFIC COURSE 
Is the college studies, omitting the languages. 
THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 
Offers facilities for a full course of study in several branches of Medical science 
necessary to qualify students to the degree of M. D. 
THE LAW DEPARTMENT 
Will furnish such instruction as will enable the student to practice in any of 
our courts. 
INSTRUCTION IN VOCAL MUSIC 
Is given without extra charge. Instruction on the piano, with use of the in- 
strument, $3.00 per month. 
INSTRUCTION GIVEN IN THE BIBLE DAILY, 
And all students are required to pass an examination on Bible history and 
doctrines, to graduate in any department. 
All applicants for admission to any department must bring satisfactory 
evidence of good character. 
TERMS: 
Board and Tuition, per month, (of four weeks) $8 00 
Washing, Lights and Fuel, per month, from $1 25 to 2 00 
Students can board themselves. 
All bills must be paid in advance. 
Tuition in Literary Department, per month $ 1 00 
Tuition in Medical Department, per session .. 30 00 
Tuition in Law Department, per session . . .... .... 30 00 
Through the kindness of the Superintendent, Col. J. W. Thomas, students 
coming over the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Bailroad can have reduced 
rates by applying to Rev. J. Braden. 
For further information, address 
REV. .J. BRADEN, 
NASHVILLE, TENN.