18 Arlington Street,
June 30, 1884
Dear Dr. Tyson,
Unfortunately I am very much the same position as yourself with reference to his merits as a teacher. With the highest opinion of his qualifications and the knowledge that he is regarded as one of the strongest men in the school, and the information that he occupies a conspicuous position among the younger men as a practitioner. I am in the dark as to his personal relation to students.
Some of us were inclined to advocate his merits in connection with our own vacancy in clinical medicine consequent to poor Dr. Ellis's death.
I should have no hesitation in recommending him as probably qualified, the element of uncertainty must exist, and your School should have a man prominent in your own city, if possible.
I had supposed you might be asked to transfer your teaching to the clinical side, if so, Osler is likely to do first rate work in your department.
It is my impression that he would prefer the scientific professorship, provided a sufficient salary were paid, and give up all his time to the teaching rather than teach clinically at a small salary and give most of his time to practice.
This view is not based upon any personal statement from him, but is derived from talks with his friends. Montreal expects to lose him sooner or later.
He makes an admirable presentation of a subject to the association for the advancement of science.
He was admirable in his speeches at the dinner lately given at the McGill celebration, these are all the facts I can offer.
Yours sincerely,
R. H. Fitz.
30 June 1884