(pi>^Hi^^. ( $.'Sj PROFESSOR PATTISON'S fsy. DISCOURSE DELIVERED ON COMMENCING THE LiECTURES JEFFERSON MEDICAL. COLLEGE. SESSION MDCCCXXXII-IH. BY GRANVILLE SHARP PATTISON. M. D. PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY IN JEFFERSON MEDICAL COLLEGE. ?TI! Member of the Royal College of Surgeons—of the Medico-Chirurgical—and Westminster Medical Societies of London—Member of the Societ6 Phylomatique, and Society Medicale D'Emulation of Paris—Member of the Wemerian Society of Natural History of Edinburgh—and Member of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. FRENCH & PERKINS—159 CHESTNUT STREET. I. Ashmead & Co., Printers. 1832. "P3a^d l$3£ n~Sl To Granville Sharp Pattison, M. D., Professor of General Descriptive, and Surgical Anatomy, and John Revere, M. D., Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic, in Jefferson Medical College. Gentlemen, We, the undersigned, are appointed a committee by the students composing your classes, to solicit of you copies of your Introductory Lectures, for publication. In complying with this request, we feel assured that you will not only confer a lasting honour on the Institution in which we are acquiring our medical education, but it may be the means of communicating to society generally, and particularly to the medical world, the great advan- tages we enjoy. We are, Gentlemen, with great respect, Your obedient servants, (Signed) M. M. Levis, Geo. W. Allen, J. Mitchell, G. A. Williams, HUSON SWAYNE. Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, November 10,1832. Jefferson Medical College, November 12, 1832. Gentlemen, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication of the 10th inst., addressed to me by you, in behalf of my class, and, in answer to it, I beg leave to assure you, that, gratified as I feel by the expression of their kind feelings, it will afford me sincere pleasure to comply with their request, to publish my Introductory Lecture. The observation, made, I believe, by the late Charles James Fox, that no discourse prepared for a popular audience should ever be published, is, I think, perfectly just. Impressed with its truth, I had determined never to allow any introductory lecture of mine to appear in print. In the present instance, however, I am willing to depart from this resolution, and for the following reasons. First. From my desire to comply with the wishes of my pupils; and secondly, from my anxiety to disprove a report which has been circulated, that my lecture contained an attack on the University of Pennsylvania. The subject discussed in the Discourse is, I admit, a most delicate one, but I feel satisfied that any person who takes the trouble to VI peruse it, will allow, that I have said nothing which should give offence to the friends of that Institution. Most anxiously do I desire to avoid all jarring with the mem- bers of my profession, and in striving to obtain a superio- rity for Jefferson Medical College, both my colleagues and myself would bear as our motto, "Peace and Science." Accept the assurances of my best wishes for yourselves and fellow students, and believe me always Yours most faithfully, Granville S. Pattison, To Messrs. M. M. Levis, J Mitchell ' \C°mm^ee °f ^udents of G. A. Williams, \ Jefferson Medical College. Huson Swayne. INTRODUCTORY LECTURE, &c. &c. &£ Gentlemen, In the composition of a discourse intended as intro- ductory to a course of lectures, the object usually aimed at by the author, is, by an animated (perhaps exaggerated) exposition of the excellence and interests of the science he teaches, to win to its study those to whom he addresses himself. It is natural that an individual should be feel* ingly alive to the beauties of that department of know- ledge to which he has more especially devoted his atten- tion, and, as he dilates on them, that his mind should become so warmed with his subject, as to lead him to eulogize it in terms of the highest panegyric. His hearers sympathise with his feelings; and although they cannot perhaps give their assent to all of his propositions, still, aware of his sincerity, their criticisms are always of the most indulgent character. Now there is no question that if a professor is desirous to gain the confidence of his pupils, (and who is there, Gentlemen, with whom 8 this is not an object of the most heartfelt anxiety and solicitude?) he cannot more certainly secure it than by introducing himself to them as the enthusiastic admirer of the science he teaches. I am fully aware of this fact; moreover, occupying, as I do, the professorship of ana- tomy, the value and importance of the science I teach being such as to afford the finest theme for eloquence to expatiate on,—it may appear strange that I should not have selected its interests, as the subject of this lecture. Were I, Gentlemen, to consult only my own feelings, 1 should not hesitate to do so. Impressed, as my mind is, with the vast importance of anatomical knowledge to the medical prac- titioner, I should find no difficulty in securing your atten- tion, were I to enlarge on this subject. I should enlist your own feelings in my cause, for I should speak of your own interests, and would prove to you, by unquestionable demonstration, that your only hope of acquiring future eminence and distinction in the profession you have cho- sen, will rest on the devotion and zeal with which you cultivate the study of anatomy. Were I, Gentlemen, to put aside those more selfish considerations—were I to address myself to your better feelings, and to expatiate on the benefits which the acquisition of this knowledge would enable you to confer on your fellow men; then, warming your affections and securing your sympathies, 9 I know I should gain your approbation. The defects of the matter and manner would be lost sight of, in the ex- cellence and importance of the subject, and if you could not allow me the praise of an able advocate, you would at least admit that I was a sincere and zealous one; and in taking leave of me, on the conclusion of the discourse, you would do so with the most favourable dispositions. Under these circumstances, it may appear unaccount- able that I, a stranger, should not have availed myself of the advantages I possessed; and that, instead of ad- dressing you on the subject of anatomy—one so fraught with interest, and so immediately my own,—I should se- lect as the topic of my first lecture, a subject which even he who possessed the highest powers of oratory, could not clothe with any fascinations. When we speak, Gentle- men, of existing institutions, nothing is left for the imagi- nation; they are open to the examination and observation of all, and he, therefore, who may even feel disposed to vaunt, is compelled to confine himself to the truth. I come before you, Gentlemen, to speak of that Institu- tion with which I have the honour to be connected— Jefferson Medical College. All I ask, and I feel I shall not ask it in vain, is your patient attention. I am a plain man, Gentlemen, yet one enthusiastically attached to my profession, and most sincerely and zealously devoted to B 10 the cause of medical education. Believing, as I do most solemnly, that this institution is destined, in an eminent degree, to promote that Cause, it is not wonderful that I should feel desirous to bring its merits under your ob- servation, and that I should be most earnest in my re- commendation of it. I wish, Gentlemen, however, to deal with you with perfect candour, and I therefore put you on your guard at the outset. Recollect that the state- ments I offer, are offered by an interested party; examine them, therefore, with the most scrupulous caution, and only allow them, after you have done so, to influence your decision as to the school to which you will give a prefer- ence for the pursuit of the studies of your profession. The selection of your medical school, let me tell you, Gentlemen, is a subject of the most momentous consequence to your future prospects. I would, there- fore, exhort you not to decide on it, until the subject shall have received your most deliberate consideration. Now is the season for laying that foundation on which you are hereafter to build the superstructure of emi- nence and distinction in your profession; and on your selection of your school will, in a great measure, de- pend what that eminence and distinction shall be. You have all of you arrived at a period of life to be qualified to judge for yourselves; do not, therefore, in a question 11 of such vital interest, allow your minds to be guided, or even biased by the advice of others. Preceptors and friends residing at a distance have, no doubt your inte- rest deeply at heart; but they surely are not so well qualified to estimate the particular advantages which this or the other institution may offer to those who become attached to them, as you yourselves, who are on the spot. The superiority of an institution, as a school of in- struction, must depend on the talents, the zeal, and the devotion to their duties, of its professors. It is a su- periority, Gentlemen, which cannot receive the seal of perpetuity: as life is ever changing, so are institu- tions. The great men who gave to Lkvdjon a reputation which extended to the four quarters of the world, and which attracted students from every civilized nation, passed away; and so did her glory disappear. Visit now her halls, formerly filled with students, even to overflow- ing, and you will find them deserted. Walk through her beautiful gardens, formerly crowded with a population which, like the plants that bloomed there, were collected from every clime, and you will find them a solitude. Shout aloud, and demand where are her great teachers? and echo will answer;—Where! They are dead! And not having power like the prophet Elijah, to leave behind 12 them the Mantle of their Inspiration, with them the re- putation of the university has past away. The diploma which she now bestows, which formerly conferred the highest honour and distinction on its possessor, is literally despised. When the sun goes down at even, it is true that the halo of his brightness continues for a short time to enlighten the world: soon, however, it is lost in the darkness of night. So it is with distinguished teachers, when they descend to the tomb. The refulgence of their reputations, will for a season shed a flickering and de- ceptive ray on the institutions from whence, during their lives, there emanated enlightening and dazzling beams. But as the reflected light of twilight, cannot give life to vegetation, neither can the borrowed reputation of the dead confer instruction. I sincerely hope, Gentlemen, you will not misconstrue the bearing of the observations I have just made. I should feel exceedingly distressed, were you to suppose that I intended to apply them to a sister institution;— that it was my object to insinuate, that as Rush, Kuhn, and Barton were dead, and as Dr. Physic had retired from teaching, that the University of Pennsylvania was in the same position as that of Leyden. I have no such inten- tion. The whole -git- of my argument has been to impress on your minds this important truth, to you 13 all-important—that the rank of one medical school in the scale of excellence relatively to any other, must be always varying, and that consequently your preceptors who have not visited Philadelphia for years, cannot pos- sibly estimate the advantages which our institution offers to its students, as compared with others. I would have you, Gentlemen, to examine the merits, and bestow on the distinguished professors of the rival school, the full meed of your admiration, to which these merits may en- title them. I cheerfully admit that the University of Pennsylvania has long been, and is still celebrated as a school of medicine. But surely, Gentlemen, it does not follow from this, that we may not emulate her greatness; —aye! and transcend it. All new institutions, on their first establishment, have necessarily many embarrassments to contend with, and our establishment has not been an exception to the gene- ral rule. These have operated against our progress, and it was but just it should be so; I rejoice, however, to say, all our difficulties have now been surmounted. Jefferson Medical College may with truth be said to have only this present session entered fairly into the arena of competition. We are young, Gentlemen; we have just entered on man- hood, and this fact may be sneeringly proclaimed, for the purpose of operating to our disadvantage. But let the 14 heralds who carry forth the announcement, and let the public to whom they address themselves recollect that "youth in its maturity is full of vigour." There is a principle which pervades the constitution of all republican governments: it is, that men and things are to be judged of, and estimated by their intrinsic worth. The Man who can show the branches of his genealogical tree springing from the stock of the Planta- ganets, is not from this circumstance to command respect and admiration. Nor is it to follow simply because an institution is old, that it must be excellent. Only, Gentle- men, let this principle, which as American citizens you are bound to subscribe to, regulate your minds in judging of our institution. Look at it as it is, and calculate with fairness its prospects. Do this; and I shall feel no solicitude for the result. I am aware, Gentlemen, that there are a class of stu- dents who leave home for the purpose of attending lec- tures, who never think nor judge for themselves. If recom- mended, or rather "booked," to attend lectures in a parti- cular school, they do so. They do not even take the trouble to inquire if there is any other medical school in the city where they may take up their residence; or, should the fact be accidentally brought to their observa- tion, they will not take the trouble to inquire into its 15 merits, or to go and hear the lectures delivered by its professors. The case of these young men is absolutely hopeless: no teaching could ever qualify them to become distinguished members of any profession. There is a second class of pupils who visit the schools, of a description very different, it is true, from those of whom we have just spoken, but nearly in as hopeless a condition. They are young gentlemen, who consider that the great object of their visit to Philadelphia is amusement: that they are to be introduced into society;—that they are to spend their mornings in promenading the streets, and their evenings in visiting the theatres and attending par- ties. Such youths, in all probability, will consider the choice of their tailor an object deserving of much more consideration, than the selection of their school; and I therefore fear that nothing I could say to them would induce them to reflect, not only on the folly, but on the criminality of their conduct. For be it observed;— "inattention in any pursuit is foolish, but in the study of medicine it is criminal." The profession of medicine imposes on its followers the highest and most responsible duties, and should any of those whom I have attempted to portray at present hear me—let me beseech them to recollect that this is the only season which will ever be afforded them for obtaining that knowledge, which it is of 16 such vital importance to their own interests and to those of society, they should possess. Let them only pause in their career of folly, and consider with what feelings and with what bitter remorse they, aware of their want of the necessary knowledge, will enter on the performance of the duties of their profession. There is a third class of students, Gentlemen; and I sincerely hope and trust that it forms the great majority; —young men who enter on their studies full of zeal and enthusiasm; their youthful and ingenuous spirits are warmed with high aspirings after excellence and distinc- tion. They have looked with admiration on the characters of those members of the profession, who by their reputa- tion have conferred honour on their country, and, by their skill and knowledge, bestowed incalculable benefits on the community; and, as they have admired, they have become fired with a noble ambition to emulate, and, if possible excel them. With that modesty, however, which is the sure companion of genius, a student of this class will feel that eminence in the profession he has selected, is only to be secured by the most indefatigable and persevering in- dustry. That there is no royal road to knowledge—that there are no natural talents which can secure to their possessor learning by intuition—that, that information which is worth obtaining, must be gained by persevering 17 toil. But, feeling all this, he is not discouraged: he has a confidence which never leaves him;—a secret monitor which whispers him, "if he will only pay the price, the prize will be won." This assurance animates his mind to exertion; gives it patience to elucidate the intricacies of science; and enables it triumphantly to overcome all those difficulties and perplexities which obstruct the path of knowledge. It is to this class of Young Gentlemen I am particularly desirous to address myself, for I am persuaded they will listen to me with attention. Their most earnest desire is to avail themselves of the best opportunities which the country affords for obtaining medical information, and they therefore consider that the selection of the school in which they are to pursue their studies, is a consideration of the first consequence, and one which deserves the most careful inquiry. Their minds are not of a character to be slavishly led by the opinions of others: they will examine and judge for themselves. To such gentlemen I would say; Do examine and judge for yourselves. Do not allow any thing I may say to you, in behalf of this institution, to in- fluence your decision. I again remind you that I am an interested party, and I am aware where our own interests are concerned, we are ill qualified to act as judges. But, Gentlemen, although I am interested-deeply interested 18 in your decision, still I can assure you most solemnly, that not for the "wealth of Indus" would I willingly de- ceive and mislead you. Indeed, I know nothing which could happen that would distress me more, than were any of you, after you had made your choice and had matricu- lated as students of Jefferson Medical College, to regret it. I would therefore advise you to be in no hurry about entering your names: when you have done so, you cannot (however much you may desire it, without in- curring serious and unnecessary expense) change your decision. Moreover, you gain nothing by purchasing your tickets until you are required to present them for admission;—our class-rooms shall be open for all students, for the first fortnight; and I cannot doubt but that the gentlemen of the other Institution, will allow you the same indulgence. Attend the lectures therefore of both schools, for ten days or a fortnight; make yourselves tho- roughly acquainted with the advantages and facilities for instruction which they offer, and then, and only then, decide as to which you will give the preference If I am warmly devoted to the interests of the institution with which I am connected, even the friends of the other school will do me the justice to allow that I have dealt with you with perfect fairness. Seriously, I have no wish that we should succeed unless we deserve it. 19 I admit we are rivals, but I assert that we are high minded and honourable ones. If we aspire with earnest- ness to exalt our own reputation, we have no desire to extenuate the reputation of others. You will never, Gentlemen, let me assure you, hear from the chairs of this institution the voice of bitterness and jealousy; nor in your most intimate communion with our professors, will you ever be offended with slanderous whisperings and insinuations against character. We feel, Gentlemen, that the other school is like ourselves engaged in the great work of medical education, and we wish her well; we are not jealous of her reputation: all we desire is to deserve and obtain a higher reputation for ourselves. Our ambition is such, that we cannot consent to be placed second on the course; and our honourable striving shall be such as to achieve for ourselves, if exertion can achieve it, the first place in the race of honour and usefulness. As the audience to which I now address myself is probably composed of two classes of students-those who will enter as pupils in this Institution, and those who will give a preference to the other School,-and as I may not again have an opportunity to address myself to you both, I seize on the present to press most earnestly on you the propriety of your avoiding all hostility, and of 20 cultivating feelings of the most perfect kindness in your intercourse with each other. If you feel, Gentlemen, that you are members of different schools, recollect that you are engaged in the same pursuits, and that you are members of a common profession. That the Institutions to which you severally belong, have a common interest—the promotion of medical science; and that this ought to establish between them and their disciples, an indissoluble bond of union. I do not dis- suade you from encouraging a sentiment of emulation: on the contrary, I would encourage this feeling; but, I would desire to rob it of all unkindness; I would wish it to exist in you both, as an animating prin- ciple for exertion; but, being children of the same Mother, let your emulation be the holy emulation of Brothers. Strive, Gentlemen, and, like your Professors, strive without ceasing, to distinguish yourselves individu- ally, and to elevate the reputations of your several schools. Do this, Gentlemen, in perfect good will with all your fellow students, and assuredly you will gain a great reward. You will promote your own interests;— you will advance the interests of your profession;—and you will repay the citizens of that community from whom you are at present receiving civilities and hos- pitalities, by rendering the name of Philadelphia 21 pre-eminent amongst the other cities of your country, as the great emporium for medical instruction and SCIENCE. In an "Announcement of the Lectures," &c. which we have published, much of what would otherwise have been left for me to say on the subject of the arrangements of our school, has been anticipated. But although this is the case, still, as it is probable that some of my hearers may not have seen the document I have referred to, and as it is all-important for the purpose of enabling you to form a wise decision in regard to the school you will se- lect, to advert to our plans for the future, and to the system of medical education which we propose to adopt here, even should I run the risk of incurring the charge of being tedious, it will be necessary for me to advert to these subjects. The first inquiry of interest to a student in selecting a school which is destined to become his alma mater, is to ascertain whether by her Charter she is legally entitled to confer the honours and privileges of graduation. As regards the powers of her Charter, " Jefferson Medical College" stands in as favourable a position as the oldest medical school in the United States. Every honour and every privilege which can be conferred by a medical diploma, is conferred by the degrees of this Institution. 22 The reputation which a Diploma bestows is extrinsic from the legal privileges conferred by it. It must, like the reputation of the college from which it emanates, be constantly varying. If you can only satisfy your- selves, Gentlemen, that you can obtain a better medi- cal education in Jefferson Medical College than in any other school in the country, you may feel perfectly satisfied that our diploma will confer on you the highest distinction which can be conferred by the License to Practice. The second point for the student to investigate, as regards the institution where he proposes to attend lectures, is the state of the Anatomical Department. This inquiry is all-important. On the numerous or defective facilities afforded for the study of anatomy, and on the superior or inferior manner in which this branch of medical science is taught, a medical school must be either good or bad-there is no medium. If it were possible to select professors from every quarter of the world, and from the men distinguished as professors, both in Europe and America, to select the most eminent to occupy the other chairs, still if the anatomical department were neglected-if the best opportunities were not fur- nished to the pupils for the cultivation of anatomy,_I unhesitatingly assert that your medical school would be 23 but a poor one. Anatomy is the foundation of all medical reasoning. Neither in Physiology, nor in Pathology, nor in the Practice of Medicine and Surgery, can you pro- ceed one step without anatomical knowledge. And let me remind you, that the only opportunity which will ever be afforded you for the acquisition of this know- ledge, is the term of your attendance on lectures. Is not the question—"What are the facilities offered by this or the other school for the study of anatomy?" —one, therefore, of the most vital importance to your future interests. Believe me, Gentlemen, on your in- quiry into this subject, and on your decision as relates to it, will in a great measure depend your future success in life. It is not to be expected that I should come forward to assist you in investigating certain points connected with this inquiry. In attempting to recommend Jefferson Medical College to your favourable attention, I shall re- frain from canvassing the merits and acquirements of her professors; I wish to leave these, Gentlemen, altogether to be examined and judged of by yourselves. Enter for none of the lectures of this institution, until you shall have had sufficient opportunities of estimating the qualifications of those who deliver them, by an attendance on their prelections. See, hear, and examine; 21 AND THEN JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES. But although it would be exceedingly indelicate in me to speak of the qualifications of the professor of anatomy attached to either school, there can be no impropriety in my address- ing you on the subject of the arrangements of the anato- mical department in this institution, and of the facilities which these will afford for the successful cultivation of this branch of science. I shall speak of these in order. But before I do so, I have a debt of gratitude to pay to the Trustees of this Institution, and to my excellent and distinguished friend Mr. Professor Millington. On my arrival in Philadelphia, in the month of July last, after I had examined the college buildings, believing that certain improvements might be made in them, which would operate greatly to the advantage of the institution, I stated my ideas to my colleagues, who agreed with me in my views, and they with me made an application to the Trustees of the School, to have the additions I contem- plated carried into effect. Without hesitation these gen- tlemen complied with our wishes, and I received from them and my colleagues a charte blanche to make any and all the alterations and improvements which in my opinion would promote the convenience and accommo- dations of the College. I had no difficulty in sketching out a plan of all that would be required to bring our 25 buildings into a state the most effective for the purpose of facilitating the improvement of our pupils; but, ignorant of the principles of architecture, I was altogether unqua- lified to realize the details. Most fortunately, immediately after I had made up my mind as to what would be re- quired, my friend, Mr. Professor Millington, with whom I had been associated as a Professor in the University of London, and who is at present the professor of Me- chanical Philosophy in the Royal Institution of Great Britain—arrived in Philadelphia. As Mr. Millington occupies the very highest rank in England, both as an engineer and architect, I felt that with his assistance I could realize my wishes, and render the buildings of Jefferson Medical College all I could desire. 1 ex- plained to him my views, and the details he perfected. If I have, therefore, Gentlemen, ably fulfilled the im- portant trust committed to me by the Trustees and my Colleagues, to Mr. Millington the honour is due. My friend is in reality the person who has rendered our school, in so far as the buildings are concerned, equal, if not superior in its accommodations to any other in- stitution in this country; to him, therefore, be all the praise. I cannot speak in sufficiently high terms of the ad- mirable manner in which' the operative part has been 26 executed: this was entrusted to Mr. John M'Arthur, who is well known in this city as a builder. In attention and zeal he has been most indefatigable in accomplishing my wishes, in having the improvements finished by the com- mencement of the session; and when the extent of the new building is considered, and the fact that it is not more than eleven weeks since the work was com- menced, it will be admitted that too much credit can- not be given to Mr. M'Arthur. The work has not only been executed most expeditiously, but it has been per- formed in the most perfect and substantial manner. As you are at present assembled in the anatomical theatre, it is quite unnecessary for me to say one word in praise of it: it is most commodious, and the lights and benches are so admirably arranged, that the most minute objects can be distinctly seen from the most distant seats. In fact, it could not be improved: I have never seen a class, room better constructed for all the purposes of effective teaching. It is, however, only by studying anatomy practically-by dissection, that a student can become an anatomist. I admit that the able and animated demon- strations he may hear from a professor in the class-room, will go a great length to facilitate his progress; it is of the first consequence that these should be able, and that he should have an opportunity of listening to them: but 27 the actual dissection, by himself, of the dead body, is the great essential; and the inquiry—what are the facilities which this or the other school afford for dissection, and for cultivating anatomy practically?—becomes one of the first consequence, and one which cannot occupy too much of your attention^ As my colleagues and myself look on the dissecting department as the one which, of all others, will minister most to the reputation and usefulness of a medical insti- tution, we have felt particularly solicitous that our school should be pre-eminently distinguished for the convenience and excellence of the facilities which it will furnish to its pupils for the cultivation of practical anatomy. By the liberality of our trustees, I am enabled to announce that the arrangements for dissection in Jefferson Medical College, are now such as to allow us, without vaunting, to challenge a comparison with any school in the world. Indeed, although I have been much of a traveller, and al- though I was employed officially by the Council of the University of London, to visit the most celebrated uni- versities and schools in Europe, for the purpose of making myself acquainted with the facilities which they afford for the cultivation of anatomical science, and the im- provements they have introduced into their systems of me- dical education,-still, I have no hesitation in asserting, 28 that I have never seen such a dissecting room. From its size—from the loftiness of its ceiling, and the admirable mode of ventilation,—the pupils will be able, without running any risk of endangering their health, to devote themselves most assiduously to dissection. How often does it happen, that the most distinguished pupils, from the devotion with which they pursue practical ana- tomy, in confined and ill-ventilated dissecting rooms, have their health irretrievably injured. Breathing a tainted atmosphere for a number of hours daily, the healthful functions of the economy are deranged. We all know that, although the connexion between the mind and the body is inexplicable, it is nevertheless pal- pable that the mens sana can only exist in the corpore sano. If a student devotes that time to dissection which is essential to his improvement, in an ill-ventilated dis- secting room, his health must suffer; and with the loss of his health, the energies of his mind will become weakened. He may, it is true, in spite of this, persevere; he may, with his pale and wanned cheek and his dimmed eye, continue at his post. Day after day, he maybe found there, anxiously endeavouring to obtain that knowledge which his mind, from the derangement of his health, is not qualified to receive; and, unless some kind friend steps forward and forces him to desist, he will soon sink 29 into the grave—an early victim to his enthusiasm, and a youthful martyr of his devotion to the cause of science. I am not, Gentlemen, sketching a picture from the ima- gination: it is drawn from the life. In recalling the past, how many of a similar character crowd on my recollec- tion! The experience of every teacher of anatomy must furnish him with many—many painful examples, in which the health and prospects of the most distinguished of their pupils, have been destroyed from their too assiduous cul- tivation of practical anatomy. But although this is the case, there is no reason why it should be so. Dissections may be pursued to any extent, without the slightest risk of endangering the health. A dissecting room may be so constructed, as to enable those who occupy it, to respire as pure an atmosphere as they could breathe in any other apartment: and the dissecting room in Jefferson Medical College has been so constructed. By merely opening the ventilators, which, it will be observed, are placed near the floor, we can, in a few minutes, displace the at- mosphere which may occupy the room, by the introduc- tion of a new and a pure one; and by having this done several times in the course of the day, all noxious im- purities will be dissipated, and the air of the apartment kept constantly fresh. It is a most mistaken notion, Gentlemen, yet one which ao receives countenance from the dirty manner in which dissecting rooms are generally kept, that dissection is necessarily a very disgusting and filthy operation; and that, to become an anatomist, you are obliged to become a very disagreeable and offensive person. I hope to be able, in a few months, to disabuse you of this opinion; and, by enforcing a rigid system of cleanliness, in the management of the dissecting rooms of Jefferson Medical College, to prove that it does not follow, because they are large, and attended by a great number of pupils, constantly and actively engaged in dissection, that they must be kept in a filthy state. But I have said quite enough, as regards the excellence of our dissecting room. I come, therefore, now, to say a few words as to the mode in which the dissections and demonstrations will be conducted. As I am most anxious to have (he department of PRACTICAL A»ATO„V of WRS0» Medicai q^^ ^^ mto a state of the most effective operation, I intend to per- form myself the dnties of demonstrator, dnring the ensuing "ion. I may, without the eharge of vanity, be allowed to Cairn the qualification of experience, and I ,r„s, at the end of the session, you, my pupik, will add to it, that of zeal, and the most earnest devotion to your interests The great object which shall guide me, both in ,he 31 performance of my professorial duties, and those of the dissecting room, will be, to teach you those branches of anatomy which will qualify you to become able phy- sicians and eminent surgeons. The refinements of modern science have created a spirit of investigation, which has completely infatuated the minds of some men of science. Would you believe it possible, that rational beings, ay! and highly intellectual men, would write treatise on treatise to demonstrate that all of the bones of the body were vertebrae? Not only so, but that there were anatomists who have attempted to prove that there was a most accurate resemblance be- tween the bones of the face and those of the extremities; —that the squamous process of the temporal bone, was an excellent representative of both the os scapula and the os ilium;—that the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, was a fac simile of the clavicle;—that the malar bone exhibited all the parts and processes of the humerus, the radius, and the ulna; and, lastly, that there was to be found in the upper maxillary bone, a perfect representation of all the bones of the hand, with the exception of the thumb, the representative of which was furnished by the intermaxillary bone! Having discovered this wonderful resemblance in the configuration of the fa- cial bones and those of the superior extremity, and having 32 supplied an ilium by making the squamous process of the temporal bone, represent both it jyid the scapula,—Oken finds no difficulty to discover, in one single bone,/«c similes of all the remaining bones of the lower extremity. The condyle of the inferior jaw-bone, he considers to be very like the femur; and insists that there is a striking resem- blance between the coronoid process of the same bone, and all the bones of the leg! If, Gentlemen, Polonius-like, you can discover all these resemblances, you will surely not hesitate to agree with Oken, in thinking that a better fac simile could not be found any where, to represent all the bones of the foot, than that furnished by this, the body of the jaw bone!----1 think I hear you exclaim, monstrous absurdity! It is impossible that men of science can occupy themselves with such folly. Incredible as it may appear, the fact is nevertheless true; and you have not a solitary individual: you have Blainville, you have Meckel, you have Dumbril, you have Burdin, you have Keilmeyer, and a host of others—really and truly great men, and most profound anatomists, who have spent years—ay, whole years of their lives in this most silly and unprofitable scientific trifling. It seems difficult to explain the cause of this; but, the difficulty is more apparent than real. The great anatomists of the continent of Europe, are, generally 33 speaking, mere anatomists. Their whole lives, and the whole energies of their minds, have been devoted to the cultivation of pure anatomical science. They have studied anatomy simply for itself; and, knowing nothing of the practical part of the science of medicine, they are not qualified to bring the facts of anatomy to bear on the elucidation and illustration of the practice of the healing art. Under these circumstances, it is not won- derful that a speculative inquiry should offer to such men of science, more interest and fascination than a practical one. In truth, the tone which their minds re- ceive from the character of their studies, is in perfect accordance to the former, but altogether unsuitable for the latter. It is, therefore, my deliberate opinion, that a professor, to be qualified to teach anatomy to a class of pupils who are studying it as a qualification to enable them to practice medicine and surgery, requires to be himself a well-instructed and experienced physician, and a skilful surgeon. For it is only from his own experience that he can properly estimate the value of that kind of knowledge which it is most important for him to teach to his pupils. I rejoice, Gentlemen, that the sterling practical good sense of the profession in this country, and in Great Britain, has as yet, in a great measure, repelled this spirit E 34 of scientific investigation: she, however, hovers on our shores, and is most anxious to be allowed a landing. We already hear some of our smatterers in science, talk of "french anatomy;" as if, forsooth, there was any difference between "french anatomy," and the anatomy of nature. Most gratefully do I acknow- ledge the obligations under which anatomical science has been placed, by the labours of the anatomists of France and Germany. Their discoveries have been of great value; and shall ever receive, in any insti- tution with which I may be connected, that attention which they so justly merit. But, in teaching you that knowledge which they have furnished, which is of value, I shall pass unnoticed, or notice only for the purpose of exposing, those vain and absurd investigations, into which too many of them have delighted to enter. By adopting this course, it is true, I may lose reputation with certain individuals, but the loss I can consent to; for I shall be much-much more than repaid, in the conscious- ness that I am doing my duty, and in the conviction that by teaching you what is useful, I shall not only obtain your approbation now, but that I shall secure what I even co- vet more-your esteem and your friendship for the future. In attending the dissecting room, the student ought to have two great objects in view:-First. To make himself 35 practically acquainted with the science of anatomy; and, secondly—To acquire manual dexterity in the use of surgical instruments. Of late years, a system of demon- stration has been adopted by gentlemen having charge of dissecting rooms, which I consider highly objectionable. Instead of demonstrating to the pupils the parts which they themselves have dissected, a special dissection is prepared, and what is called a demonstration, but which is, really and truly, a regular anatomical lecture, is delivered. Now this is completely defeating the object for which demonstrations were introduced. An anato- mical lecture is unquestionably a demonstration; but, it is a formal one: and if what is called "a demonstration," be delivered in the anatomical theatre, to an assembled class of students, I confess I am at a loss to comprehend how it can differ from the lecture delivered in the same room, on the same parts. It is very different, however, when the demonstration is given in the dissecting room, on parts which have been prepared by the student himself; where there is no formality, and where the teacher can ascertain, by questioning the pupil as he goes on with his descrip- tion, whether he renders himself perfectly intelligible; and if he does not, that an opportunity may be afforded to the student, for suggesting his difficulties and having them removed. This it is which constitutes the excellence 36 of demonstration; and this is the system which shall always be pursued in any dissecting room that may be placed under my direction. In studying anatomy by dissection, the pupil not only gains a practical knowledge of the science, but he ac- quires manual dexterity, in the use of surgical instru- ments. To render this dexterity of avail for practical purposes, it is, I conceive, essential that there should be combined with the instructions delivered on the art of dissecting, practice in the most improved methods of porforming surgical operations. It will be my most earnest endeavour, not only to make my pupils good anatomists, but to qualify them to become able operating surgeons; and with the view of accomplishing this, I shall, after a student has become acquainted with the surgical anatomy of a particular region of the body, get him to perform, under my direction, the operations to which that region may be liable, and in the method of perform- ing which, he had already been instructed by my dis- tinguished colleague, the Professor of Surgery. I feel persuaded, that by adopting this plan, I shall be instru- mental in an eminent degree, in extending the reputation and usefulness of this Institution. It is my most ardent and earnest desire, that you, Gentlemen, who may become the Alumni of Jefferson Medical College, should be 37 the pioneers in the march of medical and chirurgical improvement. With delight shall I hail the triumphs of your progress. If it be the will of Divine Pro- vidence, that my life should be spared for some years, I have a conviction—ay! and one so strong that it amounts to a certainty,—that I shall receive this reward for my labours. And, as the heralds of fame proclaim aloud, from time to time, some great improvement in the Healing Art, which may tend to mitigate the pains of humanity, that they will forthwith emblazon it on the Escutcheon of this Institution: it being, Gentlemen, the work of a cadet of this family. Much more remains for me to say on the subject of our proposed system for improving the medical edu- cation of this country, and of the plans and arrange- ments for the future, by which we trust to render Jefferson Medical College still more worthy of public support and patronage. But I find I have already intruded too much on your time and patience; and anxious as I may be, to speak on these subjects, I cannot attempt at present to enter on their consideration. To do them justice, I should require nearly as much time as I have already occupied. I must therefore refer you to a short sketch of our plans for the future, contained in the "Annual An. nouncement" to which I have already adverted, 38 After returning you my sincere thanks, Gentlemen, for your most kind and polite attention, I have only, in conclu- sion, to announce to you the compact formed by the profes- sors of Jefferson Medical College:—We shall go on, heart and hand; we shall be earnest, devoted, and what is of much more consequence, aware that "a house divided against itself cannot stand," we shall be united in our great cause —the elevation of Jefferson Medical College, not only to the highest rank amongst the institutions of this country, but to a degree of excellence, as a school for medical instruction, which shall not be surpassed by any school in the world. No exertion on our part shall be spared— no effort shall be omitted by us; no misrepresentation of our views—no want of immediate encouragement,— shall daunt or discourage us. Convinced as we are, that our institution possesses the elements of greatness, we are determined, by industry, zeal, and the most deter- mined perseverance, to secure it. I cannot, Gentlemen, pretend to the spirit of prophecy. I cannot presume to raise that dark and impenetrable cur- tain with which it has pleased an all-wise and beneficent God, to conceal the vista of futurity. But if it be allowable for me to judge of human events, from human observation and experience, the conviction which these impress on my mind, a conviction only second to that to be derived 39 from prophetic inspiration, warrants me to declare, most unequivocally, that in a very, very few years, the physi- cian who possesses the diploma of Jefferson Medical College, will proudly point to it, as the highest and the most unquestionable evidence of the superiority of his education and qualifications; and that the public will view it as a document which ensures to its possessor their most entire confidence. / «