AN 
ADDRESS 
FRONOUNCED BEFORE 
THE MEDICAL GRADUATES 
OF THE 
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, 
April 7th, 1828: 
BY N. R. SMITH, M.D. &c. 
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY AND DEAN OF THE FACULTY. 
PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OF THE CLASS. 
Baltimore: 
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN EDES, 
Corner of Cal vert and Market-sts. 
1828. AN ADDRESS 
I 
PRONOUNCED 
BEFORE THE MEDICAL GRADUATES 
OF THE 
Ontbcmtv of 
GENTLEMEN, 
In soliciting, for a few moments, your attention, it is by no 
means my expectation to enhance, in any considerable de- 
gree, the interest which, by yourselves, your teachers, the 
public and your particular friends, will be felt in the pres- 
ent occasion. In the lapse even of a long life there occurs 
no period so fraught with deep solicitude, as that which 
now completes the term of your pupilage and ushers you 
into the walks of public life. Your own early recollec- 
tions will confirm my assertion, when I declare, that it 
is the period to which, even from boyhood, you have been 
accustomed to look forward with fond expectancy and aus- 
picious hope. This day which concludes your intellectual 
minority, and releases you from the surveillance of guar- 
dians and teachers, has again and again, been anticipated 
in the day-dreams of your fancy, and indentified with the 
dearest objects of your early wishes. You have looked 4 
forward to it, gentlemen, as to the golden arch which spans 
the avenue to bright and joyous regions, and I can assure 
you that you will look back upon it with an equal though 
different interest. Whether it be with an emotion of re- 
gret or self-gratulation, will mainly depend upon the man- 
ner in which you discharge, in relation to yourselves and 
the community, the solemn duties which you now assume. 
Think not, however, that to yourselves alone this is a 
period of interest; to those who have nurtured your youth, 
and who have viewed, with emotions which you cannot yet 
appreciate, the development of your intellectual endow- 
ments, it is a period of painful anxiety. To your teachers 
also, whose duty it has been to qualify you for professional 
usefulness, and who consequently participate in your re- 
sponsibilities, it is a crisis in your lives by no means to be 
contemplated with indifference. 
Sincerely do I congratulate you, upon having this day 
been initiated into the ranks of a profession, of the science 
of which the human intellect may well be proud, and to 
exercise the duties of which is an injunction of philan- 
thropy. It is common to the profession of which you are 
now members, and one other, which we may not name 
but with solemn deference, that the study of its precepts 
and the practice of its duties, exercise alike the under- 
standing and the heart. 
In an enlightened community, and in the present state 
of natural and moral science, no one will be found to 
withhold the character of intellectual pre-eminence, or 
that of indispensible utility from a department of learning 5 
which embraces nearly the whole range of natural sci> 
ence, to render it subservient to the alleviation of human 
misery, and to mitigating "the numerous ills which flesh 
is heir to." If then the profession to which you have de- 
voted yourselves was once indentified with witchcraft and 
necromancy, it was at that period of the world when ev- 
ery thing intellectual was degraded, and many things use- 
ful were despised. 
To the reflecting mind there is no department of natu- 
ral science which does not abound in objects capable of 
exciting intense interest. In the whole range of the ma- 
terial universe there is nothing which does not display the 
designs of an omniscient being. From the sun that wheels 
in his splendor, to the mote that floats on his beams, there 
exists not a particle, whether living or inanimate, that is 
not obedient to certain known and fixed laws, which are 
the proper objects of intellectual research. But in the 
material world there exists no object so worthy of philo- 
sophic contemplation as the subject of your early pursuits, 
the structure and functions of the human frame. If in a 
moral sense man may be pronounced the noblest work of 
his Creator, I can assure you that the phrase is equally true, 
when applied to his physical organization. Man, fearfully 
and wonderfully made, resulted from the last effort of cre- 
ative wisdom, and, as the seal of his superiority, he was 
stamped with the image of his maker. 
But the organization of man, which in health and 
disease has been, and I trust will continue to be, the 
great object of your enquiries, is interesting in another 6 
respect. Completing as he does the climax of the or- 
ganic creation, man represents the connecting link which 
binds together the spiritual and the material world.- 
Our bodies, though wonderful in their organization, are 
chiefly ennobled in becoming the temporary residence 
of our immortal spirits. In contemplating man, there- 
fore, as both mortal and immortal; as in the language 
of a great poet, "created half to rise, and half to fall," 
we survey a structure, the base of which rests on the 
material world, and the summit of which is lost in the 
heavens. 
Pardon me, however, for having thought it necessary to 
say even thus much in vindication of the intellectual cha- 
racter of those departments of natural science, embraced in 
the circle of your professional studies. 
But if these pursuits are not unworthy the mind of a phi- 
losopher; if they are capable of developing and exercising 
the noblest principles of our intellectual nature, it is equally 
easy to shew, that, in a corresponding degree, the exercise 
of the duties, for which this knowledge may qualify you, 
is capable of presenting objects worthy the aspirations of 
the noblest ambition. To those of you who are actuated 
by a generous ardour for distinction, we can give assurance, 
that the sphere of life which you have chosen, furnishes a 
field in which true greatness and imperishable renown 
may be achieved; not that renown, indeed, which is accom- 
panied with all the pride, pomp and circumstance that al- 
lure adventurers into the ranks of some other callings; nor 
indeed like that which is won in the phrensy of battle, and 7 
under the influence of momentary excitement; but that 
which, with calm intrepidity, is achieved in the deserted 
chamber of pestilence and death, and by a heroism kindled 
only in the generous bosom, and which wars only against 
the grand enemy of our race. The escutcheon of the self- 
devoted physician, surmounted with the ensigns of philan- 
thropy, mercy and peace, will, like the well chosen colours 
of the artist, grow more and more bright in the increasing 
lights of philosophy, humanity and religion; whilst, upon 
the gaudy and blood-stained banner of the destroyer, there 
shall be left but a sordid stain. 
The last generation has seen upon the stage of action, 
two illustrious individuals, singularly contrasted with each 
other, and whose merits, if I mistake not, are destined to 
be very differently appreciated at different periods of the 
world, and by different states of society. The first of 
these individuals dyed the polar snows, as well as the 
sands of Africa, with the blood of his armies and of his 
enemies. To his ambition he immolated half the yeo- 
manry of Europe. That he became a destroyer, however, 
is not more the crime of the individual, than of the age 
which made such "ambition virtue." The name of that 
man is already upon the lips of every person who hears 
me, and I need not pronounce it. 
The other individual also exercised a great influence 
upon human life and suffering; by scientific research, he 
arrested the march of pestilence and death, and millions 
now exist whose lives are due to his genius and philan- 
thropy. Where the former has slain his thousands, this 8 
man, prospectively at least, has rescued from death his tens 
of thousands. Now let me frankly ask, is it not a re- 
proach to those who confer name and fame, that while 
the first individual was instantly recognised by you all, 
none, but perhaps my learned colleagues, know whom I 
would designate by the latter, although his name is famil- 
iar? But the time will come that the name of Edward 
Jenner will not need to be pronounced, when even thus 
much is said of his benefactions to mankind. As virtue 
and science are diffused, the glory of the one shall wane 
till it is no longer such, while that of the other shall wax 
till it beams with meridian splendor. 
Suffer me to advert to some other of those illustrious 
instances in which a name worthy a chastened ambition, 
has been won in the sequestered walks of professional 
duty. Even when there existed between adjacent nations, 
scarcely any but hostile communications, the fame of the 
great father of medicine had been so far diffused, that 
when a neighbouring kingdom was desolated with pesti- 
lence, the most magnificent prince in the world proffered 
in vain his splendor and his wealth, to purchase from his 
own country the services of the learned Greek. He fore- 
saw that his native land was soon to be visited by the 
same scourge, and to her he deemed his services first to 
be due. 
Among others whose names have signalized the periods 
at which they lived, I would mention the celebrated 
French surgeon, Ambrose Parey. The biographer of this 
great man informs us, that he began his career in the Ho- 9 
tel Dieu. "He perfected himself by practising in the camps 
and armies, and having lived in familiar society with the 
king and nobles of France, he finished a long, honourable 
and busy life in the city of Paris. It is seen in the history 
of the French Academy that the princes and generals 
willingly took the field, when they could prevail upon Parey 
to go out along with them, and at the time when all the 
noblesse of the country were shut up in Mentz, which 
was besieged by Charles V. in person, at the head of an 
hundred thousand men, they sent a sort of embassy to 
the king their master, beseeching him to send Parey to 
them. An Italian captain, for a great reward, introduced 
him into the city. They instantly sent, at midnight, to 
awaken the prince, who commanded the city, with the good 
news of his arrival. The governor begged of him that 
he would go next day and show himself upon the breach. 
He was received with shouts of triumph. Mentz was 
then the bulwark of France, and it has always been as- 
cribed to the presence of this single man, so perfect was 
their confidence in him, that they kept the city till the gal- 
lant army, which lay around it, perished beneath it walls. 
Charles lost upwards of thirty thousand men by disease 
and by the enemy." 
Another brief anecdote of Parey shows not only the 
high estimation in which his services were held, but also 
proves him to have merited that confidence. His own 
simple manner of narration doubles the interest of the fact. 
"When I was a prisoner," says he, "the Emperor's surgeon 
took me apart and told me, if I would remain with him 10 
that he would use me very well. I thanked him very 
kindly for the honour which he did me, and told him that I 
had no desire to do any service to the enemies of my 
country. Then he told me I was a fool, and, if he were 
prisoner, as I, he would serve the devil to get his liberty. 
I told him flatly that I would not dwell with him at all." 
But, gentlemen, it is not necessary to search either remote- 
places or times for names worthy of your ambition. 
Which of you would not be satisfied to leave behind you 
the reputation of a Rush, a Wistar, or a Warren? Be as- 
sured that there is something unhallowed in the ambition 
that seeks for more. 
Before me, there are undoubtedly those who are "burn- 
ing with high hope," and desire of virtuous distinction. In 
the name of that profession, which, on this occasion, hon- 
ours me as its organ, I proffer, as a reward which shall 
surely attend the long and zealous devotion of the under- 
standing and the heart, to the duties of your calling, a 
wreath that shall bloom more freshly, as virtue and know- 
ledge are perfected. In the name of this community, I 
proffer you a place in the biographic annals of your coun- 
try, and that your names shall be enrolled on the sainted 
catalogue of the benefactors of mankind; but remember, 
that such rewards are to be achieved, only by throwing 
into your efforts the whole heart, and soul, and intellectu- 
al strength; and happy it is, that in our profession, such 
devotion is not inconsistent with your duty to your God. 
But our profession is worthy of this devotion, not only 
because it furnishes full scope for the intellectual powers. 11 
and presents objects worthy of a generous ambition, but 
because, as I have already assured you, it exercises the 
affections as well as the understanding. The practice of those 
duties enjoined upon us, exert an influence upon the heart, 
and call into exercise the noblest principles of our moral 
nature. Destitute, indeed, must be the individual of every 
amiable sentiment, who can study the art of relieving the 
anguish of disease, with only the cold spirit of philosophy; 
or with the motives merely of a hireling, can approach the 
bed of languishing and death. 
Whoever bears in his bosom but one spark of humanity, 
must, by the frequent occasions which cherish it, feel it 
kindling into a flame of active benevolence. He that is 
destitute of this, is destitute of one of those native endow- 
ments, which greatly enhance the alacrity, and even the 
success, with which professional duties are discharged. 
Were it possible for one to wield the accumulated learn- 
ing of past ages, and were he endued with the nicest dis- 
cernment of the traits of disease, and were, at the same 
time, destitute of an actuating spirit of benevolence, it is 
nothing. Were his remedies chosen with all the precision 
of intuitive perception, and yet he were wanting in those 
tender assiduities, which are prompted only by the feeling 
heart, the means of relief would often become powerless 
in his hands. It is the cautious touch, the soothing voice, 
and the anxious look of one who sympathises, that wins 
the necessary confidence, as well as the affections of the 
patient, and enables us to influence the body through the 
ever sensitive mind. 12 
In regard to the character of those duties, which you 
are this day to assume, I would observe, that they are to 
be considered in two relations-first, as due to your pro- 
fessional brethren-and secondly, as exercised towards 
the community. There is probably no avocation, in which, 
more than in ours, the interests of individuals are apt to 
conflict; indeed, that association scarcely merits to be term- 
ed a brotherhood, which is broken with such frequent and 
fierce contentions. To deny or attempt to conceal this 
notorious fact, would invalidate all that we have asserted 
in vindication of the dignity and utility of our profession. 
Let us frankly admit, whilst we deprecate and strive to 
remedy the evil. It is not to be supposed, however, that 
there is any thing in the essential nature of a calling, which 
science has enlightened, and in which humanity has toil- 
ed, that can bring into the ranks of our profession, as if by 
an elective attraction, the contentious part of the commu- 
nity; we are rather to account for the fact, by the influence 
of certain circumstances, which, even in the best, excite 
the less amiable traits of our nature. The first of these 
causes, undoubtedly, is the mutability of medical princi- 
ples. Although medical logic is, from day to day, assum- 
ing a greater degree of precision, yet it is probable that 
mathematical conclusiveness will never be introduced in- 
to our science. While, therefore, the divine may occasion- 
ally refer to an unerring standard, and the civilian may ap- 
peal to his codes of common and statute law, we have no 
criterion by which we may often test the correctness of 
opinions, and thus reconcile the differences to which they 13 
give rise. Carefully bear in mind, therefore, that others 
may frequently differ from you in opinion, without meriting 
the imputation of folly or perverseness. 
The choice and employment of physicians is, on the 
part of the community, too often the result of caprice, or is 
influenced by the personal address of the former; this ob- 
viously furnishes a strong inducement to the employment 
of intrigue and management, necessarily giving rise to the 
bitterest animosities. Nor is it unworthy of remark, that 
physicians are often at the mercy of gossips, who, more 
curious than humane, are permitted to throng the cham- 
bers of the sick. By them they are often brought into col- 
lision, by being misrepresented to each other; a fact that 
strongly urges the necessity of exercising the utmost de- 
gree of prudence, as well as of candour. 
Although I cannot, on the present occasion, enter upon 
the details of professional etiquette, I trust that each and 
all of you, will regard it as a solemn duty, to contribute 
your efforts to remove this foul reproach. Cultivate a 
generous spirit of disinterestedness, the true basis of all 
politeness and decorum, and you will rarely have occasion 
to reproach yourselves and less frequent reason to blush 
for your profession. 
The relation which the physician bears to the commu- 
nity is one of a peculiarly endearing nature. If he is not 
actuated merely by the avarice of a hireling, he becomes 
the kind and sympathising friend of those families over 
the health of which he exercises a guardian care. It is a 
circumstance which elevates the character of our calling, 14 
and compensates in some degree for its toils and solicitudes* 
that whilst those of other vocations are employed on the 
exchange, in courts of justice, and the busy scenes which 
familiarise them with the less refined part of the commu- 
nity, the physician seeks his employment in the domestic 
circle, and holds intercourse, even in the discharge of his 
professional duties, with the more refined and amiable sex, 
for no where are they more frequently to be met, or more 
to be admired than at the bedsides of the sick, and in the 
character of ministers of mercy. 
It is unnecessary that I should dilate upon the nature 
and degree of your attentions to the sick; they are to be 
inferred from observations which I have already made. 
I have shown that it is even necessary to successful prac- 
tice that the physician should approach his patient with a 
kind and soothing address; and to acquire this, gentlemen, 
it is necessary that you should actually "be what you 
would seem to be." Cultivate therefore kindly affections. 
I have always thought that the great Shakspeare, pro- 
found as he was, in his acquaintance with human nature 
and human affairs, presents us with but a heartless churl 
in his profession, in causing the physician to reply in the 
negative, when asked, "canst thou not minister to the mind 
diseased? pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow? raze 
out the written troubles of the brain? and by some sweet, 
oblivious antidote, cleanse the sad bosom of the perilous 
load which weighs upon the heart?" 
Gentlemen, with confidence, and even against such au- 
thority, I affirm that it is your duty, and often within the 15 
limit of your art, to minister even to the grief-sick mind; 
and although compassion cannot pluck from the memory 
deep rooted remorse, nor philanthropy always bind up the 
broken heart, yet there is a power, which descends with 
healing in his wings, and none more frequently than the 
physician, can seize the auspicious moment, when the 
heart, subdued by sorrow and suffering, may be persuad- 
ed to resort to him whose employment it once was, to 
h eal both the soul and the body. I have known a phy- 
sician, who was himself more than half a sceptic, recom- 
mend to an individual, whose mental anxiety foiled the 
remedies which were employed for the relief of his bodily 
pain, the consolations of religion; he prescribed it as he 
would an anodyne for the body, and because he had often 
witnessed its soothing influence. But I earnestly desire 
that you may employ it, not thus empyrically, but from a 
more familiar acquaintance with its nature and virtues. 
I cannot too earnestly urge upon you the importance of 
ever exercising towards your patients and their friends, 
the most perfect frankness. Rely upon it, that it equally 
comports with your interest and your dignity. He that 
often equivocates soon loses the confidence of the sick, 
and consequently all influence over their hopes and fears. 
There are, indeed, cases and periods when it would be 
rashness in the extreme, to acquaint the sufferer with his 
real condition; but in other instances, in which the assidu- 
ous and sympathising physician will have won the con- 
fidence and all the avenues to the heart of his patient, it 
appears to me that he but poorly discharges his duty to 16 
an immortal spirit, who on the very verge of the preci- 
pice, amuses it with false hopes of health and life, and 
cheats it of the last moments granted for reconciliation 
with its God. How indignantly must the ruined soul, 
"when we shall meet at compt," frown upon him, who, for 
his own momentary advantage, may have concealed from 
his view the dread realities of eternity! 
Some of you, who may have anticipated this as a rea- 
son of festivity, may perhaps think that I address you in 
a style unappropriately serious; but, gentlemen, I should 
do injustice to my own feelings, and I should deem myself 
unworthy to stand here as the representative of my re- 
spected colleagues, and especially as the successor of the 
distinguished individual who has so often, and with so 
much more feeling and ability, addressed on a similar 
occasion, a similar audience, did I neglect to name some of 
those solemn precepts which are of a nature not to be 
wrought into a systematic course of scientific instruction. 
It is earnestly to be desired that on receiving the testi- 
monials of our satisfaction in your present attainments, 
no one will regard it as an indulgence for future apathy 
and idleness; remember that your professional education 
is indeed but begun, and that between you and that emi- 
nence to which I trust you all aspire, there intervene nights 
of study and days of toil. 
The acquisition of knowledge by oral communication) 
so extensively enjoyed by the pupils of our profession, is 
undoubtedly that mode by which, in every branch, more 
is, in a given time, to be acquired than in any other me- 17 
thod of instruction; yet it is justly remarked by a learned 
author, that "lectures may awaken a latent propensity and 
enkindled a transient inclination; but unless the new-born 
flame be fed and fostered, unless it be nourished by study 
as well as excited by hearing, it will perish as soon as 
lighted up; or if it continue, will only blaze forth in a fop- 
pery of knowledge, far more contemptible than the gross- 
est ignorance." There seems to be a perpetual tenden- 
cy in the human mind to relapse into sloth and ignorance, 
and it is necessary perpetually to row against this ebbing 
tide of the intellect. 
Remember, gentlemen, that the lives of hundreds, and 
the happiness of thousands of your fellow-citizens are, in 
a great measure, dependant upon the preparation and the 
determinations with which you now assume the care of 
life and health. A routine of practice may, indeed, be soon 
acquired, but when once we lose sight of scientific princi- 
ples, the practice of medicine sinks into a mercenary art, 
alike dishonourable to him who traffics in it, and to the 
community who suffer the imposition. 
There is one circumstance, which I would here, by no 
means, omit to mention, because I believe it to be the rock 
on which many an ingenuous mind has split. It is the be- 
lief, that in our profession fortune has often the gift of fame 
and usefulness, and that, therefore, the medical aspirant 
must wait the occurrence of some happy accident, that 
shall develop his skill, and acquaint the public with his 
merits. The biography of our profession does, indeed, fur- 
nish instances, in which, as in the case of the great Eng- 18 
lish surgeon, Sir Astley Cooper, a fortunate event has giv- 
en the first impulse to a rising reputation-but such an im- 
pulse, let me assure you, can never give momentum to the 
lightness of a feather; there must exist a specific weight 
of talent and enterprise. 'Tis true, that sometimes acci- 
dent alone may create an ephemeral reputation; but the fool 
who wins it, will, at length, like a reptile upon an obelisk, 
appear only the more contemptible, the higher he is raised. 
W ait not, then, for the slow favours of fortune, but imitate, 
rather, the conduct of the great Alexander. When he re- 
paired to the oracle of Delphos, to learn his destinies, and 
when the priestess seemed reluctant to reply to his eager 
enquiries, he rudely seized her by the arm, to drag her to 
the shrine, and compel her responses. "My son," said she, 
as if unconsciously, "you are invincible." These unwilling 
words he seized upon, as an augury which well correspond- 
ed to his gigantic ambition. Thus, gentlemen, would I have 
you press forward, and snatch, from the very grasp of for- 
tune, her reluctant favours. All her choice wreaths are sto- 
len, almost unfinished, from her fingers, whilst among the 
indolent and expectant throng, she casts but a few faded 
chaplets. This fickle dame, I can assure you, is like many 
more of her sex; she despises her timid votaries, who sigh 
at a distance, and address soft and sickly sonnets to her 
eye-brow. She is proverbial for favouring her brave and 
forward suitors, who woo her with the spirit of Petruchio. 
We cannot part with you on this occasion, gentlemen, 
without an expression of unfeigned respect for the honour- 
able deportment, and scientific attainments, which char- 19 
acterize the present class of Graduates; but although 
some of us have had opportunities to know the acquisi- 
tions which are made in other institutions, and although 
you have received your education in one, which is mature 
in years, and furnished munificently with all the necessa- 
ry facilities, yet we will not, in regard to ourselves, display 
such arrogant vanity, nor so insult, with gross adulation, 
your understandings, as to pronounce you the only class 
of pupils meriting the distinction to which you aspire. 
Hundreds will go forth from legally constituted institu- 
tions, who have enjoyed privileges similar to yours, and 
who are actuated by the same ardent emulation. We 
trust, therefore, that having passed the ordeal of a board, 
which never compromises its dignity nor the duties which 
it owes to the community; and having been, by us, with 
confidence recommended to the patronage of your fellow- 
citizens, you will strive, by continued application, to reci- 
procate honour upon the authorities which now confer then' 
honours upon you. 
With us and you, it is a subject of reciprocal congratu- 
lation, that you leave your parent seminary in a condition 
which warrants the most flattering anticipations, in regard 
to its future progress. An arrangement has recently been 
made, which will exercise, in a manner highly advanta- 
geous to the institution, talents which distinguish, and have 
long distinguished this association. And I can assure you, 
that it is not a little encouraging to our efforts, that you, 
to whom the reputation of this institution will ever be dear, 
have, in relation to this arrangement, expressed your cor- 20 
dial, unanimous, and even enthusiastic approbation. In 
leaving us, gentlemen, you may be assured that you leave 
behind you an unbroken harmony of purpose and exertion, 
and that there is awake, in the halls of your alma mater, 
a spirit of emulation that will never slumber, till the most 
distinguished of our profession shall be proud to say, "I 
am of the University of Maryland." 
But, gentlemen, while we reciprocate congratulations, 
let us not forget that we are also called upon to condole. 
The place reserved for one of your companions is vacant, 
and the badges of sorrow which I see around me, tell us 
but too truly of the melancholy cause. Even since you 
appeared before us, to satisfy the test of your qualifica- 
tions, and when all were exulting in hope, and health, and 
generous emulation, and none more so than him who is ab- 
sent, death has invaded your ranks. At the very time when 
we were about to send you forth, armed for the contest with 
the fell destroyer, an unseen hand, as if in mockery of our 
art, has struck low the youngest of this youthful band. 
So vivid is your recollection of the amiable and winning 
deportment of your friend and classmate, that when I pro- 
nounce the name of David Ball, you unconsciously look 
round you as if to meet once more his cheerful smile. That 
smile is now effaced forever, and he lies sleeping in his 
grave. Had the finger of heaven been put forth, on this oc- 
casion, to write its awful fiat on the walls, it could not have 
uttered more unequivocally, the solemn warning, "be ye 
also ready." 21 
In taking leave of you at this time, I feel it my duty to 
address you in calm and unaffected terms. Let not what 
I have pronounced, in relation to your duties to yourselves, 
your country, and your God, pass for the cant phrases 
which must, necessarily be uttered on occasions like this. 
I have spoken, indeed, many truisms, but they are such 
as cannot be too often repeated, nor too deeply impressed; 
and I surely may indulge the hope, that the interest of the 
occasion will cause them to be long remembered. We 
wish you, however, to remember us, (yes, and you will 
remember, to approve or to reproach,) not merely for the 
asseverations which we now make, but for the services 
which we have rendered to your youth. Remember us 
when you shall test the value of those precepts, which you 
have received from our lips, and when you shall have be- 
come conscious that our efforts have contributed to elevate 
you to a sphere of dignity and usefulness. 
As this is the last communication which, to you, as a 
body, will, by this Faculty, ever be made, as their repre« 
sentative, I bid you an affectionate farewell. ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT. 
At the public commencement, held in the Anatomical Hall of the 
University of Maryland, April 1th, 1828, the following gentle- 
men received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. 
John W. Tenney, - - Venous Absorption. 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
Theses. 
MARYLAND. 
Stephen W. Adreon, - - Inflammation. 
Jeremiah P. Hooper, - Rheumatism. 
Joseph M'Coy Sitler, - - Effects of Disappointed Love 
Richard Barnum, - - Elephantiasis. 
Edward M'Ceney, - - Icterus. 
Samuel Spencer, - - Hepatic Diarrhoea. 
Francis R. Wills, - - Ecthyma Cachectica. 
Samuel H. Caldwell, - General Anatomy of the skin. 
Charles W. Parker, - 
Cow Pox as a preventive 
of Small Pox. 
Horatio G. Grieves, - Phthisis Pulmonalis. 
James Dawson, - - - Dysentery. 
Hammond Stewart, - Pneumonia Vera. 
Joseph A. Landis, - - Cynanche Trachealis. 
Edward H. Lowndes, - Hydrocephelus Interims. 
Thomas J. Davis, - - Injuries of the Head. 
Thomas R. Johnson, * Diseases of the Mamma. 
Richard D. Beall, - - Trachitis. 23 
Joseph Iglehart, - ■ Physiology of the Liver. 
Thomas Nevitt, - - Digestion. 
Charles Macgill, - - Causes of Parturition. 
William Medford, - - Cynanche Trachealis. 
Zachariah Merriken, - Apoplexy. 
George B. Mackenzie, - Trachitis. 
Joseph Prigg, - - Tetanus. 
Leander W. Goldsborough, Pneumonia. 
Drastic Purgatives in Ute- 
rine Hemorrhage. 
William H. Webster, - 
Nathaniel C. Weems, - Phrenitis. 
Henry V. Bramwell, - Cynanche Maligna. 
James W. Pryor, - - Colic. 
Bernard M. Byrne,* - De Delirio. 
Samuel Johnson, - - Rheumatism. 
Howard Kennedy, - - Necrosis. 
Albert Lyon, - Laryngitis. 
Charles F. Hughes, - Hydrocephelus Internus. 
Henry M. Robertson, - Rheumatism. 
Henry Morris, - - The Atmosphere. 
John B. McDowell, - - Muscularity of the Arteries. 
James R. Ward, - - Yellow Fever. 
Thomas Siemens, - - Erysipelas. 
William H. Grimes, - Mental Derangement. 
Samuel Mainster, - - Epilepsy. 
Charles R. Jackson, - Sophora Tinctoria. 
Henry Brooke, - - - Congested Bilious Fever. 
John H. Scott, - - Gonorrhoea. 
Wakeman B. Hopkins, - Acute Hepatitis. 
* To this gentleman was adjudged the Gold Medal, for the best Latin 
Thesis. 24 
Frederick Byer, - - Lymphatic Absorption. 
John Lambert, - - - Pneumonia Biliosa. 
Bennet Bussey, - - Pulmonary Consumption. 
Hugh H. Matthews, - - Life. 
Littleton D. Handy, - Cantharides. 
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 
De coelo, Modo Vivendi, 
et Morbis Civitatum 
Foederatarum. 
Jerome F. Mudd, 
Joseph N. Stuart, - - Tetanus. 
Henry Reintzel, - - Hepatitis. 
David B all,* - - 
Daniel D. Hall, - - - Opium. 
George F. Carmichael, - Necrosis. 
William Garnett, - - Cynanche Trachealis. 
Richard Norris, - - Rheumatism. 
John H. Tompkins, - - Colchicum Autumnale. 
Martin Burton, - - Apoplexy. 
William Burnett, - - Phrenitis. 
Alfred Hudnall, - - Tetanus. 
William Kirk, - Inflammation. 
VIRGINIA. 
SOUTH CAROLINA. 
Crawford Ellerbe, - Phrenitis. 
TENNESSEE. 
John Berry, - Hydrocele. 
John O. Wharton, - Cynanche Trachealis. 
ALABAMA. 
Peca Wilson, - . - Causes of Sudden Death. 
* This gentleman passed examination, but died before the degrees were 
conferred.