Sketch of the life and character of Samuel George Morton, M.D. : lecture introductory to a course on anatomy and physiology in the Medical Department of Pennsylvania College delivered October 13, 1851 / by William R. Grant.

Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Sketch of the life and character of Samuel George Morton, M.D. : lecture introductory to a course on anatomy and physiology in the Medical Department of Pennsylvania College delivered October 13, 1851 / by William R. Grant. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    1 To this city renowned for its straight and spacious streets, but having also crooked and dubious paths, distinguished by its cleanliness and comforts, but disfigured by some things that are defiling and wretched, abounding with light and knowledge, chequered however with darkness and ignorance. Coming to our school and to our city, at this time, and under these circumstances, you will stand in need of coun- sellors and guides, amidst such a variety of attractions and distractions, and so many interests which conflict. Be assured gentlemen, it will he our pleasure, as it is cer- tainly our duty, as far as in us lies, to aid you in attaining the good and avoiding the evil, in cleaving to the one and refusing the other. On this occasion you might reasonably expect to hear a lecture, having a special reference to that branch of Medi- cal Science which it is my province to teach in this insti- tution; but by the mysterious doings of a Sovereign and over-ruling Providence, since we last met within these walls, a theme has been provided, both solemn and instruc- tive, which is considered appropriate, and I would feign hope may not be unblessed to him who now addresses you, or to you my young friends who hear me. On Thursday the 15th day of May last, many hearts were made sad and many cheeks were bedewed with tears at the announcement, that Dr. Samuel G. Morton, had expired at his residence in Arch street, after an illness of only three or four days duration. So unexpected and unwelcome was the news that many at first were inclined to ques- tion its reality, and every one hoped it w^as not so— But alas! it was too true. He who was but a few days before in the discharge of his ordinary professional duties and in his usual though feeble health, up to the very day of his fatal illness, was now numbered among the dead; it was only then that many who knew him well were made conscious that a great and a good man had been taken from among us, and that a light had been suddenly extinguished, which had shed its lustre for years on this country, and indeed on the world. On the day after this announcement the faculty of