Introductory lecture to a course of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania : delivered November 7th, 1831 and published at the request of the medical class / by William E. Horner.

  • Horner, William E. (William Edmonds), 1793-1853.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Introductory lecture to a course of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania : delivered November 7th, 1831 and published at the request of the medical class / by William E. Horner. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

    12/34
    Dr. Shippen seems to have been intended by nature to lay the corner-stone of the immense edifice of medicine, which has since been erected in this country. Aged twenty- six, at the period alluded to, uncommonly perfect in his form, and engaging in his aspect; his manners were those of a finished gentleman; his enunciation was fine; his temper invariably sprightly and good, could neither be excited by rancour, nor rendered sullen and morose by opposition. Dr. Wistar's account of him, states, that in his intercourse with men he was perfectly at ease with the most stately— he could converse with the most ignorant so as to make them easy, but without affecting ignorance himself—and he could mix with the lowest orders in society without impos- ing a painful restraint upon them, while he preserved the manners of a well-bred gentleman. He was also particularly agreeable to young people.* Besides these personal ac- complishments, Dr. Shippen had a hereditary claim on the acquaintance and good will of the inhabitants of this city. His great-grandfather, Edward Shippen, in consequence of a very pressing invitation from the first governor, Penn, had left Boston, the original place of his abode after sailing from England, and had associated his fortunes with the infant co- lony of Pennsylvania. His services had been most conspi- cuous and useful, for he had filled successively almost all the important offices of government, and had contributed greatly to the improvement of the city. Dr. Shippen's father had also been favourably known to the inhabitants as a practi- tioner of medicine. To the personal advantages stated, and those of extensive hereditary friendship and family alliance, Dr. Shippen added foreign study; at that day all important in public estimation, from the want of opportunities of instruction here. .While in London, he lived in the family of Mr. John Hunter, the celebrated surgeon, and followed the lectures of Dr. William * Eulogium on William Shippen.