[Printed letter of application for the Chair of Anatomy in the University of Edinburgh] / John Struthers.

  • John Struthers
Date:
[1867]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: [Printed letter of application for the Chair of Anatomy in the University of Edinburgh] / John Struthers. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Two years tlicTeafter I comiiieiiced as Lecturer ; aiul for fifteen years coiulucteil all the i\natoinical Conrses, doing the work of Demonstrator as well as that, of Systematic Lecturer. During the uhole of this time Professor Goodsir occupied the Anatomical Chair in the University, and only those acquainted with the circumstances know how difficult it had then become to gather together a good Class of Anatomy in the Extra-academical School. The proportion of my Class to the University Class was at first one to six, but grew to be one to two—my Class reaching 150, the University Class being then about 800. During this time, I desire to add that, though teaching in rival Schools, our rivalry was friendly, Professor Goodsir on one occasion, when absent for a year, from illness, intrusting his. Class to me, and again, when I was unable to lecture for part of a Session, he taught my Pupils with his own until I was able to resume. I beg leave particularly to refer to my having discharged the duties of the Chair now vacant, during the year 1858-4, although then, comparatively, an inexperienced Lecturer. On the recom¬ mendation of Professor, Goodsir, and of the Senatus Academicus, I was appointed by the Town Council to fill the Chair. During this year my pupils, added to those of Professor Goodsir, formed a class of upwards of ,400 (the precise number, I believe, was 447) students. To this class I delivered the courses of Systematic Lectures, Anatomical Demonstrations, and Practical Anatomy. It was the largest Anatomical Class ever taught in Edinburgh, or in any British School. Begarding the mode in which I discharged the duties of the Edinburgh Professorship, I refer to Testimonials, L, LXXX., LXXXIV., LXXXV., CXL,, CXLIIL, from Professor Goodsir and other Members of the Medical Faculty, and from distinguished pupils who attended the course, and to the subjoined letter fi om Professor Goodsir, on his resuming the duties of the Chair.* I may add that, at the end of the Session, I received a vote of thanks from the Medical Faculty, in the presence of the class, and I can never forget the enthusiasm displayed by the students on that occasion. In Edinburgh I formed an extensive Museum of wet and dried specimens ; and a large col¬ lection of Anatomical Drawings, almost all of which were designed, or drawn from nature, by myself. These, together with the Museum which I purchased, (originally belonging to Dr. Knox), are still in my possession. * 111, Princes Street, August 29, 1854. My Dear Sib, When I proposed that you should occupy my place during my absence, I did so with full confidence that, if you assented, I would be relieved from all anxiety regarding my Class. I, therefore, left all the arrangements in your hands, and have had every reason to be satisfied with your management, and gratified with the statements regarding it which have reached me from various quarters. I cannot, however, resume my own official duties, without expressing how much I feel myself indebted to you for the able assistance you have afforded me during my retirement. I remain, Mr Dear Sir, Yours, very faithfully. John Struthers, Esq. JOHN GOODSIR.
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