The Osler Medical Library : a tribute, July 12th, 1919 / by J.Y.W. MacAlister.

  • John MacAlister
Date:
[1919?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The Osler Medical Library : a tribute, July 12th, 1919 / by J.Y.W. MacAlister. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    He began by asking me to observe the stately Greek architecture, cleverly adapted in the matter of windows, lighting and ventilation to meet modern demands. He then led the way inside to a great circular entrance hall, lighted from the top of a lofty dome which reminded me of the Pantheon at Rome. There was only one light, at the top, which at first seemed too small for such a vast hall, and yet illuminated the whole space per¬ fectly. I guessed the opening was covered in by glass as a concession to English weather, but it was so cleverly done that it seemed to be open, and my guide explained to me that at night the light was equally good, provided from outside by a powerful searchlight. In the spaces between the corridors opening out of the central hall there were numerous marble statues, which my guide informed me had been provided by the greatest artists of all the civilised nations that had contributed in any way to the advancement of Medicine, and pointed out with particular pride the latest gift which had been received from the King of the Hedjaz,—a noble image of Avicenna, the work of a young Arab sculptor, who, he assured me, would very soon be recognised as one of the greatest artists the world had ever known. To my surprise and delight I recognised effigies not only of the past, but of some of the present Masters of Medicine. Of course Aesculapius, Hippocrates, Galen and Celsus were there ; down the ages with Harvey and the Hunters to Lister, Pasteur, and, as my guide explained, by the special request of Osier, living men who had
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