Memorial meeting in honor of the late Dr. John Shaw Billings, April 25, 1913.

  • New York Public Library
Date:
1913
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Memorial meeting in honor of the late Dr. John Shaw Billings, April 25, 1913. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    APPENDIX Many letters of regret and appreciation were received from friends of Doctor Billings who were invited to be present at the meeting but were unable to accept. These letters were too numerous to be read at the meeting or to be printed here. The selections printed below give, however, an indication of their tenor and spirit: FROM HIS EMINENCE, JOHN CARDINAL FARLEY ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK I am glad to avail myself of this opportunity to tell you how pleased I am that this mark of respect is to be given to the memory of one whom I have known long and in a measure intimately. My respect and regard for Dr. Billings grew as the years went on, and the news of his death came to me as that of a dear friend. Our acquaintance began before I became associated with the Public Library and even then I learned to admire his gentle and courtly character, not less than his love and remarkable knowledge of books and their makers. Everything I saw in Dr. Billings since I became a member of the Board of Trustees went to increase my first impressions of him. FROM SIR HENRY BURDETT, K.C.B., K.C.V.O. It is a matter of deep regret to myself that it is impossible for me to be present at the Memorial Meeting for the late Dr. John Shaw Billings on the 25th instant. I have only received the notice by this (Saturday) morning’s post. Few men in our generation have done better or more useful service to science, to medicine, to the sick and to all who are associated with illness, or to the uplifting and betterment of the health of the peoples of the world. I have been associated with Dr. Billings for quite forty years in hearty co-operation and lifelong friendship and sympathy. I enclose a memoir which records my experience of the fruits of his work from actual knowledge. Anything that I can do in any way to help the Trustees to make the commemoration of the life and work of John Shaw Billings take a form which will prove a permanent living force for those who come after will be gratefully and thoroughly done to the utmost of my powers. Kindly express my deep and heartfelt regret that it should be impossible for me to be present and take part in the proceedings on the 25th instant. [23]