A biographical memoir of the late Dr. Joseph Thackeray, of Bedford.

Date:
[1832?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A biographical memoir of the late Dr. Joseph Thackeray, of Bedford. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    a guinea. In a very short period 370 subscriptions were received; the portrait was painted by the late Mr. Jackson, and it now forms an appropriate or¬ nament of the infirmary which he so signally bene- fitted by his unwearied labours. From his earliest years, the excellence of his dis¬ position manifested itself in all the intercourses of life. It was signally marked by that disregard of self, that abandon de soi meme, which is the truest charm and surest attraction of human character. His vener¬ able father, in his latter hours, bore testimony to his estimate of his son’s worth, by saying, “ when you are dying, my dear boy, may you have a son with a portion of your good qualities, and you will be happy.” Though engaged in extensive and lucrative practice,. Dr. Thackeray freely rendered his gratuitous services to those who could make no pecuniary recompense; and not only was his personal attendance readily and' assiduously given, but whatever was needed for giving1 effect to his medical directions, was liberally bestowed. One friend who knew intimately his most secret thoughts and actions, and whose connexion with the poor shewed him much of their domestic history, thus writes; “ one would suppose, knowing the extent of Dr. Thackeray’s practice, and his entire devotedness to his patients, that he would have had neither time nor inclination for any other purposes. This, however, was by no means the case. On the contrary, his private acts of kindness and benevolence were, I believe, more numerous than his most intimate friends had any conception of. There was not one with whom affliction had brought him in contact, to whom he could, in any way, be useful, but his head, his hand, and his heart were freely embarked in their cause. To the poor he was a constant and firm friend, lie not only gave them his advice and diligent atten-
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