[Controversy with Dr. John Eberle].

  • Webster, James, 1803-1854.
Date:
[1827?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: [Controversy with Dr. John Eberle]. 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.)

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    intended to be handed to me, titiaking it would be the means of doing the business to their satisfaction. It was handed to me. I annex a copy of it, and let it speak for itself.* Baltimore, June 5, 1821. My Dear Friend, I have for a considerable time past intended to address you on the sub- ject of the Recorder, and you will believe me when I inform you, that no person can feel a more lively interest in the success of that Publication than myself. I feel interested on account of Mr. Webster, and because it is, and has ever since you were engaged in its management, been a libe- ral, scientific, and independent Journal. Having said this much, I trust what I shall add will be understood in its true spirit. If Dr. Revere and yourself continue in the editorial department, there can be no doubt but that the reputation of the work will increase every number. It will be- come the standard Periodical Medical Publication of this country; and will be alike valuable, as it will tend to increase the emoluments of its Pub- lisher, and the literary and scientific character of all those who are its acknowledged supporters. I am however of opinion, that if either Dr. Revere or(yourself should retire from the work, that its character will im- mediately sink; and that so far from its being honorable to be connected with it, thatit will be quite the reverse.f I am myself so completely oc- cupied with the duties of my profession, and the interests of the Univer- sity, that I find it will be impossible for me to devote that time and atten- tion to the Journal which would be required to support its reputation, provided either Revere or yourself were deserting it. But at the same time, I have so much confidence in the abilities of you both, that if it were considered that my name remaining as an editor would be of advan- tage to the work, I would have no objection to remain nominally an edi- tor. I am fully acquainted with Dr. Revere's sentiments; he is deter- mined to retire from the Journal after the publication of the July No. pro- vided he is not fairly remunerated for his services. If Mr. Webster pays him a regular salary, he will not only continue, but, it being made an ob- ject, he will devote a much larger proportion of his time and attention to the work than he has heretofore done; in fact, I am confident, that by his and your increased exertions, the work will be soon second to none in the world. My idea is, that Mr. Webster can, and ought to appropriate one thousand dollars per annum, as a salary for the two active editors. I say two active editors, for I consider two who devote their attention to the work quite sufficient, that Revere and yourself have $500 per annum, each. I shall give you my name and what services I can spare with plea- sure gratis, provided this arrangement is made. If not, I shall most cer- tainly be under the necessity of withdrawing my name after the publica- tion of the next number. In a letter it is impossible to explain my senti- ments as fully as I could desire, but I should hope that you will see from what I have written, that what I wish accomplished is for Mn. Webster's interest. He cannot expect that I should continue my name to a publica- tion, unless I had the most unlimited confidence in the talents of its active editors. There are not any two men in this country, Revere and yourself excepted, with whom I would trust my reputation. Your sincere Friend, To Dr. Eberle. GRANVILLE SHARP PATTISON. Not one word is said about Dn. D. No, had they gained their ends Dn. D. was to be turned adrift, even without any notice. At this time my «yes which had been blinded by these men became open, so as to sec clearly the object they had in view, in consequence of which I imme- diately dismissed both P. and Revere from the Journal. Dr. Eberle now * I have been informed from respectable authority, that Dr. E. says I have no right to make use of tliis letter. The fact is I have Dr. E's. own hand writing giving me permission to make use of it. | The subscription has increased more than double since the above was written.