Volume 2

History of medicine in New York : three centuries of medical progress / by James J. Walsh.

  • Walsh, James J. (James Joseph), 1865-1942.
Date:
1919
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: History of medicine in New York : three centuries of medical progress / by James J. Walsh. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    9/366 (page 325)
    CHAPTER XXI DISTINGUISHED PHYSICIAN SCIENTISTS NEW YORK has had a rather long series of distinguished scientists whose introduction to the study of science came through medicine. As a rule, they were men who discovered their own vocation for scientific work, original research and investi¬ gation, as the result of their studies in medicine. Some of them practised medicine for some years until they secured some sort of a teaching or official position which enabled them to pursue their scientific studies as they wished. Others devoted themselves at once to some of the sciences related to medicine, and found occupa¬ tion of mind and heart in pure scientific work. The first and most distinguished of these is undoubtedly Dr. Cadwalader Colden, usually known in history as Governor Colden, though he never attained higher rank than that of Lieutenant- Governor and Acting Governor of the Colony. Dr. Colden did work in botany that attracted attention not only here in America but also in Europe, and because of his high position, his success attracted the attention of the rising generation in America to the important field of original work in science that lay so invitingly open in this country. Because of his relations with prominent men of science in Europe as well as America, Dr. Colden’s place in the history of science is assured. His interest in botany brought him into close touch with Linnaeus, the well-known Swedish botanist, and Linnaeus ac¬ knowledged his obligations to him for botanical work done in America. Dr. Colden’s paper “On the Virtues of the Great Water Dock” (Rumex aquaticus) came under Linnaeus’ eye and led to the opening of a correspondence. Professor Asa Gray in the last generation collected these letters that passed between the American and Swedish lovers of plants and published them with some other Colden letters. As the result of this intimate association, Linnaeus named a plant of the tetrandrous class, a specimen of which had been sent him by Colden’s daughter, Coldenia, in honor of his