Abner Wellborn Calhoun / by George E. de Schweinitz.

  • De Schweinitz, G. E. (George Edmund), 1858-1938.
Date:
[1928]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Abner Wellborn Calhoun / by George E. de Schweinitz. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    ROY MOODIE COLLECTION. Reprint from SURGERY, GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS November, IQ28, pages 737-732 ABNER WELLBORN CALHOUN' By GEORGE E. De SCHWEINITZ, M.D., F.A.C.S., Philadelphia IT is altogether fitting and proper that the memory of Dr. Calhoun should be enshrined in the Abner W. Calhoun lectureship foundation. His achieve¬ ments as citizen, soldier, physician, and teacher constitute a distinguished chapter in the chronicles of the history of this great state and add luster to the records of many other notable accomplishments of which you are justly proud. Dr. Calhoun was fortunate in his parentage and the guidance thus bestowed, and the register of the events of his life portrays the unfolding and development of his sterling character and his resolve ‘‘to do the work in hand with scrupulous and unaffected dignity, freely and justly.” Introduced by his father to the study of medicine, he matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia and was graduated as the honor man of his class, well nigh 60 years ago. Especially interested in the study of anatomy in his student days, he continued that interest when he went abroad shortly after his graduation. Attracted by the eminence of Hertel, he spent all available hours in his dissecting room, where, indeed, for a time he was his prosecutor. During this period he was offered the chair of anatomy in the Atlanta Medical College. How better could he have laid the foundation for his future career as a notable exponent of one department of special surgery, wherein he was destined to attain a prominent place, than by acquiring proficiency in this important fundamental branch of the medical sciences. Doubtless influenced by his father, he realized the necessity of gaining spe¬ cialized knowledge and experience in ophthalmology and otolaryngology, and with characteristic energy and ambition sought and obtained instruction in the clinics of the masters of those days in these departments of medical and surgical work. Fully and admirably equipped, he returned to his own home and was elected professor of ophthalmology and otolaryngology, in the Atlanta Medical College, of which his father had been one of the founders. He continued with praise¬ worthy ability to fulfill the duties of this distinguished post until the day of his death, serving not alone as teacher, but as administrator, and in all the ways he was able admirably strove for its development and improvement. ‘ Adapted from the introduction to the lecture delivered before the Medical Association of Georgia under the auspices of the Abner Wellborn Calhoun Lecture Foundation. I