Biographical memoir of Thomas Spencer, M.D., professor of the theory and practice of medicine, &c : read before the Medical Society of the State of New-York, February 2d, 1858 / by Sylvester D. Willard.

  • Willard, Sylvester David, 1825-1865.
Date:
1858
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Biographical memoir of Thomas Spencer, M.D., professor of the theory and practice of medicine, &c : read before the Medical Society of the State of New-York, February 2d, 1858 / by Sylvester D. Willard. 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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    Edward Cutbush, John G. Morgan, Willard Parkier and Charles B. Coventry, occupying the other professorships. This professorship he continued to occupy for fifteen years, and lie bent his whole energy to build up, give character to, and sustain the Institution. Through his agency large endowments were obtained for the literary as also for the medical depart- ment, and a fine building erected, and ample appliances provided for the latter. To him more than to any person is due the credit of the early, successful, and flourishing condition of this Insti- tution. He removed to Geneva in order that he might be more convenient to the college, and where for many years he engaged in active professional duties, and enjoyed a high degree of reputation as a teacher and practitioner. Dr. Spencer made a brief journey to Europe. He reached Havre on the first day of January, 1836, and proceeded at once to Paris. Although early old in mental toil and physical labors, in his feelings, nature had kept him still a child; and the elasticity of his youth was renewed upon his introduction to the old world. Through the influence of a kind friend, he found a home with that distinguished Christian philanthropist, the Rev. Frederick Monod, from whom, and from his brother, a physician of eminence, the Doctor received many grateful attentions. He began at once the labors of the winter with great zeal. Unac- quainted, however, with the language, he felt severely the hindrance thus occasioned to the opportunities which the French capital affords to the man of science. With characteristic indus- try he devoted himself to its acquisition, and was soon enabled to read and understand it, but not to speak it fluently. He availed with eagerness the opportunities for visiting the hospi- tals and museums, and of enlarging the field of his observation in every direction. Especially he made it a point to hear the eminent lecturers of the day. First among these was Orfila, who combined the attractions of a world-wide reputation, with a fine elocution and a noble presence, and whose amphitheatre was daily crowded with an ardent and eager audience of young men from many nations.