Page:A History of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania.djvu/174

 most probably, while in London, was seriously impressed by the opinions and practice of Abernethy, which are as worthy of commendation at the present time as they were when first urged upon the profession by that wise and skilful surgeon. Therapeutics were essentially Dr. Chapman’s forte, and in this line, from his ready and abundant resources, he was a master.

In 1820 Dr. Chapman became the proprietor and editor of the “Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and Physical Sciences.” In 1825 he was assisted in conducting it by Dr. Dewees and Dr. John D. Godman. This periodical, in 1827, became the “American Journal of the Medical Sciences,” and has been continued to the present time under the able editorship of Dr. Isaac Hays.

During his lifetime Dr. Chapman furnished some lectures to the “Medical Examiner,” and a few others were printed in book form.

The truth of the following character of Dr. Chapman, as a lecturer, in the eulogy of his colleague, Dr. Jackson, must be accepted by all who have listened to his public efforts: “He was self-possessed, deliberate, and emphatic. Whenever warmed with his subject, his animation became oratorical. Often the tedium of dry matter would be enlivened by some stroke of wit, or happy pun, an anecdote, or quotation. He was furnished with stores of facts and cases, drawn from his own large experience and observation, illustrating principles, diseases, or treatment under discussion. His bearing was dignified,