Page:A History of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania.djvu/46

 way for the enterprise, by the course which has been detailed, on his arrival in Philadelphia.

Dr. Morgan, at the time of his return from Europe, was freighted with great intents and exalted purposes. His views had been kept no secret, he had enlisted in behalf of his projects the Hon. Thomas Penn, a patron of the College of Philadelphia, and laying before the Board of Trustees of the College “a plan for establishing a medical school under their auspices,” he presented to them a letter from that gentleman recommending it to their patronage. This letter was read at a meeting of the Board of Trustees, May 3d, 1765, as follows:—

“ Dr. Morgan has laid before me a proposal for introducing new professorships into the Academy for the instruction of all such as shall incline to go into the study and practice of Physic and Surgery, as well as the several occupations attending upon these useful and necessary arts. He thinks his scheme, if patronized by the Trustees, will at present give reputation and strength to the Institution, and though it may for some time occasion a small expense, yet after a little while it will gradually support itself, and even make considerable additions to the Academy’s funds.

“Dr. Morgan has employed his time in an assiduous search after knowledge in all the branches necessary for the practice of his profession, and has gained such an esteem and love from persons of the first rank in it, that as they very much approve his system, they will from time to time, as he assures us, give him their countenance and assistance in the execution of it.

“We are made acquainted with what is proposed to be taught, and how the lectures may be adopted by you, and since the like systems have brought much advantage to every place where they have been received; and such learned and eminent men speak favorably of the doctor’s plan, I could not but in the most kind manner recommend Dr. Morgan to you, and desire that he may be well received, and what he has to offer be taken with all becoming respect and expedition into your most serious consideration, and if it shall be thought