Page:A History of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania.djvu/98

 On July 7th, 1795, the vacant Chair of Chemistry was filled by the appointment of Dr. James Woodhouse, who in the following session commenced his course of lectures.

In 1796 Dr. Griffitts resigned the Chair of Materia Medica.

Dr. Samuel Powell Griffitts was a prominent member of the Society of Friends. He was born in Philadelphia in 1759. Having been classically educated at the College of Philadelphia, he studied medicine with Dr. Kuhn. He attended lectures during the troubled times of the Revolution, and graduated Bachelor of Medicine in the University, July 4th, 1781. He then proceeded to Europe, but, on account of the war existing between Great Britain and the United Colonies, went first to France. After spending some time in attendance upon the lectures and hospitals of Paris, he went to Montpellier, where, in the winter of 1782-83, he attended a course of lectures. An attraction of this celebrated school at that time was the distinguished medical philosopher Barthez. The following year was spent in London and at the Medical School of Edinburgh, when, after an absence of three years, he established himself in his native city.

The first public enterprise in which he was engaged was the foundation of the Charity which has operated so beneficially in relieving the miseries of the poor, known as the “Philadelphia Dispensary.” This institution went into operation in 1786; and, either as one of its Physicians or in the capacity of Secretary of the Board of Managers, his services were given to it till the close of his useful life.