Page:Biographical Memoir of John C Otto MD.djvu/10

 years' service most acceptably rendered this institution. The Managers, on parting officially from the Doctor, tender to him their acknowledgments for his long, faithful, and useful labors; and assure him of their cordial regard, and best wishes for whatever may contribute to his future happiness."

It was from his connection with the Hospital, that our deceased friend became extensively known, throughout the United States, as a physician and clinical teacher. During the latter years of his service, he had charge of the medical wards while the lectures were going on at the schools, and at a time when the institution was visited by a large number of medical students from various portions of the country. His clinical remarks were made at the bed-side; were always concise, and invariably marked by great simplicity and practical good sense. The important features in the case before the class were modestly stated; the plan of treatment, and the indications upon which it was founded, announced; together with such observations upon the disease, or the individual case, as were naturally suggested.

This was done in a clear, audible voice, without the slightest attempt at oratory, or the least embellishment, but with a gravity and dignity becoming the occasion.

I doubt not there are many practitioners, in various sections of our country, who could now testify to the value of the lessons of wisdom thus received; who can look back with lively satisfaction, and recall the slender and slightly-stooping frame of this venerable physician, as he passed around the wards of the Hospital, stopping at each bed as he passed, kindly saluting his patient, making the necessary inquiries into his condition, and then, in the most unaffected, and yet impressive, manner, addressing himself to the assembled class, and fastening upon their minds some valuable medical precept.

The great merit of the clinical teaching of Dr. Otto was its