Page:Biographical Memoir of John C Otto MD.djvu/17

 to those who conceived and nurtured them, instead of being thrust upon the world to do more extensive mischief; and how much more simple and clear would be the views of medical men, upon many topics now rendered obscure by the variety of conflicting opinions concerning them.

In addition to the responsible position held by Dr. Otto, as Physician to the Pennsylvania Hospital, he was connected with several other public charities. During a period of twenty years, he served the Orphan Asylum, where he was much beloved by the children, and by all connected with that useful institution. He was also Physician, during many years, to the Magdalen Asylum, in the prosperity of which he took a deep interest.

When the alarm of epidemic cholera reached Philadelphia, Dr. Otto was one of twelve of our most eminent physicians, who were appointed by the public authorities to adopt such sanatory measures as they might deem expedient to mitigate the force of the impending calamity, and to establish and conduct hospitals in the different sections of the City.

At the organization of this body, Dr. Otto was unanimously called upon to preside over their deliberations,—a mark of respect and confidence on the part of his medical brethren, which, while it must have been peculiarly grateful to his feelings, evinced to the public the high estimation in which he was held by those who had the best opportunities of forming a judgment of his merits.

In this position, as in all other public stations, he fulfilled the duties with the greatest propriety and punctuality—being always at his post at the appointed time, and taking a lively interest in the various operations of the Sanatory Board. The importance of these measures, and their influence upon the health and tranquillity of the community during this dreaded period, will be long