Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/490

486 opake, is the proper Part for Stopping the Rays, and the receiving the Picture of the Object. 3. Num detur Fluidum Nervosum ? Mr Duffield held the affirma- tive, and Mr Way the negative both with great Learning. 4. Mr Tilton delivered an Essay "on Respiration and the Manner in which it is performed," which did credit to his Abilities. 5. The Provost then conferred the Degree of Bachelor of Physic on the following gentlemen, viz.: Messrs John Archer of New Castle County, Benjamin Cowell of Bucks, Samuel Duffield of Philadelphia, Jonathan Elmer of West Jersey, Humphrey Fullerton of Lancaster County, David Jackson of Chester County, John Lawrence of East Jersey, Jonathan Potts of Philadelphia, James Tilton of Kent County on Delaware, and Nicholas Way of Wilmington. 6. An elegant Valedictory Oration was spoken by Mr Potts ' ' On the Advantages derived in the Study of Physic, from a previous liberal Educa- tion in the other Sciences. 7. The Provost then addressed the Graduates in a brief account of the present State of this College, and its quick Progress in the various extensive Establishments it hath made. He pointed out the general Causes both of the Rise and Decline of Sciences and observed that as the present Sett of Graduates were the first who had received Medical Honors in America, on a regular Collegiate Plan, it depended much on them, in their future conduct and Eminence, to place such Honors in Estimation among their countrymen ; concluding with an earnest charge that they would never forget the Opportunities which their Profession would give them (when their Art perhaps could be of no further service to the Body) of making serious Impressions on their Patients, and shewing themselves Men of Consolation and Piety, which might have singular Weight from a Lay character; adding that what might more particularly concern their Practice, he had devolved on a Gentleman of their own Profession from whom it would come with greater Propriety and Advantage. Dr Shippen, Professor of Anatomy and Surgery, then gave the Remainder of the charge, further animating the Graduates to Support the Dignity of their Profession by a laudable Perseverance in, their Studies, and by a Practice becoming the character of Gentlemen ; adding many useful precepts respecting their Conduct towards their Patients, Charity towards the Poor, Humanity towards all, and the Opportunities they might have of gaining the Confidence and Esteem of those who by their care might be relieved from Suffering and restored to Health. The Vice Provost concluded the whole with Prayer and Thanks- giving.