Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/211



the founding of the Harvard Medical School in 1782 is usually looked upon as the beginning of medical interests in the University, yet for that epoch-making step the way was paved by the notably large part taken by Harvard men in the formation of the Hospital Department of the American Army at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

Even before that date there were signs at Cambridge of an awakening enthusiasm in matters medical. From somewhat obscure references it would seem that John Warren, of the class of 1771, the future founder of the School, had started an “Anatomical Society” among the undergraduates of his time. Its members, besides Warren, included Jonathan Norwood, ’71, Samuel Adams, ’70 (son of the great Sam of ’40), Ebenezer Allen, ’71, David Townsend, ’70 (and honorary M.D. 1813), William Eustis, ’72 (and LL.D. 1823), and probably others. Their meetings, owing to the prejudices of the times, were perforce of a semi-secret nature. They possessed