Page:Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ser 03 vol 05).djvu/52

xlii at once his humility and conscientiousness by taking lessons from a colleague much younger than himself, who had recently returned from a long association with Louis and other eminent savants abroad.

He was now engaged in the composition of his great Treatise on the Practice of Medicine, of which he speaks so modestly in the preface; and had an eye, moreover, to the professorship of that department in the University. The office of physician to the Hospital was, therefore, desired, not only for the more satisfactory investigation of disease and the acquisition of practical knowledge, but also for the further object of acquiring ease and readiness in clinical instruction; for which, as is well known, he became justly celebrated. He served the hospital from 1835 to 1859, a period of twenty-four years; being, throughout all that time, punctual and systematic in his attendance, and faithful in the performance of all the duties of that onerous and responsible position. His clinical lectures, like those in the University, were most studiously prepared, and largely attended. Well may the managers of the Hospital, in their memorial tribute, speak of his unfailing and intelligent interest, and of the great services which he had rendered. Never was praise more worthily bestowed.

In the year 1850, Dr. Chapman resigned the professorship of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, which he had so long and so ably held, and Dr. Wood, in deserved recognition of his eminent talents and acquirements, was with great unanimity elected to succeed him. In this high and responsible situation also, notwithstanding the ability and prestige of his distinguished predecessor, he made many salutary