Page:Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ser 03 vol 05).djvu/68

lviii cheated of its heaviness, and his solitude less oppressively felt. Employment was therefore to Dr. Wood, as to Mr. Prescott, the source of unmingled pleasure; and the direction which he wisely gave to it, rendered it as beneficial to others as it was agreeable and profitable to himself. It was a greater effort to leave off than to begin work; for, apart from temperament, he had every possible motive to exertion—duty, usefulness, praise, fame, and pecuniary remuneration. He is justly to be regarded as a public benefactor, and not the less so that his labors greatly improved his own estate. Both results were the legitimate consequence of ends judiciously chosen and faithfully pursued.

Dr. Wood was frequently selected to direct the proceedings of public medical assemblies, for which he was peculiarly fitted by his readiness, self-possession, and acquaintance with parliamentary rules; and was expected as a matter of course to bear the leading part in all the committees, or delegations, of which he was a member. His name and approval were always sure passports to general favor and confidence. He served at different times during his life as the presiding officer of several benevolent associations, among others of the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb; and at his decease was the President of the American Philosophical Society, and of the College of Physicians; offices which he filled with equal ability and acceptance for the long terms respectively of twenty and thirty-one years. As the head of the College he was punctual in his attendance, and his interest in its proceedings was not, as we all know, restricted to the mere perfunctory discharge of his official duties. His counsel, freely given, was always practical, sound, and prudent. When intricate or difficult questions came up for discussion, and confusion arose from the conflict of opinion, he would often