Page:Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ser 03 vol 05).djvu/83

Rh sciences, but also thoroughly versed in many departments of polite and general literature, to several of which he made interesting and valuable contributions.

Resolved, That he was not only an example of high moral worth and refinement, but also of patient, persevering, and well-directed industry. His mental characteristic was not genius, properly so called; but he possessed capacity of a high order, and had a methodical and mathematical mind, a striking feature of which was its strong, masculine common sense. With this was united the greatest, perhaps, of all talents, steady and unwearied application. It is, no doubt, true that "the man is yet unborn who duly weighs an hour," but Dr. Wood made a much nearer approach to that estimate than is done by most others; diligently improving the fleeting moment, "hiving wisdom with each studious year," and always seeking to benefit mankind by lessening the sum of human suffering and increasing the resources and extent of professional skill. It was a rule of his life not only to be always busily employed, but to be always usefully so.

Resolved, That these and many other attributes of person, heart, and mind, made him emphatically a representative man; one to whom all willingly accorded primacy of merit and position, with fullest confidence in his rectitude, wisdom, knowledge, zeal, and ability. He was an able, ready, dignified and impartial presiding officer, both of the College and of other bodies; a skilful and sagacious physician; an eloquent and instructive lecturer; an eminent author, whose works have contributed greatly to the advancement of medical science; a munificent patron of the profession which he loved; a wise and prudent counsellor; and, withal, a warm and unwavering friend. Seldom has there been found in one person such an assemblage of qualities, fitting their possessor to be a leader of men, and causing him to be regarded ante alios omnes praestantissimus.

Resolved, That a Fellow be appointed by the Chair to prepare for the College a memoir of Dr. Wood; and that the Fellows furthermore manifest their respect by attending in a body the funeral of their late honored and lamented President.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of Dr. Wood, and published also in the medical journals and daily papers of the city.