EXPOSURE OF THE CONSPIRACIES 
AGAINST 
THE PHILADELPHIA 
UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY, 
-AND- 
THE GROSS SLANDERS REFUTED. 
The Trustees of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and 
Surgery present the following for the consideration of 
those who desire to know the truth in relation to the status 
of said Institution, and the malicious slanders and con- 
spiracies to destroy it, and to bring odium upon all con- 
nected with it. 
HISTORY OF THE PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY 
—OF— 
MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 
The College was first organized under a charter granted by the Legislature 
of Pennsylvania, and approved February 26,1853, under the title of the Ameri- 
can College of Medicine in Pennsylvania. The Charter reads: 
“Section 6. That said College shall have power to teach cdl the branches con- 
nected with a thorough medical education; grant the degree of Doctor of Medicine to 
any such persons as shall have attended two full courses of medical lectures, one of 
which must have been in this institution, and completed a course of study of not less 
than three years, and possess the requisite moral and literary qualification for the 
same.” • 
After having been in operation for several years, a Supplement was enacted 
by the Legislature, changing the name to the American Medical College of 
Pennsylvania, and the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. This Sup- 
plement reads: 
“ Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly/met, and it is hereby enacted 
by the authority of the same, That the corporate title of the said American College 
of Medicine in Pennsylvania be arid the same is hereby changed, and said corpora- 2 
tion shall hereafter he known by the name, style and title of the American College of 
Medicine in Pennsylvania, and Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. 
“ J. M. Thompson, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
“ Wm. M. Francis, speaker of the Senate. 
“ Approved the fifteenth day of February, Anno Domini, one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty. ’ “ Wm. F. Packer, Governor.” 
“Attest, Wm. M. Heister, Secretary of the Commonwealth.” 
The College at this time was situated between Fourth and Fifth streets and 
Race and Cherry streets. Though the building was small, everything was 
well arranged for thorough teaching of medicine, with a corps of professors 
unequaled in any college in Philadelphia. There were 114 matriculants dur- 
ing the session of 1860-61, and at its close 23 graduates left the college to enter 
into active medical practice. 
The students so increased that the building became too small to accommo- 
date them, when the beautiful and commodious buildings of the Penn Medical 
College was purchased, and the facilities for teaching were greatly increased. 
In 1865, by a further supplement or act of the Legislature, the name was 
changed to that of Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, and 
reads: 
“ Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and Home of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted 
by the authority of the same, That the corporate title of the said the American Col- 
lege of Medicine in Pennsylvania and the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia 
be and the same is hereby changed, and the corporation shall hereafter be known by 
the name, style and title of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. 
“ A. G. Olmstead, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
“ W. J. Tuurel, Speaker of the Senate. 
“Approved the twenty-first day of March, Anno •Domini, one thousand 
eigli^hundred and sixty-five. “ A. G. Curtin, Governor.” 
At a meeting of the Trustees of the Philadelphia University of Medicine 
and Surgery, held November 24th, 1866, by a motion, it was agreed: 
“That the gentlemen acting as Trustees of the Eclectic Medical College and 
the Trustees of the late Penn Medical University should be henceforth the 
Trustees of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery.” 
Thus the Penn Medical University and the Eclectic Medical College of 
Philadelphia, with all their charter privileges and powers became incorpora- 
ted into the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgerv. Thus organ- 
ized an able corps of medical teachers was appointed, and the influence of the 
school was greatly extended. The number of students was almost if not quite 
as large as those of its older competitors. The instruction embraced all the 
principles of practical medicine and surgery then known to the profession— 
Old School or Allopathy, Eclectics and Homoeopathists, including all the new 
resources and improvements instituted by the professors of the school. 
The graduates of the school thus armed with the old and new weapons to 
combat disease, met with great success. # This success of the graduates and the 
faculty became so well recognized that a diploma from the Philadelphia Uni- 
versity of Medicine and Surgery was a passport to secure the holder an exten- 
sive and lucrative practice. 
On November 28th, 1868, at a meeting of the corporation of The Quaker 
City Business College, it was 
Resolved, “That this College be created and the same become the Department 
of Arts of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery.” 
On the same day, at a meeting of the Trustees of the Philadelphia Univer 
sity of Medicine and Surgery, the following was adopted : 3 
‘‘Resolved, That the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery endorse 
the resolution of the Quaker City Business College, and do hereby constitute it the 
Art Department of the Philadelphia University, together with all its charter powers 
and privileges, and that the Seal of the University shall be adopted as the common 
seal of both colleges; and that all Degrees of Merit shall be conferred by the joint 
sanction of the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and 
Surgery and the Corporators of the Quaker City Business College, except the degree 
of Doctor of Medicine, which shall be conferred by the Trustees of Philadelphia 
University of Medicine and Surgery.” 
The following is an extract from the Charter of the Quaker City Business 
College: 
“ Section 3. That said Corporation shall have power to teach all branches of 
learning necessary for the thorough theoretical education of young men for the various 
duties and employments of life and to impart instruction in„mch other literary and 
scientific knowledge as may from time to time be deemed expedient. 
“ Section 4. The said Corporation shall have power to confer degrees of merit on 
such persons as shall have completed the prescribed course of stiidy, and maybe deemed 
sufficiently graduated in knowledge to merit the same. 
“ A. G. Olmstead, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
“Wm. J. Turrele, Speaker of the Senate. 
“Approved the fourteenth day of March, Anno Domini one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty-five. “A. G. Curtin, Governor.” 
The aim of the Trustees of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and 
Surgery was to build up a free and untrameled institution of1 learning, in which 
young men and women could receive a collegiate education at the lowest pos- 
sible cost to the students, and to break down the exclusive and aristocratic 
monopoly existing in the older and illiberal institutions. 
From its organization the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery 
has. met with opposition and detraction from the medical sectarian schools and 
their adherents. Their envy and jealousy was first exhibited by the cry of 
“quackery” and “irregularity,” and the circulation of false reports. 
One of the first open movements of its enemies was the united efforts of the 
professors of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Eclectic Medical College 
of Pennsylvania, who succeeded in getting the Legislature to request the Board 
of Education of the State to inquire into the matter and cite the Trustees to 
appear before them. 
They .met the Board of Education and faced their strange and incompatible 
antagonists—the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, and the faculty of 
tire Eclectic Medical College of Pennsylvania. 
These faculties, through their attorney, Cadwallader Biddle, Esq., presented 
their complaint, and charged the tcliool with teaching heresy and various 
other irregularities. 
The charge was so puerile and ridiculous and so transparently the result of 
jealousy, that the Board of Education al once dismissed the subject. 
The bogus diploma dodge had not yet been conceived ; but a few weeks after 
their defeat, by some manipulation a charter was obtained, entitled The Ameri- 
can University of Philadelphia, under the pretense that it was to be a colored 
school, which was organized and became a branch of the Eclectic Medical Col- 
lege of Pennsylvania. The diploma trade now commenced, and at the same 
time they circulated the report that it was the Philadelphia University of Medi- 
cine and Surgery that was engaged in the business. To make this appear they 
omitted the first part of their charter-name, “American,” and stvled then- 
school Philadelphia University, and in some cases the American University of 
Medicine and Surgery of Philadelphia. The recipients of these worthless cer- 
tificates, to make them of use, said they were from the Philadelphia University 
of Medicine and Surgery. They became so bold that the Philadelphia Uni- 
versity of Medicine and Surgery was compelled, in self-defence, to prosecute 
the parties for publishing libellous articles. Many were the tricks and dodges 4 
tried to injure the reputation of the college and break it up. During all this 
time Dr. W. Paine was doing all he could in the Philadelphia University Jour- 
nal of Medicine and Surgery to expose the diploma trade, but it still went on. 
We will give one or two extracts from the Philadelphia University Journal 
of Medicine and Surgery: 
“Some of the would-be regular medical colleges of the city are giving com- 
plimentary tickets to students who had started to attend the Philadelphia 
University of Medicine and Surgery. One of these students, after attending for a 
short time, came and took out his tickets at the Philadelphia University and 
presented his complimentary tickets, stating ‘ that it was very true that that 
which cost nothing was worth nothing.’ We are informed of other students 
that are taken at any price they will pay. How is it these schools advertise 
their fees to be $140, and cry ’mad dog’ and ‘illegitimacy’ because the Phila- 
delphia University sold scholarships for $75.”—(See Journal Select Committee 
of Senate on the Alleged Corrupt Issuing of Diplomas by Medical Colleges, 
etc., Pa.) 
“ BOGUS DIPLOMAS.” 
“ We have long since been aware that certain unprincipled and ignorant pretenders 
have associated themselves together, and adopted the name of some college, pre- 
tended to give lectures, and after a few weeks furnish each of their patrons with 
a diploma. But it is not until recently that we were aware of the fact that they 
had the audacity to get up a diploma purporting to represent a university 
which never had an existence, and the names signed to which are an entire for- 
gery. Dr. Ramsey, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Dr. Kelly, of Buffalo, N. Y., who 
visited our city a few days ago, informed me that they had seen a document 
of that kind which emanated from this city, and with exception of the title of 
the university, it was nearly a fae simile of the diploma of the Philadelphia 
University of Medicine and Surgery. The title of this counterfeit diploma was 
the American University of Medicine and Surgery of Philadelphia. * * * 
A student of the University, Mr. Byrns, of N. C., states that a W. M’K. 
Dougan came with him to attend the university, that soon after he entered he 
fell in with one of these diploma counterfeiters and forgers and purchased one 
of their things, and has returned to N. C., representing himself a graduate of 
the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. * * * * I have 
also been informed that these same villains have agents traveling through the 
country and have sent one to Europe peddling these documents.”—(Extract 
from an editorial by Dr. Wm. Paine in the University Journal of Medicine 
and Surgery, Dec. 1, 1867.) 
We might fill a volume with extracts from the University Journal of Medi- 
cine and Surgery for 1867-’68-’69 and ’70, exposing the Bogus Diploma busi- 
ness. No one labored so hard to stop the business of diploma vending as Dr. 
Wm. Paine, and no one has been more slandered and abused for his efforts in 
this direction. 
After trying every conceivable means to destroy our college, it was not until 
the fall of 1871 that the shadow of a chance was presented. At this time Mr. 
George O. Evans, agent to collect the war claims due by the United States to 
the State of Pennsylvania, of about three millions of dollars, was sick in Har- 
risburg jail. He sent for I)r. Wm. Paine, who, after learning from Mr. Evans 
the circumstances connected with his imprisonment, and the charges against 
him, he, with others, became his bail for $100,000. Dr. Wm. Paine received 
from Mr. Evans certain documents which clearly proved the complicity of 
several State Officials in the transactions or crime with which Mr. Plvans 
was charged. Many overtures were made to obtain these papers from Dr. 
Paine, and failing to get them by fair means they invented and adopted fold. 
They finally had their plans 1 Aid and so fixed that a committee was appointed 
by the Legislature of Pennsylvania to investigate into the facts concerning the 
“Alleged corrupt issuing of Medical Diplomas by medical colleges existing 
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” 
Immediately upon the appointment of the committee, announcements were 
PENNSYLVANIA FRAUDS AND CONSPIRACY. 5 
made by all the papers in the interest of the parties, that Dr. Paine was en- 
gaged in the bogus diploma business and was to be put through. From the 
reports through the associated press it was evident that they intended to con- 
found in the minds of the people the Philadelphia University of Medicine and 
Surgery with the American University of Philadelphia, and make them believe 
that Dr. Paine was professor in the latter college and issued their diplomas. 
The committee met at Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Moyamensing prison. 
They labored hard to sustain the charges against our school, but failed to pro- 
duce the evidence that a single diploma had been sold or improperly issued. 
The following extracts from the report of the committee are all the evidence 
that related to the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. 
EXTRACTS OF EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMITTEE. 
The Committee met in the Senate Committee Rooms, Harrisburg, Feb. 7,1872. 
J. Dunbar Hylton was duly sworn, and testified that he was a graduate of 
Pennsylvania University, and had been professor of chemistry in the Eclectic 
College of Pennsylvania. His testimony relating to the Philadelphia Univer- 
sity of Medicine and Surgery is as follows : “ I told him (Dr. Rand, of Jeffer- 
son College,) that I had a channel by which diplomas could be bought from 
the Prelectic College of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia University carried 
on by Dr. Paine; and if money could be furnished for the degrees they could 
be obtained, and the facts laid before the Legislature, and that I could" obtain 
them for a child. PTom the way he talked I thought he would go into it. I 
called on Dr. Paine and told him I would like a diploma fora relative of mine. 
The relative was a baby of mine about two years old. I didn’t tell him the 
age, though. I told him the name, John Dunbar Fuigal Hylton ; and he was 
to have a diploma giving a medical degree. He was also to be Doctor of Laws 
and Languages. They were made out for him and shown to me; but these 
parties failed to pay the money that I expected, and I could not afford to invest 
the amount myself.” * * * 
Q. Did you say that you called on Dr. Paine in regard to this diploma for 
your child ? • 
A. Yes, sir; first of all Paine wanted me to sell diplomas. 
Q. Did you call on him about this? 
A. Yes, sir. 
Q Did he agree to grant it ? 
A. Certainly ; it was made out. 
This was the most direct evidence of J. B. Hylton in relation to the Phila- 
delphia University. 
The Committee met, as per adjournment, at Moyamensing Prison, Philadel- 
phia, March 16, 1872. 
John O’Brien was duly sworn, and testified. * * * I am a bar-tender ; 
was formerly a tavern-keeper. 
Q. I suppose you are aware of the object of this investigation ; I would like 
to have you give such information as you have ? 
A. Well, I cannot go down to dates. * * * Dr. Terry came down to me 
and showed to me three diplomas, one from the Eclectic College, and two from 
Dr. Paine. He asked me if I could get some of the students that could 
not get through at the Jefferson College to buy them, and he would give me ten 
dollars for every one that I could make a sale of from thirty to forty dollars. 
1 told him to fetch the diplomas down until I could look at them; he brought 
them down to the house, and 1 afterward took them down to his office and left 
them there. That was the last I saw of them. I sent Dr Butcher over there, 
and he said he had got one from him, but did not pay anything for it. O’Calli- 
lian told me he bought it for five dollars. 
Q. Bought it from Paine ? 
A. From Terry. 
Q. From Paine’s college ? 
A. From Paine’s college. * * * 
Q. Did he bring you any diplomas? 
A. He brought me three. 
Q. Were they signed ? ' 6 
A. They were filled at the bottom, but the name was left out. 
Q. Were they signed by any of the professors ? 
A. That I could not say. 
Q. Did you see Dr. Paine’s name to any of them? 
A. I could not say that; I did not look at them closely. 
Q. Did you make propositions to any parties to dispose of them? 
A. Yes, sir; I did to one by the name of Marshall; but he had no money; 
he was a student of Jefferson College, and could not pass there; he was a 
Southerner. 
Q. You offered to sell him one of Paine’s diplomas? 
A. I don’t know whether it was Paine’s or not; it was for Dr Terry. * * 
Q. Did von ever have conversation with Dr. Paine in relation to the sale 
of diplomas ? 
A. No, sir. * * * * 
Q. Did yon visit Professor Rogers in connection with anybody ? 
A. Yes, sir; I met Dr. Duffy at Eighth and Walnut; he said I was the very 
man he wanted to see. He says you know the agents that are selling diplomas 
of the Pennsylvania University, don’t you? 1 said I knew several agents, and 
so did he. “Well,” he says, “you can make money, and I want you to go up 
to one of the professors and tell him you know the agents. You know Hylton 
is a graduate of that college.” I went with him and took a constable and another 
young man and saw Professor Rogers. I told him that I knew of two colleges, 
the Ninth street college and another college, but 1 did not know anything about 
his. Then he asked if I would testify, and I said I would. Duffy went in, I 
believe, afterwards, and found out what I had said, and he then asked me to 
meet him at twelve o’clock the next day. People told me to have nothing to do 
with Duffy, and he had me arrested. Drs. Hylton and Bissell are regular agents 
for this Pine Street College. The way they do is, they get a purchaser, 
the money is sent to Buchanan, and Buchanan then forwards the diploma to 
the party. Dr. Bissell showed me the names of thirty odd men to whom he 
had promised diplomas. 
Q. From which college? • 
A. The Pine Street College. 
Q. Did he show you any from the Ninth street College? 
A. No, sir; only what Terry showed me. I saw two from that college that 
Dr. Terry showed me; that was at the beginning. 
Q. You have told us all you know about this matter? 
A. That is all, only Dr. Bissell wanted to get one from Pennsylvania Uni- 
versity, or .Jefferson ; he did not care whether it was filled up or not. If it was 
an old one he said he could erase the name. Hylton tpld me he had one. He 
had Duffy’s at the same time, and it was to be sold for three hundred dollars; 
both Hylton and Bissell were to sell it; but the money was not forthcoming; 
and he said Dr. Buchanan would give for the Jefferson diploma one hundred 
dollars. Dr. Hylton would not part with it without the money 
Q. This is J. Dunbar Hvlton ? 
A. It is his brother. (This is evidently a mistake, for from all circumstances 
it must be J. Dunbar Hylton.) 
Q. Where did you get Duffy’s diploma? 
A. He took it from the house some months ago. 
Q. Is that the charge you are in here for? 
A. I am here on the charge of larceny of goods belonging to Mrs. Duffy’s 
house. Dr. Hylton had me selling his Wild Cherry Tonic Bitters to the 
taverns, and he was distilling them in the cellar. Mrs. Duffy told him to g( 
and shut off' the gas, and he asked me to go with him ; I went into the house 
and he went up stairs with me; he said, “I am going to take some of these 
things with me and pawn them to buy alcohol for bitters, and can redeem then 
before Mrs. Duffy returns.” He took them up, and 1 helper! carry them 
About a month after that he said, “Mrs. Duffy is going to have me arrested foi 
the larceny of those goods. I have got myself into a fix.” I heard him con 
fess to Mrs. Duft’v that he was the one that brought me into the house, and sh< 
gave him money to redeem the things. He got clear, and I am here; that i) 
what I am here for. 7 
Q. Tiie diploma was not taken at that time ? 
A. Dr. Duffy’s diploma had been taken weeks or months before, while Hylton 
lived there in the house. (Testimony of witness closed.) 
With the examination of this witness the evidence in this investigation 
closed. For further particulars see Report of Committee on the Alleged Cor- 
rupt Issuing of Medical Diplomas, etc., etc., 1872. 
The foregoing extracts emoody all the evidence before the Committee that 
in any way or manner implicated in the least either Dr.Wm. Paine, or the Phila- 
delpiha University of Medicine and Surgery, in the “ alleged issuing 
of diplomas,” while all through the investigation, witness after witness clearly 
proved that the American University of Philadelphia, and Eclectic College 
of Pennsylvania, did issue or sell diplomas, and that their agents were offering 
them for sale not only in our own city and State, but in foreign countries. This 
Dr. Hylton, as seen by the evidence of John O’Brien, stole Dr. Duffy’s diploma 
and other things outbf Mrs. Duffy’s house. This. John O’Brien was serving a 
term of imprisonment for helping Dr. Hylton to take away the things from the 
house, and Dr. Hylton only escaped conviction by Dr. Duffy not appearing 
against him. The evidence against the Philadelphia University of Medicine 
and Surgery would not have been admitted in any court of justice. Hylton, 
Bissell and Terry were regular agents for the sale ot the diplomas of the Ameri- 
can University and the Eclectic College of Pennsylvania. Both Hylton and 
Bissell, by their own evidence, were engaged in the dishonest business of sell- 
ing diplomas, and they were evidently either bribed, or had some malicious 
purpose to serve either against the school or individuals connected with it. 
Even the doubtful testimony of these convicts and self-convicted thieves and 
liars did not show that any diploma had been illegally issued, sold or purchased 
by or from the Philadelphia University of Med'cine and Surgery. Their testi- 
mony would have been received by every intelligent person with a great deal 
of doubt, and no impartial jury would think for one moment of convicting any- 
one upon such evidence. The* inconsistency ot the statements of the convict in 
Moyamensing prison, who had just completed a term of four years in the peni- 
tentiary for robbing Mr. Fisher, at that time President of the Board of Trustees 
of the School, must be apparent to everyone. And then that ridiculous and 
absurd story of the thief who stole Dr. Duffy’s diploma that he might sell it; 
that he could get a diploma for his two year old child. Such a story is too 
absurd to demand the least consideration, especially when all the powers of the 
State,employing four of the best detectives ot the commonwealth, aided by 
the combined talent and ingenuity of the politicians connected with the war 
claim frauds, having three or four million dollars at their command; to- 
gether with the active co-operation of the Pennsylvania University, and Old 
School, Homoeopaths, and Bogus Eclectic diploma veuders, with three months 
time to operate in ; supplemented with abundance of money by the State; with 
the careful examination of the students and the records of the Philadelphia 
University of Medicine and Surgery from its first organization ; yet with all 
these, not a single diploma could be found issued in an irregular way for the 
Committee to report. 
The Committee’s only pretence was the stories of a convict and a thief. 
Some one had told this convict that two of the diplomas he had seen were from 
Paine’s college ; vet he could not say that Paine’s name was signed on them. 
The story of the thief was, that if he had had the money he could have 
bought a diploma for his two-year-old child. And this in the face of the fact 
that the politicians of the State and the Pennsylvania University were ready 
with thousands, and, if need be, hundreds of thousands of dollars to procure 
a diploma from the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. Yet 
not one was procured. Yet, the Legislature, on such a cob-web of pretended 
evidence, went through the farce of annuling the charter of the Philadelphia 
University of Medicine and Surgery, knowing, as they did, that they had no 
power to'render the charter void, as shown by the decision of Chief Justice 
Agnew, of tlie Supreme Court of the State, who said: 
“ The Committee had no judicial power, and could not turn itself into, a 
court of justice to take jurisdiction, summon and try the Corporation for its 
offences. It was but a portion of the Legislative body, itself charged with a function merely auxiliary to legislation. Its judgment was no more than the 
judgment of the body conferring upon it the power of inquiry. The act of 
1872, repealing the charter, was, therefore, without legislative force and void. 
The Corporation is entitled to a trial in due course of law to ascertain its 
breach of duty before its charter can be taken away. A franchise is a valua- 
ble privilege, and is property in the contemplation of law, and the body pos- 
sessing it is as much entitled to a judicial determination of its rights, or want 
of right to hold it, as a natural person is of his right to his lands or his goods.” 
—(See decision in Allen vs. Buchanan, Legal Intelligencer, March 7, 1878.) 
Thus, by this decision of the Supreme Court, the Act of 1872, repealing the 
charter, was void, and hence the charter powers and privileges of Philadel- 
phia University of Medicine and Surgery remain in force. The Trustees re- 
opened the school with the determination that it should exist, and do good, 
notwithstanding all that had been said and done by its enemies. 
The Trustees have done all in their power to make the Philadelphia Uni- 
versity of Medicine and Surgery an honorable as well as a useful institution, 
where both sex could receive a medical education, and no one, however poor, 
has been refused instruction ; if they could not afford to pay the comparatively 
small fee, they were nevertheless received and instructed equally with those 
who could pay. In no case have the Trustees knowingly granted a diploma 
to an unworthy person; and, therefore, they were unprepared for the attack 
made upon the officers of the College, and its students, by some of the news- 
papers of the city. 
8 
THE LATE ATTACK ON THE UNIVERSITY. 
In the month of March, 1878, the school was removed to 209 North Tenth 
street. The drug store in the building came into the possession of Dr. T. B. 
Miller, late Dean; and in the fall of the year he sold or bargained for its sale 
to one Garner Laydow. The school opened in October with a tolerably fair 
class of students, and everything worked harmoniously for a time. 
The attack on the school in 1872, as already seen, was a conspiracy. Is this 
attack also a conspiracy ? We think it is. But let us give some of the facts. 
Dr. Miller had some disagreement with this Garner Laydow, who, in the pres- 
ence of one or more of the students, told his troubles with Dr. Miller, and then 
and there swore that he would ruin both Dr. Miller and the college. Since 
• that time a systematic persecution has been practiced by this man against the 
College. In several instances, when students have inquired at the drug store 
for the college, they have, by his misrepresentations, been sent or taken away 
to other schools in the city or elsewhere. We have reliable evidence that 
Laydow boasted of having taken three or four students to another school, and 
received $25 for each student. In fact, one of the students who graduated this 
spring was offered a diploma, without fee, if he would go to a certain school 
we could name. 
These are a few of the instances that have been brought to our knowledge, 
of the efforts of this man to injure the school. From the evidence we are satis- 
tied that Garner Laydow has been associated with the reporters from the first 
inception of their conspiracy to destroy the College, and injure all connected 
with it. But, after all the conspirators’ efforts and the excitement caused by 
the press among the people and the church, what has been brought against the 
school? Nothing in fact. But what is the alleged wrong-doing by Dr. T. B. 
Miller? Let us see? 
The school closed its winter term of 1879 and 1880 February 10th, 1880, 
with three graduates as Doctors of Medicine (not ten, as reported by the news- 
papers.) 
The Trustees decided not to have a Spring session this year, and a commit- 
tee was appointed to find a more suitable place for the school than 209 North 
* Tenth street, and to report at their next regular meeting, March 5th. 
On February 27th, two of the conspirators, John Norris and Lucius Maynard 
(newspaper reporters), the former the son of a late professor of the University 
of Pennsylvania, waited upon Dr. T. B. Miller, late Dean, and pretended that 
they desired to enter the college as students. After considerable conversation, 
Dr. T. B. Miller offered to take them as private students, when it was agreed 9 
to meet in the evening to conclude their arrangements. They met in the eve- 
ning, when John Norris paid $25 as part payment for a $100-certificate of schol- 
arship, and received the following: 
CERTIFICATE OF SCHOLARSHIP. 
PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. 
This is to certify, that, in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars, 
the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged., the holder of this certificate is 
entitled to two years’ scholarship and tuition in the Medical Department of 
said. College. 
Witness the seal of the College, twenty-seventh day of February, 1880. 
IF. j. P. INGRAHAM, Pres. Board Trustees. 
Attest: WM. MAJOR, Secretary. 
The Doctor then filled up with the name of John Norris the tickets of ad- 
mission to lectures, but very foolishly ante-dated them to October 6th, 1879, 
the time the winter course of lectures commenced, as will be seen by the fol- 
lowing copies of matriculation ticket and the professor’s ticket: 
Philadelphia University of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy. 
Medical Department. 
Matriculation, by John Norris. Session of 1879-80. 
T. B. MILLER, M. I)., Dean. 
Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Department. 
Admit Mr. John Norris to lectures on Physiology and Hygiene, by 
PROF. WM. HARGREA VES, M. D. 
October 6, 1879. 
We would give cop;es of the other six tickets, but they would take up too 
much space, and are the same as above, except the name of professor and chair 
filled by him, which were as follows: 
Anatomy and Histology, Prof. E. E. Wooster, M. D. 
Surgery, Prof. Wm. Darmon, M. D. 
Chemistry and Toxicology, Prof. John Kaye, M. D. 
' Theory and Practice, Prof. Wm. Hargreaves, M. D. 
Materia Medica and Therapeutics, Prof. Wm. B. Orvis, M. D. 
Obstetrics and Diseases of Women, &c., Prof. T. B. Miller, M. D. 
But these did not quite suit their purpose, they wanted a diploma, which, 
the Doctor told them, they could not get until they had finished their terms of 
lectures. They wanted, they said, to practice medicine at once; and the Doc- 
tor, after some further conversation gave the following: 
“This is to certify that the bearer, Mr. John Norris, in lieu of taking out 
tickets and entering the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, 
under the direct supervision of the Dean, is entitled to practice medicine from 
this date. T. B. Miller, Dean. 
“ Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, February 27, 1880.” 
Thus the conspirators caught Dr. T. B. Miller in their well laid trap. Though 
they failed to obtain the diploma from him, they raised the cry of “ Doctor 
Factory,” and called the certificate they had received a diploma, and they had 
the scholarship certificates and tickets of admission to lectures printed and 
spread before the people, and thus deluded many honest, simple-minded per- 
sons by making them believe they were medical diplomas, giving them the 
right to practice medicine. 
That those who desire to know the truth and the difference between the cer- 
tificates giyen to John Norris and the diploma of the Philadelphia University 
of Medicine and Surgery, we give the following copy of diploma: 10 
Omnibus Et Singulis Has Literas Lecturis. 
SALUTEM. 
Notum Sit Quoi> Nos 
PR.ESIS et PROFESSORE8 UIVER’S MEDICINE et CHI RUG EE 
PH I LA DELPHIENSI8. 
Republicoe Pennsylvaniensis 
Auctoritate. Constitute 
Hoc Scripto testatum volumnus virum probum. 
(Name of person.) 
Omniastudia etexercita ad gradum Doctorks in Arte Merica Spec- 
tantia rite et legitime peregesse camque coram professoribus examina- 
tione comprobatum DOCTORIS in Arte Medica creovimus et consti- 
tuimus ligue omnia jura immunitatUs et privilegia ad illium gradum 
hie aut ubique gentium pertinentia et didimus concessimusso. Iu eujus 
rei majorem fidem hocce diploma communia nostro sigillo munitum et 
Chirogrophia nostris Subscription sit testimonio. 
Datum inaula Colleoii Philadelphia, Die xxvi Alensis June Annoque 
Domini, MDCGCLXXIX. 
Thomas B. Miller, M. D., Obstetric Prof. 
Wm. B. Or vis, M. D., Materia Med. Prof. 
Wm. Hargreaves, M. IX, Prac. Med. Prof. 
Wm. Darmon, M. IX, Surgery Prof. 
Wm. Hargreaves, M. IX, Physiology Prof. 
E. E. Wooster, M. D., Anatomy Prof. 
John Kaye, M. D., Chemistry Prof. 
SEAL. 
VV. J. P. Ingraham, Praeses. 
Wm. Major, Scriba. 
Now let the candid and intelligent reader compare the diploma granted to 
the graduates of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery with 
the certificate (or so called) diploma that the Reporter of the Philadelphia 
Record received from Dr. Miller. 
The most obtuse and dull of intellect cannot but he convinced that a base 
fraud was attempted to be practiced upon our citizens, by these unprincipled 
reporters, to the injury of fin honorable institution, and to the ruin of hundreds 
of the best medical practitioners in our city and country. 
The reporter knew, if he knew enough to lie, that the certificate he received 
was not in the true sense of the term a diploma. Though a diploma is a cer- 
tificate, yet every certificate is not a medical diploma, nor was the certificate 
received from Dr. Miller. But it suited the object of the conspirators to call 
it a diploma, and to cry “ Bogus Diploma,” “Diploma Mill,” “ Doctor Fac- 
tory,” &c., &e. 
They conceived, and truly so, that a great number of our people would la- 
deceived, and believe the lie, without stopping to examine into the truth of tin- 
matter; and thus they could accomplish their object—that of destroying the 
school, as the head-centre of the malicious portion of the conspirators had 
sworn to do more than a year before. 
The Trustees of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery have 
always endeavored to uphold the honor of the medical schools of Philadelphia, 
that have been conducted in a legal and honorable manner, and, indeed, they 
were the first to expose the corrupt illegal issuing or selling of diplomas, as 
may be seen in the Philadelphia University Journal of Medicine and Surgery, 
for 1867-8-9 and 1870. 
The Faculty and Trustees claim the right given by their charter to be the 
judges of what shall be taught, and also to decide on the qualifications of those 
entitled to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine. They have ever acted 
in good faith to the public and to their students. They have never issued or 
granted a diploma to any person until the applicant has first passed what each 
of the professors consider a creditable examination in his branch; and even 
not then until a vote has been taken on each candidate separately b* the Board 
of Trustees, after each has been recommended by the Faculty. 11 
The degree having been granted, the diploma is signed by each professor, 
and by the President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees. No diploma 
lias ever been signed in blank. 
The Trustees have never received any pecuniary remuneration for their 
services. If any unworthy person has received a diploma the Trustees and 
Faculty have been deceived, as all men are liable to be. The best of men 
sometimes unwittingly make mistakes. 
The Trustees admit that Dr. T. B. Miller, late Dean, did very wrong. And 
if he told John Norris that he could graduate by attending one course of lectures, he 
told him what he knew could not be done. And, furthermore, at that time Dr. 
Miller’s resignation as Dean, member of Board of Trustees, and Professor, was 
lying on the table, waiting the settlement of financial matters, etc. 
By the laws of Pennsylvania every physician who holds a diploma from a 
legal medical school, has the right to give a student a certificate to practice 
medicine under his direction. 
We hold, that though Dr. T. B. Miller had a legal right, equal with any 
other physician, to give a certificate to John Norris, or any other student to 
practice medicine under his direction, if he thought him qualified to do so, but 
he did a great wrong to the College by adding “ Dean ” to his name, as he had 
no right as Dean of the College to give such a certificate. We must emphati- 
cally declare, that Dr. Miller did another very great wrong by ante-dating the 
tickets of admission to lectures after the winter sessions had closed. For all 
these wrongs and irregularities the Board of Trustees and Faculty severally 
censured Dr. T. B. Miller, and immediately accepted his resignation. 
If Dr. T. B. Miller had done much more wrong than he did, the other mem- 
bers of the College cannot justly be blamed ; for what lie did was done on his 
own responsibility ; and the public knew of the wrong done as soon as any of 
the Trustees or the Faculty. An institution should not be made to sutler be- 
cause one of its officers does wrong unknown to the others, as is now the case 
with Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. 
The “Record” men and others of the newspaper press of our city, are surely not 
so very ignorant as to conceive that every certificate given by a medical school 
or hospital is a diploma. They have, however, endeavored to make the people 
believe that the two certificates found at the residence of Albert G. F. Goersen, 
charged with poisoning his wife and her mother, were diplomas, and by virtue 
of which lie became a doctor. 
The first of these certificates reads: 
ALBERT G. F. GOFRSEN’S CERTIFICATE. 
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL. 
Know all men by these presents: That A. G. F. Goersen is a member 
of the University Hospital of Philadelphia, and is entitled to all the 
privileges and immunities thereof as a physician. 
In testimony whereof, These presents are given by the officers of the 
University. 
W. J. P. Ingraham, President. 
Wm. Paine, Secretary. 
Philadelphia, March 5th, 1870. 
This certificate is not a diploma, nor does it authorize him to practice as one 
of the physicians in the hospital, but merely gave him the privilege, etc., of a 
physician to visit the hospital, watch the treatment'of the patients, and listen 
to the clinical lectures, as students and physicians have the privileges of attend- 
ing the clinics of the Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia Hospital, or any 
other. 
He was not a “full-fledged physician,” nor even a student, at that time, of 
the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery ; but on April 18th, six 
weeks after he paid $200, and thus became a life member of the University 
and Hospital, as seen by the following . 12 
UNIVERSITY AND HOSPITAL. 
Know all men by these presents: That in consideration of S200, Albert 
G. F. Goersen is a life member of the University and Hospital of Phila- 
delphia, and is entitled to all the privileges and immunities thereof as a 
student of medicine. 
In testimony of which, These presents are given by the legal officers 
of the University. 
The Philadelphia University of 
Medicine and Surgery, 
Incorporated 1853. 
W. J. P. Ingraham, President. 
W. Paine, Secretary. 
Philadelphia, April 18, 1870. 
What is the difference in the privileges granted hv the two certificates? By 
the first he could attend the Hospital clinics etc., and no more. By the second, 
he could not only attend the Hospital clinics, as every physician coidd do who 
obtained a certificate, but he could also attend all the lectures of the University 
of Medicine and Surgery, and enjoy all the privileges of a student as long as 
he desired. He would even have had the right to attend all the lectures de- 
livered in the institution since 1870, and no one could have prevented him so 
long as he did not violate any of the rules of the University. 
Neither of these certificates conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Medi- 
cine ; and he had no more right to practice medicine with them than he had 
without them. 
The “ Kecord ” said the name of Goersen appears in the list of graduates. 
This is NOT TRUE. 
The names of A. F. Goersen and G. F. Goersen, N. Y., appear among the 
Matriculants of 1870; but neither appears among the graduates of 1870, or 
since. The “Record’s” statement that “Goersen’s name appears in the list 
of graduates ” is a myth, and like many of its other statements is without 
foundation. 
BOGUS DIPLOMAS. 
The prejudice existing in the minds of many honest and well-disposed per- 
sons against our school is the result on the one hand, of willful misrepresenta- 
tion, and on the other, a lack of knowledge of the various medical schools in 
our city. 
There are no less than five chartered medical schools in Philadelphia, with 
University connected, with the name, style and title, viz: 
1. University of Pennsylvania, formerlv Philadelphia University. 
2. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF'PHILADELPHIA. 
3. Philadelphia University of Free Medicine. 
4. Penn Medical University. 
5. Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. 
The last named being our institution. 
With all these institutions in our city having the name “ University ” in 
connection with their style and title, it is not a matter of great surprise that 
persons not fully acquainted with these different schools should make a mistake 
as to their identity ; or that they should be misled by persons who are disposed 
to mislead them. 
Every intelligent reader of our newspaj>ers knows that for years past every 
few months theory of “ Bogus Diplomas,” etc., has been raised; and inquiries 
have been received by the Mayor and other officials as to the standing of cer- 
tain medical schools, etc. The last one was March 29, 1880, the following 
being an extract from it: 
Legation of United States, 1 
Berlin, Feb. 2, 1880. I 
Mm. William M. Ewarts, Secretary of State. 
Sir: I regret to state that there seems to be a revival here of the sale of 
diplomas, purporting to be issued by an institution of learning in the United 13 
States. Some weeks since a Mr. Pappenheim brought me a diploma engrossed 
on parchment in a very handsome style, and issued nominally by the Ameri- 
can University at Philadelphia, conferring the degree of Doctor of M edi- 
cine upon Christopher Schuetz, living, as I understand, at Leipsig. It would 
appear that the diploma was offered to Schuetz, upon the condition that he 
would pay a sum of money for it. It bears the signatures of a number of per- 
sons claiming to be professors in the aforesaid University, at the head of them 
being the signature of JOHN BUCHANAN. * * * * * One peculiar 
feature of the diploma was, that although evidently new and recently issued, 
it was dated 1872. 
About ten days ago another and more serious case was brought to my notice. 
The judicial authorities of Prenslau forwarded a copy (which I enclose), of a 
diploma issued by the same alleged institution to Paul Christopf Erdman 
Yolland, and signed by a faculty, at the head of which appeal’s the same name, 
JOHN BUCHANAN, M. D. * * * Something much more serious than 
the diploma itself, and that is the authentification of it by Philip A. Cregor, 
Notary Public, Philadelphia. ****** 
In this case, as in every other of which we have heard, the (so-called) Bogus 
Diplomas have been alleged to have been issued by the AMERICAN UNI- 
VERSITY OF PHILADELPHIA, and signed bv the same name, JOHN 
BUCHANAN. Yet, either from ignorance or design, some of the newspapers 
have charged the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery with 
being engaged or connected with this diploma vending, though they have not 
been able to produce a single diploma, either in our own country or any other, 
that has been improperly issued from our college. All that we ask is justice, 
and that the innocent shall not be made to suffer with the guilty. When a 
diploma of our college has been found that has been improperly issued it will 
then be right to charge our school with that disgraceful business, and not until 
such an event takes place. It is mean, cowardly, and infamous for any man or 
paper to charge our school or any other with such an offence unless it can be 
shown or proved. Our school for ten or fifteen years has been charged with 
selling or irregularly issuing diplomas, by some of the press. Now we ask 
that you either prove the charges or withhold making them. 
We know we are poor, but poverty is no crime, or at least should not be. The 
Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery is, in truth, the poor man’s 
college, where the sons and daughters of our toiling millions may have a 
chance to obtain a medical education at a minimum cost. There are thousands 
of men and women, the sons and daughters of workingmen, who are as well 
qualified by nature to study and practice medicine,, as any of those whose pa- 
rents are able to pay $140 for a term of four or five months’ lectures; and these 
should have a chance to develope the talents they possess. Our doors have 
always been open to this class of persons, and none for want of means have 
been turned away. If our school has not been as useful as we desired the cause 
has been the lack of means. 
The Faculty has labored year after year almost without pay, often not receiv- 
ing enough to pay their car fare. They were willing to do this, if they could 
be of service to men and women struggling to improve their condition. Not 
only have they given their time and labor, but have had to suffer all kinds 
of abuse and detractions from interested parties and a venal and corrupt press. 
But these difficulties will not prevent the Trustees and Faculty from endeavor- 
ing to make our college not only an institution of great usefulness, but an honor 
to our city and State. 
Our charter powers and privileges are not exceeded by any educational in- 
stitution in our State, and but for the persecution it has met, would to-day have 
been the first college in the State in its influence and in its usefulness. 
We shall, as soon as possible, re-open our school, with a more extended 
course of instruction; our aim shall be, in the future, as in the past, to make 
the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery a School of Scientific 
Medical Progress, and a college in which the poor and worthy of both sex 14 
may receive an education that will make them honorable and useful citizens*, 
and a blessing to our race. 
Respectfully presented by the Board of Trustees of. the Philadelphia Uni- 
versity of Medicine and Surgery. 
By Order of the Board of Trustees* 
W. J. P. INGRAHAM, President. 
WM. HARGREAVES, Secretary. 
SUPPLEMENT. 
The Following are the Statements of Several of the Trustees 
and Faculty, as Published in the Papers. 
Statement of Rev. Wm. Major, before the Preacher*' Meeting, on March 1, 1880. 
From the “ Record," of the 2d.: 
“ I wish to present a brief statement in regard to the articles which have 
appeared in The Record, of this city, which reflect unfavorably upon myself. 
“ First. About one year ago, at the earnest solicitation of Dr. T. B. Miller, 
I was elected a Trustee of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Sur- 
gery, and also Secretary of the Board. He requested this as a special favor, 
and I consented to serve, on the ground of personal friendship. Of course, J 
did not expect, nor have I ever received, any pecuniary advantage from the 
college for that or any other service. 
“ My election as Adjunct Professor of Physiology was without my desire or 
consent, and I have never delivered a lecture in the University, nor have I 
acted as a professor in any capacity whatever. 
“As a member of the Board of Trustees and Secretary I was in a position to 
detect any irregularity in the proceedings of the college, if any had existed. 
But I can say, in truth, upon the honor of a gentleman and a Christian, that 1 
have never known or suspected anything that was wrong in the administration 
of the institution until the charges against Dr. Miller appeared in the paper on 
last Saturday. 
“ Neither do I know of any bogus diploma that has been issued at any time 
But, on the other hand, I do know that parties who attended the lectures failed 
to obtain diplomas, because, in the judgment of the faculty, they were not 
properly qualified, and, therefore, unfit to enter upon the practice of medicine.” 
“Philadelphia, March 1,1880.—Mr. Editor: Will you please add the 
following item to what your reporter received at the Methodist Preachers’ 
meeting this morning: 
“The only certificate to which my name is appended, in your article of Sat- 
urday, is a scholarship certificate, and not a diploma or a certificate to practice 
medicine. These scholarship certificates, of course, can lawfully be sold to any 
one who may desire to purchase them. It is but just that this point should be 
clearlv stated. I simply desire that the facts, so far as I am concerned, should 
be fairly presented to the public. Wm. Major, 
“ No. 4025 Powelton avenue, West Philadelphia.” 15 
Prof. John Kaye's Statement. in the “ Pottstovm Chronicle," of March 13 th. 
“East Coventry, March 8, 1880.—Editor Chronicle: Having seen an arti- 
cle in your valuable paper of last week about what the press have been pleased 
to call the ‘ Philadelphia Doctor Factory,’ ‘ Diploma Shop,’ &c., &c., and also 
in the Pottstown Ledger of the 4th instant, in which my name appeared as 
being one of the Faculty, 1 would state for the benefit of friends and foes: 
“First. That I attended two full courses of lectures, passed a creditable 
examination in each branch, or before each chair, viz.: Theory and Practice, 
Obstetrics, Surgery, Physiology and Hvgene, Materia Medica and Therapeu- 
tics, Anatomy, Chemistry and Toxicology. 
“Second. That in addition to this I attended a full course of Anatomical 
lectures, and dissected at the Philadelphia School of Anatomy, from which 
institution I hold a certificate, signed by John B. Roberts, M. D., lecturer. 
“ Now as to connection with the ‘Philadelphia University of Medicine and 
Surgery,’ allow me to state that I was regularly elected to the chair of Chem- 
istry and Toxicology, and also as a member of the Board of Trustees. 
“ And further, I feel proud of the position and connection with the college, 
because, to the best of my knowledge, there lias never been a bogus diploma 
issued by the institution, nor did the Rev. T. B. Miller, M. D., issue a diploma. 
What he did do, and for which he became disconnected with the college, was 
the ante-dating of tickets of admission to lectures, and the giving of a certifi- 
cate (unauthorized) to Mr. Norris to practice medicine under his (Miller’s) di- 
rect supervision, all of which was at once denounced by the Board of Trustees 
and Faculty. 
“In regard to Prof. W. Hargreaves and Rev. Wm. Major, let me say that 
those who know7 them, know that neither of these gentlemen would stoop to 
lend their aid and influence to the selling or granting of ‘ bogus diplomas,’ <n- 
to the running of a ‘bogus diploma shop,’ and, so far as an investigation is con- 
cerned, it is courted, both as individuals and as a corporate body. 
“The end is not yet, there are always two sides to a question 
John Kaye, M.D., 
Prof. Chemistry and Toxicology, Phila. University of Medicine and Surgery.” 
The following was published in the Bulletin, April 9th: 
The Philadelphia University—Statement from a l\ofessor—Denial of Bogus 
Diplomas. 
“Dr. William B. Orvis makes the following statement as to his connection 
with the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, which is printed 
on our habitual rule of giving everybody a fair hearing: 
“Philadelphia, April 9, 1880.—Editor of the Evening Bulletin: Having 
noted your journalistic fairness in publishing a correct notice of an ordina- 
tion service in which the undersigned bore a part of the responsibility, I will 
be very much obliged if you wil 1 publish the following statement respecting 
the Philadelphia University, with which my name has been associated in the 
public prints: * * * Having been for four years a lecturer on 
Materia Medica in the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, and 
a portion of the time one of the trustees thereof—on resigning my place in its 
Board of Trust (which has been contemplated for many months), I certify that 
so far as known to me, no Professor in the University has ever signed a diploma 
in blank, or at all, until the name of the graduate to receive it was placed 
thereon, and that after a satisfactory examination by each professor in his sep- 
arate department—save those receiving the ad eundem degree, which is ever 
understood to be but an honorary degree, by custom conferred on those who 
already have a diploma, one or more, from other colleges. Instead of ten, as 
reported in a city paper, only three diplomas were granted at the close of the 
past winter term, and those to the regular graduates after due examination, 
each having fulfilled the stipulated conditions, having attended twro or more 
courses of lectures in this or other colleges. Nor to my knowledge, has any 
certificate of permission to practice medicine prior to graduation—which, how- 
ever, is not a diploma, and is legally permissible under a preceptor, but has never been authorized by any of the now acting trustees or professors—the re- 
cent act of the Dean in granting such certificate being highly disapproved and 
disavowed from the outset by the other members of the Faculty. Not willing 
to countenance what is wrong, I have carefully searched the records of the 
past in relation thereto, scanning the testimony of accusers and die defence, and 
have been unable to find proof of a single sale or issue of a bogus diploma 
from the University. Neither bv the committee of the State Legislature, nor 
in answer to questions from Europe directed to the Mayor of the city, was any 
such proof elicited. Let a detective’s eye search and see. A fault of one col- 
lege, or one person, when two or more are on trial, does not prove another 
guilty. An irregularity of the Dean of to-day does not prove the irregularity 
of his compeers, or any prior irregularity of either. 
“ Item—Touching the charter of the Philadelphia University, a letter of in- 
quiry w;ts addressed to the Mayor of Philadelphia by a writer in Europe, a year 
or more since, to which the Mayor responded through a city paper, citing the 
decision of Judge Agnew, that the act of the State Legislature attempting to 
annul the charter was null and void, since the Legislature had no authority in 
the premises. 
“Yours, very respectfully, Wm. B. Orvjs, M. D.” 
The following are statements published by the Rev. W. J. P. Ingraham, 
President of Board of Trustees: 
The following were published by the “Evening News,” free of charge; while 
the “Record,” after abusing Mr. Ingraham, in a most outrageous way, charged 
him $17 55, and put it in the advertising column, where few persons would be 
likely to see it: 
Ipgraham's Reply—His Connection with the University of Medicine,—A Clear and 
Candid Statement of the Gentleman's Relations to the Faculty and the Institution 
—How He Happened to Accept the position He Held. 
Editor of the Evening News:—In view of the misleading reports that 
have been industriously and extensively circulated respecting myself and my 
connection with the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, to the 
injury of my reputation in society, my usefulness in the church and the grief 
of my family, I feel that it is due to myself and to my friends and to the cause 
of Christianity that I should make a brief statement as to the origin and con- 
tinuance of my connection wTith the above institution. About twenty years ago 
my son Henry was taken sick with diptheria. I called in two regular physi- 
cians of high standing, one of whom was a personal friend; but notwithstand- 
ing their aid he died in a short time. On the day of his interment my son 
William was stricken down with the same disease, upon which a third physician 
was called in by the others. William lingered about ten days, when he died 
in great agony. By the instruction of our medical advisers, the only remedy 
used the whole night previous to his death was passing a feather dipped in 
iodine under his nostrils. Previous to this night they had used everything 
their skill could suggest. 
On the day of his interment my wife and my daughter Sarah Jane were 
stricken in the same manner by the same disease. Already nearly heart- 
broken I could not bear to contemplate the probable loss of those so dear to 
me, and yet I could see no hope for their recovery under the same treatment. 
About this time my attention w as called by a friend to the fact that Dr. Paine 
had been successful in diptheric cases He was a stranger to me, but not know- 
ing what else to do I called him in. In about a week my wife and daughter 
were both cured. It will not be surprising that I became ardently attached to 
him, and employed him as my family physician. In subsequent cases of a serious 
character with other members of my family, he was equally successful, and my 
confidence in his skill became fully confirmed, and I looked upon him as a friend 
and benefactor to my family. 
Being actuated by these sentiments, I promptly and cheerfully accepted Dr. 
Paine’s invitation to become Vice-President of the University, about fifteen 
years ago, as he was the Dean of the Faculty. I continued in that capacity 
until his retirement a few years since. 
16 Being personally acquainted with his successor, Dr. T. B. Miller, who was a 
minister in good standing in the Philadelphia Conference of the M. E. Church, 
besides being a professor in the institution, I how consented to become Presi- 
dent of the Board of Trustees, which position I have continued to hold, and I 
now distinctly and deliberately say, that so far as I have any knowledge, there 
lias never been a medical diploma illegally or improperly issued from the 
institution since I have known it: in other words, no diplomas have been issued, 
so far as I know, without evidence of a full two years course of study or its 
equivalent and a satisfactory examination before each professor, ad eundem de- 
gree excepted. Neither have I known of any other irregularity till the one 
which has recently transpired, and in the unfortunate case into which Dr. 
Miller was led no diploma was issued, but what was done on that occasion was 
done by him on his own responsibility, and the public were aware of the mat- 
ter as soon as I was. 
And I also declare that I never received any remuneration whatever, either 
directly or indirectly, for my services to the institution, neither have I ever 
expected to receive anything, but retained my position under the impression 
that I was lo some extent serving the cause of humanity by doing so. 1 feel 
that a grievous wrong has been done me by recent publications, a wrong which 
can never be fully rectified in this life. 
The public are invited by me to produce any bogus diplomas ever issued by 
the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. Not one of the diplo- 
mas that have been reported as having been sold either in this country or 
abroad bore the name of this University. 
It is certainly not the fault of an institution if any person graduating there- 
from has done wrong, for, of course, no reasonable person would expect that 
any University could guarantee the subsequent character and conduct of its 
students. 
I appeal to the candid and unbiased judgment of all fair-minded men against 
the misrepresentation to which I have been subjected. 
W. J. P. INGRHAM. 
N. B. I would also wish it distinctly understood that a diploma is a docu- 
ment certifying to the fact that the Faculty believes the person possessing it to 
be qualified to practice medicine or surgery, whilst a scholarship or tickets 
merely grant the privilege to physician or student to,attend medical lectures 
or witness practical and surgical operations by the professors in the clinic or 
hospital. 
Editorial of the “ Evening News ” on the foregoing communication : 
It is the policy of “ The News ” to treat all fairly. Hence, we gave place 
to the defense of President Ingraham of the Philadelphia University of Medi- 
cine and Surgery ; but we feel called on to say that his communication does not 
seem to us to meet the points at issue. That he was drawn into the affair in 
one way or another is not to the point. The real issue is, were bogus diplomas 
issued? The public believe there were. The point of Mr. Ingraham that some 
slight departure from the corr ect name of the institution frees it from responsi- 
bility w ill not do. Diplomas are publicly reported to be in existence, writh slight 
discrepancies from the proper name of the institution, but signed by its regular 
officers—including President Ingraham. Did he sign in blank, thus placing 
himself at the mercy of a dishonest party ? Did he sign at all without knowing 
whether the rules of the institution had been strictly complied with ? It will 
be better for Mr. Ingraham and all others, if they have a clear defense, to make 
it known. Irrelevant pleas do no good. 
A Specific Denial—President Ingraham Clearly meets all Charges Against Him. 
Editor of Evening News :—In your issue of the 17th inst. you refer to 
my communication which you were so kind as to publish the day before as not 
fully meeting the case. A reference to the communication will showr that I dis- 
tinctly and emphatically declared that so far as my knowledge extended, no 
medical diploma had ever been illegally or improperly issued from the institu- 
tion with which I have been connected, viz : “ The Philadelphia University 
17 18 
of Medicine and Surgery.” In saying this I did not intend to quibble or pre- 
varicate, but I meant all the words imply, and I would here say again that I 
never signed a diploma in blank, neither have 1 ever signed a diploma in the 
case of any student till each individual member of the Faculty had formally 
reported that he had passed a satisfactory examination in their various branches 
of study. Fac siiniliesof documents have been paraded before the public with, 
I believe, deliberate intent to deceive, they being called diplomas, when in fact 
they were merely certificates of membership in a free hospital granting permis- 
sion to enter at all times and witness operations performed by the physicians of 
the institution. The presumptuous slanderers who have made such unwar- 
rantable use of my name have had their unworthy designs facilitated by the 
want of knowledge on the part of the public in regard to the various medical 
institutions now existing in Philadelphia. For the purpose of leading to a 
proper comprehension of the case, I will enumerate, viz: 
1. The University of Pennsylvania, formerly the Philadelphia University. 
2. American University of Philadelphia. 
3. Philadelphia University of Free Medicine. 
4. Penn Medical University. 
5. The Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery. 
The last named being the one with which I have been connected. 
You sav in a following notice that four ministers have been expelled for their 
connection with bogus colleges. This is a mistake; but one has been expelled, 
not, however, for this reason. And as for myself no one has yet been found to 
prefer charges against me. 
Thanking you for your generous conduct in affording me an opportunity of 
vindicating mvself in your columns, I remain your’s obliged. 
W. J. P. INGRAHAM. 
In another column will be found a disclaimer from President Ingraham 
of the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, that any bogus diplo- 
mas were ever issued by that institution, or that he signed his name in blank, 
or ever knew or permitted any irregularity whatever. This is broad and 
sweeping, and meets the case, unless something definite of a contrary character 
can be shown. It should be noticed that certificates of membership are not 
diplomas, and should not be represented as such. We give space cheerfully, in 
the interest of right, to the clear denial made. It is such, and unless as clearly 
controverted, must stand.—Evening News.