COLLEGE 
OF 
WONS » SMMHS, 
IOWA UNIVERSITY. 
SESSION 1853'54. 
A 
INTRODUCTO 
BY 
PROF. M'GUGIN. 
KEOKUK: 
DISPATCH PRINT. 
1853. College Hall, October 21st, 1853. 
Prof; D. L. McGugin, 
Dear Sir :-We, a commitfee on behalf of the Class of the College of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons, desire for publication a copy of your elaborate and eloquent 
address delivered last evening. 
We earnestly hope that our request may be granted. 
Yours, Respectfully, 
ROBERT MOORK, 
D. B. STURGEON, 
JAS. W. LA FORCE. 
Keokuk, October 22nd, 1853. 
Gentlemen : 
Your kind note was received asking a copy of the introductory address de- 
livered by me at the opening of the present College Session. 
Prepared under circumstances most unfortunate to a satisfactory discharge of 
the duty imposed, it is therefore undeserving of the flattering terms in which you 
are pleased to speak of it, or the encomiums you bestow upon it. 
As, however, you desire its publication, it is at your service. 
I am, Gentlemen, 
Very truly, yours, &c. 
D. L. McGUGIN', 
To Messrs. Moore, SrpiftssdN, and La Committed. GENTLEMEN 
Humble obscurity, it would appear from the history of men and 
things, c onstituted the germ or the primary element of ultimate great- 
ness, and that incidents and circumstances, trilling and insignificant 
of themselves, often lead to great and mighty results, astonishing to 
the world and ending in the establishment of systems and institutions 
fraught with all that is good and noble,-diffusing their benign influ- 
ences upon society and contributing to the improvement, the eleva- 
tion, and the enjoyment of our race. 
Not only is this true with regard to the moral and intellectual 
capacities of men, but it is also true when applied to the physical 
world. By an aggregation of insignificant particles the inorganic 
material of the universe is formed, while a single dormant cell, wait- 
ing to be impressed by vitalizing influences, constitutes the 
primary and rudimentary forms of an ultimate, more perfect, and a 
more complicated organization. The air we breathe, indispensible to 
respiration and combustion, is composed of distinct atoms. Life 
could not subsist without it, so important is it to the preservation of 
our species, and yet when these particles are thrown into commotion 
so as to constitute winds, and hurricane blasts, driving in fury over 
the earth's surface, a destructive sweep, levelling forests, towers, 
towns, and cities, demonstrating the irresistible and incontrollable 
power and majesty brought into being by an assemblage of these 
minute and insignificant atoms. 
The ocean's shores, which with silent, and defiant tone, bid back 
the furious waves of the tempestous sea, are made up of isolated, 
distinct, and almost indivisible particles of glittering sand. Similar 
particles, under the power of cohesion, form large masses, which by 
successive strata rise up to the very summit of the cloud-capped 
mountain, a specimen of stupendous masonry, hanging in sullen gran- 
deur and threatening aspect over the deep abyss below. Globules of 
light, in vast assemblage, make up the radiant glories of the king of 
day, the mellow but reflected light of the moon, and the bright scin- 
tellations of the starry host. In accordance with the divine mandate 
"let there be light," these minute globules assembled, and constituted 
the phosphorescent halo which relieved the earth of the darkness in 
1 '2 
which it was veiled, until the celestial lights had assumed their ap- 
pointed places. 
Of distinct particles are composed the waters of the gushing foun- 
tain, away in the silent glen, enveloped in the deep but silent shade, 
flowing on and meeting in its onward and winding course some other 
rill, thus united, moving on and still meeting others, constituting 
brooks, and further on creeks, then rivers, and finally by multiplica- 
tion and aggregation making up the great ocean, on whose bosom 
wafts the commerce of the world, and whose surface, when tempest- 
tossed, rolls in mighty and imposing grandeur, its waves of mountain 
height, and threatening to engulph the stately ships and fleets, whose 
sails whiten its surface and which have trusted themselves upon its 
wide and almost illimitless expanse. Yet this vast accumulation, so 
potent for good and at the same time the grave of millions of human 
beings, the depository of so much treasure forever lost to the world, 
is composed of infinitely small particles, less than the particle of 
glittering dew-drop upon the spire of grass, but each at the same 
time, vital with numerous animalculi. 
To infusoria, so insignificant and indistinct as to require often the 
magnifying powers of the microscope for detection, are we indebted 
for our reefs, islands, and mountains of coral in the sea. The Is- 
land cf the Polynesian Archip.':Iago, the coral reefs of the Indian 
Ocean, the extended and unbroken chain upon the coast of New 
Holland, stretching for seven hundred miles to New Guinea, are the 
magnificent productions of the armies of these little polypi, and con- 
stitute the wonders of the world. Small as they are, and trifling in 
their organization, they nevertheless have erec'ted dangerous impedi- 
ments to navigation and commerce, have produced islands habitable by 
animal and man, and have formed masses of rock which, when eleva- 
ted subsequent to their formation by volcanic force, have formed high 
mountains, rising up and towering aloft, high above the surface of 
the sea. And it is now believed, because proved by experiment, that 
many, if not all of the rocks which compose the several systems are 
the result of the formative agency of some form of polypi or infusoria. 
These are but a few instances in the material world of stupendous 
results from minute specimens, for when we look into the vast struc- 
tures and then down the line of inorganic matter, through its com- 
plex combinations and aggregations, analysing each as we progress 3 
with our enquiries, until we reach the primary element or particle; 
we are lost in admiration when we contemplate the majestic propor- 
tion of bodies and forms produced from such minute and insignificant 
specimens of matter. Not less astonishing are the developments in 
the moral world. Not less singular is man himself, whether consid- 
ered physically, mentally, or morally. His infantile years are those 
of feebleness and dependance. So great is that dependence and so 
feeble his powers that to sustain, provide, and nurture him, he re- 
quires the highest order of intelligence and reason. And this condi- 
tion of physical imbecility continues longer than any other member of 
animal organization. So also of his intellectual character and his 
mental constitution. In his cradle he possesses the power only to ac- 
quire knowledge. At this period how imperfect his opportunities 
and how limited his sphere of observation and acquirement. Each 
new idea begotten in the mind, gives additional strength to the intel- 
lect, increases his mental vigor, and enlarges the sphere of his en- 
quiries. He progresses onward and rises upward in the scale of ac- 
quisition until, by regular progression, he attains to the high position 
assigned him by the author of his being, which in intellect and mind 
is next in the order of intelligences to the angels. 
But from his impotency as an infant, what has he attained to?- 
What has he done and what can he perform? Once the feeble infant 
in his mother's arms and nestling in his mother's bosom for protec- 
tion, he is now launched forth upon the stage of action with powers, 
moral and intellectual, capable of grasping and comprehending the 
characters and attributes of things material, and immaterial. If in- 
deed he can never know precisely what matter is, and if mind still 
remain a mystery, he can acquire a knowledge of their attributes and 
qualities. He knows the laws controlling the universe of matter, he 
pries into the silent and secret laws forming and controlling animal, 
vegetable and mineral productions, he can steal the lightning from 
the heavens and ''submit it to the dominion of his philosophy," can 
make it subservient to his purposes in carrying thought, can control 
the rays of light and wherewith produce accurate and permanent im- 
pressions and resemblances, and he can dip the water from the 
fountain, convert it into a prc.pelling agent or element in rapid flight. 
He can refract and reflect the rays of light and so control and govern 
them as to bring distant objects under his immediate inspection, yea 4 
even the distant planets and spheres, estimate their size, calculate 
their movements and their distances. lie wills, and towering monu- 
ments rise to the skies, he orders, and cities are built, he dreams of 
power and conquest, and emperors are dethroned, crowns are made 
to crumble, and nations are annihilated er subdued. And vet but 
yesterday he was a puny, helpless,-I was about to say, an insignifi- 
cant-infant, certainly an humble specimen of animal organization, 
with nothing superadded but a few intuitive propensities, intended 
for his maintainance and growth. 
But there are circumstances surrounding him from infancy to ma- 
turity, which are to be regarded as modifying and moulding his desti- 
ny, and here again we shall find that those who have risen to fame 
and have occupied the most exalted positions in the world for use- 
fulness and efficiency, have risen from lowly obscurity, and have 
strugged under poverty, penury, and want. Whether the one is the 
legitimate sequence of the other, or whether there is any relation at 
all, will appear from an examination of the fact itself. Certain it is, 
that although it has not been usual, yet there are instances of great 
minds and high attainments, who were born in luxury and cradled in 
affluence; but yet it would appear that in these cases, the individuals 
resisted the deteriorating influences and consequences of enfeebling 
indulgences. 
Tobe born in poverty is to be born amidst restraints. If wealth is 
power, poverty is the very reverse. We only know that there is pow- 
er in wealth, because we daily witness its influences. But it is unfelt, 
and deprived of the exercise of its power when opposed to itself. By 
whom then is its power felt, and upon whom is it displayed? Upon 
those less fortunate of course, either for good or for evil. This pow- 
er, exercised in the unequal distribution of property, benefits and com- 
forts, presupposes obligations, and those under obligation are under 
restraint. To return therefore to our proposition, poverty is a con- 
dition of restraint, of embarrassment, and dependence. Such then is 
our moral and mental natures, that we cannot brook unjust and unnat- 
ural restraints, when there are limits prescribed upon our acts, and 
unequal duties imposed. Then is awakened in the mind a determin- 
ation to throw off such restraint and escape from the thraldom impo- 
sed. And in proportion to the power or force of that restraint, in 
that degree will there be an effort to effect a riddance. The deeper '5 
then the obscurity, the more powerful the exertion, but if ineffectual, 
the mind sinks into dismay and melancholy. If ligatures be placed 
upon our limbs to take.away the freedom of locomotion, a superhuman 
effort will be exerted, if required, to relieve ourselves, but if chains 
be fastened upon our limbs, denying the possibility of escape, we sink 
into dismay, and reluctantly yield without hope of an extrication, the 
mind is then obscured in gloom and is enveloped in a darkness of the 
most painful intensity. Thus it is in despotisms, and wherever man 
is enslaved, the history of such nation in their mental and mural char- 
acteristics, show that man has been enslaved. 
But let hope whisper a better and higher destiny in the future, and 
loose but a few of the bonds by which he is bound, and man will 
bound forward and exercise, energetically, the high attributes of his 
mental and moral natures. He greedily embraces all occasions for 
the exercise of his powers. He enjoys with zest all his opportuni- 
ties, benefits and privileges. Appreciating their value himself, he is 
active in their extension to, and diffusion among others. He is effi- 
cient, zealous, energetic and ardent. The results of his activity and 
efficiency are soon felt and acknowledged, and society looks upon him 
as a benefactor. But had no restraints been imposed, had there been 
no difficulties to encounter, no discouragements to face, no limits set 
up to his action or efforts, be never would have appreciated his privi- 
leges or powers, because he was never called upon to use or exercise 
them. They never would have resorted to superhuman efforts who 
had never suffered the loss of their liberties-who had no bonds to 
break-no ligatures to sunder. Hence we find that humility of con- 
dition and humble circumstances in life favor the development of ge- 
nius and talent, because as necessity calls forth into exercise all our 
efforts, the same principle will develope intellect and mind. For the 
same reason the homes of the rich, and those families raised in luxu- 
rious ease, seldom are found to send forth to the world men of dis- 
tinguished talent or great benefactors of their species. It is by op- 
posing difficulties in man's progress that the mental and physical re- 
sources of his nature are developed, and the results-the manifesta- 
tions, are in proportionate magnitude to the formidable character of 
the undertaking and the nature of the opposing difficulties. Who 
would have thought of tunneling our vast mountains, had they not 
■i-hrown themselves into the pathway of man's triumphant progress, or 6 
who would have been induced to span our large rivers with massive 
arches and bridges had they not been often found to be impassable ob- 
structions? To ascertain the truth or the plausibility at least of one 
postulate, we will refer to a few prominent instances, and will here 
call your attention before proceeding to the fact, that not one of those 
who distinguished themselves for the greatest discoveries and inven- 
tions in the arts, was himself distinguished in the world either as a 
scholar or for any other considerations, except that secured by the 
discovery or invention itself. 
There is, therefore, perse greatness in humility evolving glory 
honor and power, from the very depth of obscurity itself. 
There are those of humble origin and under great difficulties, who 
have risen to conspicuous places in the history of the worlds and 
have shown themselves benefactors of mankind, by their discoveries 
in the arts and sciences. Suffice it now for our purpose that we 
briefly refer to Dolland, the great optician who refuted one of the 
errors even of Newton on the relation between the dispersive and 
refractive powers of different substances, was himself an humble 
silk weaver. He rose to an elevated rank in science, and received 
the celebrated "Coply Medal" as the reward for his "perseverance 
and success." 
Ghittemburg, the true'discoverer of printing and the partner of 
Faust or Fust, invented the art of printing when laboring under the 
most necessitous circumstances in exile. To Faust has been given 
the credit but does not deserve the honor of a discovery so fraught 
with consequences to the world. 
He who acquired an unparalleled brilliancy of fame as a painter, 
and whose productions stand unrivalled in the world, was Sir Thom- 
as Lawrence, the son of the proprietor of an obscure hotel. He 
was knighted as a compliment to his unsurpassed genius and artisti- 
cal skill. Conover, the eminent sculptor of world renown, was the 
son of a stone cutter. His productions stand as models of imita- 
tion and admiration in that divine art. 
Among those who made their names illustrious in science, was 
Sir Humphrey Davy, who was the son of a carver of wood. On 
his errands of scientific exploration, he derived enthusiasm for the 
cultivation of his favorite science, and imbibed an incentive to the 
prosecution of his favorite studies from the craggy and bold prom- 7' 
ontory among which he rambled. The interest thus awakened, 
and the enthusiasm here derived, stamped his character, gave direc- 
tion to his genius, decided his future fate, and raised him finally to 
the proud and exalted position to which he attained. The little veg- 
etable balloons, skimming the surface of the sea, and driven to the 
shore by the winds or tides, were objects of the deepest interest to 
him, and the trifling circumstances and materials of his future fame 
and glory. By a sacriligious perversion he converted a pair of sur- 
gical instruments, a present to him, into instruments for carrying on 
his philosophical experiments and enquiries. To this expedient he 
was driven by necessity, and to this circumstance may be attributed 
his future tact in manipulation, in which he attained to a perfection. 
Isaac Newton, renowned in science, was a poor posthumous off- 
spring, born in the county of Lincoln, England. He was still more 
orphanised by the second marriage of his mother, contracted and en- 
tered into because of her slender income. The child, feeble from 
birth, was sent away, but after the lapse of a few years his mother's 
second husband died also, and left her a small farm without however 
the means to cultivate it. Isaac was brought home to aid in its culti- 
vation and became the market boy, but he proved no adept in this 
department, for a revolving wheel in a mill or other machinery hap- 
pening to arrest his attention, would confine him to the spot for hours, 
and until the market hours had passed. This habit of observation prov- 
ing unprofitable, and he was sent to school. It is necessary only to add 
what the world already knows, that he became one of the most pro- 
found mathematicians and astronomers the world ever saw. The 
faithless market boy became the admiration of men of science, and 
kings and courts were proud to do homage to him. 
There is another name sacred to science, wisdom, and republican 
liberty-he who snatched down the lightning from the threatening 
thunder cloud, was the son of a tallow chandler,-the obscure wan- 
dering printer boy. Human nature boasted of such a son, the world 
of an exalted specimen of human nature, science of an honored de- 
ciple, and patriotism and liberty of such a friend and votary, as Ben- 
jamin Franklin. 
The history of steam is a familiar history, with a people in whose 
language the term is so diffusively incorporated. But he who did 
more toward the perfection in the application of that agent to the uses and purposes of man than any other, was Jas. Watt. He was a 
ship Chandler, and early manifested a desire for knowledge and in- 
tellectual culture; and to this end he made his geometrical calculations 
upon the humble hearth-stone of his humble home. About this time, 
when but six years of age, he commenced his enquiries into tha pow- 
ers of steam with the tea urn at the tea-table. A tea-spoon was used 
as a condenser, and various other articles were employed in succession 
for a like purpose. This circumstance shaddowed forth into the fu- 
ture the important inventions and the distinguished inventor, the first 
as an unparalled discovery, and the second one of the greatest bene- 
factors of his species. The subsequent application of this power in 
propelling water crafts, is even more interesting. The first effort it 
has been maintained, was made by an obscure blacksmith of Philadel- 
delphia. With his own hands he constructed a rude engine and 
placed it upon a water craft equally rude and rough. During the 
progress of construction, an obscure dentist was often seen closely 
scanning each step of its progress, interest, and when 
the trial trip was made, this same gentleman was invited on board.- 
Upon the return of the boat from its experimental trip, which was a 
triumphant demonstration of its capacity to perform, a part of the 
roughly constructed engine gave way, and with it the hopes and pros- 
pects of the humble inventor. He had spent his last farthing, and 
was unable to repair the injury done to the machinery. Regarded by 
his family as a lunatic, his wife abandoned him, and he forsook the 
spot where he indulged in so many fond hopes and day dreams of 
success,and wandered heart-broken to the then far West, where he 
died, and his grave is now upon the summit of a high bluff overlooking 
the Ohio river, on whose bosom is every day demonstrated, the tri- 
umph of his invention and its value and importance in the commerce 
of the world. The invited guest-the humble Dentist, was no other 
than Robert Fulton, who perfected what the other had begun and 
reaped all the honor and glory of being the original discoverer. 
Throughout the entire history of the use of steam from the Ball of 
JEolus as used by the ancients, down to the present time, the instru- 
ments, in the several discoveries and important improvements, were 
of the most humble and lowly origin, whose conceptions have led to 
results and consequences astounding to mankind, for it has annihilated 
space, it has brought distant countries in close proximity and intimate 
relation; it has ascended mountains, has fled, and is now flying, with 
.8. 9' 
the speed of flight over plainsand valleys; it has extended civilization, 
developed the commercial and agricultural resources of every civil- 
ized nation, and is now binding every portion of our beloved country 
in a widely extended system of network, establishing an equality and 
reciprocity of interests. Onward let the "fire horse'' speed away, 
the herald of civilization, literature and science. 
The world is indebted for the superiority, the abundance and cheap- 
ness of all kinds of fabrics, particularly those of cotton, to the patient 
and self-sacrificing Albright, who was not only born in poverty, but 
during his inventive career, endured more, suffered more, physically 
and mentally, than any other individual who has distinguished him- 
self as an inventor or discoverer. He suffered from penury and want, 
was clothed in rags, treated often with cruelty and neglect, and of- 
ten persecuted. Notwithstanding these multiplied discouragements 
and painful embarrassment, he persevered, contemplating no other 
contingency but success, and yielding to no influence but a stern and 
inflexible moral courage, he finally triumphed. Doubtless there are 
nations now existing on the face of the globe, lagging behind the pro- 
gress of civilization and improvement, who could in gratitude to his 
memory exclaim, "naked and ye clothed me." The'extreme wants and 
necessities of the inventor himself would seem to have sanctified his 
endeavors and their results to benevolent ends. 
We might refer in this connexion to Herschel, the great astrono- 
mer, to Berwick, the distinguished engraver, Edwards, the self- 
taught Welsh architect, and others who rose from humble stations to 
the proudest and most elevated positions of fame and honor among 
men. We will now refer to another, and a different but an equally 
distinguished, and once an equally humble class of men. 
The ancient and renowned, the great and the good Agathocles, King 
of Sicily, was the son of a potter. He was not more humble in his 
origin than in his desires and habits. His example of simplicity, 
plainness, and humility exerted an omnipotent influence over the hab- 
its of his subjects, so that luxury and extravagance were avoided. 
Ptolemy was reproached, spurned, and abused for his lowly ori- 
gin, but who was greater at that day than Ptolemy. 
William Penn, although a man of birth, in his wisdom saw that court 
trappings were antagonistical to the condition of true greatness, and 
therefore humbled by an abiding sense of his duties and responsi- 
bilities, denied himself position and power, took upon himself the 10 
outward garb of humility and practiced by its precep's. What ? but 
the simplicity of his manner, his humble demeanor, and the manifest 
simplicity of his nature ever wooed to favor and reconciliation the 
inexorable and irreconcilable savages of the forests. The very ob- 
scurity in which he had buried himself, and the humility and self- 
denial which he practiced, were the secrets of the unlimited power 
and the ascendency he had acquired over the mind of the red man. 
Homer who tuned his lyre upon the rocky Islands of the Archipel- 
ago, was both poor and blind. 
Shakespere was the son of a butcher. In early life the poet fol- 
lowed the trade of his father, and when he slew a calf it was the sub- 
ject of a fiery declamatory speech. His works constitute an imper- 
ishable monument to his memory and need no comment from us. 
The Scottish bard was only another name for nature's poet. The 
most touching, and sweetest poet that ever wrote, or sung, was the 
author of the "Cotter's Saturday Night." Burns, in the sound of 
whose very name there is music and poetry, was the son of an hum- 
ble and obscure farmer, whose cottage stood upon the banks of the 
Ayr. His poetically inspired productions have been read throughout 
civilization, and as universal is the fame of the humble Highland far- 
mer. Language fails to express the admiration felt for one whose 
memory is so green in the bosom of every one whose heart is sus- 
ceptible of those loftiest emotions which are an honor to our nature. 
And who has not read the "Gentle Shepherd;" if there be one, Jet 
him procure the works of Burn's countryman, Allen Ramsey. He 
was the son of a worker in the leadmines, and became one of the most 
natural pastoral poets of his time. Bloomfield, too, the son of a tailor 
was early orphanised, was compelled to maintain himself by the same 
avocation, and during his labors composed one of his poems, which 
reflected so much credit upon his talents. "The Farmer's Boy;" the 
title of this production is remembered with much regard by literary 
men every where. Other works soon followed, until the name of 
Bloomfield stands conspicuously enrolled among the great poets who 
have delighted the world. Goldsmith was one of nine children of a 
poorly endowed clergyman, (a position about'as flattering as that of 
a poorly paid physician). He however, was well educated, but af- 
terward traveled over all Europe with no other means than his flute, 
with which he was enabled to roam. His first poem was the "Trav- 
eler," which was followed by other works of still greater celebrity. 11 
The most distinguished sacred poet, theologian, and logician, was 
Dr. Isaac Watt, The name of Dr. Watt is known wheresoever his 
valuable works have been distributed, and these are co-extensive 
with Christianity. He was the deformed and decrepid sen of a 
boarding-school teacher, 
Roger Sherman rose from the depth of obscurity to a position of 
prominence and usefulness to which few can ever attain. He burst 
the shackles which indigence and obscurity imposed, and, from his 
seat on the cobbler's bench, he was lifted up to a seat on the highest 
judicial tribunal of the country. He dignified and still more exalted 
that position by the depth of his research, by his profound legal abili- 
ties, and by the bright example presented in the unsullied purity of 
his motives and acts in life. 
The distinguished champion of colonial rights, the eloquent and 
fearless advocate of American liberty, Patrick Henry, escaped from 
an obscurity in which at one period of his life he seemed doomed to 
continue. The abashed stammerer became one of the most fervent, 
eloquent, and animated orators of the times. His stirring appeals, his 
vivid descriptions, his forcible denunciations,-all expressed with so 
much ardor and emotion as to be beyond the power of resistance.- 
Tet this ardent patriot and unequalled orator, had not the capacity to 
make agriculture profitable, or manage the business of a small retail 
shop, in both of which he engaged and successively abandoned. 
William Wirt rose from humble circumstances, and, in .after life, by 
his habits had well nigh irrecoverably wrecked his reputation by his 
own moral faults. One remaining spark of self-respect, united to the 
keen demands of necessity, awakened in him a determination to re- 
cover himself and rise from his degraded position, from which he 
triumphantly escaped, and rose to one of the proudest and loftiest 
known to intellectual fame. 
Another name, the recollection of which is cherished by his coun- 
trymen, who prefer to speak of him by the sacred title of the "Father 
of his Country;" a name which more nearly expresses the filial re- 
gard of his descendants, who are the beneficiaries of a great inheri- 
tance, and is more ample than the high sounding and pompous ex- 
pressions of empty fame and glory. George Washington! was the son 
of a clergymen, in no flattering position, with regard to wealth or 
prominence. Once but a "young buckskin," who had the temerity 
"■to leach a British General howto fight," afterward made a,conquest of the proud army of Great Britain, with a provincial army in rags, 
and almost without food; ana who, once the humble surveyor, rose to 
the loftiest position ever occupied by mortal man on earth. 
In more modorn times there have been illustrious examples of men 
of humble stations in life rising to the highest and loftiest positions 
in the world. We apply this term in its extensive sense to positions 
and places in our own country, for here are found the loftiest stations 
ever occupied by man. Yes in this plain and simple government are 
enjoyed the highest fame and the most distinguished honors. They 
who fill these stations with ability and faithfulness are entitled to the 
highest mead of praise, and therefore those who have discharged 
these high trusts, have added the brightest lustre to their names. In- 
stances may be found, where, after a life'of brilliant usefulness, now 
repose in their tombs, in the shades of Mount Vernon, of the Hermi- 
tage, of Ashland, Monticello and Marshfield. 
We forbear entering upon sacred ground, more strongly to fortify 
our position. The instances of austere humility, rigorous abasement, 
and self denial, are familiar to all, as well as the divine precept that 
the "humble shall be magnified." , But subsequently after truth and 
light had been buried and extinguished in the impenetrable gloom of 
the dark ages, during which there was moral and intellectual night; 
the humble and unpretending Martin Luther come forth, brushed 
away the mist which obscured the horizon and permitted the sun of 
truth and light to shine forth. The results of this single and humble 
who can estimate? The further consideration, of the con- 
sequences to mankind and the world, we leave to those whose sacred 
and solemn duty it is to investigate and enforce them. 
We have now shown that the grand and stupendous works in na- 
ture acknowledge their origin in infinitely small particles.and humble 
atoms,-that the great discoveries and inventions in the arts and 
sciences were made, by men occupying humble positions in life,- 
that the most distinguished and illustrious men of all ages have risen 
from humble origin, and that the great moral, social, and civil systems 
originated with humble projectors and advocates. 
But you will enquire what has this to do with the objects for which 
you are assembled here? What connexion with medical science? In 
answer to such enquiries, we remark emphatically that medical sci- 
ence is one of these great systems of the world-grand in its incep- 
tion and glorious in its consequences,-that it has been sanctified by 
12 13 
the humble circumstances of its origin and subsequent progress. -by 
the good it has already accomplished and is still accomplishing, and 
therefore because of these considerations, like every other system of 
humanity and benevolence, it is the result of the designs and appoint- 
ments of Providence, and we think it would be no difficult task to 
show that the inspired men cf old, understood in part, or in whole, 
the laws governing the physical body, for he, to whom was delivered 
the unexceptionable decade for the moral and civil government of man > 
remarked when speaking of the blood. "For the life of the flesh 
is in the blood," again, "for it is the lite of all flesh, the 
blood of it is the life THEREOr"and further "for the life of all 
flesh is the blood thereof" and again "but flesh with the life 
thereof which is the blood thereof." Now without calling down 
the anger of the Solidists, or adopting wholly the Humoral doctrines, 
no physiologist will deny that the blood is the great nutrient current 
aad the channel through which nutrition is conveyed to every tissue 
of the body; and every pathologist is aware, that when the blood is 
poisoned, the whole system is diseased. These are the doctrines en- 
tertained and inculcated by medical men of this day. Those who fol- 
low the parti-colored ignus fatui in medicine, may feel inclined to 
doubt this position, but when they are informed that these very prin- 
ciples, almost in letter, are those taught by the teachers and medical 
philosophers of this day, they are left seriously to reflect upon the 
delicate and responsible position they occupy, in opposing principles, 
the truth of which is so well sustained. There are false theories in 
medicine, as well as in religion, and there are skeptics propagating 
false doctrines, in the one, as well as in the other. They both arise 
from the same cause, a doubting, disbelieving, mental and moral na- 
ture, which prefer mystification to the development of the simple 
laws of nature, and wonders to plain and simple truths, To be skep- 
tical in one thing, where facts are every day presented fully sustain- 
ing it, is to be skeptical in all, and he who denies that there is truth 
in the system of medicine, now taught by our philosophers, and which 
has been improved during the mutations and changes of the world, 
lor the same reason would disclaim against astronomy, mathematics* 
geology and botany, for they have struggled, side by side, with med- 
icine-regularly and progressively. He who would deny the truths 
of these sciences, would find reaaon to deny the inspired writings 
themselves. 14 
Among the Greeks, but little attention was paid to medicine, until 
Vie Esclepiades sprung up, and after this a time, Hippocrates was 
hailed as a great benefactor, becuse he applied himself to the investi- 
gation of its principles, and for the first time in the history of medi- 
cine, he gave his attention to the investigation of anatomy. Follow- 
ing him, came Galen, whose opinions and doctrines lived for several 
centuries, when his works were collected together, and burnt by Par- 
acelsus. Meantime, the Romans paid but little attention to medicine 
and paid it just as little respect. Not only did they treat it with 
indifference, but they heaped obloquy upon it. Not only did they re- 
gard it as a mean and humble calling, but they disgraced it even more 
by making it the duty of their menials. Slaves from Greece were 
bought and kept in families for the discharge of this disgraceful office. 
They could not believe that diseases could be cured by any other pow- 
er than that emanating from the Gods. It was therefore the duty of 
sorcerers and mountebanks,-who were a disgraced and a despised.class. 
No prominent man in Rome would practice magical chants, and 
therefore for a long period, a darker stain could not be affixed to the 
of an individual, than to assign to him the duty of curing 
.diseases. The office was therefore left to sybils and juglars as ap- 
propriate to their position in society. Subsequently however, Rome 
,did more to cultivate and perpetuate medicine, than any other nation, 
although they had previously assigned it a low position and permited 
it to struggle up to consequence and character under humble and de- 
grading circumstances. Cato gave it his considerate attention and 
wrote several learned works upon the subject and yet, he persecuted 
and sent out of the country all the Greek physicians among whom was 
4he learned Archagathus. 
Celsus followed Cato in a work of high merit; and, following, 
in the order of prominence and conspicuousness, was Andromachus, 
from Crete. We might follow its history, mark the stages of ad- 
vancement, and present the characters who have contributed to it, 
>up to the present time, but we forbear. We have only referred to 
so much of its early history in order to show the humble circumtan- 
.ces under which it was introduced, as one of the great systems and 
schemes of beneficence, charity and humanity, which now adorns the 
world, and which for efficiency and utility is second only to that in- 
stitution proclaiming "peace on earth and good will to man." 
As a beneficent scheme, it seeks to alleviate the suffering and as- 15 
suage the griefs and woes of our fellow men. To be the instrument1., 
in the hands of Providence, in saving life, is to hold a position tht/ 
most exalted among men. To be able to relieve suffering, when a 
cure is even impossible, is to fulfill a distinguished office and perform 
an important function in life. To smooth the bed of death and re- 
lieve the sufferer of its severer inflictions, to enable our dying fel- 
low mortal to glide down softly to the tomb, with the usual agonies 
unfelt and unendured, are attributes and duties, in the discharge of 
which, humanity will shed its grateful tears over, and for which an- 
gels will smile with joy. 
It is every where on its errand of mercy. You will find it dis- 
pensing its blessings and benefits in the "mad house," where "the 
inind is lost in the stormy deserts of the brain." Here by his instru- 
mentality the wandering intellect is brought back, and reason and 
rationality restored. The imaginary horrors, experienced during the 
night of the mind, are by the skill and treatment of the 
moral, mental, and physical, driven away and dispelled. But medi- 
cal science has not only relieved the mind from the bondage of dark- 
ness, but it has loosed the chains, which ignorance and inhu- 
manity had put upon their limbs, thereby riveting the disease, and: 
confirming the deplorable malady upon them. While Pinel was 
opening the prison doors of filthy cells, in which these unhappy ob- 
jects were incarcerated for half a century, he not only loosed the 
chains that bound them, but by this very act restored the mind al- 
so to mental light and liberty. The different asylums of the world, 
erected by the philanthropy and liberality of a Christian people, as- 
monuments of their Christian sympathy, are managed, conducted and 
controlled by medical men, with the happiest results to suffering hu- 
manity. 
The wards of our hospitals, and other similar benevolent enterpri- 
ses for the relief of our afflicted fellow beings, are attended by medi" 
cal men, who make their abode amid cries and groans of agony, and 
the keen suffering of their afflicted fellow men. 
There he is to console the suffering, to raise the drooping aud cast 
down spirits with the soothing whispers of hope, and to give conso- 
lation and promise, to the sinking and dying. Day by day, he is in 
communion with sorrow and woe, and hourly dispensing blessings 
and benefits. 
A frightful epidemic with its grim and ghastly features, enters the 16 
gates ot the populous city-or penetrates into dense settlements, and 
crowded communities. It rages with fearful malignancy, and parents 
are made childless, children made orphans, and homes made desolate* 
Deep dispair marks the features of evetry living being, and sorrow 
and woe, fill the minds of the survivors. Where now in these times 
of trial and general distress, is tlie physician? The history of all ep- 
idemic visitations will furnish' the answer. He is abroad, on his 
mission of mercy, and while others seek safety in flight, he is at his 
post of duty, faithfully and manfully contending with the deadly foe- 
Very often too, he dies in the struggle himself, and follows to the 
silent tomb, those who were beyond his power to save. 
As a great almoner of good medical science has not been contented 
with the discharge ofthose duties, the fortunate tendencies of which 
experience has made, familiar'to community and its members. It has 
been on the road of enquiry for still greater capacities and powers.- 
The attribute of humanity has given direction and'an incentive to en- 
quiry, and investigation following, has resulted in the discovery of 
large additions to the means and appliances of relief. The improve- 
ments in surgical skill by which the infliction of unnecessary pain 
and suft'eringhas been prevented, in very many instances, are triumph- 
of themselves worthy the great objects to be accomplished. Former- 
ly hot searing irons were used to arrest hemmorrhage in capital oper- 
ations and caldrons of boiling oil were prepared into which the stump 
of an amputated limb was immersed, in order to arrest the bleeding.- 
Parre invented the ligatures of silk, which cost no suffering, and were 
painless in their use, and yet, he was at that early period of the histo- 
ry of the world, prosecuted.for the innovation upon an old and bar- 
barous custom. I-;!:- ; 
Actuated by humanity, Jenner prosecuted his enquiries into vacci- 
nation, the result of which, has saved millions of the lives of the hu- 
iinaat fpfafty&nolh] .»sniod v/o'lu'i befoiflln mo lu lai I tn adj Jan 
Opium has been extolled by the poets as almost a "divinity" be- 
cause of the repose it affords from suffering and anguish. 
Chloroform is another potent article, in hushing to sleep the senses 
and rendering them unconscious to physical distress. It has high 
claims upon our gratiude, for not only is pain unfelt, but also are the 
mental terrors, often more'severe torture, itself, unheed- 
ed under surgical operations. 
The doctrines of hygeneare fully discussed and anxiously enforced 17 
by members of the profession, who have written valuable treatises up- 
on the subject. He is emphatically a benefactor of his species who, 
will point out the means by which diseases may be avoided. They 
have regarded this as much their duty, as to cure when sickness as- 
sails. ' And certainly, if mankind would but listen to the admonitions 
and warnings of medical men, their services in the sick chamber would 
not be so often required. But with some persons whose own supe- 
rior abilities, are so much above the acquirements of the best educa- 
ted medical men, it is regarded by them, as a mark of rare and exqui- 
site genius to treat their opinions with contempt, and follow the dic- 
tates of their own better judgments. And there are others who, self- 
ish themselves, would deny that there were disinterested acts, per- 
formed by any one, and therefore are prone to doubt the sincerity of 
those who would give advice contrary to their own interest* 
In our cities and municipal organizations health officers are appoint- 
ed and these are usually taken from the ranks of the profession. In the 
discharge of their duties they are compelled to visit the dens of squa- 
lidity and filth, to seek out deleterious agents and elements destruc- 
tive to public health, and provide for their abatement. Quarantine, 
and other sanatory regulations, required to protect communities from 
the invasion and spread of contagious diseases, are dependent upon 
the profession for their establishment and effectiveness. 
From an examination of the bills of mortality and by the institution 
of comparison, it is apparent that in proportion to the number attacked 
with disease a less number die now than formerly. This fact has been 
well ascertained; which shows that medical science is, year after year» 
acquiring more and more control over disease. 
But who of all the professions or departments of life, save those ac- 
tually employed in it, have done more for the advancement of the 
cause of education, than medical men? The wide diffusion of knowl- 
edge, by the common school system, has ever received the zealous and 
efficient support of medical men. 
Medical science has contributed its full proportion to the advance- 
ment of literature. None have a better appreciation of the ancient 
or Greek classics, than its members, and certainly no one of the lib- 
eral professions has derived more of their healthful influences upon 
the mind, none have more freely acknowledged their peculiar beauty 
and their unequalled richness. 
3 18 
He who early devoted himself to literature was Hippocrates, whose 
works, written in the Ionic dialect, so much admired for its per- 
fection and peculiar beauty, stood side by side in point of purity with 
the dulcet songs of Homer or the historical productions of Heroditus. 
The collateral sciencesand the arts,have all drawn liberally from 
the services of the profession. Geology and mineralogy, continue to 
derive important aid from medical men. Drs. Owen, Shumard, Dean, 
Hildreth and others eminent in their profession, have enriched natu- 
ral science by their labors in this deparment; and what a fund of se- 
date and interesting knowledge has been secured by their labors? 
Agriculture has been a subject of much labor and interest, and an 
object of much care by the profession of medicine in all ages. Cel- 
sus, an eminent physician in the time of Tiberius, wrote several works 
on the subject, since which, the wisest and best of the profession, 
have yearly contributed to this important department of the industrial 
interests of the country. 
The chemical analysis of the soils and subsoils, the mode and man- 
ner in which the different specimens of vegetable productions glean 
their nutrient particles and appropriate them to their growth and per. 
fettiou in the several varieties, was most ably discussed by one of the 
faculty, but a short time since, in this place. 
Although Watt conceived the mode by which the use of steam 
could be made effective, as a propelling power, still the manner of 
estimating its temperature and elasticity; so essential to fixed results, 
certainty and safety in its use, was reserved for the triumphant in- 
vestigation of Drs. Ure, Young and Dalton, and others in the profes- 
sion. t 
Another discovery of great importance to the world, which was in- 
vented when the gloom of the dark ages overspread the earth, was that 
ofgunpowder. Roger Bacon, the first, was a physician of that period 
and expert in all the "customs and questions" of Alchemy. He ap- 
proached as near the discovery of the philosopher's stone as any other 
alchemist of that day, or ever will in time to come. In the progress 
of his experiments in search of this article as in that of elixir vit.e, 
which was to perpetuate life indefinitely, he blundered upon this im- 
portant agent in projectiles. And yet he never discovered gold in lead 
and his gunpowder proved anything else, than a panacea for the pro- 
longation of life- 19 
Medical science lias furnished a number of Statesmen and Patriots, 
In the halls of legislation, they are requisite in the passage of sanato- 
ry laws and those involving medico-legal considerations. Dr. Edwards 
whilst a member of Congress, obtained the passage of a bill providing 
for the confiscation of impure drugs, and imposing penalties for their 
introduction The consequence is, that a traffic, highly injurious to 
health and life, has been arrested, and our country is now supplied 
with pure and certain medicines. 
When we turn back to the history of the past, we indulge in proud 
reflection and grateful retrospection, to that epoch in the history of 
our beloved country, which marks the pages relating to our revolu- 
tion. There we find the names of Rush, Bartlett and Warren, all 
physicians, who mingled in the councils of that trying period. 
The latter died valiantly fighting upon the battle field, and a monument 
erected to the memory of the .patriot dead-by the gratitude of those 
who enjoy the blessings for which he shed his blood, now marks the 
spot where he fell. 
Whatever of good is to be found in the vital statistics of the world, 
has been the result of the labors of medical men, and in a particular 
manner of Dr. Price. To the Jurist, the Statesman and the Physiolo- 
gist, they are most important. In proportion to their importance, there 
is not yet a perfection in this department of knowledge in the world.- 
The subject however, is in the hands of the profession, who will give 
it an impetus which will lead to important results. 
Such then gentlemen, is the history of medical science, and such its 
origin. Although cultivated, practiced and propagated by slaves,- 
spurned by men and treated with contumely, because too degrading 
foreven a passing regard, by those of prominence and influence; yet it 
has risen to its present exalted position, and its history is that of every 
other great system, having its origin in humility ; and obscurity.- 
Such too the benefits it has conferred upon the other sciences and 
the arts, and like them has struggled into existence under opposing 
and discouraging circumstances. It hasbeen sanctified by the highest 
attributes of humanity, characterized by its all-pervading and happy 
influences upon the well-being of man, and honored and ennobled be- 
cause of the number, the devotion, the sacrifices, and the character 
of its disciples and votaries. It is with the noble purpose of entering 
upon its duties as the department of usefulness in life, which you 20 
have selected for yourselves, that you are now here among us.. The 
preparation is scarcely less arduous, or less responsible. In your 
initiatory steps, you will often falter, will often find yourselves gro- 
ping in darkness and your pathway obstructed. Patience must be 
exercised until the gloom be dispelled, and faithfulness and perseve- 
ranse will remove out of the way, opposing barriers. High attain- 
ments must be reached for, by an upward and an onward movement, 
for be assured they will never, unsolicited, descend to you. To 
attain to the honorable and dignified position to which you aspire in 
the world, you must labor to deserve it. And yet we would not dis- 
courage you. The dark and threatening storm-cloud which overcasts 
all nature in frightful gloom, often shows a silvery bright light along 
its margin. It may blacken the heavens for a time with its dark out- 
line, but soon the glories of the sun, which had been temporarily 
obscured, may pour forth beneath its dark shadows, and refiect upon 
its sombre face the bright hues of the rainbow of promise. It rests 
with yourselves, if you dasire the honors and rewards of a life devoted 
to the best interests of humanity. There does not exist that differ- 
ence which is generally supposed among minds, for subsequent 
circumstances often modify their destiny, in a good degree for useful- 
ness and efficiency. Perseverance, energy and action, are more 
frequently the elements of true greatness than intuition, mental 
strength and power. 
The history of all great men, as has already been shown, is the 
tale of toils, labors, disappointments and sacrifices. They have will- 
ed,-and it was done-they have persevered, and it was accomplished. 
Then let no circumstance discourage, let no difficulty dispirit 
you, let no obstacle arrest your progress. Be true to yourselves and 
you will be just to the great object for which you came, as well as to 
to those who follow you with their ardent hopes and wishes for 
your prosperity and success. 
The institution, in which you have enrolled yourselves for a time 
as pupils, offers you high inducements. If you studiously apply 
yourselves you will not go away disappointed in the prospect enter- 
tained for improvement. A strict supervisory care will be exercised 
over your your progress and every effort will be exerted for your ad- 
vancement. It is under highly favorable auspices and its capacity for 
usefulness is still on the insrease. There is a united harmonious de- 21 
sign, as there will be a united effort on the part of your instructors, 
to lead you on from step to step in the progress of your acquirements, 
and your best interests will be the constant and earnest study uf the 
faculty. 
It is under the parental care of the State Government through its 
trustees and it has the confidence and the prayers of community for 
its success. Our wise Legislators look upon it with the deepest so- 
licitude and interest because it is intimately incorporated and blend- 
ed with the well being of lhe State. The propession with a zeal and 
ardor worthy themselves and their high calling hope for it, labor for 
it, and look with pride upon it, as the dispenser of good and the 
fountain of medical truth and light. And its alumni placed around 
as sentinels, ever vigilant, and ever active in the exercise of their pro- 
fessional obligations, look back, and send back, their sinceie heartfelt 
prayers for the continued success of their alma mater. 
Under such auspices, with such encouragements, with the unanim- 
ity which prevails in its councils, with lhe devotion which every one 
connected with it displays for its present success and ultimate tri- 
umph; it is destined to a high jnd an elevated position as one of the 
institutions of the State. And if constant, unwearied effort and zeal, 
ever has or ever will effect aught in any great enterprise, much will 
be accomplished in this, because of the settled and fixed determina- 
tion that it shall prove still more worthy of being sustained, and that 
the profession and the people will enrol it as one of the essential el- 
ments of scientific advancement in the State. All that is required is 
that the favoring smile of a generous public and an enlightened pro- 
fession may be continued to it, and that their protecting aegis will be 
thrown over it. Then difficulties may surround it, enemies may as- 
sail it, and treasonable conspiracies may be formed to crush it, but all 
will fall harmless at its threshold or reflex back upon the authors of 
the foul and sacrilegious attempt at the destruction of one of the State's 
own institutions, and an object of solicitude on the part of the peo- 
ple. It would be vandalism to disturb one single fibril in its youthful 
structure, lest its healthfulness be interfered with and its capacity for 
good be impaired. 
We would call the attention of the citizens of the city, to the large 
increase over last session. A class, we are free to say without the 
fear of the charge of adulation, of as much intellectual promise, as any 22 
other class of the number. They are here from our own state, from 
other states around us; and some of them from the Eastern States; 
and nearly all are strangers. We ask for them, that which we aie 
assured they will receive at your hands; that considerate attention 
which they well deserve. And we would also say to our citizens, as 
we would say to the people of the state, you have evinced the live- 
liest interest in the success of this institution, and you have repeat" 
edly given substantial evidence of your regard for it. In this, you 
have acted intelligently, for the benefits substantively, mentally, mor- 
ally and socially, will be felt by you, and with the growth of the in- 
stitution, these benefits will multiply. We therefore ask a eontinua- 
tion of your friendship, and we do not as a faculty crave it because 
they are favors personally conferred upon us, for we derive no profit 
or emolumentfrom it, but we ask it in the name of medical science, of 
of the profession, and of society at large. ERRATA- 
4th Page, 15thline from top, for "strugged" read struggled, 
5th Page, 10th me from top, foreman" read mind. 
( th Page, 21st ine from top, for "promontory" read promontories. 
8th Page, 2nd lie from top, for the capital "C" substitute the small letter. 
8th Page,'8th lii|e from top,'strike out one "d" in shaddowed. 
9th Page, 9thJinfi from top, for "Albright" read Arkright. 
16th Page, 20tk line from top, for "triumph" read triumphs, 
21st Page, 8th line from top, for "prossession" read profession. 
A press of engagements prevented a mofe careful