HISTORY
OF HOMŒOPATHY
AND ITS
INSTITUTIONS IN AMERICA
By William
Harvey King, M. D., LL. D.
Presented by
Sylvain Cazalet
CHAPTER VI
HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC.
By James William
Ward, M. D.The Hahnemann Medical
College of the Pacific was the outgrowth of urgent needs in the west,
understood best by those pioneers of homœopathy who located here in
1850. The geographical isolation and distance from local centers
demanded the establishment of a special school for the teaching of
homœopathy on this Pacific coast. Notwithstanding grave difficulties
incident to all new ventures in our limited territory, the college
started and has kept on with gratifying success, meanwhile graduating
each year well trained representatives of the new school in medical
practice.On Jan. 12, 1881, the
first meeting directed toward the creation of this college was held in
the office of Dr. J. A. Albertson. The article states “for the
purpose of founding and establishing a homœopathic college in San
Francisco and incorporating under the law as made and provided in the
state of California.” to forward this object nine trustees were
elected with Dr. H. H. Ingerson, president, Dr. W. E. Ledyard,
secretary, and Dr. Sidney Worth, treasurer. This institution chose the
name of the Hahnemann Medical College of San Francisco and the
corporation was to exist for fifty years. At the next meeting the
capital stock was fixed at $5,000, with shares of $25 each. The date for
beginning the first course of lectures was June, 1882.Monthly meetings were
held until July 6, 1881. Because of the discouraging financial and
professional interest exhibited, we find the minutes of the last meeting
to read “adjourned to meet at the call of the president and
secretary at the same time and place.” The adjournment proved asine die, for it was not until two years thereafter, March 27,
1883, that five of the directors -Drs. Ingerson, Palmer, French, Canney
and Ledyard- again assembled. An urgent invitation to every homœopathic
physician interested to meet the directors called out at the next
meeting besides those just mentioned, Drs. Eckel, Bradley, Davis, Max
Werder, Boericke and Wilson, all of San Francisco, Wilcox of Woodland,
and McMahan of Oakland, California.At this stage of the
college history there are four names that should be written in letters
of gold in expression of indefatigable labor, keen initiative and
untiring energy -Drs. F. E. J. Canney. J. N. Eckel, C. B. Currier and
William Boericke. Year after year they labored unselfishly for the
cause, and special mention should here be made of their services. Their
interest began in 1881 and never has ended. In April, 1883, Dr. Sidney
Worth resigned as trustee and Dr. J. N. Eckel was elected to take his
place. About this time Dr. Ingerson died, a most active spirit in the
enterprise, and his loss was keenly fell. Dr. Eckel was wisely elected
at the following meeting to the presidency, and Dr. Boericke became a
director. Dr. Currier was chosen to fill the vacancy made by the
resignation of Dr. W. A. Ely.Photo : C. B. Currier, M. D., First Dean of the
College.In July, 1883, though
not in compliance with the law until January, 1884, $5,000 capital stock
was increased to $25,000, and the number of the directors was fixed at
nine. At this time there appeared in the July, 1883, issue of the
“California Homœopath” the following editorial written by its
editor, Dr. Wm. Boericke, clearly reaching out for aid from a united
profession :“The Hahnemann
Medical College of San Francisco is an accomplished fact-on paper and in
the intention of earnest and live men. The last meeting of the directors
gave assurance that the foundations of the new college will be broad and
deep, and in sympathy with the best phases of our professional life, and
will do honor to the cause. A committee was appointed to make an appeal
to every homœopathic physician on this coast, and also to enlist the
sympathetic co-operation of influential laymen. This latter will
certainly follow if we first do our duty. Every homœopathic physician
on this coast, and especially in this state, has a personal interest in
this most important and far-reaching move. He ought to contribute his
influence and money and mental endowments to this object : his
influence to bring general recognition to this new centre of homœopathy ;
his money to make it independent and self-supporting ; and his
intellectual aid to keep it free from all narrowness and bigotry and
professional axe-grinding. We all have a duty in this matter from which
there is no escape ; let us meet it enthusiastically and devotedly.
Then the new college will be an honor to the cause ; it will
advance homœopathy, and thus be of untold advantage to the community at
large ; and it will take its stand among its sister colleges
throughout the land (their peer) and form another star in the galaxy of
luminaries that spread the fight -and truth of the law of cure, similia
similibus.The following appeal is
issued by the committee appointed by the directors of the Hahnemann
Medical College of San Francisco, to which we gladly give space ;
hoping the response thereto will be prompt and worthy of it :San Francisco, July 10th,
1883.Dear Doctor,
In the interests of
homœopathy on the Pacific coast, it has been finally decided to
establish a medical college in this city, to be opened in June of the
coming year, and which shall be known as the Hahnemann Medical College
of San Francisco.In order that the
institution may be based upon a firm and substantial foundation, it
has been deemed advisable by the undersigned directors that a stock
combination shall be formed with a capital of $25,000 in shares of
$100 each -with the understanding that until the whole amount of
$25,000 has been guaranteed by subscription, no claim shall be made
upon subscribers.In case that the
whole amount asked for is subscribed, 10 or 20 per cent will be all
that will be required on subscription for the first year.Trusting that the
course adopted by the directors will meet your approval, they
earnestly appeal to you for your hearty co-operation, and substantial
proof of your endorsement in a subscription worthy of a good cause and
the medical profession on this coast.Please return at your
earliest opportunity to the secretary of the Hahnemann Medical College
of San Francisco, Dr. W. E. Ledyard, 209 Powell street, San Francisco,
the enclosed blank for the number of shares with which you desire to
help on the good work.Fraternally yours,
J. N. ECKEL, M. D.
W. E. LEDYARD, M. D.
G. H. PALMER, M. D.
C. B. CURRIER, M. D.
J. A. ALBERTSON, M. D.
H. C. FRENCH, M. D.
F. E. J. CANNEY, M. D.
WM. BOERICKE, M. D.
F. F. DE DERKY, M. D.
C. B. CURRIER,
WM. BOERICKE,
Committee.
This letter and the
consequent subscription to the stock was really the beginning of the
college. In March, 1884, by resolution the unsold stock was taken up by
the directors of the college, who again filled the breach. On September
25, 1883, the first faculty meeting was called at 209 Powell street.
There were present at that meeting Drs. Albertson, professor emeritus of
obstetrics ; Eckel, professor of children’s diseases ; Palmer
and Canney, professors of surgery ; Currier, professor of diseases
of the throat ; Boericke, professor of materia medica : Pease,
professor of gynæcology ; Curtis, professor of anatomy ;
Worth, professor of theory and practice ; Ledyard, professor of
clinical medicine ; Davis, professor of obstetrics ; French,
professor of ophthalmology and otology ; and E. A. Schreck,
professor of chemistry. By the unanimous vote of the faculty, Dr. C. B.
Currier was elected dean, and with the exception of a couple of years,
he served in that capacity for eleven years, in season and out of
season, through thick and thin, working not for self, but entirely for
the good of the institution.
It was to Dr. Currier’s
untiring energy and unflinching zeal during the early years of this
college that its very existence was due. Through him the spirit of
development rose and penetrated the profession from north to south. By
him was conceived the idea for the erection of a new building and by him
plans were formed for the same, but for lack of help from professional
friends it was not consummated during his service.
At the meeting
mentioned above Dr. H. C. French was made registrar. To the above list
of names constituting the faculty was later on added those of Dr. B. P.
Wall, professor of physiology ; Dr. A. C. Peterson, lecturer on
anatomy and histology of the eye and ear ; Dr. McMahon, lecturer on
pathology., Dr. W. A. Dewey, lecturer on venereal and skin
diseases ; and Dr. W. E. Ledyard, demonstrator of anatomy.
These, then, with the
names already mentioned, constituted the faculty with which the
Hahnemann Medical College of San Francisco opened its doors. According
to a resolution passed at that time, they were to serve without
remuneration and, I am pleased to say, that resolution never was
repealed. In the editorial for the concluding number of the first year
of the “California Homœopath” the pen of its able writer and
editor again pleads for an earnest upbuilding.
“The establishment
of a homœopathic medical college in San Francisco is no longer a
debatable question, but is rapidly assuming a shape of reality ;
and even those among us who a few months ago were inclined to declare
the action premature, are now unanimously agreed that the time is ripe
when the interests of homœopathy in California absolutely require a
medical college.
“In the rapid
march of railroad progress hundreds of new towns and villages are
springing up like magic all over our own state and through the
territories of the Pacific slope -and the growing demand for physicians
is supplied almost entirely from the two old school colleges in this
city- not-withstanding that from these new and flourishing places the
cry constantly comes send us good homœopathic physicians, but the call
has been made in vain, there being no supply to meet the demand.
“Students in our
eastern colleges, as a rule, find good locations among friends nearer
home, and as a result homœopathy is more poorly represented in
California than almost any other portion of the United States.
“Among the
objections raised by some who have opposed our movement is the one that
we have no experienced teachers at home, but the agitation of that
question has proven the fact that we have among us a number of
physicians who have been teachers in eastern colleges and others
possessing splendid ability for teaching, and the professional chairs in
our colleges can all be filled by men of ripe experience and good
ability.
Another objection
offered has been that not enough students could be found to form a full
class, but this objection has already been met and answered by the fact
that several students have at this early day made application for
admission to the first course of lectures in the proposed homœopathic
college and the first session will undoubtedly not fail for want of
students, and the necessity of relinquishing a medical education for
want of means to go east to prosecute studies need no longer deter a
young man from entering the profession.
“Among the
advantages in favor of a medical college in San Francisco, is foremost
the particular adaptability of the climate to the study of anatomy, the
cool summer months with their constant sea breezes giving a fine
temperature for purposes of dissection. No other city in the world can
offer so great advantages in summer for this study, and an advantage to
be considered in a summer term of lectures is that it is the healthiest
season of the year in San Francisco and professors would consequently
have ample time to devote to their college duties.
“It is earnestly
hoped that every member of our profession will, each and every one, by
moral support, money, students and in any other way, as much as in them
lies, do all in his power to forward the cause of medical education in
our midst, and make for this, the first institution of its kind on the
Pacific coast having for its standard the grand law of similia similibus
curantur a reputation that shall grow stronger and higher as years roll
on, until its alumni shall be found in every portion of the civilized
globe-ranking among the first in the healing art.”
The college now chose
for its home the building formerly occupied by the university college
and built for a Baptist church, on the corner of Stockton and Geary
streets. Here its first course of lectures were delivered as told in an
editorial from the “California Homœopath,” appearing at the
time :
“The Hahnemann
Medical College of San Francisco began its first course of lectures on
Tuesday, June 3, 1884, to continue five months. A class of sixteen
students, as bright and promising a set of medical students as we ever
saw congregated in any college, matriculated, and there is promise of a
few more who could not be here on time. The professors entered upon
their duties enthusiastically ; the clinics offer abundant material
for instruction : the dissecting room is well provided with
subjects and everything promises a brilliant and in every way successful
future. We hope our colleagues in the country will come -forward and
support heartily this important institution- important for homœopathy
on this coast, and indeed for the homœopathic school everywhere ;
for our isolation and distance from the medical centres demand a
separate school, which we must develop and support in order to worthily
represent the noble cause we have espoused.
“It may be asked,
in view of the existing medical colleges in this city, what right we
have for the establishment of another one devoted to the teachings of
homœopathy. Plainly, the right that comes from the possession of a
principle that is net recognized by these colleges. We believe that we
have such a principle in the law of similia,
and just so long as we are faithful to it and in our teachings uphold
only the best and truest interpretations of that law -in short, just so
long as we teach homœopathy as an inductive science in the spirit of
Hahnemann, Hering and Dunham- just so long we have a right to our
separate existence, and no longer ; for if our college gives up in
its teachings and practice the purity of the homœopathic method it
becomes eclectic merely, and with it forfeits its right to a separate
existence. In the words of Constantine Hering : ‘If our school
gives up the strict inductive method of Hahnemann we are lost and
deserve only to be mentioned as a caricature in the history of
medicine.’ “
The college was soon
removed to No. 115 Haight street, to a building formerly used by the
medical department of the University of the Pacific. Here we have the
home of the college passing from hydropathy to allopathy and from
allopathy to homœopathy. For fifteen years the college made its home on
Haight street, in a building ill-adapted for college work, cold,
cheerless, dark and unsanitary. The class was composed of those who were
entering college for the first year and by others who by necessity were
compelled to go to other medical colleges in San Francisco, there being
no homœopathic institutions. Having admitted such, it permitted a
senior class to be formed and a graduation to take place at the close of
the year. Preliminary to the opening a dispensary, long in existence and
known as the Pacific Homœopathic Dispensary, was affiliated with the
college and thereby afforded clinical opportunity to the students which
they could have received in no other way.
On March 17, 1884, a
gift of twenty volumes of medical works by Dr. J. N. Eckel formed the
nucleus of a library which now numbers several thousand volumes.
Afterward Dr. Eckel supplemented his original gift, and material
additions have been made through funds furnished by the faculty in 1887
and by gifts from Drs. Arndt, Simpson, Guy, Hiller and others who in
these early days added these gifts year after year and so created a
substantial basis for a library.
The first graduation of
the Hahnemann Medical College occurred on the evening of the last Friday
in October, 1884. The exercises were held in Red Men’s hall on Post
street. Some one present at the time described it “a home-like
affair and most enjoyable.” Addresses were made by Drs. S. P.
Burdick, of New York, C. B. Currier and J. N. Eckel. Six students were
graduated at this first commencement, namely ; C. N. Bronson, F. C.
Hood, J. L. McClelland, W. H. Roberts, J. Towpsend and J. N. Young. The
graduating exercises were followed by a banquet to the faculty and
graduates at the home of that chief of hosts, the president, Prof. J. N.
Eckel. At this period the earnestness of the profession is best
expressed in the following editorial of the September, 1884, issue of
the “California Homœopath.”
We hold it to be the
duty of every homœopathic physician to encourage the efforts of the
Hahnemann Medical College of San Francisco to teach pure homœopathy on
this coast. The most feasible method of encouraging this effort is to
send to this institution students who are intelligent, with good
preliminary y education, to receive their medical training. It is both
unnecessary and unjust to our workers in this cause to send students
desiring homœopathic instruction east, or to one of the old school
colleges on this coast. The results will prove that we are as able to
insure good work as our eastern and old school colleagues here, and we
save our students the expense of a long journey on the one hand and the
deleterious influences of a one-sided, exclusive, dogmatic medical
training on the other -a training whose every phase is characterized by
faithlessness in the efficiency of drugs chosen according to the
homœopathic law of cure- the only method that is in harmony with
physiology and all scientific researches.
“The policy of the
college is one that ought to appeal to every homœopath throughout the
land, and certainly gain for it the respect at least of all medical men
of every school. It is to teach the principles of homœopathy as a
science and to illustrate practically their application to the various
branches of medicine. It is the desire of the faculty and directors of
the Hahnemann college to abide by the literal interpretation of their
announcement, and our ready acceptance of the programme of the
inter-collegiate committee of the American institute shows our position
in aiming at and maintaining a high standard of medical education, and
thereby achieve the only desirable results. We do not care for great
numbers and certainly do not want any unless they come to us in freedom
and with the earnest desire to learn true homœopathy from a
homœopathic institution. Have we not a right, therefore, to expect the
sympathy and co-operation of every homœopathic physician on this coast ?”
Following the first
graduation, the success of the college being now assured, the faculty
for the next year was selected with but few changes to be noted. Effort
was made at this time to obtain clinical facilities at the city and
county hospital, but notwithstanding the consent of the board of
supervisors, the municipal medical authorities denied the privilege. In
the fall of 1885 Dr. F. E. J. Canney, one of the earliest workers toward
college up-building and harmony, resigned from the directorate to take
up his home in Montana. Dr. James W. Ward was elected to fill the
vacancy thus created by the resignation of Dr. Canney.
The graduating class of
1885 consisted of four students. It is interesting to note that as early
as this date a committee was appointed to select a building site for the
college. This, however, never materialized. In 1886
Mr. E. A. Schreck, a
valued worker who had been registrar of the college and professor of
chemistry, suddenly died. Dr. W. A. Dewey was now elected registrar,
which position he held for several years following. In 1886, upon motion
of Dr. Ward, Prof. Wm. Tod Helmuth, of New York city, was given an
honorary degree. This was given in honor of the vast labors of this
illustrious surgeon and as a token of the regard in which he was held by
his admirers in San Francisco.
It was in 1886 that the
first delegates to the international committee of the American Institute
of Homœopathy was chosen, consisting of Drs. Boericke and French.
During 1885 and 1886 the institution passed through one of those severe
professional trials common to young institutions and in sections where
professional strife is possible. It arose upon the granting of a pro honore diploma, which caused a break in the
faculty and several resignations. It was finally explained to the
satisfaction of those who were friendly to the upbuilding of this
western institution. At this time resolutions of confidence in Dean
Currier’s labors were passed, in opposition to circulatory letters and
statements which were spread broadcast by his opponents.
The Hospital Movement. Early in 1887 the college developed
its first hospital enterprise, established in a very modest way a few
beds in a small cottage on Sacramento street, Dr. James W. Ward as
superintendent, and Dr. Sidney Smith as resident physician.
It became necessary in
order to develop a hospital to change the title of the college and to
form a corporation called the Hahnemann Hospital College of San
Francisco was turned over to the new board and the instituyard as
secretary and Dr. J. A. Albertson as treasurer. Immediately upon the
organization on December a, 1887, the stock of the Hahnemann Medical
College of San Francisco was turned over to the new board and the
institution under its new name commenced life, which continued for
several years. In 1888 the board of trustees was increased to thirteen,
and at this time the names of Dr. James Lilienthal, G. E. Davis, A. G.
Peterson and R. H. Curtis were added to the pre-existing trustees.
Treasurer J. A. Albertson resigned and was elected dean and Dr. Dewey
continued as registrar. Dr. Boericke was made treasurer, remaining so
but a few months, to be followed by Dr. A. C. Peterson, who held office
for fifteen years. About this time, because of failing health, Dr. Eckel
found it necessary to resign the office of president, and Dr. J. A.
Albertson was elected to fill the vacancy thus created. Dr. Dewey
resigned from the trustees and faculty.
The next step in
development of better hospital facilities was the moving of the
institution to Paige street, in 1888, within two blocks of the college,
thus affording better opportunities for clinical demonstration. The
internal strife which had lasted for some time in the college, the lack
of support from professional men throughout the state, the assessment
upon the college stock and the constant financial depletion of its
professors, caused a dissension within the faculty concerning the
propriety of maintaining the hospital. This was increased by the
antagonism raised in the vicinity of the hospital by declaring it a
nuisance and the arrest and imprisonment of its superintendent, Dr.
James W. Ward. It may be added in passing that his arrest was instituted
on the ground of an ordinance which the supervisors of the city and
county of San Francisco had enacted, prohibiting the establishment or
maintenance of hospitals within certain distances of the city hall. Upon
instituting habeas corpus proceedings, Dr. Ward carried the suit to the
Supreme court and through the counsel of T. I. Bergin, a prominent
attorney at the time, the ordinance was found defective and the
proceedings were dismissed.
A difference of opinion
as to the policy of suppressing the hospital became so active,
maintained to be absolutely essential by Drs. Ward and James Lilienthal,
that they resigned rather than to give consent to the doing away with
the clinical arm of the college. It was then closed. Dr. Samuel E.
Lilienthal, at the tune professor of neurology, in sympathy with the
position taken by his son and Dr. Ward, resigned and never again was
connected with the college faculty.
Returning now to the
college history, Dr. George H. Martin was elected to fill the vacancy
among the trustees and several laymen also were chosen Columbus
Waterhouse, David Bush and Hon. S. M. Shortridge. Dr. Davis was chosen
dean in 1890, Dr. Dewey as registrar, and an advisory board was
appointed to aid in the management of affairs. Dr. Geo. H. Palmer
resigned at this time and Dr. C. B. Currier retired from the deanship.
The senior class became dissatisfied with the retrenching policy of the
new board of trustees, and because of the leaving from the faculty of
several of its best teachers felt it incumbent upon themselves to leave
the institution as students and to complete their course in medicine in
Chicago.
Several changes in 1890
are to be recorded : : Dr. Boericke and Dr. Ledyard resigned
from the board of trustees, and W. G. Campbell and W. A. Dorn were
selected to fill their places. Dr. J. A. Albertson resigned as trustee,
and Columbus Waterhouse was chosen as head of the board ; Dr. Geo.
H. Martin became secretary of that body. In 1891 legal questions of
incorporation were raised, and in order to fulfill conditions of law
regarding the Hahnemann Hospital College of San Francisco, papers were
again taken out, with Columbus Waterhouse, president ; Dr. J. A.
Albertson, vice-president ; Dr. G. H. Martin, secretary, and W. S.
Dorn, W. G. Campbell, David Bush, Dr. R. H. Curtis, Dr. A. C. Peterson,
Dr. Sidney Worth, Dr. H. C. French and Dr. G. E. Davis as co-working
trustees. Some few changes took place in the faculty. The graduating
exercises were held in the new I. O. O. F. hall on Dec. 10, 1891.
During 1892 Drs. Davis
and Dewey were again dean and registrar. The changes that then took
place in the board of trustees were the resignations of Mr. Bush and Dr.
Worth, and the expiration of Mr. Campbell’s term, with Drs. Currier,
Boericke and Dewey to fill their places.
A desire was uppermost
at this time in the minds of the trustees and faculty to do something
toward obtaining a permanent home and thereby advancing homœopathy. The
former desire caused inquiries to be made toward the purchase of the
theological seminary building on Haight street, and also the property
occupied by the college. Endeavors were made to raise funds, all of
which did not succeed, so that the lease of the former quarters was
renewed.
Toward the advancement
of homœopathy a petition was presented to the board of health for a
ward in the city and county hospital, while articles were written for
the papers, but all to no purpose. Then was first suggested the plan for
affiliation with the state university.
Commencement exercises
tools place December 1, again at Odd Fellows hall, with a class of
eight, the address being given by Dr. Geo. H. Martin, a large audience
being present.
In 1893 the old board
of trustees was elected at the annual meeting, and organized with
Columbus Waterhouse, president ; Dr. J. A. Albertson,
vice-president, Dr. Geo. H. Martin, secretary, and Dr. A. C. Peterson,
treasurer. This year was marked by many changes in the board and
faculty. Financial affairs were not of the best, and it was necessary to
levy an assessment on the stock, which helped to straighten out the
condition. Dr. Currier was again placed at the head as dean, and Dr.
Boericke became registrar. Among the several changes in the board were
the resignations of Dr. R. H. Curtis, Dr. G. E. Davis, Dr. H. C. French,
Dr. Dewey, and Mr. Waterhouse and Mr. Dorn, and in their places were put
Dr. Eckel, president, Dr. J. W. Ward, Hon. Horace Davis, P. G. Galpin,
Dr. G. H. Palmer and Dr. J. E. Lilienthal. The faculty changes were more
numerous, but did not interfere with the course as laid out. The library
was increased this year by fifty volumes given by Dr. H. R. Arndt, and
later by the donation of Dr. Wm. Simpson. The graduating exercises were
held at the I. O. O. F. hall on November 18, and degrees were conferred
upon a class of seven.
Photo : Hahnemann Hospital College of San Francisco.
The year 1894 showed
fewer changes, and matters moved more smoothly than for some time. The
board of trustees then consisted of Dr. Eckel, president ; Dr.
Albertson, vice-president ; Dr. Martin, secretary, and Dr.
Peterson, treasurer, also Drs. Plamer, Currier, Ward, Lilienthal, Wm.
Boericke and Messrs. Davis and Galpin. Drs. Currier and Boericke
continued as dean and registrar, respectively.
Dr. Boericke, who had
for some time been superintendent of the dispensary, wished to be
relieved, and consequently Dr. James E. Lilienthal took his place. As
delegates to the intercollegiate association of the American Institute
of Homœopathy which met at Denver, Drs. Simpson and Boericke were
appointed. It was at this time that Dr. Boericke and others from the
west endeavored to show that a four years’ course would be detrimental
to the interest and growth of small colleges, but the institute decided
to advise such a course, and this college at once inaugurated such a
course, of seven months each, to begin with the next session. This was
to its credit, and was in advance of the action of the eastern colleges.
The homœopathic
hospital having closed its doors some time previous, as mentioned
heretofore, many plans were suggested for raising funds for the erection
of a hospital building. Again the subject of the college owning its own
building was discussed and some plans were suggested looking to the
purchase of the Haight street property, but it was found that it could
not be obtained, thus disposing of that idea for all time.
A class of twelve
graduated November 30, 1894, at the I. O. O. F. hall, with address by
General Barnes. It was the greatest gathering in the history of the
college. It was then decided that a fall term should be re-established,
to be begun in October of the next year.
In 1895 the same board
of directors, the same officers, and the same faculty were elected, and
no change was made in dean or registrar. A new governor having come into
office and his leanings being toward homœopathy, he was petitioned for
a homœopathic representative on the board of health, but it was decided
against us for fear of “disagreements in the board.” A new
charter for the city of San Francisco was now being drawn up for the
forthcoming election.
Among the freeholders
elected to form this charter were three outspoken friends of homœopathy
-Joseph Britton, J. J. O’Brien and H. L. Davis, all patients of Dr.
Ward, through whose influence they gave their hearty support in order
that nothing should be inserted in the charter departing from the lines
of liberal medicine. Earnest effort was then made by old school colleges
of the city to designate the institutions to supply internes to the city
and county hospital. The three distinguished freeholders mentioned,
through earnest efforts of the chairman, Mr. Joseph Britton, prevented
any infringement upon the rights of the homœopathic school. This laid
the foundation for the present prosperity in municipal recognition.
College and hospital
plans were again suggested, and a committee consisting of Drs. Palmer
and Currier was appointed to select a site for a new college and
hospital. Early in 1895 was chosen the lot on the corner of Sacramento
and Maple streets, and an assessment upon the capital stock paid for it.
Dr. Lilienthal was appointed a delegate to the inter-collegiate
association. Dr. Albert Hiller made a donation of books to the library
at this time.
On August 29 the
graduating exercises took place at Odd Fellows’ hall, with a class of
thirteen. At the close of the term Dr. Eckel resigned the presidency and
Dr. Martin the secretaryship. In September, 1895, the death of Dr. J. E.
Lilienthal, an active worker and a strong friend of the college, took
place. This was indeed a great loss. This left three vacancies on the
board, which were later filled by Drs. Bronson, E. R. Bryant and Mr. J.
Brooks Palmer, LL. D., the latter also being made secretary. The change
having been made to a winter term, the semester opened early in October,
1895.
Meanwhile “The
Little Jim Ward” at the Children’s Hospital having been erected, an
offer was made by the college to take charge of a portion of it, but was
declined, as well as another request for some other ward in the same
institution.
For a time in 1896 it
seemed as if the college would have to discontinue sessions, for while
the classes were large the financial condition was poor, and many were
losing their interest in its affairs. True, the site had been selected
for a new college, but the assessments were not met with favor and much
dissatisfaction was felt. The winter term closed April 29, 1896, at
Native Sons’ hall, with a class of eleven, Dr. H. R. Arndt of San Diego
delivering the address.
Soon it became
necessary to prepare for the announcement and the selection of a faculty
for the coming year. Many plans arose ; some favored the closing of
the college for two years, others favored moving, and still others
advocated an assessment. The position of dean was not a sinecure, and
was not eagerly sought. Under such conditions Dr. A. C. Peterson was
elected dean, and great credit is due him for his endeavors in tiding
over the affairs at this critical time, when, if the suggestions of some
had been acted upon and the college closed, it is doubtful if it would
have ever been opened again. The directors lost some seven of their
number by resignation. Drs. C. L. Tisdale, J. S. Ballard and F. G.
Canney and later Dr. A. E. Small of Oakland, and Dr. Worth were
appointed in their place. Dr. Albertson was made president and Dr.
Tisdale vice-president. Many of the old members of the faculty resigned,
so that with a new board, new officers and almost a new faculty the term
began on September 30, 1896.
The college expenses
were reduced wherever practicable, and as far as could be economical
measures were employed. The faculty and class, understanding the
condition of things, worked together for the benefit of the college. At
one time it was rumored that a change was to be made and new quarters
provided on Mission and Fourteenth streets, but these plans never
materialized on account of other suggestions.
Very early in 1897, the
previous difficulty having been patched up and a better understanding
arrived at, Drs. Palmer, Ward, Boericke and Martin were re-appointed on
the board, Drs. Small, Worth and Ballard resigning to give them place.
New energy was then infused and every endeavor was made toward the plan
of affiliation with the state university. A petition and strong
resolutions were drawn up and presented to the board of regents,
proposing such affiliation, and a committee consisting of Drs. Ward,
Palmer, Martin, Tisdale, Currier, Boericke and Peterson was appointed to
attend to the matter. This committee, with prominent laymen, worked hard
for the success of the plan. The allopaths, by their county societies,
individual members, resolutions, influence and other means worked to
defeat the proposition. Although it was held in abeyance for some months
by the regents, of whom the governor and several regents were homœopaths
and favorable, and although arguments from both sides were listened to
and considered, the proposition was defeated “for economic
reasons.”
Such defeat failed to
discourage and in fact seemed to stimulate, for from this time on the
thoughts centered upon a home of their own. This decision of the regents
did not take place until August, 1897. Meanwhile, on April 29 a class of
nineteen -the largest in the history of the institution- was graduated
with most enjoyable exercises at the Native Sons’ hall, addressed by
Hon. Wm. H. Jordan. At the July meeting of the trustees Dr. Bronson
retired from the board, and later Drs. Albertson and Martin presented
their resignations. Drs. Peterson and Bryant were re-elected dean and
registrar. The suggestion to move was deemed unwise at the time, and it
was decided to hold one more year at “the old stand,” so the
term was opened October 13, 1897, with an address by Dr. Ward. During
this year a small bequest from N. L. F. Morgan of London to the
Hahnemann dispensary was received, coming at an opportune time.
The 1898 graduating
class was small, being the first class under the four years’ course. It
consisted of two members, and the exercises were held at the college on
May 5. At that time also was conferred on T. Grisword Comstock, M. D.,
of St. Louis, an honorary degree for his active and noble work for homœopathy.
At the next election Drs. Peterson and Bryant were for the third time
elected. The current debts were met by an assessment on stockholders.
The course was again changed in 1899 from winter to summer (July to
February), as having special advantages in this climate with western
conditions.
THE NEW HOME OF THE COLLEGE.
During 1899 the building and its
construction filled the minds of all. On May 4 the last class to
graduate in the old building, occupied since 1884, completed its course,
and three graduates received the degree of M. D. from the hands of the
vice-president, Dr. Tisdale, Dr. Palmer making the address, At the
meeting May 24, 1899, Dr. James W. Ward was elected dean and Dr. E. R.
Bryant registrar. The cornerstone of the college had been laid on
February 4 and on July 25 dedicatory exercises were held, marking the
opening of the seventeenth session. Addresses were made at that time by
the vice-president, Dr. Tisdale, Mayor Phelan and the dean, Dr. Ward,
and were listened to by the large audience filling Eldridge hall. On the
next day the new faculty began lectures.
It is interesting (as
the first faculty with a list of the chairs has been given) to mention
the names of the faculty for the term of 1899-1900 :
C. B. Currier, M. D., emeritus professor of
diseases of throat and chest.Wm. Boericke, M. D., professor of materia medica
and therapeutics.Guy E. Manning, M. D., lecturer on materia medica.
C. L. Tisdale, M. D., professor of theory and
practice.J. N. Eckel, M. D., professor of pædiatry.
Sidney Worth ; A. B., M. D., professor of
clinical medicine.J. Kastendieck, M. D., professor of mental and
nervous diseases.A. C. Hart, M. D., D. D. S., lecturer on
stomatology.J. E. Nicholson, M. D., lecturer on hygiene.
Geo. H. Palmer, M. D., professor of surgery.
E. R. Bryant, Ph. M., M. D., associate professor of
surgery.B. N. Dow, M. D., lecturer on genito-urinary
diseases.E. S. Grigsby, M. D., lecturer on orthopædic
surgery.Florence N. Ward, M. D., professor of obstetrics.
James W. Ward, M. D., professor of medical and
surgical diseases of women.A. C. Peterson, M. D., professor of opthalmology,
otology and laryngology.Grant Selfridge, M. D., clinical professor of
otology, rhinology and laryngology.F. G. Canney, M. D., professor of descriptive and
surgical anatomy.R. H. Clement, M. D., lecturer on descriptive and
surgical anatomy.Joseph Brooks, M. D., lecturer on osteography and
syndesmography.C. D. Potter, M. D., demonstrator of anatomy.
F. H. Hadley, A. M., of Stanford University,
lecturer on comparative anatomy and histology.Guy E. Manning, M. D., professor of physiology.
Wm. Simpson, M. D., lecturer on sanitary science.
H. M. McQueen, Ph. G., lecturer on medical
chemistry and botany.F. L. Bateman, M. D., lecturer on toxicology.
F. G. Canney, M. D., professor of pathology and
bacteriology.Brooks Palmer, Ph. B., LL. B., professor of medical
jurisprudence.C. D. Potter, M. D., lecturer on dermatology and
syphilography.G. S. VonWedelstaedt, M. D., lecturer on
electrology.
It is interesting to
note the incipient efforts toward acquiring a college building in 1898.
The first suggestion of the plan finally fulfilled was made by a student
of the college, then in attendance, that a subscription list should be
developed to form a fund for building purposes. This suggestion was made
at a dinner given to the senior class at the home of Dr. Ward by the
student mentioned, I. R. Aikin. Seventeen hundred and fifty dollars was
raised within a few minutes.
Mr. Hoyle, taking up
the plan, devoted almost his entire time to the object in hand. Taking
the subscription list and going to the rescue, he renewed the notes and
traveling from one end of the state to the other at his own
expense ; interviewed all homœopathic practitioners and obtained
from them promises of aid. About $7,350 was finally pledged through Drs.
Geo. H. Palmer, A. C. Peterson, J. W. Ward, F. N. Ward, E. S. Breyfogle,
E. R. Bryant, J. A. Albertson, Wm. Boericke, J. S. Ballard, S. Worth, G.
Selfridge, F. G. Canney, J. Kastendjeck, H. R. Clement, G. E. Manning,
A. G. Bailey, B. N. Dow, J. Brooks, C. D. Potter, W. M. Lamb, Ida B.
Cameron, E. S. Lynch, F. L. Bateman, Laura B. Hurd, and E. P. Hoyle,
Esq., of San Francisco ; Drs. Carra B. Scofield, N. H. Chamberlain,
Eva L. Harris, Susan J. Fenton, Hugh Ross, Alice M. Bush, E. Nicholson
and R. L. Hill, Jr., of Oakland ; Dr. C. L. Tisdale of
Alameda ; Drs. H. B. Gates, Amelia L. Gates, W. E. Keith of San
Jose ; Drs. Tapley and Russell of Marysville ; Dr. Rachael
Lain of Vallejo ; Dr. Phillipina Wagner of Carson, Nevada, and Dr.
N. P. Crooks of Santa Barbara.
But the limit seemed to
be reached, and while there were many more whose wishes were with them
in their endeavors, other plans and purposes prevented. This was the
case with the southern brethren, who already had hospital plans on the
way, but who showed their good will a few months later in fitting up the
laboratory. Word was finally sent to the trustees of the Southern Homœopathic
Dispensary, asking their aid. They most nobly responded with a
subscription of $3,000, payable at once. These trustees comprised Drs.
J. W. Ward and F. N. Ward and Messrs. E. R. and Jesse Lilienthal, and
the amount given was what had accrued in thirteen years from a
dispensary started by the Drs. Ward and James E. Lilienthal in 1888.
This glorious addition of almost one-half of what had already been
raised brought the sum up to more than ten thousand dollars and raised
the hopes of all the interested ones, for the appeal stated that no
amount would be due unless the sum of $10,000 was subscribed.
Next came an assessment
of ten dollars per share on the capital stock in order to free the lot
of debt, and $2,900 was raised from the trustees. This freed the land of
incumbrance and left $1,000 in gold coin in the bank.
Too much praise cannot
be given to Mr. George Lang, the contractor of the college, who, being
an ardent homœopath, refused to accept a single dollar of personal
remuneration for all his painstaking and admirable work.
He watched it all most
carefully, and it is through him that there was erected for $10,000 what
is mentioned as a marvel of a building for that price. Dr. Guy E.
Manning, to whom we are indebted for many details of this history, has
well described the structure :
“The new building
stands on the corner of Maple and Sacramento streets, with a frontage of
fifty-four feet on the latter and fifty-nine feet on the former street.
There is still left sufficient ground on the south for a hospital, and
on the east for enlarging the college when necessary. The building is
colonial in style, and while it is nearly square the entrances and the
architecture of the roof relieve the plainness which otherwise would
exist. The basement is of brick, the remainder frame, making in all four
floors. The main entrance, from Sacramento street, is by a wide stairway
leading to a porch which, by means of four fluted pillars, support the
porch. Above the pillars in bold relief, with letters of gold upon a
pure white background, are the words
‘HAHNEMANN HOSPITAL COLLEGE.’
As Maple street slopes
materially toward the south it permits of another entrance to the
basement, which forms the polyclinic entrance. It is protected by a
small awning, mounted on pillars, and containing the word ‘Polyclinic.’
The main corridor of the basement is entered from Sacramento street. The
roof supports several dormer windows and is surmounted by an artistic
railing. Windows are plentiful, and with the skylights giving an
abundance of light in each of the apartments, which is not even
prevented by adjoining structures.
“In the basement,
entering from Sacramento street, is a main corridor, on the left side of
which are two rooms for the use of the student, one for ladies and the
other for gentlemen, both containing numerous lock closets for wraps,
etc. On the right of the hall are wide stairs to the next floor. Further
down opens a small corridor, entering the heating and ventilating room
in front, and a light gynecological room with dressing room attached.
The gynecological room is one of the suite forming the college
dispensary, and is supplied with a Yale chair, instrument case and glass
enamel table, besides necessary extras. These rooms are arranged on each
side of a corridor, running across the building, and can be entered
directly from Maple street. This suite consists of a medical room,
ophthalmic room, surgical ward, and an operating amphitheatre, all
provided with a fine southern light, the latter having also a skylight
which admirably adapts it for small operations. These rooms open into
each other and also into the hall. On the opposite side of the corridor
is the pharmacy, where the medicines for the clinics are dispensed, and
from which a stairway leads to the college floor. Further on is a dark
room, which may be used by all, and still further is the gynecological
room already described.
“The first floor
is entered by a wide stairway and portico from Sacramento street. A wide
entrance from above and below runs back to Eldridge hall, the main
lecture room, thirty-four by forty-five feet in size, with a seating
capacity for two hundred and fifty. It is abundantly supplied with light
from the south and west. The platform is fitted up with a neat reading
desk and chairs, is reached from the back passageway leading from the
professors’ room, and also from a chart room on the corresponding side.
On the right side of the main hall is a large and exceedingly pleasant
students’ room, supplied with reading desk and table, on which are found
medical journals from all over the world. A part of this room is an
alcove, around the sides of which run cushioned benches built into the
wall, making a typical study-room.
“On the other side
of the hall is the commodious library, containing the handsome
collection of volumes by Drs. Samuel and James Lilienthal, which now
belongs to the college. These are encased behind glass doors. From this
room entrance can be made into a professors’ room and into a reading
room in front, which is in reality an annex to the library and contains
a portion of the books.
“Occupying the
greater part of the second floor and running up through the third is the
amphitheatre, semi-circular in form and beautifully lighted by two large
skylights. This is capable of seating about two hundred, and is a model
room for anatomical and other demonstrations, being so arranged that
those in front cannot interfere with the view of the others. This
amphitheatre is nearly encircled on both floors by a corridor. A large
triangular room in front, fitted up with proper cases, is the museum,
which will grow more and more interesting as time goes on, but which
already shows much work and care. On the east side are the small
laboratory, toilet room and dressing room. Back of the amphitheatre are
two rooms, which attract admiration, and these are the chemical and
bacteriological laboratories. Both are fitted up with desks, tables and
sinks, and provided with plenty of Bunsen burners and other necessary
paraphernalia for a thorough and practical course, not only inorganic
but organic as well, and this latter is something that is so often
neglected and yet pertains to medicine more particularly than even the
general chemistry.
“Above these is a
magnificent room occupying one-half the space on the third floor. This
is the dissecting room, not a substitute, not a cramped back room in the
attic which could be used for nothing else, but a large, light room,
well ventilated, clean, inviting -to a medical student-supplied with
plenty- of tables and the latest equipments for embalming and necropsy,
as well as apparatus for practical surgery. In this room alone the
student becomes familiar with descriptive and regional anatomy, and all
ordinary operations in practical surgery.
“Besides the rooms
already mentioned there are janitors’ quarters, plenty of storage rooms,
closets and toilet rooms, and four or five small lecture rooms which can
be used either for general lectures or practical courses. In fact all
the space is utilized to good advantage, and while the needs of the
present are well supplied there is still reserve room which can be used
to accommodate many more students, thus being prepared for the future
growth of the classes.”
But to return to the
history and to the completion of the building. As it began to assume
shape, plans materialized for the furnishing and the fitting up of the
different laboratories. Again friends and the profession came to the
rescue and gave liberally, as if they had not already signed their names
to the subscription list. The first call was made to the alumni by means
of the following circular.
San Francisco, Mar. 2nd, 1899.
Dear Doctor,
Through the generosity
of the homœopathic profession of the coast, the Hahnemann Hospital
College of San Francisco has been enabled to begin the construction of a
new college building, which is now rapidly nearing completion. It is a
four-story building, costing $10,000, and is on a lot of about equal
value, situated at the corner of Sacramento and Maple streets. The
furnishing remains to be accomplished and the alumni association feels
that it should be its duty and pleasure to second the efforts of the
college by undertaking to start a furnishing fund. This is a special
plea to the alumni, their friends and friends of the college to
contribute, each according to his means, for the finishing touches to
this enterprise. What will you contribute ? As it is hoped to
dedicate the new building in May, it will be seen that there is no time
to lose. Subscriptions are therefore in order, and receivable on
presentation of this notice, either to
DR. FLORENCE N. WARD,
Chairman Furnishing Committee,
or E. PETRIE HOYLE,
Secretary and Treasurer of Hahnemann College Furnishing
Fund.
This appeal for funds
met with prompt response, and $500 was raised, and this although the
same names had been appended to several other lists. The alumni sutra
was used for general furnishing, and was used so well that it served its
purpose to a remarkable degree.
The Epsilon Kappa
Delta, a medical fraternity among our brethren of Los Angeles,
unexpectedly and unasked, showed its friendly feeling in sending a gift
to be devoted to the chemical laboratory, and which proved sufficient to
fit it up in first class order ; in consequence of which a tablet
upon the door of the laboratory dedicates it to the fraternity.
The Pacific Homœopathic
Dispensary, composed of a number of the physicians of this city and
managed by a board of ladies with Mrs. McKee as president, by private
subscription raised $750 for the development of the bacteriological
laboratory.
Drs. Alice Goss and J.
Staw Ballard deserve liberal praise for their enthusiasm in aiding this
gift.
“We now turn to
the Lilienthal gift, which is so highly appreciated. Who of us are not
lovers of these books, around which clusters so much that is sacred in
homœopathy throughout the world ? Surrounded with these same
volumes, bearing his reference marks, they were the intimate companions
of the greatest compiler as well as most original worker that homœopathy
ever had in America. It was with these before him and around him that
Samuel Lilienthal performed his arduous labors and spent his energies of
life. Every, volume breathes of him and makes them more sacred to those
who can now turn to them. There are over two thousand volumes,
representing the life collection of Dr. Lilienthal and his son James,
and through the heirs of the estate they are now the choice property of
the college.”
The furnishings of the
library were the gift of Drs. James and Florence N. Ward, in the names
of their little daughters, Dorothy and Jean. The close relationship that
existed between Drs. Ward and Drs. Lilienthal makes the gift for the
installation of this library strikingly appropriate. Another two hundred
and sixty dollars from the Southern Homœopathic Dispensary was given
for the museum, and was used in the fittings of that room, besides
supplying specimen jars.
Another gift most
pleasantly bequeathed and gratefully accepted was that of five hundred
dollars from Mrs. Almira Eldridge. This sum had been given to the
Southern Homœopathic Dispensary and through its trustees was bestowed
upon the college. This bequest was used in furnishing the main hall,
which has been designated “Eldridge Hall,” in commemoration of
this kindly woman. In connection with all this, there must be remembered
the Pacific Homœopathic Polyclinic, which has been created by the union
of the three homœopathic dispensaries in the city, that like prodigal
sons have returned to claim relationship with and to unite more strongly
the bonds which should and does now unite the college and all her
children. Through this polyclinic and the abundance of clinical material
presented there has been offered marvelous opportunity for teaching and
study.
Upon the death of Dr.
J. N. Eckel, for years the professor of pediatrics, and also president
of the college, his valuable library was given by his widow to this
institution. It was installed in a separate room and forms a part of the
library of the college ; the several hundred volumes of rare and
valuable books have been a distinct addition to the college possessions.
The erection of a new
building gave great impetus to college affairs. Internal development
became marked. A laboratory of physics and physiological chemistry was
provided at an expense of $800, which was paid for by savings from the
current expense account. Great attention was paid to the executive
management pertaining to the preliminary education of students and to
the financial side of their relationship to the college. Dr. George H.
Palmer was elected president, following the death of Dr. J. A.
Albertson, and Mr. Wm. Letts Oliver was elected to trusteeship and very
soon thereafter made the treasurer of the college. The dean, during
1900, visited the various medical colleges of the country in the view of
obtaining knowledge of the system of record books and card systems in
vogue. From that experience a complete plan was created which maintains
at the present time. Application was made to the regents of the
University of the State of New York to become accredited and registered
with them, and by conforming with the exactions of that body, this was
accomplished.
The sessions of 1900,
1901, 1902 and 1903 were held during early spring until late fall. A
minimum of seven months has always been the plan of the college. In 1903
a change was again made to the winter season, conforming with the usage
obtaining in eastern colleges from autumn to late spring. Accordingly
the college session opened in 1903 in October and closed its session in
June, 1904.
In 1903 the college
became registered and accredited with the Illinois and the Michigan
state boards of health, making the exactions of our curriculum to
conform with the full requirements of these boards. During the changes
necessary from the summer to the winter courses, which was inspired
mainly by the difficulty in acquiring students, the college suffered
greatly in the numbers of its college body. From 1900 to 1905,
inclusive, the average number of students graduated was ten. The
exactions of the state board of health, the operation of which law went
into effect in 1903, compelled the college to prolong its lecture
courses in order that at least six months of teaching should be found
within each calendar year, as separate courses. The changing of the time
of its sessions exacted from this institution that it should either
close one year entirely or operate its sessions through prolonged
months. Accordingly it was found best to extend the course of 1903-1904
three weeks, to the first of July. The sessions of 1904-5 extended to
the first of June, having then a vacation period of two weeks, followed
by an additional session of six weeks, extending to August 1, 1905.
During the years 1900
to 1905, but few changes are to be noted in the personnel of the board
of trustees or in the personnel of the faculty. The additions were the
result only of death within the boards, or as were suggested, by
vacancies previously unfilled. In 1904 Dr. Geo. H. Palmer resigned as
president of the board, still retaining his position as trustee. In 1905
Dr. Geo. H. Palmer, Mr. Brooks Palmer, for several years secretary of
the college, and Mr. Wm. Letts Oliver, treasurer, resigned. Dr. C. L.
Tisdale’s term of office had expired. There were then elected W. W. Van
Arsdale as trustee and president ; Dr. Hartland Law, trustee and
treasurer, and Mr. Marshall Hale and Dr. C. L. Tisdale. Dr. H. R. Arndt,
a trustee chosen in 1903, was made secretary of the reorganized board.
At this point it is important to take up the furtherance of the hospital
movement, which had been abandoned in 1888.
No new measures aiming
to the creation of a homœopathic hospital were taken until 1896. In
January Drs. James W. and Florence N. Ward directed their influence
toward a unification of effort in the organization of an institution
known thereafter as the Homœopathic Sanatorium. This was an association
of five physicians, organized for the purpose of creating a sanatorium
where all physicians of the homœopathic school were welcome to send
patients for personal supervision and treatment. The association was
composed of Drs. C. B. Currier, Geo. H. Palmer, Wm. Boericke, James W.
and Florence N. Ward. In a rented building at Sixteenth and Capp
streets, February 15th, 1896, the institution was opened to the
reception of patients, having fifteen beds. The movement was developed
by each of the five physicians contributing to a common fund of $3,000
in equal proportions.
In 1898 Dr. Currier
retired, his place being filled by Dr. E. R. Bryant, who contributed his
pro rata to the maintenance fund. In 1899 the sanatorium moved to larger
rented quarters in Central avenue. The institution has been more than
self-supporting. Through the years following the moving to Central
avenue, it has given as a building fund to the new hospital $3,000 as a
furnishing fund, giving in 1904 $1,500 toward the current expense
account of the college ; and while at the present day or in its
past history it has never been under college control, it has always
claimed affiliation with the college, representing to a large degree the
clinical arm thereto. Dr. C. B. Currier was its first chairman, and
after his retirement Dr. G. H. Palmer held the position until his
retirement in April, 1905. The only requirement in this association of
physicians was the unanimous consent to all propositions, and this
feeling and expression maintained through these nine years of its
existence was its chief factor in the up-building, creating a sentiment
favorable to the larger accomplishment of the Hahnemann Hospital.
In 1903 the first step
was begun toward the creation of the Hahnemann Hospital (whose building
will shortly be completed) by the gift of $5,000 from Drs. James W. and
Florence N. Ward. With this sum as a nucleus many other gifts have
followed until the building fund reached proportions that enable the
trustees to proceed with the plans for its erection. While the Hahnemann
Hospital movement as a part of the general hospital movement has a
deserved and special history of its own, it nevertheless bears such
close relationship to the college as to be accorded a place in the
history of college progress. To William Letts Oliver more than any one
else is due the praise of having worked out the hospital construction,
its plans and specifications, as the result of special knowledge and
marked fitness for the work.
It was in anticipation
of the Hahnemann Hospital that in 1902 the college, realizing that its
charter did not include the right to maintain a training school for
nurses and ability to grant diplomas for the same, that a new
corporation was formed on a non-stock basis, and known as the Hahnemann
Medical College of the Pacific. The Hahnemann Hospital College gave up
its charter and bestowed its holdings to the corporation bearing the
present name. On March 14, 1905, the contract for the building of the
Hahnemann Hospital was signed in the office of the dean of the college,
Dr. Ward. On May 31 the cornerstone of the hospital was laid with
appropriate ceremonies.
MUNICIPAL RECOGNITION.
In the fall of 1901 Hon. E. E. Schmitz
was elected mayor of San Francisco. For the first time in the municipal
history of the city, as an ardent homœopath he had the courage to
appoint as a health commissioner Dr. James W. Ward, representing the
homœopathic school, for four years of service. At his re-election in
1903 it became possible through absolute control of the department of
health of the city and county of San Francisco, and by the election of
Dr. Ward, president of the commission, to assign the homœopathic school
its just representation in the various departments. Accordingly in
January, 1904, the Hahnemann Medical College of the Pacific was assigned
two wards in the city and county hospital, with the following staff :
MEDICAL STAFF.
Visiting Physicians
-H. R. Arndt, M. D., T. G. McConkey, M. D.
Assistants
-Guy E. Manning, M. D., A. J. Minaker, M. D.
SURGICAL STAFF.
General Surgeon
-E. R. Bryant, M. D.
Assistants
-C. D. Potter, M. D., O. G. Freyermuth, M. D., R. F.
Tomlinson. M. D.
Abdominal Surgeon and Gynecologist
-James W. Ward, M. D.
Assistant
-Laura B. Hurd, M. D.
SPECIALISTS.
Genito-Urinary
-D. Gates Bennett, M. D.
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
-Philip Rice, M. D.
Consultant Pathologist
-F. G. Canney, M. D.
Consultant Obstetrician
-Florence N. Ward, M. D.
Consultant Surgeon
-Geo. H. Palmer, M. D.
Consultant Physician
-Wm. Boericke, M. D.
Official Anæsthetist
-Edith Wells, M. D.
THE COLLEGE JOURNALS.
In 1900 Dr. Wm. Boericke, owner of the
“Pacific Coast Journal of Homœopathy,” gave to the college
the journal, since which time it has continued to edit and maintain a
larger monthly’ periodical under the management of Prof. H. R. Arndt as
editor-in-chief ; Dr. Francis Kellogg of Los Angeles, Dr. Guy
Manning and Thomas McConkey of San Francisco as assistant editors ;
Dr. C. L. Tisdale, business manager. The aim of this journal has been
the united effort to give to the profession of the Pacific states a
journal worthy of the profession which it represents and the official
organ of the college which supports it.
It is worthy of note
that since 1901 the students of the college have edited and supported a
journal known as “The Periscope.” The object has been to
encourage independent and original thought among students, besides the
acquisition of a larger power of expression on medical subjects. The
class body has controlled its publication under the supervision of the
dean of the faculty. Three issues have been produced yearly. The
editorial production has compared favorably with the best of other
college journals.
The present personnel
of the trustees and faculty of the college is as follows :
Trustees
-Hon. W. W. Van Arsdale, Ph. B., president ; E. R.
Lilienthal, Esq., vice-president ; H. R. Arndt, M. D.,
secretary ; H. Law, M. D., treasurer ; James W. Ward, M. D.,
Wm. Boericke, M. D., Edgar R. Bryant, M. D., Marshall Hale, Esq., A. C.
Peterson, M. D., C. L. Tisdale, M. D., Wm. P. Fuller, Esq.
Standing Committees -Executive
– E. R. Lilienthal, Esq., H. R. Arndt,
M. D., Marshall Hale,
Esq.
Finance and Auditing
-H. Law, M. D., C. L. Tisdale, M. D., Wm. P. Fuller,
Esq.
Library
-A. C. Peterson, M. D., E. R. Lilienthal, Esq.
Credentials and Admissions
-Wm. Boericke, M. D., James W. Ward, M.
D.
Printing
-James W. Ward, M. D., Edgar R. Bryant, M. D.
THE FACULTY.
C. B. Currier, M. D., emeritus professor of diseases
of the heart and lungs.
Geo. H. Palmer, M. D., emeritus professor of surgery.
C. L. Tisdale, M. D., emeritus professor of practice.
Materia Medica, Institutes, Therapeutics.
Pharmaceutics and Ethics
–
Wm. Boericke, M. D., professor ;
Guy E. Manning, assistant professor ;
Philip Rice, M. D., assistant professor ;
A. J. Minaker, M. D., lecturer ;
G. P. Garlick, M. D., lecturer.
Theory and Practice of Medicine
–
H. R. Arndt, M. D., professor of theory and practice
and of mental and nervous diseases ;
Sidney Worth, A. M., M. D., professor of
pediatry ;
A. K. Crawford, M. D., professor of diseases of the
heart and lungs ;
J. Kastendieck, M. D., professor of physical
diagnosis ;
Thomas G. McConkey, M. D., professor of clinical
medicine ;
C. E. Hart, D. D. S., lecturer on stomatology ;
O. G. Freyermuth, M. D., lecturer on disease of the
kidneys.
Surgery –
Edgar R. Bryant, M. D., professor of surgery ;
C. D. Potter, M. D., assistant professor ;
Joseph S. Brooks, M. D., lecturer on orthopedic
surgery ;
R. F. Tomlinson, M. D., lecturer on minor surgery and
operative technique ;
D. Gates Bennett, M. D., lecturer on genito-urinary
diseases and syphilography ;
O. G. Freyermuth, M. D., lecturer on diseases of the
rectum.
Obstetrics –
Florence N. Ward, M. D., professor of
obstetrics ;
Ida B. Cameron, M. D., lecturer on embryology and
clinical assistant ;
Joseph Brooks, M. D., lecturer on junior
obstetrics ;
N. B. Bailey, M. D., clinical instructor ; Sarah
J. Hatton, M. D., instructor.
Abdominal Surgery and Gynæcology-
James W. Ward, M. D., professor of gynæcology ;
Laura B. Hurd, M. D., lecturer on gynæcology and
clinical assistant.
Ophthalmology, Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology-
A. C. Peterson, M. D., professor ; Philip Rice,
M. D., assistant professor.
Anatomy-
Joseph S. Brooks, M. D., professor ;
C. B. Pinkham, M. D., assistant professor ;
R. F. Tomlinson, M. D., lecturer on regional anatomy
and demonstrator ;
E. L. Fassett, M. D., lecturer on and professor of
anatomy.
Physiology-
Guy E. Manning, M. D., professor ;
H. M. McQueen, Ph. G., lecturer on physiological
chemistry.
Hygiene and Sanitary Science –
Thos. G. McConkey, M. D., lecturer.
Medical Chemistry, Urinalysis and Toxicology –
H. M. McQueen, Ph. G., professor ;
G. P. Garlick, M. D., lecturer on toxicology.
Pathology, Bacteriology and Histology –
F. G. Canney, M. D., professor ;
E. L. Fassett, M. D., lecturer on special
pathology ;
N. B. Bailey, M. D., lecturer on bacteriology ;
G. P. Garlick, M. D., lecturer on histology ; C.
H.
Lashlee, M. D., instructor in general
pathology ;
C. S. Powell, M. D., instructor on hæmatology, and
bacteriology.
Medical Jurisprudence –
Hon. Wm. H. Jordan, A. M. (Yale), professor.
Emergencies –
R. F. Tomlinson, M. D., lecturer.
History of Medicine –
Hartland Law, M. D., lecturer.
Dermatology –
C. D. Potter, M. D., lecturer.
Hydro-Therapy –
A. J. Minaker, M. D., lecturer.
Electro-Therapeutics –
H. L. Lorentzen, M. D., lecturer.
Manual Therapeutics –
J. W. Henderson, M. D., D. O., lecturer.
Officers of the Faculty –
James W. Ward, M. D., dean ;
Edgar R. Bryant, M. D., registrar ;
Guy E. Manning, M. D., librarian.
The college always has
been an exponent of higher education. Begotten during a period when two
year courses were the rule, it advocated in its by-laws at the very
first the three full courses of lectures. Nor was that all.
When the American
Institute of Homœopathy advised the four years’ course this college did
not falter, though it meant more serious consequences than to colleges
in the east, but boldly hung out her banner and was the first college
west of Chicago, allopathic or homœopathic, to fall into line.
When the subject of
women’s admission was one of the rocks upon which it was endeavored to
wreck her, we find that at the very first a motion was passed “that
women should be admitted on an equal footing with men to all the
privileges of the college.” They have not forgotten that when they
were vainly knocking at the doors of other institutions they were
graciously welcomed with open arms to Hahnemann of San Francisco. Early
in her career co-education was strengthened by the appointment of woman
clinical assistants, lecturers and professors.
The standard for
graduation has been kept at seventy-five per cent for years, and today
the tendency is to be more strict and more severe in the requirements
for graduation. A failure to pass final examinations means, not a taking
up of those branches in which a failure was recorded, but of all the
senior studies and a second examination upon them. Higher requirements
for admission also are depended upon ; so it is plain that the
constant endeavor has been to raise the level of medical education to
make the degree of M. D. an honor, and to graduate bright and educated
men and women for usefulness in the profession on the Pacific slope.
DECEASED MEMBERS OF FACULTY.
Professor Lilienthal, Samuel.
Professor Lilienthal, James E.
Professor Albertson, J. A.
Professor Eckel, J. N.
Professor Clement, R. Herbert.
DECEASED MEMBERS OF ALUMNI.
Professor William Tod Helmuth, honorary, New York
city.
Baldwin, R. R., Honolulu, H. I.
Ballard, E. R. San Francisco, Cal.
Damkroeger, H., San Francisco, Cal.
Davis, Geo. B., San Francisco, Cal.
Edmonds, Mary E., San Francisco, Cal.
Houston, W. J., Manila.
Ostrander, J. A., Suisun, Cal.
Pelton, H. S., Alaska. Reamy, May, Stockton, Cal.
Taubner, C. (Honorary), Sacramento, Cal. Tisdale, D.
L., Alameda, Cal.
Uttley, W. H. San Francisco, Cal.
ALUMNI OF HAHNEMANN MEDICAL COLLEGE OF THE PACIFIC.
Honorary Member, T. Grisweld Comstock, St. Louis, Mo.
1898 Aikin, I. R., City of Mexico.
1897 Alumbaugh, F. W., Vacaville, Cal.
1889. Alumbaugh, W. E., Napa, Cal.
1892 Anker, I. C., Chicago, Ill.
1896 Armstrong, Bessie C., San Francisco, Cal.
1891 Atkins, M. H., San Francisco, Cal.
1902 Atwood, C. H., Eugene, Ore.
1889 Badger, Alice, San Francisco, Cal.
1902 Bailey, N. B., San Francisco, Cal.
1887 Barnes, Anna H., San Francisco, Cal.
1905 Bass, Annie, Redding, Cal.
1896 Bateman, F. L., Berkeley, Cal.
1897 Beck, J. A., Salinas, Cal.
1895 Biegeleisen, N., Chicago, Ill.
1893 Birdsey, F., El Cajon, Cal.
1896 Boldemann, Lillie, San Francisco, Cal.
1896 Bowen, Amy G., San Francisco, Cal.
1891 Bowen, Jane M., San Francisco, Cal.
1884 Bronson. C. W., Alameda, Cal.
1905 Bronson, Lois V., Alameda, Cal.
1894 Brooks. J. S., San Francisco, Cal.
1898 Buchanan, R. A., San Francisco, Cal.
1895 Cabral, J. S. A., Centerville, Cal.
1895 Cameron, Ida B., San Francisco, Cal.
1897 Camp, Mrs. Angie M., Kansas.
1891 Case, Clara H., San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Case, L. H., Santa Monica, Cal.
1887 Chaffee, J. D., Long Beach, Cal.
1900 Chamberlain, Harriet Lane, Oakland, Cal.
1895 Chapell, E. A., San Francisco, Cal.
1903 Chapelle, Clarence C., Virginia City, Nev.
1903 Chapelle, Grace A., San Francisco, Cal.
1896 Chisholm, Mary D., Alaska.
1894 Clement, Elvira M., Honolulu, H. I.
1892 Crawford, J. G., San Francisco, Cal.
1897 Crooks, N. P., Santa Barbara, Cal.
1894 Cross, H., Sisson, Cal.
1902 Crittenden, C. F., Potter Valley, Cal.
1894 Couture, A. N., Auburn, Cal.
1900 Dail, C. F., Eureka, Cal.
1903 Daily, F. A., Berryessa, Cal.
1892 Dawson, J., Wamconda, Ill.
1892 Detrick, E. M., San Francisco, Cal.
1904 De Vighne, Harry C., New York City, N. Y.
1887 Dodge, H. T., Denver, Colo.
1895 Dow, B. N., San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Evans, Margaret R., Eureka, Cal.
1900 Evans, T. J., Eureka, Cal.
1903 Fassette, Edward L., San Francisco, Cal.
1889 Fenton, Susari J., Oakland, Cal.
1887 Fichtner, C. G., San Francisco, Cal.
1892 Finch. A. A., Astoria, Ore.
1905 Fisher, John H., Sacramento, Cal.
1899 Foster, R. DeL., San Diego, Cal.
1897 Fouchy, A. D., Alameda, Cal.
1895 Gage, y Frances M., Chicago, Ill.
1890 Garfield, H. S., Pendleton, Ore.
1903 Garlick, P. G., San Francisco, Cal.
1905 Glover, Mary E., San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Gregory, Abel L., Manton, Cal.
1897 Greenwood, Edna M., San Francisco, Cal.
1886 Grove, W. F., Visalia, Cal.
1888 Guild, Caroline L., San Francisco, Cal.
1895 Harris. Eva L., Oakland, Cal.
1903 Hart, Frank, Pacific Grove, Cal.
1897 Hartman, Emily, San Francisco, Cal.
1904 Hatton, Sarah J., San Francisco, Cal.
1891 Hayashi, H. S., Aomori, Japan.
1889 Heidrich, R., Dutch Flat, Cal.
1899 Heiss-Sanborn, Blanche L., San Francisco, Cal.
1903 Henderson, J. H., San Francisco, Cal.
1895 Hill, R. L., Jr., Oakland, Cal.
1896 Hofmann, Mary E., San Francisco, Cal.
1903 Hogg, Cora B., San Francisco, Cal.
1889 Holmgren, C. J., San Francisco, Cal.
1884 Hood, F. C., Gold Run ; Cal.
1897 Hood, W. L., Groveland, Cal.
1896 Howell, Harriett, Los Gatos, Cal.
1900 Hoyle, E. Petrie, London, Eng.
1903 Huckins, Milicent S., San Jose, Cal.
1894 Huffman, Ruth P., Petaluma, Cal.
1897 Hulme, F. W., Oakland, Cal.
1897 Hurd, Laura B., San Francisco, Cal.
1891 Jaffa, Rachel A., New York.
1888 Janes, S. M., Jordan, Minn.
1888 Janes, T. I. San Francisco, Cal.
1888 Janes, T. B. Cosack, San Francisco. Cal.
1897 Jellings, E. A., Alameda, Cal.
1895 Jones, C. E., San Francisco, Cal.
1897 Jorgensen, Sophus N., Fortuna, Cal.
1903 Keeler, J. L., China.
1897 Kirkpatrick, J. H., Los Angeles, Cal.
1900 Klenck, August G., San Francisco, Cal.
1895 Kobicke, Sophie B., San Francisco, Cal.
1894 Kroetz, Mary M., San Francisco, Cal.
1894 Kunstlich, D., Passaic, N. J.
1897 Lain, Lizzie, Santa Rosa, Cal.
1894 Lamb, W. N., San Francisco, Cal.
1904 Lashiee, Claude H., San Francisco, Cal.
1904 Lavy, W. S., Nevada City, Cal.
1893 Law, H., San Francisco, Cal.
1885 Liljeroth, Anna, Chicago, Ill.
1886 Long, G. L., Fresno, Cal.
1901 Long, S. C., Bakersfield, Cal.
1900 Lorentzen, H. L., San Francisco, Cal.
1889 Lynch, Elizabeth S., San Francisco, Cal.
1895 Mansfield, Beulah L., Los Angeles, Cal.
1896 Mansfield, J. M., Los Angeles, Cal.
1894 Mansur, A. H., Los Alamitos, Cal.
1892 Martin, Eleanor F. San Francisco, Cal.
1887 Mattner, E. H., San Francisco, Cal.
1891 Morgan, Alice Bush, Oakland, Cal.
1904 McAulay, Martin, Newman, Cal.
1905 McAulay, Marion B., San Francisco, Cal.
1884 McClelland, J. L., Los Banos, Cal.
1885 McClelland, Sophia B. J., Los Banos, Cal.
1897 McCullough, A. R., Flora, Ore.
1896 McNally, J. B., Prescott, Ariz.
1905 Nesbit, Jennie E., Vallejo, Cal.
1886 Merrell, C. G., San Francisco, Cal.
1899 Minaker, A. J., San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Minaker, R. May, San Francisco, Cal.
1889 Mitchell, J. S., Hanford, Cal.
1892 Morgan, Mary A., Berkeley, Cal.
1902 Morton, J. E., Midway, Utah.
1886 Munson, Mary F., San Diego, Cal.
1888 Nellis, J. G., Irvington, Cal.
1891 Nevins. H., Chicago, Ill.
1902 Newsome, Benj. W., Garden Grove, Cal.
1900 Orr, Charles S., B. S., Ontario, Cal.
1893 Parker-Batts, Alice M., Marysville, Cal.
1891 Pease, Ella G., Boston, Mass.
1891 Pleasants, G. W., Willow Ranch.
1896 Potter, C. D., San Francisco, Cal.
1886 Potts, Flora M., National City, Cal.
1904 Powell, Chas. S., San Francisco, Cal.
1886 Reed-Button, Julia F., San Francisco, Cal.
1897 Rich, C. L., Fullerton, Cal.
1901 Robbins, O. M. Byers, Santa Paula, Cal.
1886 Rockwell, Amanda J., St. Louis, Mo.
1884 Roberts, W. H., San Francisco, Cal.
1902 Robinson, T. C., Grass Valley, Cal.
1900 Rose, Overend G., Kentfield, Ross P. O., Cal.
1894 Saunders, G. C., Orestes, Ind.
1895 Schofield, Carra B., Oakland, Cal.
1897 Shafer, J. E., Salinas, Cal.
1893 Schrader, C. A., San Diego, Cal.
1900 Shute, J. W., Iqerua, Cal.
1905 Simpson, Jessie H., San Francisco, Cal.
1896 Small, C. K., Fresno, Cal.
1886 Smith, S. H., San Francisco, Cal.
1901 Smith, Virginia P., Fallon, Nev.
1893 Solomons-Jaffa, Adele R., Berkeley, Cal.
1891 Spencer, Huldah, San Francisco, Cal.
1888 Stambach, Ida V., Santa Barbara, Cal.
1897 Stewart, S. J., Seattle, Wash.
1904 Stockton, Belle C., Oakland, Cal.
1892 Swallow, Rev. R., Ningo, China.
1891 Telson, Mary K., St. Louis, Mo.
1902 Tenney, L. M., Oakland, Cal.
1896 Thompson, A. J., China.
1905 Thomson, Mary Leno, San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Tomlinson, R. F., San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Tomlinson, May Palmer, San Francisco, Cal.
1884 Townsend, J., San Francisco, Cal.
1900 Tracy, C. J., Pasadena, Cal.
1904 Turnbull, Walter, Jr., San Francisco, Cal.
1895 Wagner, Bertha M. E. Stark, San Francisco, Cal.
1897 Wagner, H. W., Sacramento, Cal.
1888 Wagner, Phillipina. Carson, Nev.
1887 Ward, Florence N., San Francisco, Cal.
1903 Warner, C. C., __________
1890 Waterhouse, Amelia A., San Francisco, Cal.
1905 Wartenpaugh, J. W., San Francisco, Cal.
1902 Watson, M. J., Sacramento, Cal.
1902 Webster, G. M., Los Angeles, Cal.
1889 Weirich, E. W., Angels, Cal.
1900 Wells, E. M., San Francisco, Cal.
1889 West, R. W., Robinson’s Ferry, Cal.
1885 Wightman, Anna B., Napa, Cal.
1893 Wise, S. E., San Francisco, Cal.
1884 Young, M. J., Chicago, Ill.