Dr. Ford's Picture

For some time the junior and freshmen classes of the department of medicine and surgery and the department of dental surgery have been busy raising funds with which to purchase the large oil painting, by Revenaugh, of Jackson, oftheirbeloved instructor, Dr. Ford, professor of anatomy and physiology, which they desired to present to the University. The required amount was raised early last week and the time for the presentation was set for Friday morning, in the medical building. Promptly at the hour appointed President Angelí and the faculty of the medical college appeared on the scène and were greeted with loud and continued applause by the students. Prof. Stowell acted as chairman and made a few introductory remarks appropriate to the occasion, referring in his usual happy manner to the genius and skill of the "grand old man," whom it was their privilege to have as a teacher. He then introduced Douglas Sewell, of the class of '88, who, in behalf of the junior and freshman medical classes, formally presented the painting to the Unirersity, adding that while it was with the highest degree of gratificaron that they presented such a valuable addition to the art galIery, th9y would not give away the original. W. D. Saunders, '87, was then introduced who made a similar remark in behalf of the students of the dental college. President Angelí responded by thanking the classes for iher valusble gift, assuring them that it was highly appreciated and would be treasured as one of their most valued portraits, at the game time expressing his gratitude that the art gallery ehould receive such a valuable gift without solicitation, and that the love and veneration in which the original was held by the students, was Binoerely shared by him and the entire faculty. Dr. Palmer was then introduced and made a few remarks, referring to the building up of such a great college so far from a large city where they have t!ie benefits of large hospitals, and attribuied much of the great success to the untiring efforts of Dr. Ford. Dr. Ford was then introduceJ, whc spoke aa follows, often being interupted by loud and continued applause : Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : EinbarrassiDg as it is after the many complimentary remarks of partial friends, I will lay aside modesty and comply with a request that I speak of myself, in the hope that I may encourage some who hear me, to continue in well doing. It is of cour8e known to most of you that I have been oonnected with several medical college., and I have been asked by what means I secured so many appointments. When I taught school I sought the places, for that was the custom, but since I received my diploma, places have sought me; and if you will pardon my egoiism I will gratify an expressed wish. On a pleasant morniogin 1831, my light trunk was soon packed, and I started on a journey oi some 200 miles, to be made by the mode of traveling then in vogue, the stage and canal boat, from eastern to western New York. This was accomplished between the morning of Wednesday, May 7th and the evening of Tuesday, May 13, the Sabbath (in church) and a part of Monday being spent in Boohester. On the morning of May 1 4 I awoke in the midst of a blinding snow storm which prevailed most of the day, among strangers, there being only onè person I had ever seen. I was not quite oíd enough to vote, and telt that my future was, by the blessing of Providence, for my own making. Several object lessons had been well learned at a farmer's home, among which were mdustry, economy and pereeverance. T (In. 1 J 1 A. _ _ _. Jl 1 aiou ubu, umi a inenu wno signeu my diploma, once eneouragingly called "the Messing of povertjr," ior my money was less than three dollars and reliance for the future was to be upon myself. The importance of starting and continuing right in the race now beginning could not be overlooked, and I determined that I would not use tobáceo. I would have nothing to do with anything thing that could dethrone reaaon or intoxícate. I would never go in places or in company where ffly honored mother might not accompany While engaged, I ylelded, temporarily, to the too common notion that tobáceo "■ould relieve the offensiveness of the Work-rootn, but for more than forty years DO tobáceo has tainted my breath. Oa the 19th day of May I reoeived a certifícate which I still retain, stating that on that day I ommenced the study of medicine and eurgery," signed "A. B. örown, vice president of the Niágara Co medical society." Weeks passed, I studied with some instruction, ieeling "blue" about my prosPectg, which about the middle of August Hill, residing at Medina, greatly relieved, by appearing in the office in fearch of a medical student (of whom he fl&a heard) to go and take charge of a mail drug store, prepare medicine and udy for which board and instruction 1 ould be my compensatiou. I promptly accepted the offer, again among straijgers, with my character to be e8tablished by my conduct Time passed, I studied, worked, attended to my business. Clothes were weariDg out. I left Dr. Hill and resorted to my only mode of earning money, which at $14 a month, for teaching school, did not replenish the pocket very rapidly. Meanwhile my lack of suitable education oppresged me and I resolved to resume the study of Latin and Greek, which I did at Canandaigua academy, teaching in the winter. In 1840 an unskilled dentist broke a tooth for me, and I was prompted to visit Dr. Edson Carr, whom I had soen, but had never met. The tooth matter being satisfactorly adjusted, the question of my future was brifly discussed, and in due timo I became an inmate of his office and family, partly the resalt, as he said, of having noticed me in the Street, in the recitation room and in church, and I would like to sugge8t to those who honor me today, and others, that to be seen babitually in church mekes a better impression upon strangers, than to be seen entering or leaving a saloon, alone or in company with boon companion8, and may I add here, for the benefit of any aember of the cla8s, who may mentally say "I am among strangers, no matter what I do, or where I go, nobody knows me," there is more than one "unseen eye" that watches the ngoing and outcoming of many a young man, who is perhaps, all unconsiously securing or losing a triend for a time of need. The time carne to attend lectures at a medical college. I had not the requisite meang, my friend with encouraging frankness, said he would provide the means, and I went to the college in Geneva with a letter from Dr. Carr. Here I found assembled the usual variety of students. Some whose early advantages, for social position, culture and education might excite the envy of many less favored. I recall one, who, perhaps, would hare been selected aj giving moit promise of a brilliant future. The session passed as do most college se8siona without any remarkably conspicuoug occnrence, that I recall. I returned to Canandaigua and resumed my study and work, part of whioh was assisting Dr. Carr in dentistry, for at that early day it was not very unusual to combine the practico of medicine and dentistry. I returned to the second college year and with the usual greeting and renewa'l of fnendly relations, one, formerly conspicuous, was absent. Enquiry elicited the tact of his reported death by delirium tremen. One day in December, Prof. Frank H. Hamilton asked me what were my plans for the future after graduating. I replied I hardly had any, I must first earn my diploma. He said they would probably appoint another demonstrator at the close of the year. I told him that if chosen to that position any arrangement would be with reference to that duty. On the 25 th day of January, 1842. I ceived my diploma, and that evening was , appoiuted demonstraior of anatomy, and with re-appointmeuts, I discharged the duties there for 7 years, resigning in 1849 with such " timely " token of class respect, that I have ever sinee been able to " watch " the arrival of my lecture hour. In about four months less than eight years, I had earned the money to pay for my education and had thecoveted diploma. Uut I am making too long a story. The medical college in Buffalo was orgarized in 1846. Oq hearing of thatl'went to Buffalo to recommend as demonstrator, Dr. Moses Gunn, a gradúate of the previous January, at Geneva. I called upon Dr. Hamilton, who informed me the place was filled. I asked by whom, he said, " you will learn on yoar return home," and I served instaat college for six sessions. While in Geneva in 1848, I received a letter from a stranger asking if I would allow my name to be uaed as a candidate for the professorship of anatomy in a medical college at Castleton, Vermont. I was duly appointed and gave my first lecture as professor of anatomy at ton, Feb. 22, 1849. I had occasionally lectured for Prof. Webster at ü-enera and at Buffalo. Time passed, and in June 1854, waile at the operating chair in Dr. Carr's office, I received a telegram from Prof. G-unn announcing my appointment in the University of Michigan, realizing a hope expressed when we built air castles in Geneva, that we might at some time be professors of anatomy and surgery, in the same college. On the second day of October, 1854, I gave my first lecture in the ümversity, and for 33 consecutive years the first of October has found me at my post, and in all these years, no failure of health has causea more than a brief interruption to my daily labor. I never knew by whose recommendation I was appointed professor of anatomy in Pittsfield, Mass., in June 1860, where I lectured eight years. Through Pres. P. A. Chadbourne'a influence I lectured in the medical school in Maine from 1864 to 1870, when I resigned and went to Europe. I lectured in Lon? ísland College Hospital from 1868 to 1886, and by duplicating lectures here eleven years, I have given 102 courses of lectures on anatomy. I beg your pardon for so much personal history, which I enly consented to give, as an encouraeement to anv who mav ba glad to know the road by which the one you have chosen to honor, carne to be where he is. A while ago I made a list of professors, not now living, with whom I have been assooiated in different colleges, and on looking over that list, I see many naj;es of men whom the profession and the public have delighted to honor, and among them I grieve to say are those who yielded to the debasing influenoe of that frequeut destróyer of human happiness and hope. One especially whose bnlliant talents and high promise were my admiration, always causes a deep sadness, and whose end but illustrates that of unnumbered thousnds. ■- -- - ü I heard him give a stirring temperanc address. His frienda rejoiced in the hop of rescue. I saw him often, and when was feeling the depressing influence of nr work, (for we had not then tbe antisepti appliances of the present day,) I was ad vised to imítate the course ot multitudes who think to bolster up by drink, egains the influence of the disseoting room. I have ever been grateful that I had the courage to reply: "Itiibetter to die a sober man, than to live a drunkard." That was about forty yearg aero. That man died amonft strangers, and ï fear occupiea an unknown grave, buried by the charity of those who had koown him when a man. Weeks af ter his dea'h his neglected and ueseriea wiie made enquiñes of his former associates, to obtain tracei of the father of her children. What become of them I never knew. Gentlemen, there is only one safe place to stand, are you all on ït ? I should be cold hearted indeed, if I could particípate in a scène like this, without emotion. As I recall the struggle of years, and the many honors I have received, this holds a conspicuous place, whereby partial friends seek to preserve) on enduring canvas the features of one who has stood before them, faithfully ecdeavoring to unfold the mysteries of an organization, once honored by the Redeemer of mankind. From the depth of a grateful beart, I thank tbose who have honored me, and ejoice to count as friends all for whom I ïave been privileged to labor, and wish hat each may be as faithful to duty as I ïave tried to be, and as much honored by riends as I have been by such permanent memorial of regard. At the most but few years can remain or me to labor, but while I am permitted o stand before you, and your successors, shall endeavor to teach by precept and exampte what is worth knowing and doing by all.