The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-01-10

Medical College Of the New York University
Mr.. BENrErr:-
You were liberal enough to insert my comments
upon the N Y. Medical College, and, but for the
many professional engagements which crowd upon
me, l should have replied before to the queries
contained in your remarks upon the article. l now
append your remarks
"RKMARKs-Pray what does the friend and ply 81.
clan want We do not understand exactly the nature
of his objections. Can he explain himself ~
Individually, the friend and MUSICIAN" wants
nothng,-he is neither a teacher does he aspire
to that honor, but as an educated physician he de-
sires that they no to be the instructors OF
your youth, should conform to the demands of the
age in all that pertains to the departments they pro-
Tess to teach. We are the avewed advocate and
friend of the insttaten in question, and desire that
naught should be "set down in malice The nature
Of our " objections" be readily presented. In
1897, the Council Of the N. Y. University, IN &C.
cordance with the wants Of the profession, design
ed establishing Medical Department; and created
some fifteen or twenty protessorships. Many of
the professors were appointed: but, from the un.
wieldy character Of the machine, it could not he
put in motion. Subsequently, one more of the
present able faculty attempted a new ore sanitation
upon a more contracted basis. he result you have
seen. They advertised to the profession that they
had established a great National Institution, and
invited not only the support Of our city, but OF the
entire country. The above facts will enable us to
veloIe answer to your last enquiry
The conception of the Council In 1887, was doubt
less based upon proper estimate OF the vast raml-
fcatiOns of the medical prOfc salon; but from the
existing mode of instruction (howcver correct
theiI views may have been) the plan was Utopian.
The period OF medical education could not allow Of
so extended and dfuse curriculum. Let 1t not
be urged that these views will maintain against
the suggestion which shall offer; for while this
error was irr0msdiable the one extreme; the
error upon the opposite, although Iemediable,
might, If persisted In, be equally fatal. lnavoidng
Scylla, do not strike upon Chary bdis The error
of which We complain, is, that in contracting,-
the Council Of the University have overlooked the
wants, nay the immediate demands of the profess
sion. That we not peculiar in this view, we
point you to every well established and reputable
medical school in our country. Where do you
find six professorships embracing the whole range
Of medical study? Where are the important branch
of Physiology and Pathology allowed to lie con-
ceaed by the eifal of the chain, dimly
and lustrously peering from the rubbish Of demol-
ished, antiquated theories of medicine! They
stand proudly among the departments, and, in their
beauty and brilliancy, shine by their own and not
reflected light. Attempt to conceal them, and they
but dis play the meagreness Of every barrier They
deserve by their merits distinct place; but
if they possess not this claim, the profession still
deem them entitled to individuality; and he would
be a reckless creature who would not heed this
demand.
In the existing faculty, there men of talents
and extensive views, and we would appeal TO them
Individually, whether they do not believe that their
organization is incomplete without the chair OF Ply
soogy and Pathology We ask DR. Paliison, ii with
the muferm duties OF his chair, embracing General,
Special and Surgical Anatomy, he can present a
full and succinct description of all Investigations
which have resulted in the magnificent structure OF
modern Physiology! We appeal to Professor Re:
we're, to say whether the fundamental and essential
substratum of all the theories Of medlcne,-the de-
scrption of individual diseases, their terminaions
&c, are not dependent upon thorough acquaint-
ance with Physiology and Pathology? We solicit
Doctors Mott and Draper, to declare, whether the
organization of the present faculty is in accordance
with the present demands OF the profession! Whe-
ther it would be tolerated in any part Of Europe; in
England or on the continent? II weuld not and the
history Of Medical Education IN this country, inde
pendeat of Europe. offers sufficient reply. If not,
| why announce to the profession 9 National lnsi-
tuition" destitute Of the elements for instruction
Why compromit. in the eyes OF the world, The ad.
vantages of this great city for Medical instruction
Are the resources Of Newfork again TO be repudl-
aed, and to witness the rival CITY assuming the
sway, and declaring herself :" Mistress" No: our
resources great and unryalled tor ourselves we
are willing that the existing faculty should win and
wear" the honor and emoiunent but IT they turn
deaf and merely promise for the future we viii
join the crusade against ihem heart and hand, with
any opposition. TO retain to Newly ork the proud en-
hence she now possessts Success has already
crowned the efforts OF the Faculty, and they should
improve il. Let them give 10 the profession what
they have right TO CAM at their hands, and they
will receive It's firm and undivided support: To
meet these demands, they should forthwith an
nounce their determination (prevlous TO any move
from another quarte enlarge their present facul.
| iy; at least embrace the two departments to
which we have alluded. In doing go, they will ex-
tend their influence at bome and INSPIRE confidence
| abroad. Through you, Mr.. Bennett, much may be
accomplished, and by lending your important infl-
ence, you will not only contribute additional mo-
| men,um to the institution which you have already
fosered, but merit the gratitude Of the profession
| and of yours, FRIEND AND PHysiciAS.