Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1854-06-24
From the Siaunton Messenger.
Virrinia Meaieal Calleee

From the Staunton Messenger.
Virginia Medical College
Through the kindness of much valued friend,
yc learu that the meeting Of the Board Of Nis-
itors of the nboye named Institution which CON
Ycned at Rich oud Oh tbe 25th ult was quite 4
full -faurteen ont Of the nineteen members
That compose The board. being present, aud
those. to-, representing the ost distant portions
Of the Commonwealth We are truly glad to
learn thai such great interest Is felt By the
bourd in this matter n we do most sincerely de
sire the success md prosperity of this lnstjtu-
ton. 1t is IL great desiderafum in the policy of
Virginia: and IN order that it should succeed il
il ebsnutelY necessary that il should start right.
The most important matter brought before the
meeting, WIS the appointment Of two pr fe-sor-,
Ia fiji the vacant chnirs Of Materia Medic and
1herap, ute, md the Institutes of Medicine aud
Medical jurisprudence. Well endorsed upplica
tions for both chairs W. re numerous.
The chair If Muteria Medca and Ihcrapcn
lie. ~n- assigned TO Dr. Beverly r. Wexford Of
Fredericksburg, WHO'S well known To the people
Of his native Stute and to the profession through
out the whole Union. He j. admitted to be n
gentleman possessing high order Of talent,
usu professional utlainments, ercat energy Of
character and moral and social qualiie-, that
command the admiration aud respect of all wi o
know him. l!cis ais very fluent speaker, and
will make a fine lecturers aud in ndditi II TO all
these excellent qualifications, he is believed to be
safe on matters of Medical reform matter of
no small consequence to the profession.
DIR. Wexford has been President of our State
Medical Soeptv, and hns nl-n leld the high posi-
tion Of President of Tie American Mcdical Asso-
ciotiou- IN honor well meritcd, aud atte-ting the
h gh estimation in which he is held by his medi-
cal brethren throughout the Union,
DR.. +. Brown Scqnard Of France elected
professor Of the Institutes Of Medicine and Mcdi=
eal Jur, prudence. some may,and probably will,
object Ia this action the Board ON account of
the fact thai Mr.. Segnmd is alorcigner.hat when
II is remembered tina this gentleman has hecome
Justly crlebrated rs an experimental phyrioogist,
aud if second To any man now living, IN this i'm
portant branch Of Medical education aud science,
II iSo1ly 10 Bernard of Paris, whom he certainly
iivuls we are sure there can be- no just complaint
On that score. Nothing can be more important
10 thu Medical profession than n usi knowledge
of the astrological action OF the dilcre 1t organs
Of the human body Indeed all admit the ncces-
sny II knowing the functions of an gan IN
heath in order to an .cr>taud accurately, the
character and degree of diseased action; and yet
strange Ia say, the subject of physiology, which
alone can mraYt this drcdHhnl, and lmpnrt this
most important knowledge, il either taught very
imprrirctly. or Mt at ALL III the medical schools
al the L. States. We have no practical plysolo-
ri~t 40 one of note, eithcrin Virginia or csWhere,
upon the living subject, has learned the uses of
certain nerves blood -yessels, &c. This most
unfortunate state of circumstances We neknowl
edge,h il is true nevertheless. The election of
Dr.. Sequard, il he should accept the post,will 60
far 10 ,medy this defect and 10 give character
aud standing to our Virginia Medical Colegr,oyer
lis old T northern rivals.
DR.. Seqnard, we IRE told, visited this country
several yenrs since, and besides exhibiting his
skill in vivi-seetiou, lecturcd to some of the first
medical men and ult II eminent med cal prOtcS-
surs IN the country. 1t i not deemed inn rohable
by those best acquainted with the reputation Of
DIR, s, that he will he called upon, by professors
of other schools, for instruction in his peculiar
branch ot med cal knowledge.
We are, also, very glad IL learn that the Doc
tor i not after all much of foreigner as some
might suppose. His mother Is an American lady
- he married an American lady-a niece of the
late dist lguished Daniel Webster and his CON
nections III tins country are not "nly numerous
but of the highest responsibility and intelligence.
SO appropriate did his selection appear to all that
his rivals for the chair, and their many respecta-
bic friends, not emily acquiesced III IT, but even
| NJ plauded it., being the most wise and iude-
Gus that could have been made.
ACommlttee was appointed Ia memorinlze the
| Legislature for an endowment or donation suliie
ant to justify the erection of lloSpitul,and to
purch use apparatus, &c, needed to illustrate the
various subjects 80 be taught. These are mpor
iant objects and we eau see no reason why Il
Virginia Legislature cannot be ust-yca, liberal
to an Institution commencing under auspices 50
favorable and which will by its effects, eoutri-
butte SO much, und greatly to tie honor.ntrrest,
aud prosperity Of our dear old commonwealth
Indeed, we think there is none,and that such en-
dowme or don alton should be made In Il single
yearihe State will save nearly or quite all ncocs-
sary cost by keeping Il money AT home that Is
now expended abroad for medical education.
We shall have more to say upon this subject
anon and upon the propriety of Nirgipions who
are preparing themselves for the profession II
patroni1e Virginia schools