The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-09

cord the death Of Dr. John wakeman Francis OF tho
most celebrated physicians Of America and old and
honored citizen of this metropolis The Doctor had fer
time past been laborng under a painful disease
(carbunoes the bac TO which he succumbed yester
day morning. to the infinite regret of the medical frater
nifty and the community at large.
DR.. Francis was born in the city OF New York,
the nth Of November 17S9 and has therefore lived 10
the age Of ~ years. His father Melchor Francis,
was native Of Nuremburg in Germany, VINO emigrated
to and settled in this country Immediately after the
Revolution His mother Philadelphia Indy Of Swiss
descent In his youth Dr. Francslke his great proo-
type DR.. Franklin TO whom he bore personal resen-
blanoe-chose the calling OF printer, and many ine-
resting anecdotes related Of his mealtime hours
being divided between his frugal repast and his Latin
grammar. Soon leaving the printing office in which
he was employed, he entered advanced class
In Columbia College, where, by assiduous labor
and continual diligence, he kept up with
his regular studies and made progress in the medical
course having decided eventually TO adopt medicine
profession. Entering the office Of DR. Hosack, he took
his degree Of n. D. in 1911 His the first
corded the list OF graduates he the solo
vvor Of the class With his removal by death the last
link Of the chain broken and not Of oil the young
men who once formed that class is 70 be found
among the living In connection with DR.. Hosack
he founded the american AedSeal aud Philosophical
Register, well known journal medical jurispru-
dence OF which he continued TO be the chief editor
for four years During that time he contributed 70 the
literature Of the day number Of learned dissertations
Of much value, medicine, criticism, philosophy and
social and political economy Dr. Francis very
pidy IN his profession might be presumed when 1t IL
remembered that his college essay the "use OF Mer
curry" attracted unusual attention among professional
both sides Of the Atlantic On all questions re-
latmg TO the theories Of epidemics he was great
authority. would occupy much space to give
the naked titles Of the honors and offices or distinguished
trust which were held by the deceased, and this
ground only necessary say that his Is
dated with almost every triumph his profession that
is recorded of American genius
DR. Francis will be long remembered by many OF our
citizens Although he hal attained to the ripe age Of
seventy years, he was 70 all outward appearances
hale and vigorous Until within very late period
signs Of the encroachment Of disease the effects
Of gathering years apparent upon him. His genial
and smiling face, his silvery locks and his generally
cheerful deneanor could fail to impress tho OBJ
that he possessed soul OF gcntleness and
kindness The low crowned hat which he usually wore,
with his neat white cravat and gold headed canethis
latter being his tan companion when trayersng the
strect-heped to give him the appearance OF Of the
old Knckerbockers, who only live in traditions
Whenever there pleasant weather the Doctor could
generally be met Broadway enjoy the refreshing airs
the cool Of the evening making purchases in the station
crs, converting with some Of his numerous friends
whom he might chance to meet
Dr. Francis lived during the stirring times
countrys history took lively interest her po
Itica affairs, while he devoted particular attention
the various phanthropic movements Of the day. Fa-
miliar from his earliest years with the best phases OF
American and Knickerbocker life knowing, boy
hood, the divnes physci lawyers and politicians Of
emnencc Of the day his acquaintance with people Of
tDcton and talent for hall century kept pace with tho
growth Of the metropolis Of which he was SO proud
He watched, with ever anxious eye, every step Of
progress, either in material wealth and prosperity
in intellectual culture, taken by New York; he chco
niced at intervals nearly every OF these steps, he
assisted in the successful accomplishment Of many
of them His life WAS made up Of efforts 70 benefit
the public; and while his as physician was CON-
posed of acts Of kindness and the devotion OF Gae
the Office of beneftting individuals, his life a
corresponded, on more enlarged SCALE with his private
and professional experience His relations with his pro
fessiona brethren were always Of the most cordial
description while with liberal hand he
Outraged the younger members OF the profession TO
pursue the onward path TO fame. His lavish
generosity toward the unfortunate and suffering
especially the needy author and artist, eadear-
ed him 10 ali whose life In Frightened BY his
acquaintance. liberal and enlightened citizen well
professional man, Dr. Francis achieved singular emil
pence To relieve humanity Of suffering, in whatever
phase ia found his mission. To literature he found
time TO devote his energies end New York Ia indebted
to him for the formation Of Of her oldest and
Society particularly found in him in its hours Of ad
versity liberal donor by which s present prosperity
and generosity, upon the first presentation of the pro-
posed Woman Hospital the Doctor comprehended its
merits and lent helping hand sympathizng with DR..
Sims, he was fom the first an unwaverng friend and TO
his eloqucnce energy extensive personal acquaintance
and untiriDg zeal Its present usefulness and permanent
position greatly Indebted.
In 1913, although only the twenty fourth year OF
his age, he received the appointment OF lecturer the
Institutes Of Medicine Matera Medica college
a
this time his position Of science and talent
recognized by the community; he subsequently, filled
the chairs Of obstetrcs Of forensic icne OF medical
Jurisprudence, OF the Institutes Of medicine in various
other institutions; he went abroad, and became init
physicians of the day, with Cuvier Gall aud Brewster IN
scientific walks, and witr Walter Scott and other lite
rary While abroad he contributed several articles
to /" Recs' Cyclopediap In 1917 he became Pro
fessor Of Medical Jurisprudence in the Institute
Of Medicine in this city. In 1919 he was made
until 1925, when al the faculty resigned, and
started what known as the Rdtgcrs Medical school
Francis has devoted himself TO the practice Of his pro-
fession and the pursuit Of literature.
Among his personal friends he numbered almost all the
great statesmen and eminent literary people OF the
quarter OF century, while he always manifested great
interest for the stage and those Who troll It's boards thus
he knew most Of the popular actors Of the day. and lately
wrote series Of theatrical "reminiscences for periodical
sheet Of this city In iss7 he wss elected The rs; pres
associated honorary member OF many scientific and
medical institutions both In this country and Europe
Trinity College, Hartford.
His principal medical publications are: Gases OF Nor
bid Anatomy 'On the Value OF vitrolc Enetics tho
Membraneous Sta Of Group "Facts differences Ia
Medical Jurisprudence" "on the Anatomy Of Drunken
ness death by Lightning can Essay on the Cholera
In New York in 1882" He also wrote deliberately for
magazines and newspapers aud the author several
pamphlets and an annotated edition Of Donmans work
on Parturition. His own works the obstetric art
on the medicinal properties OF sarguinaro cd1deysis
febrie conagion the gotre Of Western Now York and
Canada the mineral waters Of Avon the yellow fever and
IN his
most learned and skilled physician.
But amid the ncessant avocatons Of largo practice
DR. Francis found time 70 manifest his interest in and &c
Mus for, the liberal studios In series OF able dis
courses, delivered before various literary and sccn-
tnc bodies, he illustrated the value and charms
OF horticulture, the fine arts, American
biography history and science. On all questions OF local
and personal interest the opinion OF DR. Francis al
ways considered "a primal necessity and be was fire.
quenty consulted on the affairs Of literary and charitable
associations.
Hs reputation and influence were distinguished in al
most every branch OF usefulness though his reputation
as physician was most envabe. lie MAS particularly
Interested in relating his biographical remnis
crprs rf In ~.tx and af tia tnnux~t mt ~tt