The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-02-10
The Late DIR. R. w. Gibbes.

we find, under the head of ssNecro-
logy," the following notice of our
lamented fellow citizen. It, is no
doubt, q tribute from the graceful pen
of his distinguished friend, Prof. $.
II. Dickson:
s'Died, on the 10TH October 1866.
Robert w. Gibbes, NJ. D., of Colum
bia, South Carolina, ;rtat liftyseven
years.
The medical profession has ever
been foremost in the cultivation of
the sciences generally, and in the ad-
vancemert Of the varied steps of
social progress and improvements;
and IN orr own day, none of its mem
bers have done moro to sustain its
reputation in these respects, than
the subject Of ;lle present notice.
Born IN Charleston, in 1909, and
educated academically in the Uni
versity of South Carolina, hereccived
| his medical degree in his native city,
IN 1880; soon afterwards entering
into the practice of his profession in
Columbia, where he has just ended
life of extraordinary activity, dis
tinction and usefulness for long
course of years he flied large
sphere, enjoying the support and
confidence of one of the most en-
lightened and refined communities in
our country; among whom be will
ever be remembered us the chosen
friend, adviser and consoler of moro
than one generation.
His best eulogy will be found in a
recita! Of the several positions occu-
pied by him, and the work Which he
accomplished. Deeply imbuel with
the classic sentiments, NthH huD,,t-
nan Aamj n}icn"m puto, he entered
with Jealous arl!or into all pursuits
which tend to promote the general
welfare. His early exhibition of
talent and energy, met with prompt
appreciation. Immediately on leaving
college, he was appointed assistant to
DIR. Thos. Cooper, Professor of
Chemistry, Geology and Mineralogy,
and, on his death, became his sue
cessor in that chair After his resig-
nation of it, he continued the pro
secution of his researches in GEOLOGY
and Palaontology. His collection
OF fossils became very extensive
and valuable one; especially rich in
specimens of the SYuuLidop-h mono
gram concerning which deservedly
obtained for him high reputation.
In the midst of extensive profes-
sional employments he found time to
teach and give lectures on medicine,
in conjuction with the distinguished
Professor Josiah G. Mott, now of
Mobile, and to prepare numerous
papers for the journals, displaying a
rare versatility Of powers, and an
uncommon extent of reading and OBJ
servation. We may point out as proof,
his Memoir of the Fossil Genus
Basllosaurus;" his monograph on
fossil 'SquaHice, already referred to-;
his lecture on "Thc Present Earth
the Remains of q Former World"
and his contributions to the Somhe1os
Qn0rierly Recier, Of articles on Palp-
ontology, Ornithologv, Animal Mag
netism, Artesian Wells, Microscopical
Examination of the Hair of the diff
ferent Races, Railroads, Banks. the
South Carolina College-of which he
was many years one OF the trustees
Malaria, Early History Of the Judi
ciary in South Carolina, Historical
Discoveries on the Oregon Boundary.
He also published three volumes of
Historical Documents of South
Carolina,' and memoir of the
lamcnted young painter. DeVeaux;
meanwhile filing twice, by popular
election, the Office of mayor of the
city, and editing, with great spirit
and success, a daily newspaper. He
was devoted lover of the fine arts,
and muniticent patron Of artists;
and his residence was 9 seat Of wide
and generous hospitality. His fine
collection of pictures and statuary,
his library and museum, are now dust
and ashes: consumed with his home,
in the destruction of Columbia, in
1860. His last days, therefore. were
days Of privation and suffering.
Throughout the disastrous war.
which terminated in that year of
ruin, he had served his native State
IS Surgeonin- chief; winning for
himself, in that position, the esteem
and affection Of friends and enemies
alike, for his Skill, humanity and ad-
ministrative ability.
/ He was for several years President
! Of the Medical Association Of South
Carolina, and had been made Fellow
Of many scientific and literary socie-
ties at home and abroad; among them
! the ACADEMY OF Natural Sciences Z"