Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-09-24
DIR. HENRY SHEFFIELD.

From Biographical CyeIcpedta OF
geOns.'' 81 80
We take pleasure In closing this sketch
of d.. Sheffield with the Publication of an
appropriate article by VIM. by. Smith,
Esq, an old and esteemed citizen of Nash
vile.
When DR.. Sheffield located at Nashville
the prospect was not very encouragi ng-
the field was rather barren in appearance.
True there was number Of families that
had become converts to the new prac-
tice, and they were firm and steadfast In
the faith; but it seemed impossible to ex-
tend the circle. The opponents Of homoe-
opathy had stcutly resisted its introduction,
and were exceedingly active and industrious
in their efforts to prejudice the popular
mind. They had brought to bear against
it all the resources of argument, wit, ,ridi-
Guile ard Misrepresentation; and many, who
we're disposed to embrace it, were thus de-
tered from doing So. The aIlopathic prsc-
titioners-fsther confessors of the great bulk
Of invalids-never permitted an opportunity
to pass without giving homeopathy and its
adberents stab. Ia some instances they
carried their opposition to the extent of So
cial estFacism.s- - .,-.'73 POI. ~''~ - -
q. The prejudice engen5ered against home-
opaihy was great, but not greater than the
ignorance on the subject prevalent. Men
formed their opinions not after fair and
truth-seeking investigation, but upon the
dicta ofthese who we're more or less inter
ested in preventing inquiry and keeping the
people ia ignorance. - In a word, Nashville
was as completely under the domination of
oil rnrlouthnnd
1t was no pleasant or easy task, therefore,
that DR.. Sheffield had before him.. He de-
termined, however, to meet and esurmouht,
| if possible, all the obstacles which stood IS
| barriers to SUCCESS He had full faith in his
cause, snd never wavered. in his, conviction
that favorable impression could be made,
the Chinese wall of prejudice broken, and
homeopathy firmly planted and extended.
He had patience, fortitude, courage, conf
dence. Ell All these VirtUes.were taxed iIhis
experience, but notin vain. ,,-....-. .., =.
His success as q practitioner of rare judg-
ment and consummate skill, his close atten-
tons to his patients, and bis sterling worth
as a gentleman of. the stTictest integrity,
soon resulted in gradual extension of his
practice upon sure and solid foundations.
| In a few years he had so won the esteem
and confidence of the citizens OF Nashville
that all doubts ofsuccess were removed. A
little later his practice became lucrative, and
is still growing. 90. i-s or 80 II
. To DR.. Sheffield, principally, is Nashville
indebted for the advantages her citizens sre
reapiDg from homeopathy. He had been
! preceded by other physicians of his school,
but they failedto enlist popular favor. His
high character, perseverance, foresight and
skill overcame obstacles which they found
insurmOuntable; and now thousands are
treated according to the homeopathic sys-
TEN where the practice was hmitedIto q
1 few hundreds.
The career of DR.. Sheffield has been en-
| inently successful. He has attained the
highest rank as aptIysicisn. Noprofessional
man in the city has warmer and more de-
voted friends, or possesses, in greater de-
gree, the respect and esteem Of all classes OF
citizens. This is due to his substantial
merits, and not to any panderipg TO popular
tastes, partialities or prejudic;s.
| He is firm and inflexible in bis purposes,
unswervingly faitbfui'to bis friends, and IL
! eorruptible. The barren field which Dr..
Sheffield found in Nashville is, as We have
shown, no longer barren. 1t has been we'll
cultivated, ard is yielding golden fSqit. His,
friends praythg be rhsy lcng live 70 enjoy
the rewards Of his isbors and the gratitude
OF bis fellow men, whose na,adies 10 has
healed or stleyisted.