The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

per cent In comparing this with q
number of asylums throughout the coun-
trv. | find that in this matter, consider
ing the number of patients, that this
ASYLUM leads the list, a showing that
every North Caroliuian should be proud
of. Dr. Kirby rs a great believer in the
efficacy of water internally, externally
and every way, and advocates the use
of both cold and warm baths, as the
ease of the patient demands. 1t may be
said that many cases are relieved by
prolonged warm baths with cold applica-
tions to the head. OF course in his treat
ment. the Doctor uses drugs, and is also
IL great believer III exercise in the open
air, having attained excellent results
from this.
Doctor Clouston, a very distinguished
alienist, has said that THE best medi-
cine for an insane man is wheelbar-
row. meaning of course that exercise
is what is needed. Along this line the
administration of the Hospital has
been conducted. He devotes his entire
time and attention to even the details of
the institution, hence its smooth-runn1ng
and excellent standing. Another point
that | wish to bring out in the career
of this able and progressive gentleman
is not only his conservation of the in
terests of his patients, but likewise the
interests Of the taxpayers of the State.
His administration has been decidedly
economical and this even in the face Of
the fact that the number of patients have
been increasing during his regime.
DR.. Kirby brought to his life work
Il mind we'll prepared for serious work.
His exceptional educational advantages
were made the most of and with ma
tive ability to grasp them his professional
career has proven a success. lie has
not forgotten the training of his early
youth. and while he ranks as one of
the leading physicians of the State, he is
also one of the best agriculturists. Aside
from his professional duties, the Doc
tor is d royal entertainer and the writer
will ever remember with pleasure the
hour of pleasant conversation with this
genial gentleman.
He is member Of the State Medical
Society, having joined that well known
organization in 1865. For a period OF
six years he was a member of the State
Board of Examiners. Doctor Kirby has
always been actively identified with the
State Medical Society and is today one
of its most ardent supporters. lie Is II
member Of the Raleigh Academy of Med
icine.
In the matter of secret organizations
he IS d member of the Masonic Frater
nifty. In 1866 the Doctor married Mis-
Mary c. Green, ut Goldsboro, talented
and accomplished lady. This union has
been blessed with ten children, eigh
of whom are living, nine daughters anc
one son. The latter, DR.. Geo. III. Kirby-E
Jr.. recently graduated with honors int
medicine and has accepted Il positions
with the Seaside Hospital ut Long lsl-E
and.
In concluding the sketch of this estilnasl
BILE gentleman. | desire to say that az
close student of character, one cognizantt
of the springs and motives Of action
a philosopher. clear, lucid and forceful
writer says. lie who is SO conscious of
the rectitnde OF his intentions as to he
willing to open his bosom to the lnspec-
ton OF the world is in possession of one
OF the strongest pillars of decided
character Real, substantial and per-
manent success is only obtainabie by
those who in the conduct of their lives
through all the transactions and all the
yicissitudes and changes that all men
experience are guided and governed IN
their dealings and intercourse With oth-
ers. by strict and unfalterlng meg
rity by high moral sense Of right.
Endowed with fine natural gifts, born
and reared b yexempiary parents. taught
by precept and example in those haDlts
of thrift, industry and economy, that
have characterized the life history OF the
subject of this sketch, an unbroken Sc
ries Of successes in the various ventures
III which he has embarked, has crowned
his every effort.
They who stand prominent among the
commemorative men of the State owe 1heif
nositions not so much to the adventurous
circumstances of birth as to the posses
sion and cultivation of such qualities ana
traits OF character as insure success.
Such has been the career OF Doctor MI
bv endowed with strong will power,
great tenacity of purpose. quick pefcep-
ton. fertile resources, with vigorous
constitution pnioying uniformly excel
lent health. Injured from youth 70 close
assidnous application to some lselui anu
honorable avocation, calling lnto fedul-
sition both his mental and physlcal en-
ergies AZ he grew III years he has grown
into manly vigor and usefulness.
There is no citizen in the State OF
whose career sketch will be more USE
full and beneficial 1t is an Illustration
of the devotion of man Of science, to
Il work which has called forth the ener-
gy and best abilities of men throughout
the world and with the advancement OF
inateria medica and the onward march
Of modern ideas, the Doctor has Kept
fully abreast with the times.
In the matter of State progress, no
man in North Carolina is ii greater be-
lever or advocate of its advancement,
or has greater faith in its ultimate des-
tiny, and is always ready and wiling
to conduce to these points both by the
use Of his time and means. lr. hlr-
by's personal appearance is attractive
With high, broad brow, iron gray hair
large and rather deep set piercing eyes
and decided Napoleonic cast of fea-
lures, his face is Il striking one.
Long may he continue to superintend
the North Carolina State Hospital is
the earnest wish of the writer, anG / am
satisfied that in this wish / but voice
the sentiment of his legions of friends