The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-08
DEAN OF MEDICAL
SCHOOL PAYS TRIBUTE
Life and Character of Physician
Praised by Associate in Col
lege Faculty.

The following tribute TO the character
and work of DIR. Gels has been made by
DR.. A w. Brayton, dean of the Medical
College of Indiana Dr. Brayton speaks
with the knowledge of the closest init
macy, as he probably stood closer to the
dead man. both in a professional and
social way, than any other one of DR..
Cess wide circle of friends. The memoir
ial reads:
In memoriam, DR.. John F.. Gels:
Those who knew DIR. Gels intimately will
remember him for his cordiality, his de-
lightful personality, his mental adaptability
and flexibility suggesting Grecian rather
than the Teutonic type he really was by
descent
His nature was pervaded by a buoyant
and resourceful hopefulness, which gave
him courage and useful activity. For his
hopefulness was based on confidence in
himself and, most valuable quality of ALL
the power of inspiring confidence in others.
His lucidity of thought, clearness and
propriety of language and freedom from
even scientific perjudice," proved to be
properties peculiarly necessary in the
study and teaching of chemistry. Dr.
Gels was no perfunctory teacher; he knew
much and gave much, but he also exacted
much of his students and assistants.
At first his freshmen classes were shy
of him and fearful of his subject, but his
freedom from pedantry, his openness of
mind and Willingness to help those who
tried to help themselves soon overcame
their fear and timidity. He was known to
the younger classes as the students
friend" and they took up his work with the
industry and enthusiasm of those who feel
that they have an accomplished. wise and
an Inspirations leader The Elements of
Chemistry written by DIR. Gels, soon be-
came one of the most popular OF college
class books.
predecessor in the chemical chair, DR..
Phillip Baker. a graduate of the medical
college in 1879. for twenty years professor
for ten years filling the same chair in the
Medical College of Indiana. Professor
Baker was a great teacher and adviser;
his views of education given TO the medical
college faculty were indeed "counsels of
perfection" His name was entered as
the eleventh upon the marble scroll in
the college library in 1901. and now that of
his colleague, DR. Gels, will indicate the
twelfth death in the faculty within a pc
riOd of twenty years Chemistry includ-
ing researches in chemical physiology and
pathology, is the leading department of
laboratory study in medical schools, and
the teaching requires many hours and
eXacting study. The work in the college
has been done by the dean, DR.. Jameson,
by the vice dean and so on down the line,
by Drs. Baker and Gels.
DIR. Gels was an all-aTound chemist and
chemical expert. He was chemist TO the
City Board of Health; he has analysed the
city water daily for many years, and
when it was reported bad the physicians
always asked, But what does DR.. Gels
say about it?' He was an expert witness
in medico-legal trials. notably i'm toxicology:
he was familiar with all the sanitary
problems of the day, including those per-
tanning to bacteriology.
In his home life DIR. Gels was sweet
gentle and affable. He was born in the
church or the most ancient history and
tradition, and was loyal to its organiza-
ton and teaching. From his boyhood he
had an eye single TO medicine. and more
than any other one of it's nearly 1000 grad
yates he might be called 1.-The child of the
college" For there he was its librarian.
and there as a student he studied and
lodged until finally he came to be the head
master of one of its most important de-
partments.
Through his brief illness of less than a
weeks duration he exhibited the most per-
feet disposition. the greatest patience and
forbearance for his wife and friends. al
though suffering more from the pains OF
pneumonia than is common in such cases.
He apprehensive from the first, so vio-
lent was the grasp of this captain of the
men of death" He constantly insisted that
on a pneumonia corpse in his duties as
the corOner's physician. And now he has
passed TO the realms of silence ito where,
beyond these voices there is peace"
His life was brief in years. but long in
well-directed activity and usefulness. He
master words are work and service for
humanity. The chief lesson of his Young
life 10 those of his college colleagues and
the students who loved and honored him is:
Constant my soul. for moments and for
hours;
Each is with service pregnant. each re-
claimed
AS is a kingdom conquered. where 10
reign"
A w. BRAYToN.