New-York tribune., 1908-07-31
DR.. ALEXANDER HAMILTON LAIDLAw.

DR. Alexander Hamilton Iaidlaw noted medi-
cal practitioner and educator. died on Wednesday
at his home. No. IS West SD street He was ac-
lively engaged in the practice of medicine up to a
few years ago. when he retired account of fall
ing health. On July II he celebrated his eightieth
birthday.
He gained widespread prominence in 1854, when he
took a foremost part in combating a smallpox
epidemic. which numbered many victims in this
state
His next notable achievement in medicine was
made during the cholera and typhoid fever cpl
denies 1856 and 1858 In the latter year he de-
clined the chair of materia medca at Hahnernann
College. Chicago in favor Of that Of anatomy at
the New York Homeopathic College.
DR.. Laidlaw was born in Scotland, the son OF
Alexander Laidaw. His earliest known paternal
ancestor the Laidaw who joined Sir William
Douglass expedition Of 1860. to convey the heart
of Robert Bruce to the Holy Land
When five years old Dr. Laidaw brought
to this country by his parents In 1S41 he entered
the Philadelphia Central High School and the fol-
lowing year appointed one Of the night me-
teorologcaI observers in connection with the United
States coast surveys. of which he was after
ward made superintendent. Later he took up the
study of medicine while applying himself at the
same time to the study of chemistry and physics
He was graduated in 1915.
Following his graduation he became a student
in the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. begin
ming at the same time a course in banknote en-
craving under Joseph Ives Peas, for whom he en-
graved the portraits in Thomas Buchanan Read $
Female Poets Of America, Thiers's History or
the Consulate and Empire and other works
In the early sos DR.. Laidlaw studied hypnotisn,
and continued experimenting along these lines un-
til 1853 He early obtained fame for the treatment
of non-surgicaI chronic diseases In 1889 he came
to this city and founded Washington Heights
what is said been the first private hospital
ever opened here for the cure Of chronic diseases
He sought in consultation the advice of physicians
Of all schools in medicine. This hospital three
years later was moved TO Jersey City Heights.
His career as prominent educator covers a long
period. In 1s49 he elected professor Of draw
ing and mathematics at the New London Collegiate
Academy Chester County, Penn. The following
year he established academy ar Port Elizabeth.
N J.. and the next year he became the principal
OF the Mauch Chunk High School Pennsylvania
In 1852 DR.. Laidlaw became the principal Of the
Oakland Grammar School at Philadelphia Seven
years later he published An American Pronounc-
ing Dictionary Of the English Language. which
met with a large sale The sale Of the work was
stopped by the stereotype plates Of the book being
DESTROYED by fire in 1872 About 1867 DR.. Laidlaw
moved to New Jersey. and chosen Superin-
tendent of Public Schools. which office he filed
several years AS his medical practice at that
time very extensive. he declined an offer TO
become president of Girard College
In 1865 DR.. Laidlaw married Anna T. Sites. who
died several years ago. Alexander Hamilton Laid
law. ir.. one of his sons. who author and
playwright. died two weeks ago. DR.. George Fred
erick Laidaw his other son. survives him.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 10 o'clock.
Burial will be in the family plot in Greenwood
Cemetery.