Facts concerning anatomical instruction in Philadelphia / by James Webster.

  • Webster, James, 1803-1854.
Date:
[1832]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Facts concerning anatomical instruction in Philadelphia / by James Webster. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    But, Sir, admitting that you had considered the procurement of these an infringement of the treaty, what I wnuid ask you, was the mode pointed out by that treaty t<> obtain redress for al- ledged grievances ? It was expressly agreed th:it no person who considered himself iijured by another should have the right to re- dress his own supposed wrong—redress was to be sought through Dr. Morton and myself. Was it in accordance with this under- standing you acted, when you gave your orders to the agent to take six in succession to yourself, with a view to retaliate on Dr. Webster, for what you considered an infringement of the agree- ment? But I will pursue this phantom no further: I will submit to you the following propositions—adopt or reject them as you may please; I care not which. First. That all members of the Profession in the city of Phila- delphia, of fair standing, shall have equal facilities afforded them for the acquisition of anatomical knowledge, or for teaching it to others, as for as these facilities depend on the public places, Sec. Second. That W with a view to sustain the medical interests of Philadelphia, and to prevent the public scandal and excitement in- cident to the cultivation of anatomy, the written agreement drawn up by Dr. Horner, and dated Philadelphia, Nov. 22d, 1828, be adopted as a code by which anatomists shall be governed; subject to such alterations and amendments as may be thought expedient at any time by those interested. In conclusion, I would merely observe, that the individuals with whom past difficulties originated, are at present free of this matter. It has now become a personal affair between you and myself. On the faith of the understanding I had with you on this subject, I sta- ted to Dr. Webster's class, that by agreement, the facilities for dissection were opened equally to every professional individual. This assertion of mine I will make good; and I now pledge you the word of a man who would not knowingly trifle with any one, and who will allow no man to trifle with him, that opportunities for dissections and anatomical demonstrations shall be equalized, be the cost or hazard what it may, or however protracted the contest. And should the opportunities for acquiring practical anatomical knowledge, which now exist, be diminished, or should they be com- pletely arrested, the responsibility must rest with you, and of thia