unanimously that Dr. Bond be requested to unite Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Physic with his course of Clinical Lectures, the ensuing season, until such time as a Professor in that Branch of Medicine be appointed and undertake the business.” Dr. Bond, who was present at the meeting, expressed his readiness to do so.
It was further “Resolved, that Wednesday next be appointed for the election of Professors of Materia Medica, the Theory and Practice of Physic, Chemistry, and Botany.” This attempt to fill the Chairs did not succeed, and in this state of irregularity medical instruction continued for three years. In the “Pennsylvania Gazette” of Nov. 14th, 1781, Dr. Rush announced a course of Lectures upon Chemistry and the Practice of Physic, “to begin on Monday next, at three o’clock in the afternoon.” There was no interruption, however, to the graduation of candidates each year. At the Commencement of 1782, eight students were graduated M. B., and the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon Joannes Franciscus De Coste, Physician-General of the French Army in America, and also upon Maria Bernardus Borgetta, an eminent physician of the same army; and Fiacer Robillard, a Senior Surgeon in the French Army, received the Degree of Master of Arts.
In November, 1783, an election anew took place, and the former status of the Professors was accepted by them. The lectures then appear to have been conducted with some uniformity.
Although the University continued to perform its part successfully for ten years from the time of its foundation, the dissatisfaction on the part of the friends of the former College had only slumbered. The Act of the Legislature was regarded by them as unjust and unconstitutional, and their efforts in procuring its repeal, and in the restoration to the College of the powers and property possessed by it originally, were finally crowned with success. The new institution retained its position as a University, with its endowment from confiscated estates. The Act of repeal is dated March 6th, 1789.[1]
- ↑ Charters and Statutes of the University of Pennsylvania.
