Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 31.djvu/269

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Unveiling a Statue of Dr. Hunter McGuire. 261

to keep pace with the vast strides which modern explorations were making in surgery and medicine, he, associated with others, founded in 1893 the University College of Medicine, which was opened in October of that year, and at once by its surprising success con- firmed the wisdom of its creation. In connection with this new college there was established the Virginia Hospital. Of each of these fine institutions Dr. McGuire was the president, and in the college was also the Clinical Professor of Surgery.

He was one of the founders of the Medical Society of Virginia in 1870, and for several years was the chairman of its Executive Committee, and in 1880 became its President.

Honorary degrees and preferments have in this age lost much of their original significance, but never were these more worthily be- stowed than upon this most deserving person.

In 1887, the degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by the University of North Carolina, and in 1888, by the Jefferson College, of Philadelphia.

In 1869, he became President of the Richmond Academy of Medi- cine, and in 1875, President of the Association of Medical Officers of the Army and Navy of .the Confederate States.

In 1889, he was made President of the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association.

In 1876, he was Vice- President of the International Medical Con- gress.

In 1893, th e Vice-President, and 1896, the President of the Amer- ican Medical Association.

He was a member and officer in many other scientific associations throughout this country, and his attainments and usefulness received significant marks of recognition and appreciation from scientists and scientific associations of foreign lands.

His contributions to the ephemeral and permanent literature of his time, while not numerous, were weighty and influential. Of his potential and timely aid to Southern literature we shall presently speak.

Dr. McGuire was in no sense a politician, or a blind partisan or factionist. He was an earnest lover of the truth in every relation of life, and in no cause was his courage so conspicuously displayed, or his sustained zeal more intelligently directed than in his untiring efforts to rescue his own land and people from the machinations of those who were seeking to make lies their refuge, and under solemn falsehoods to hide themselves.