literature we must know the precise significance of the old words and, in some cases, the best way to learn this is to examine the specimens prepared by those who use such terms in their descriptions."
One of the advantages of the Medical Museum, which it enjoyed "in common with several of the largest, and most important museums, more especially those of the Royal College of Surgeons and of the Faculty of Medicine of Paris," pointed out by Dr. Billings, was its close association with "a large medical library which is in the same building, and at present under the same direction. The increased utility and attractiveness which this gives to both library and museum are very decided."
In the first place, in a "very condensed statement of the wants of our National Medical Museum," Dr. Billings listed "the intelligent interest and friendship of the medical profession * * *. To a very considerable extent it has had that; were it otherwise it would not be what it is, nor where it is. But it needs more of it, and it can never have too much."
Referring to the fact that a large proportion of the pathological specimens "were gathered during a great war * * * when antiseptic surgery, as now understood and practiced, was unknown," Dr. Billings predicted that this group, showing the "effects of pyogenic microorganisms on gunshot wounds," would never be duplicated. These and other Civil War relics, he said, "have an interest beyond that which is purely professional * * *. The fact that we are physicians does not imply that we look upon them from a medical or scientific stand only. Those of the combatants who survive are now better friends than ever, and the museum specimens coming as they do from the sick and wounded of both armies, and contributed by both Union and Confederate surgeons, enforce the lesson of the unity of the profession and of its interests, as well as that of our country."
And, with prophetic vision, the Curator saw ahead to the idea of an institute of pathology cooperating with "earnest and well trained students" working on the museum's collections "so as to advance knowledge * * *.To all such students we shall endeavor to afford opportunities for this work. Precisely how this is to be effected is not yet clear, but here is abundance to be done, and there are quite a number of men coming on the stage who want to do such work for its own sake * * *. Sooner or later, we shall have half a dozen or more of specially trained men busy in the laboratories and work-rooms of the museum, each engaged on his own problems, and the whole for the common good." 24[1]
- ↑ 24 Medical News, Philadelphia, volume 53, number 12, 22 September 1888, pp. 309-316.
