board at a special meeting, accompanied with a written proposal from Dr. Morgan, "setting forth his plan of opening medical schools under the patronage and government of the college, and intimating his desire to be appointed professor of the theory and practice of physic." The trustees approved the scheme, and "entertaining a high sense of Dr. Morgan's abilities, and the honours paid to him by different learned bodies and societies in Europe," unanimously appointed him to the office for which he applied. The date of this event, the 3d of May, 1765, is deserving of commemoration, as the birth day, in America, of that system of medical education, which has been carried to such high perfection, and has so
strength to the institution, and though it may for some time occasion a, small expense, yet after a little while it will gradually support itself and even make considerable additions to the academy funds."
"Dr. Morgan has employed his time in an assiduous search after knowledge, in all the branches necessary for the practice of his profession, and has gained such esteem and love from persons of the first rank in it, that as they very much approve his plan, they will from time to time, as he assures us, give him their countenance and assistance in the execution of it We are made acquainted with what is proposed to be taught, and how lectures may be adopted by you, and since the like systems have brought much advantage to every plan where they have been received, and such learned and eminent men speak favourably of the Doctor's plan, I could not but in the most kind manner recommend him to you, and desire that he may be well received, and what he has to offer be taken, with all becoming respect and expedition, into your most serious consideration; and if it shall be thought necessary to go into it, and thereupon to offer professorships, that he may be taken into your service." "When you have heard him, and duly considered what he has to lay before you, you will be best able to judge in what manner you can serve the public, the institution, and the particular design now recommended to you.I am, gentlemen,
Your affectionate friend,
THOMAS PENN."
London, February 15th, 1765.
