James Thacher, M_D_, of Plymouth, Mass_ (pdf)
8/11/2016
.
< Davis on Medical Education, p. IG.
' Loo. cit., p. 46.
i» Josiah Bartlett, M.D : Progress of Medioal Science.
11 'l'hacher: Medical Biographies, p. 96. The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal as published by The New England Journal of Medicine. Downloaded from nejm.org by JOSH ROSENFELD on April 6, 2016.
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With this short prelude as to the status of medicine
and the medical profession in tho eighteenth century,
I ask your attention to the subject of my paper,—
James Thaohek, M.D., of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Dr. Thacher was descended from Anthony Thacher,
who camo to this country from England in the year
1635. He was born at Barnstable, February 14, 1754.
His father was John Thacher, his mother was daughter
of Samuel Norton, Esq., of Chilniark, Martha's Vine-
yard, and grand-daughter of Governor Coddington, ofRhode Island. With only such preparation as could
bo acquired while living upon one of tho sandy farms
of Cape Cod, he was, at the age of sixteen, apprenticed
to Dr. Abuer Hersey, of Barnstable. That his pre-
ceptor was an eccentric and austere man, with less of
the science than the art of medicine, appears from his
student's interestin»; and somewhat amusing account
of liim. Dr. Hersey's advantages of education were
greatly deficient, he having labored with his father in
husbandry during early life. He commenced the study
of medicine under his brother James, of Barnstable, a
physician of reputation and extensivo practice. After
a pupilage of about one year, his brother's death prof-
fered him at the age of nineteen, the benefit of that
brother's name and the field of his professional labors.
At a youthful period of life, perhaps unexampled in
the annals of medicine, and under the disadvantages
of a penurious education, young Hersey began his career,
and ever after pursued it with fidelity and zeal. He
at once embraced the whole circle of practice which
his brother had enjoyed, and it was not long before he
acquired the confidence and respect of the people.
For many years he commanded without a rival the
whole practice upon Cape Cod— a distance of moro
than forty miles, containing a population of seven or
eight thousand— controlling at pleasure his practice
and his fees. As a surgeon he was considered judi-cious and skilful, though he never performed a capital
operation.
Dr. Hersey was subject to an hypochoudriacal affec-
tion, and in his domestic character was eccentric in
the extreme, — a compound of caprice and whims.
Domestic happiness and social interfcourse were
strangers in his family. He oftener chastened by his
frown, than cheered by an expression of approbation.
He adopted a very abstemious modo of living, reject-
ing animal food, ardent spirits and wine, confining
himself chiefly to a diet of vegetables and milk. But
in nothing was his singularity more conspicuous than
in his manner of dress. His garments were of a
fashion peculiar to himself, remarkably largo and
loose, and lined throughout with baize. Such was his
whimsical fancy, that he had a great-coat made of
tanned leather. Seven calf skins were cut and formed
into an outer garment as a defence against the rain,
lie was by nature churlish in his temper, and abruptin his manners; and when in his peevish,moods, it
was common for him to express himself in such lan-
guage as this : " I liad rather be chained to a galley
oar, than suffer such vexation."
A curious instance of this kind occurred when the
widow of his brother contemplated making him a visit.
Shu informed him by letter of her intentions. The
doctor, knowing that she would appear in a style
rather different from that to which he had been accus-
tomed, was greatly agitated, and immediately answered
the letter as follows : " Madam, I cannot have you.
I have neither hay nor corn for your horses, 1 have
no servants in my family, and I had rather be chained
to a galley oar than wait upon you mvself."
He,died in the sixty-sixth yraj^^'iis age, leaving
no children. By his will he'^WPealned to Harvard
College five hundred pounds, as an addWonal endow-
ment of the professorship to which his brother, Ezekiei'
Hersey, of Hingham, had previously gnen a lar'g-of
Dr. Thacher completed ¡¡¡a live yearM^prentiee-
ship in the twenty-first year'of hi» aj^, at a most
eventful period in tho history oí our country. The
battle of Bunker Hill had just been fought. All New
England had become the theatre of civil war, and
every member of tho community was stirred with the
deepest anxiety and patriotic enthusiasm. Our young
doctor says of himself : " Participating in the glorious
spirit of the times, and contemplating improvement in
my professional pursuits, motives of patriotism and
private interest prompted me to hazard my future in
the conflict for independence." u I
In taking this step, he met with no encouragement,
cither from his own family or from his late preceptor.
All urged in opposition his youth, and the manifest
hopelessness of the cause. However, his youthful
ardor found in Joseph Otis, Esq., more sympathetic
counsel. That gentleman not only commended his
purpose, but furnished him witli a letter of introduc-
tion to his (Otis's) brother-in-law, James Warren,
Esq., President of the Provincial Congress. '.fiWough
.lames Warren's influence his name was addcJ^^thc
list of candidates for examination; and ho^WBtcd
the appointed day with anxiety and suspense, .i9' his
stock of medical knowledge should be deemed inade-
quate, and his hope be blasted. That the examina-
tion was reasonably close and severe, covering the
topics of anatomy, physiology, surgery and medicine,
is apparent, since, of the sixteen examined, six were
privately rejected as unqualified.18 Having successfully
passed this test, he was appointed surgeon's mate in
the provincial hospital at Cambridge, Dr. John War-
ren being the senior surgeon. July 15, 1775, he
assumed his duties. Dr. Josiah Bartlett was asso-
ciated with him in a similar capacity. This hospital
consisted of several private but commodious houses
appropriated for the purpose, and contained a number
of soldiers wounded at Breed's Hill, as well as many
sick of various diseases.
The following February upon the appointment of
Dr. John Morgan as Director-General of Hospitals,
our young surgeon was subjected to another examina-
tion by that gentleman, and appointed mate to Sur-
geon David Townsend, aud assigned to Colonel Asa
Whitcomb's regiment, stationed upon Prospect Hill.
This regiment was one of the few which were per-
mitted to enter the town of Boston, after it was evac-
uated by the British. At this time, small-pox pre-
vailing, he was inoculated by his frieud, Dr. John
Homans, and passed successfully through the disease,
not being ill in bed a single day. He accompanied
his regiment upon the expedition to Ticonderoga, and
participated in that disastrous retreat, which after-
wards proved to have been one of the factors in bring-
ing about the ruin of Burgoyue's army by drawing
that general into the interior. The term of service
of Whitcomb's regiment having expired, Dr. Thacher
was appointed to the general hospital. While in this
hospital at Albany, he enjoyed fine opportunities for
12 Thacher : Military Journal, p. 25. a Loc. oit., p. 34. The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal as published by The New England Journal of Medicine. Downloaded from nejm.org by JOSH ROSENFELD on April 6, 2016.
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professional improvement, large numbers of officersaud soldiers of both armies being assembled there ;
among these was General Benedict Arnold, suffering
from a fracture of the leg, whom the doctor found an
exacting aud unreasonable patient.
The following November, 1778, Dr. Thacher was
appointed surgeon of the First Virginia Regiment,
with wl.^^klir remained until the next June, when,
upon the íBitation of Dr. Townsend, he exchanged
into the Fiut Massachusetts, commanded by Colonel
Henry Jackson. His relations with the Virginia offi-
cers had been most pleasant, but he believed it to be
more advantageous to serve in a regiment with officers
from his native State. While with Colonel Jackson's
regiment he participated iu various minor engagements
aud skirmishes, and was present at the execution of
Major John Andre.14 Of that melancholy sacrifice of
a brave and chivalrous young officer to the stern and
relentless rules of war, he has given us in his " Mili-
tary Journal " one of the best accounts extant.
In July, 1781, Colonel Alexander Scammel, for-
merly adjutant-general of the army, formed a select
corps of light infantry, chosen from the most active
and efficient of the New England soldiers. The honor
of an appointment as surgeon to the troop was offered
to Dr. Thacher, and accepted by him. This troop
was intended for active and hazardous duty in advance
of the main army. They were present at the siege
of Yorktown, which terminated in the surrender of
Lord"jornwallis. This incident of the war afforded
Dr. Thacher the greatest satisfaction. He speaks of
it as among the blessed privileges and richest incidents
of his life, that he assisted at the siege and capture of
a British army.
January 1, 1783, in accordance with a resolution of
Congress reducing the army in view of the near ap-
proach of peace, Dr. Thacher resigned his commis-
sion, and left the military service with honorable testi-
monials as to the faithful discharge of the various
duties which had devolved upon him. We have fol-
lowed thus minutely his military career, as it was the
school which liberally educated him. He entered tho
army an obscure lad of twenty-one years, poorly
equipped with professional knowledge, aud entirely
deficient in worldly wisdom ; he emerged after seven
and a half years spent in the enjoyment of unusual
facilities for advancement in his profession, an accom-
plished physician and surgeon. He had acquired also
those social qualities which were not less important to
his future success, by association as guest aud friend
with the most distinguished and cultured officers of
the Revolutionary army.
He retired from the army July 1, 1783, and in the
following March established himself at Plymouth,
Mass., as a practitioner of medicine and surgery.
The prestige which he brought with him speedily ob-
tained for him a large and lucrative practice. His
fame soon spread, and he was frequently called to the
neighboring towns for consultation, especially in cases
of surgery. While pursuing an arduous and exteusive
practice, he was also engaged in teaching. Usually,
as members of his family were six or eight students
whom he instructed by recitations and demonstrations.
It lias been related to me by an old lady 1S who remem-
bered the doctor very well, that quite a serious local
sensation was created by the suspicion that some of
the dissecting material for his demonstrations was
obtained from a neighboring churchyard. A curiously
deformed individual was believed to have been resur-
rected by the students, and a mob collecting threatened
the doctor's house, and interrupted for a time his
course of instruction.
(To be continued.)
i» Military Journal, p. 272." Mrs. Mary W. Bussell.
Original Articles.
PULMONARY SYPHILIS IN THE ADULT.1
BY THOMAS E. SATTERTHWAITE, M.D., NEWYORK CITY.
My excuse for bringing this vexed question before
the profession at this time is that 1 have some personal
experience to present that will, I think, contribute
something towards its solutiou.
And I may say at tho outset, that the importance of
syphilitic lung affections has been very much under-
estimated by physicians ; aud I do not much blame
them, because the subject has always occupied an ob-
scure corner in our text-books, or has been altogether
omitted.
These statements of mine lead us to the inference
that there is both a negative and an affirmative position,
and I could prove it satisfactorily to-day by an appeal
to you who are here. For some of you would tell me
plainly that you do not believe in the existence of pul-
monary syphilis : others of you would state positively
that you have both seen it and treated it successfully.
Perhaps some of the former may be among my syphi-
lographic friends, who, like Bauemler, have written
much on the disease in some of its special types ; and
yet with him they may feel compelled to state that
they are not sure of ever having seen a genuine case.3
Indeed, I am willing to concede that such a position
is within the range of possibility, though not of proba-
bility. At any rate the majority of general practi-
tioners throughout this country to-day would, I am
quite confident, affirm that they have never seen lung
syphilis.In my clinics at the Post-graduate Medical School,
during my experience of eight years, 1 was repeatedly
told by medical men that syphilis did not occur at all
in their practice, being quite unknown to them. And
yet syphilis is really a comparatively common disease;
and when any one has once learned to recognize it
under its protean forms, he feels astonished at having
failed in making the diagnosis. Aud I am quite will-
ing to join with such a one and cry, Peccavi.
But both in our own country and in all civilized
lands there are to be found numbers of prominent prac-
titioners who are ready to affirm the existence of pul-
monary syphilis, and as the result of their deliberate
opinion derived from personal knowledge ; and yet I
will willingly admit that there have been good grounds
for holding conservative views, especially among those
whose practice has not brought them into contact with
pulmonary diseases. These grounds are briefly as
follows :
In the first place, some syphilologists have said
nothing on the subject, denied its existence, or even
have spoken with harsh criticism of those on the af-
firmative side ; and all this, we may presume, in per-
1 Read before the New York Academy of Medicine, Section of Gen-
eral Medicine, May 19, 1891.I •' Zlemsseii's Cyclopedia, vol. Ill, p. 211. The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal as published by
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Address.
JAMES THACHER, M.D., OF PLYMOUTH, MASS.1
BY JAMES B. BREWSTER, M.D., OF PLYMOUTH, MASS.
(Continued from No. 24, page 573.)
His labors as a teacher were no inconsiderable part
of the good work which he performed for the advance-
ment of his profession. Indeed, so remarkable habits
of industry and application had he, that he even
was able among his other duties to take up medical
authorship, and in this field he accomplished a work,
which for its extent and value must challenge our
respect and admiration.
His first publication was entitled " The New Dis-
pensatory, compiled from the most approved authors,
both European and American," and was published in
1810. This volume he most courteously dedicated to
his former preceptor, John Warren, M.D., Professor
of Anatomy and Surgery in the University of Cam-
bridge, and President of the Massachusetts Medical
Society. Before publishing the work, he loyally sub-
mitted it to the Massachusetts Medical Society for its
approbation. A committee consisting of Drs. John
Warren, Aaron Dexter, and Josiah Bartlett, after
examination, commended it in the following terms :
" As it appears to have been a principal object of Dr.
Thacher to adapt the work to American practice, and
as he has adopted for the basis of his work the Amer-
ican Pharmacopoeia of Massachusetts, lately published
by the Medical Society, and recommended for gen-
eral use, they are of the opinion that it will co-operate
with the views of the Society in that publication,
especially as its nomenclature and ordor of arrange-
ment seem to be strictly observed in the manuscript.
They therefore conclude that it will be for the inter-
est of medical science in this country to encourage
the work; and it may be the means of exciting a more
general attention to the medical virtues of American
productions, many of which might be introduced into
tho materia medica, and advantageously as well as
economically supply the places of foreign articles." lô
That these gentlemen did not err in their estimate of
the book, or the need of the profession for such a
work, is assured by the fact that it rapidly passed
through four editions. The profession of the Stateshowed an appreciation of it which must have been
gratifying to its author.
Two years later he issued an octavo volume, entitled
" Observations upon Hydrophobia." The style is that
of a series of letters addressed to a friend, containing
a very full description of the disease, the various theo-
ries and methods of cure existing at that time, and an
inquiry as to the specific remedies which had been sug-
gested,—most of fliem secret remedies, acquiring great
fame as infallible cures. Among these last were the
common red chick-weed, tree box and skull-cap,— each
celebrated. Tho most curious of all was known as
" Grouse's remedy," which was purchased from John
M. Crouse, its inventor, by the New York Legislature,
in the year 1806.17 The recipe, as filed in the comp-
troller's office of the State of New York, is as follows :
" First. Take one ounce of the jaw-bone of a dog
burned and pulverized, or powdered to a fine dust.
Second. Take the false tongue of a newly foaled colt,
let that be also dried and powdered. Third. Take one
scruple of the verdigris which is raised on the surface
of old copper by lying in moist earth. The coppers of
George I or II are the purest and best. Mix these
ingredients together, and if the patient be an adult let
him take the common teaspoonful a day, and so in
proportion for a child, according to its age. If these
should fail, the patient should immediately apply to a
physician, who will administer three drachms of verdi-
gris and one ounce of calomel at one dose, and he need
not be alarmed on account of the size of the dose."
After enumerating and pronouncing futile all the
so-called remedies and plans of treatment which had
then been suggested, Dr. Thacher, in his final chapter,
expresses great hope in results to be obtained by prop-
erly conducted experiments upon animals in some suit-
able institution, and concluding, says : " You may smile
at my project ; but however chimerical and visionary
it may appear, I would rejoice to be the Jenner of the
proposed institution." This language, in the light of
the researches and discoveries of Pasteur, seems now
to have been almost prophetic.
In 1817 he published a work on the theory and
practice of medicine, entitled " American Modern Prac-
tice ; or, asimple method of prevention and cure of
disease, according to the latest improvements and dis-
coveries ; comprising a practical system adapted to the
use of medical practitioners of the United States; to
which is added an Appendix containing an account of
many domestic remedies recently introduced into prac-
tice, and some approved formulai applicable to the dis-
eases of our climate." Iu his preface he says, "It is
confessedly a matter of regret that a country, in which
literature and science have been so honorably and suc-
cessfully cultivated, should so loug remain destitute of
a systematic work on practical medicine." The author
most ably supplied this need, a second edition ha"ving
been required a few years later.
In the chapter upon the character, qualifications and
duties of a physician, the standard which he offers
might well serve for the emulation of auy generation.
The entire literature of medicine furnishes no more
complete or concise statement of the rules which should
govern the conscientious physician who desires to do
his full duty toward his clients and his fellow-practi-
tioners. Ho says :
"The man who maintains this important station in
society should possess the strictest integrity of char-
acter; disinterested benevolence and philanthropy
should bo interwoven in the constitution of his nature.
He should possess, that modesty and humanity which
melts at every distress, extending the hand of relief
and comfort to the affiicted, especially to the widow,
to the fatherless and to him that hath none to help
him. He should be actuated by the dictates of tender-
ness and sympathy, which have their origin in the best
feelings of the heart. To these meritorious qualities
should be added an acute, penetrating genius, a reten-
tive memory, intuitive discernment, and an intrepid
and decided disposition of mind. To excel in the pro-
fession of medicine requires indefatigable industry and
a vast variety of liberal accomplishments, as well as
an understanding improved by experience. The phy-
sician, on the commencement of his functions, should
not allow his mind to be enslaved by systems, nor to
imbibe a bigoted attachment to great names, — as
there is no absolute perfection in systems, nor iufalli-
1Being the Annual Discourse delivered before the Massachusetts
Medical Society, at the One-hundred and Tenth Annual Meeting,June 10, 1891.
10 Proface to Now Dispensatory." Obsorvntious on Hydrophobia, p« 208.
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bility in the wisdom of men. He is not to be implic-
itly guided by the doctrines, nor the practice, of others,however eminent, but to establish a course of practice,the result of knowledge, founded upon experience and
observation. He will avoid all appearance of vanity
and ostentation, exhibiting, however, a modest confi-
dence in his own merits that may command the con-
fidence of others. In his prescriptions he will endeavor
to combine simplicity with elegance, rejecting the
absurd idea that a combination of many simples in one
prescription may retain and exert the separate virtues
of each. He will confide iu a few selected articles
judiciously adapted, that the indications may be an-
swered by as few medicines as possible. A superficial
or cursory view of the patient and a slight examination
of the symptoms will never satisfy tho inquisitive and
intelligent physician, nor inspire confidence in his
judgment and skill. The young practitioner will
derive much benefit from a methodical record of all
important cases that occur in his practice, describing
with accuracy the disease, with the attendant symp-
toms and mode of treatment, whether successful or
otherwise. Such record will furnish a document of
much utility in facilitating his own improvement. Itis to be recommended among the objects of peculiar
importance to medical practitioners, to possess them-
selves of a well-chosen library. If the pecuniary re-
sources of individuals are insufficient to procure a com-
petent collection of books, let district associations be
formed to accomplish this purpose. A social medical
library would prove a bond of union among physi-
cians, besides rendering the acquisition of knowledge
cheap and easy to its members. Those who volun-
tarily preclude themselves from the refined pleasure
and satisfaction derivable from professional study, and
who practise only by rote, and drudge on in the same
beaten track, although they may boast many years' ex-
perience, are but noviqps iu many essential points, and
utterly incompetent to discharge their calling with sat-
isfaction to themselves or justice to their patients."18
No one can read even these brief extracts from Dr.
Thacher's very full and complete article upon this
subject without feeling that he was far in advance of
his time in the exalted professional standard which he
maintained, and in the high ideal which he urged, — an
ideal which should stimulate the physician, not only
to elevate himself, but also to contribute something to
the general advancement of the noble calling to whichhe belongs. Who can doubt .that, entertaining such
sentiments, he was the good physician, honored aud
beloved for his good works ? Dr. Thacher was at
this time sixty-three years of age, and he was essen-
tially a physician. The'great work which he had
accomplished as a practitioner, teacher and writer was
confined to the field of medicine ; but an imperfectionof bearing, which he had had from youth, increasing
with advancing years, compelled him to relinquish
attendance upon his patients, and to find employment
for his active mind iu other pursuits.
A distinguished member of this Society, iu his an-
nual address,1" quotes the remark, " Successful men
may have gained much to retire upon, but nothing to
retire to, if literature, social ties and philanthropic in-
terests have been lost sight of during the rush and
struggle of their thirty years of active life"; but Dr.
Thacher, never having been engrossed in his profes-
sion to the exclusion of all other subjects, now found
occupation and enjoyment in literature, in agriculture,
and especially in horticulture. He contributed much
to the development of this branch, stimulating it both
by bis example and his pen, as he not only planted
and trained orchards himself, introducing new varieties
of fruit, but he wrote several papers upon the subject,
and also a work entitled, " The American Orchardist,"
which passed through two editions.
In 1828, he published his " Military Journal, dur-
ing the American Revolutionary War," which he dedi-
cated, with sentiments of profound veneration for that
patriotic warrior and statesman, to his Excellency
John Brooks, Governor of Massachusetts. In this
work we have one of the most graphic descriptions of
the stirring scenes of the Revolution, faithfully por-
traying the hardships and struggles endured by those
renowned patriots and heroes who risked life and for-
tune — everything but honor— in the cause of liberty.
Thacher's Journal is a continuous narrative of events
of which the author was au eye-witness, exteuding
through the whole struggle for national independence,
a period of seven aud one-half years, written in a
style easy and attractive, with that added charm which
always attends the narration of personal experiences.Of all Dr. Thacher's works this is unquestionably the
one which posterity has found the most valuable.
Notwithstanding that it has passed through several
editions, but few copies are now obtainable, and these
are eagerly sought as rare prizes, by those acquainted
with their value.
The next year after publishing his Military Journal,
— being then (1824) seventy-two years of age— he is-
sued in two volumes of more than seven hundred pages,
" The American Medical Biography ; or Memoirs of
Eminent Physicians who have nourished in America,"
which he dedicated to Edward Augustus Holyoke,
M.D., who was at that time in the oue-hundredth year
of his age, beiug the oldest physician in the United
States, and who had been the first President of the
Massachusetts Medical Society. In the preface of this
work he makes acknowledgment for valuable assistance
received in its preparation from a number of his profes-
sional brethren, — the only one of whom now living
is the venerable Dr. George C Shattuck. This work
will never lose its value as a book of reference for all
who may wish to learn of the distinguished men, who,
from the time of the settlement of the country up to
the date of issue, have advanced our profession. It
contains a full and complete sketch of the lives of
more than one hundred and sixty American physi-
cians, most delightfully written, and honestly appre-ciative of the merits of each. A goodly number of
portraits embellish the work, and help us to form an
idea of those old worthies whom it commemorates.
An essay on " Ghosts, Demouology and Appari-
tions," and a " Practical Treatise upon the Manage-
ment of Bees " followed soon after.
In 1832 he had become much interested in antiqua-
rian research, and wrote the first history of the town
of Plymouth. The first edition is said to have been
burned while in the hands of the printer, and Dr.
Dean, of Cambridge, believed that he possessed the
only copy of this edition extant. In this volume he
has collected the early records of the Pilgrims, and all
events of interest from the landing of the Pilgrim
Fathers down to the time of publication, very faith-
fully. It was the first town history published in this
i" Tliaobor : Modern Practice, chap. x.
'• K. M. Hodges, M.D., before the iMiissncbusetts Medical Society.
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State, and is valuable for reference even now. It is
probable that Dr. Thacher was led to undertake the
task from an interest inspired by his antiquarian re-searches in connection with the Pilgrim Society, of
which he was one of the earliest members, and for
many years librarian, and custodian of its collection, —
a position filled by him at the time of his death. The
records of the trustees of the Pilgrim Society contain
the following resolve :
"Resolved, That the members of this Society entertain a
grateful sense of the ominent services of their late librarian,
Dr. Jamos 'L'hacher, recently deceased, who, by his zeal and
persoverance in promoting the objects of tho Society, has well
desorveil that his memory be cherished with respoct by all who
feel an interest iu its success.'-*'
He was one of the earliest members of the Mass-
achusetts Medical Society, for many years serving as
couucillor. Its objects and interests were ever dear
to him, and he always expressed the greatest confi-
dence in its continued success. He was also honorary
member of Medical Societies of Rhode Island, Con-
necticut, New Hampshire and Georgia. He was
elected a member of the American Academy of Arts
and Sciences, of the New York Historical Society,
and the Historical Society of New Hampshire, and
foreign member of the Society of Statistics of Paris.
He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Medi-
cine from Harvard University, and also from Dart-
mouth College ; also the degree of Master of Arts
from Harvard University. He was one of the origi-
nal members of tho Society of Cincinnati.
As a physician, Dr. Thacher was versed in the
science of medicine. He delighted in books, and made
great use of them, but he did not draw his information
from these alone. He had a very extensive acquain-
tance among eminent men iu many branches of science,
and maintained with them a correspondence most un-
usual in those days. In the practice of medicine he
was not hampered by traditions and dogmas, but was
ever progressive, constantly seeking new suggestions,
and ever ready to try legitimately new plans of treat-
ment. Sometimes his zeal for improvement in thera-
peutics caused his rivals unjustly to charge him with
credulity, and too great haste in the adoption of new
ideas.
Piety was a marked trait in his character ; in all
his writings he expresses the most profound respect
for religion. He strictly and religiously regarded the
Sabbath, refraining from all unnecessary professional
labor upon that day, and was constant iu his atten-
dance at public worship. All social reforms found an
earnest advocate in him. Intemperance he especially
denounced ; and the smoking and chewing of tobacco
he declared to be nauseous and disgusting habits.
Indicating his antislavery views, we may quote from
his Military Journal, au entry made in October, 1781,
while he was a young man, acting as surgeon of the
Revolutionary Army :
" The lalfor on the Virginia plantations is performed
altogether by a species of the human race, who have
been cruelly wrested from their native country aud
doomed to perpetual bondage, while their masters are
manfully contending for freedom and the natural
rights of man. Such is the inconsistency of human
nature. Should Providence ordain that America
should be emancipated from thraldom, it should in
gratitude be our prayer, that the African slave may
be permitted to participate in the blessings of free-
dom." 21 This opinion he entertained aud recorded,
at a time when the right to hold human beings as
slaves was unquestioned by even the most progressive
and philanthropic.
As an author Dr. Thacher is justly entitled to an
honorable position. The number and variety of his
subjects is astonishing. He was an indefatigable
worker, — thus he was able to accomplish so much
literary work in addition to his strictly professionallabors. His style was conspicuous for completeness
of research and clearness of description, with an ease
and flexibility which rendered it attractive. The
more we reflect, the greater will be our surprise, that
without the early advantages of a liberal education,
and accomplishing his work at a distance from the few
medical centres and libraries then existing, and unas-
sisted by the interchange of opinion furnished by med-
ical journals aud the stimulating association with those
engaged in like pursuits, and removed from every
kind of assistance in which city life is so rich aud
country life so poor, — privations which every physi-
cian engaged in country practice must have often felt
interfere with the fulfilment of his desires aud aspir-
ations, — that, notwithstanding all these disadvantages,
his labors in the field of literature were eminently
successful aud the crowning glory of his life ; for his
last work was published when he was over eighty-one
years of age.
His was a life of great activity and industry, — the
venerable toiler not resting from his labors even at
an age when repose from the cares and toils of life
would seem to be imperatively demanded. His use-
fulness continued even to the end.
At ninety years of age he died, as the town
record tells us, of old age, after a brief illness, upon
May 23, 1844.
It is with great local pride that I have imperfectly
traced the career of Dr. James Thacher, who resided
for more than sixty years at Plymouth, believing that
the name of this zealous patriot, good phy&ician, faith-
ful teacher and able author, deserves an honorable
position upon the roll of eminent members which is
the glory and honor of this Society.
"> Records of Trustees, Pilgrim Sooioty, May 27,1844.
Original Articles.
THE PATHOLOGY AND TREATMENT …
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