DAVID HOSACK, M. D., L. L. D., Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine, and Lecturer on Obstetrics and the Diseases of Women and Children, seemed the master spirit of the College. In personal appearance, Dr. Hosack was but little above the ordinary size, a little inclined to corpulency;--quick motion, dark complexion, a piercing black eye, black hair, and very heavy black eye brows capable of assuming a withering frown;-a loud, clear, sonorous voice, with a very distinct articulation, his delivery was emphatic, and at times truly eloquent. The impression conveyed to his hearers was, that no assertion he made was to be doubted, no opinion he advanced could be controverted. He always seemed thoroughly to understand his subject, and appeared familiar with the whole range of Medical Science. He was extremely sarcastic toward any opposing his theories. He was a good linguist and a ripe scholar; was very fond of making Greek and Latin quotations from ancient Medical Authors.Sometimes he gave the translation, but not always, remarking, "Gentlemen, I will not offend you by translating it. I take it for granted you all understand the languages, at least, if you do not, you ought to."

Himself a graduate of the Edinburgh School, when that was the model Medical School of the world, Dr. Hosack was desirous of placing the College of Physicians and Surgeons on an equally exalted footing, especially as to preliminary education in her matriculants. He was a strenuous advocate for at least an elementary knowledge of Latin and Greek before commencing the study of Medicine. In point of energy, perseverance, and industry, few were his equals, and none his superior. In his intercourse with the Students he could be pleasant and affable and even jocose, and, when he chose, imperious, overbearing, and repulsive in the extreme. He was a favorite with those students who embraced his peculiar views; and most did, for all of us looked upon Dr. Hosack as final authority in medical matters-a judge from whose decision appeal was hopeless. He was more in the habit of interspersing his lectures with anecdote than any of the faculty, many these anecdotes seemed entirely impromptu, but others appeared familiar by repetition. He was not always particular as to the character of the anecdote. If it illustrated the subject, he did not suppress it from any want of delicacy associated with it. Indeed, we used to think

of

he selected such from principle, thinking they would make the deeper impression. The Doctor was very fond of a double entendre, and employed it even when its propriety was a little doubtful. Tardy attendance and listless hearers he could not endure; and he had different ways of correcting such irregularities. His most common method was, to make an abrupt pause in his lecture, fasten his large black eyes, with that thunder-cloud frown gathered on his brow, upon the poor recusant, and keep them there until he found his seat, when the Doctor resumed his lecture. He was a thorough disciplinarian and always maintained the strictest order in the class. Instantly fixing his withering look in the direction of any disturbance, almost as quickly suppressed it. Few who suffered reproof exposed themselves to it a second time. The punishment was terrible, and yet all loved him, and none more than those whom he reproved. He was very punctual in his appointments, beginning precisely at the hour. It was extremely rare that he ever failed to lecture, and he seldom kept the class waiting a moment. This was the more remarkable, considering his extensive professional engagements.

Dr. Hosack was an excellent Botanist, and he occasionally treated his class to a short lecture on Botany, although it trenched upon the province of his colleague Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell's class was small, and he became quite sensitive from reports which reached him, of what he considered Dr. Hosack's interference, and determined to see for himself. Accordingly during one of those botanical digressions, who should enter the lecture room, stately and slow, but the Professor of Botany himself. This was a visitor equally unexpected and unwelcome. It was the first, and I believe the only time I ever saw Dr. Hosack non-plused. His confusion, however, was but momentary. Selfpossession quickly rallied. As Dr. Mitchell entered the room, he bowed most gracefully to the chair. Dr. Hosack arose, and, after a momentary hesitation delivered, himself something after this wise: "Good morning, Dr. Mitchell -I am very happy to see you-I was just impressing upon my class the importance of attending to Botany, and recommending them, by all means, to pay special attention to your lectures, assuring them that they would be amply repaid, and, although it is not in my power to do the justice to the subject which

you can, I thought I would give them some little idea of the importance a knowledge of Botany would be to them in after life." Both professors took seats, but the lecture was soon concluded.

WILLIAM J. McNEVIN, M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medica, was a gentleman rather below the ordinary size, very good looking, of quick movement, a sharp, piercing eye, and a very intelligent countenance. His voice was not full, but his enunciation was clear and distinct, and his delivery rapid, not at all injured by a slight lisp and foreign accent. His language was refined and scholarly, having frequent reference to classic literature, with familiar illustrations drawn from common life, and occasionally interlarded by anecdote. Dr. McNevin was a good chemist, but not a skillful manipulator. His disposition was impulsive and hasty. He was easily irritated. He was no disciplinarian. He did not seem to have the faculty of controlling young men. Whispering and inattention in the class annoyed him much, which he occasionally rebuked with sharpness, and that generally made the matter At times he was playful and pleasant, but not very often. He was not the popular

worse.