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 OF A COMMITTEE 
 
 4>F THE 
 
 2USGEHTTS OF THE UNIVERSITY, 
 
 APPOINTED TO VISIT THE COLLEGE OF 
 
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 IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 
 
 MADE TO THE REGENTS, 
 JANUARY 12, 1826. 
 
 ALBANY: 
 
 PRINTED BY CROSWELL, BARNUM & VAN BENTHUYSEN. 
 
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At a meeting of the Regents of the University, held pursuant to 
 adjournment, in the Senate Chamber, April 5th, 1825, 
 
 It was Resolved, 
 
 That lieutenant-governor Tallmadge, Mr. Van Rensselaer, 
 and Mr. Marcy be a committee to visit the college of physicians and 
 surgeons in the city of New- York ; to the end that the matters in 
 controversy between the trustees and professors thereof, and the 
 affairs of said college generally, may be more fully investigated, 
 and that the said committee report thereon to the Regents with all 
 convenient speed. 
 
 It was thereupon ordered that the several reports made at the 
 present and former meetings of the board by the committee of 
 which Mr. Troup is chairman, together with all communications, 
 documents and papers relative to said college, received during the 
 present session of the Regents, be referred to the said visiting com- 
 mittee. 
 
 A true extract from the minutes of the Regents. 
 
 G. HAWLEY, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
The committee appointed under the preceding ordinance of the' 
 
 Regents of the University, dated April 5th, 1825, respectfully 
 REPORT,— 
 
 That in pursuance of their appointment to visit " the college of 
 physicians and surgeons in the city of New- York," the committee 
 repaired to the city, and requested the president to convene the 
 professors and trustees at the college, to meet with the committee. 
 The request was promptly and ohligingly complied with by the 
 president ; and the professors and trustees attended as promptly, 
 and with punctuality at the appointed time and place. The first 
 meeting of the committee with the professors and trustees was on 
 the 30th of June, 1825, when the business of the investigation into 
 the condition and concerns of the college of physicians and sur- 
 geons, was commenced and continued diligently from day to day 
 until the 7th of July inclusive. 
 
 It is with pleasure the committee can here remark, that during 
 the whole time of their tedious inquiry, the professors and trus- 
 tees attended with your committee with great punctuality ; and 
 laying aside their other pursuits, devoted their time and attention 
 to the concerns of the college, with commendable assiduity, and 
 afforded to the committee, with candor and frankness, every assis- 
 tance and information in their power to communicate, tending to 
 facilitate the business of the inquiry, and elicit the truth on the va- 
 rious subjects under consideration. It is due to the professors and 
 trustees to say, that however much they differed from each other 
 in the arguments urged, or in the conclusions drawn from the facts 
 enquired after, yet in the whole course of the business, the con- 
 duct of each, was characterised by an openness of communication 
 and integrity of manner, which gave assurance of the fairness of 
 the motives of each ; and that the conclusions, maintained ofteH 
 times with vehement warmth, were urged from a conscientious 
 belief in their correctness, and that they were essential to the 
 welfare and advancement of the college, so liberally endowed, 
 and so justly the object of great public solicitude. 
 
 But while the committee subscribe to the correct intentions and 
 well intended endeavours, of both professors and trustees, to ad- 
 vance the best interests of the college, it must be confessed, that in 
 the various communications and charges made this last winter to 
 the Regents, and to the commmittee in the progress of their inqui- 
 
6 
 
 lies, many indications have been given of the existence of person- 
 al asperities and deep rooted differences of opinion, which call 
 For the watchful interposition of the Regents, and seem toYequire 
 some modification of the ordinances and laws for the government 
 ofthe college. 
 
 " The college of physicians and surgeons in the city of New- 
 York," has partaken largely in the liberal bounties of this state to 
 its literary institutions. The importance of medical science to the 
 public health and to the lives of our citizens, has been duly appre - 
 ciated. This college has been one ofthe favourite institutions of 
 the state, and may become one of its proudest ornaments. The 
 known talents and celebrity in medical science, of its professors, 
 has within a few years reared this infant institution, and while it 
 has become the just pride of the city in which it is founded, it has 
 been enabled to hold an eminence in science at least equal to sim- 
 ilar institutions established in neighbouring cities. Amongst the 
 trustees of this college are found many individuals possessing great 
 acquirements, and who are rapidly ascending the mount of fame. 
 Practitioners in medicine, whose reputation so much depends on 
 mere opinion, and who have no certain means whereby to test 
 their relative merits, often imbibe too much sensitiveness, and en- 
 counter the conflicting opinions of others with an irritability which 
 gives colour to their proceedings, and even influences their judg- 
 ments. Perhaps in this rivalry in medical science, may be traced 
 some of those latent causes from which may have proceeded those 
 contentions and feuds, which have hitherto attended the progress 
 of this college, and which but too evidently yet exist between pro- 
 fessors and trustees. 
 
 In order the better to understand the enquiry pursued, and the 
 conclusions to which the committee have arrived, in this business, 
 it seems necessary in their opinion to take a short retrospect of 
 the origin and progress ofthe " college of physicians and surgeons 
 in the city of New-York," and from a knowledge of its past diffi- 
 culties, to endeavor to prescribe beneficial regulations for its future 
 government. 
 
 1791, January 13th, Doctor Nicholas Romeyn presented a me- 
 morial to the Regents, representing that he had established a medi- 
 cal school in the city of New-York, and requested the Regents to 
 take the institution under their protection. 
 
 On the 28th of January, a report was made by a committee of 
 
the Regents, in favour of the memorial, and the Regents thereupon 
 appointed a committee of their body to visit the institution. 
 
 On the 23d February, in the same year, Sir James Jay, Knight, 
 Nicholas Romeyn and others, presented a petition to the Regents, 
 praying to be incorporated as a college of physicians. 
 
 A counter memorial or remonstrance, was at the same time pre- 
 sented, signed by John Bard, President, and James Tillary, Secre- 
 tary, of the medical society of New- York, in behalf of said society. 
 
 On the 3rd of March, 1791, the Regents approved of the estab- 
 lishment of a medical college, as applied for; but having doubts o 
 their power, resolved to apply to the legislature for further an 
 thority. 
 
 1791, March 24th, the legislature having passed an act, empow- 
 ering the Regents to establish a college of physicians and surgeor 
 in this state, the Regents thereupon determined to establish one, 
 and directed a charter to be drawn. 
 
 1792, February 8th, the trustees of Columbia college made a 
 representation to the Regents respecting a medical school, and the 
 Regents appointed a committee to confer with them on the subject. 
 
 February 15th, this committee of the Regents, appointed as 
 above, reported — That they had conferred with a committee of the 
 trustees of Columbia college, and had learned from them that they 
 were actually engaged in establishing a medical department in their 
 college, agreeably to their charter, and that they requested the 
 Regents to suspend any further proceedings in the matter, until 
 they should see the success of the institution projected by the said 
 trustees of Columbia college. 
 
 This request seems to have been acceded to by the Regents, 
 and the subject remained under the experiment of the trustees of 
 Columbia College. 
 
 1807, March 3d, a memorial was presented by the medical socie- 
 ty of the county of New- York, praying for the incorporation, by the 
 Regents of a college of physicians and surgeons. 
 
 The Regents assented to the memorial, and directed a charter to 
 be prepared accordingly. 
 
 1807, March 12th, the Regents granted a charter of incorpora^ 
 tion to the medical society of New-York, as a college of physicians 
 and surgeons, in which all the members of said society, and all the 
 physicions authorised to practice in said city, are declared to be trus- 
 tees, or members of the saidcollege, and are duly incorporated as such. 
 
 This charter contained a full reservation to the Regents, of right 
 
8 
 
 fo oUter or amend the charter in every respect, and to remove the trus' 
 tees, or any of them. 
 
 The Regents retained the appointment of the professors, and the 
 trustees had the appointment of their own president and other offi- 
 cers. 
 
 1807, April 3d, the Regents appointed the professors for the 
 college of physicians and surgeons, and the college was fully or- 
 ganized. The trustees consisted of one hundred and one practition- 
 ers in medicine. 
 
 1808, March 3d, the Regents, upon sufficient causes, and on the ap- 
 plication of the trustees, amended the charter of the college, so as 
 to vest the appointment of the president and other officers in the 
 Regents, instead of the trustees. 
 
 From this time until March, 1811, several interchanges of pro- 
 fessorships took place among the professors — some alterations and 
 regulations of minor importance were made by the Regents — and 
 much dissatisfaction and recrimination among the professors and 
 trustees. 
 
 1811, March 1st and 25th, Five several communications were 
 made to the Regents, by different sects, or parties in the college. — 
 They were all referred to a committee. 
 
 1811, April 1st, the last mentioned committee reported, "that 
 unfortunate misunderstandings have taken place between the seve- 
 ral professors of that institution, which have already materially 
 impeded its operations," &c. &c. " The committee forbear to 
 trace and bring to light the conduct of individuals, because they 
 think it useless and invidious," &c. &c. 
 
 " The committee state that propositions have been made to re- 
 model the institution with a view of rendering its operations more 
 simple, and of introducing into it several of the professors of the 
 medical school in Columbia college, and other eminent and distin- 
 guished individuals. This proposition has been viewed by the 
 committee in the most favourable light, as it may extinguish the 
 feuds existing among the present professors of the college of phy- 
 sicians and surgeons, and as it will in all probability be the means 
 of uniting the two schools. The latter appears to be an object of 
 the first importance, in as much as it will assemble in one institu- 
 tion a splended collection of medical and surgical talent, and as it 
 cannot fail to merit and receive the patronage and encouragement 
 of the legislature." 
 
The committee then proposed an amendment of the charter, and 
 a new list of officers and professors, which the Regents adopted. — 
 One of the amendments revoked the former number of trustees, 
 and limited the number to twenty-five. 
 
 1812, June 4th, the Regents adopted an entire new charter for 
 " The college of physicians and surgeons in New-York," consoli 
 dating into one, all former grants, and making such alterations as to 
 tJaem appeared expedient. 
 
 This charter does not contain any reservation to the Regents, of the 
 right to alter or amend its provisions, or to remove trustees, as was 
 contained and reserved in the first charter, granted to the college 
 on the 12th of March, 1807. Yet it may well be questioned, 
 whether this consolidation of all former grants with new provisions 
 into one entire charter, may not be considered in the ligbt and na- 
 ture of " alterations and amendments^ to the first charter, and as 
 such, to be taken and held subject to the reservations and rights 
 retained to the Regents in the original charter. 
 
 In the 8th and 29th sections of" the act relative to the univer- 
 sity," passed April 5th, 1813, and found in 2nd vol. laws, page 
 262, this last charter is confirmed to the college with certain 
 limitations and reservations, and among others, that the Regents re- 
 serve the right of conferring degrees, of appointing professors and 
 teachers of the several branches of medical science in the said 
 college, and of filling all such vacancies as may arise among the 
 trustees ; and further declaring, that it shall and may be lawful for 
 the Regents, at any time or times, to alter and amend the said 
 charter, provided such alterations or amendments are not repug- 
 nant to the constitution or laws of this state, or inconsistent with 
 vested rights. 
 
 1814, March 7th, the committee of the Regents, to whom the 
 annual report of the college of physicians and surgeons was refer- 
 red, reported, that a complete union had taken place between the 
 medical department of Columbia college and the college of phy- 
 sicians and surgeons, and that the trustees of Columbia college 
 had abolished the faculty of medicine in their institution. 
 
 The committee recommended tb.2 necessary appointments, &c. to 
 carry the said union into complete operation. The Regents 
 thereupon, (with the consent of the trustees of the college of phy- 
 sicians and surgeons,) organized anew the college, by a new dis- 
 tribution of professorships, kc, and a new appointment of pro- 
 
10 
 
 fessors, kc. They also adopted the by-laws of the college as 
 submitted by the trustees. 
 
 By this arrangement the medical professors in Columbia col- 
 lege were transferred to the college of physicians and surgeons. 
 
 The college continued to progress under this state of arrange- 
 ments from this time until 1819, subject however to many ex- 
 pressions of dissatisfaction, and various new suggestions for its 
 better organization. 
 
 1819," February 10th, the state medical society represented to 
 the Regents, that in their opinion the price of medical education in 
 the college of physicians and surgeons in the city of New-York, 
 wastoogreat, &.c. Against this representation, it was urged, that any 
 material reduction in the price of tuition, would deprive the pro- 
 fessors of the just reward of their talents, and in its tendency, drive 
 them from their professorships, to the great injury of the college. 
 
 The Regents made no ordinance on this subject. 
 
 1820, February 2nd, the medical society of the county of New- 
 York prefered sundry charges against the college of physicians and 
 surgeons, and prayed an investigation. 
 
 The state medical society did the same, and also required an 
 investigation. 
 
 The nature and the number of these charges, proceeding from 
 sources so respectable, assumed such a formidable aspect, as to 
 command the attention of the Regents, and engrossed much of their 
 time during their sessions. The complaints were referred to a 
 committee of the Ptegents to investigate. 
 
 The committee in their report (March 22d, 1820) state, " that 
 collisions exist between the college of physicians and surgeons'* 
 and "the New-York," and also " the state medical society," &c, 
 They proposed various remedies and alterations, which were 
 adopted by the Regents. 
 
 The Regents adopted several ordinances, altering the charter, 
 being another new organization of the college, &c. &c. 
 
 Notwithstanding the various and untiring efforts of the Regents 
 to perfect the government of the college of physicians and sur- 
 geons, so as to secure to it harmony and that public reputation to 
 which it seemed so eminently entitled, and which was so necessary 
 to enable it to confer upon the state those important public benefits 
 which it had just reason to anticipate ; yet, although the college in- 
 creased in reputation and in the number of its students in medicine, 
 new difficulties were found to exist, and new complaints were 
 
11 
 
 pressed upon the consideration of the Regents. These complaints. 
 or rather " representations and suggestions for the better regulation 
 and advancement of the concerns of the college,'''' as they were termed 
 by the trustees from whom they proceeded, at length assumed 
 such complexion of differences in sentiment between the professors 
 and the trustees, as finally led to the appointment of your present 
 committee (April 5th, 1825) to visit the college, and enquire into 
 its general condition and concerns. 
 
 With such a pre-existing state of facts in view, connected with 
 the various organizations which the college had undergone, and 
 with such a preface of circumstances, which had occurred in the 
 government and regulations of the institution, ail exhibited before 
 your committee, they commenced their visitatorial inquiry on the 
 30th of June, 1825. 
 
 The business was opened on the part of the trustees by one of 
 its members, with a general explanation and statement of very 
 many existing evils, and suggestions for many new regulations, all 
 of which were urged to be essential to the welfare of the college. 
 
 The committee then interfered, and determined they could not 
 in this manner, admit discussions on matters and things in general, 
 appertaining to the college. That such a course irritated feelings, 
 and tended to no conclusion. That the object of the committee was 
 to invite enquiry and accusation, and not to shut out discussion, but 
 that the business might have shape and certainty, it was necessary 
 to specify some item of complaint, and then produce the proof in 
 support of the charges, after which, discussions as to the conclu- 
 sions and proper remedies would be in order, and that in such 
 manner any complaint preferred by the professors or trustees, or 
 any individual, should be diligently investigated. 
 
 The enquiry subsequently proceeded, under such regulations. 
 and every matter which appeared to the committee, of importance, 
 or which was alledged to affect the interest of the college, was 
 minutely and diligently investigated. The material and prominent 
 points of this enquiry can only be necessary, in the opinion of the 
 committee, to detail in this report to the Regents. 
 
 THE FUNDS AND FINANCES OF THE COLLEGE. 
 
 The committee called for any suggestion or knowledge of any 
 misapplication or mismanagement of the funds and finances of the 
 college. They were happy to find there was no suggestion or 
 pretence of any misapplication or abuse of the funds and finances 
 
12 
 
 of the institution on the part of any individual, or by either the 
 professors or trustees of the college. Several of the trustees 
 here explained, and said their communications appeared to have 
 been misunderstood by the Regents, and also by the committee. 
 They were not intended as charges against the professors ; that 
 they were not accusers, and had no complaints to prefer. But 
 their communications were made in the performance of their duty 
 as trustees, and intended only to procure a re-organization of the 
 charter, and better regulations for the government of the institu- 
 tion, and the more economical management of its concerns. 
 
 The commitee proceeded and examined the particulars of the 
 current expenses of the college for the last two years, which had 
 been allowed and paid by the trustees ; all of which appeared to be 
 reasonable and proper. In the course of this examination it ap- 
 peared there was some dissatisfaction from the amount expended 
 by the professors in annually advertising the commencement and 
 course of the lectures at the college. The professors insisting on 
 the importance of full notice being given, not only in this, but in 
 other states, and that the expenses had been necessarily incurred. 
 The committee were of opinion that this matter belonged to the 
 trustees, and recommended, that to prevent any further difference, 
 an order should be provided by the trustees, limiting the amount 
 of expenses hereafter annually to be incurred for such advertise- 
 ments, or specifying the number and places for such publications ; 
 and that a similar provision should be "made for all usual and or- 
 dinary expenses which the professors may annually and necessa- 
 rily incur. 
 
 The endowments to this college of physicians and surgeons, grant- 
 ed by the state at different times, in the whole amount to $59,457.27, 
 and have been made from the proceeds of certain lotteries. 
 
 An appropriation was originally made for the support of a pro- 
 fessorship of anatomy and surgery in Columbia college, and was 
 transferred to the college of physicians and surgeons in 1810. It 
 has since been regularly paid to the Regents for the benefit of this 
 college, till July, 1824, viz : 14 years, at $500 per annum ; total 
 $7000 : these two sums amounting together to $66,457.27, consti- 
 tute the endozvments to this college. 
 
 The college has also received from its own revenue the sum of 
 $10,172,34, and from sundry loans of money thesumof $14,336.59 : 
 these several sums of money, amounting to $90,966.20, show the 
 total sum of the receipts and expenditures of the college of physi- 
 
13 
 
 eians and surgeons from its institution until the first of January, 
 1 825. This sum is exclusive of the botonical garden, also bestowed 
 upon the college ; hut which, by an act of the legislature, was 
 shortly after granted and transferred to Columbia college. 
 
 It was represented to the committee, that portions of these monies 
 had been indiscreetly invested, and improviclently expended, and 
 that its fiscal concerns had not been conducted with a due regard 
 to economy. It appeared, however, that most of the monies had 
 been expended, when persons, other than the present incumbents, 
 held several of the professorships ; and before most of the pre- 
 sent trustees came into office. The committee did not, therefore, 
 pursue the inquiry on this point ; not perceiving that it would tend 
 to any beneficial conclusion. It is, however, important, that the 
 condition of this college, in regard to its finances, should be fully 
 disclosed, and be distinctly understood. 
 
 After the lotteries were granted, by which the endowments to 
 this college were to be raised, the proceeds of those lotteries, 
 (with the assent of the legislature,) were anticipated and realized. 
 This measure gave to the college the immediate benefit of the en- 
 dowments, subject, however, to a discount for its ready payment. 
 The college has, consequently, been subjected to a very heavy 
 debt for interest on these advances and its subsequent loans. The 
 sum of $20,785.35, appears to have been already paid for interest 
 — and the farther sum of $6,742.43, yet remains due for interest, 
 and forms a part of the remaining debts due from the college. In 
 1817, additional purchases, and considerable alterations and re- 
 pairs were made to the college property and edifices. To provide 
 funds for the deficit of these expenditures, and to meet arrears of in- 
 terest, it seems the professors agreed to loan to the college, in 
 proportion to their several receipts, the necessary sums to meet 
 its annual payments. Several of the former and the present pro- 
 fessors of the college, have made sundry loans, and therefore now 
 have a debt against the college amounting to $2 1 ,079.03. For this 
 amount, they hold the scrip or certificates of the treasurer, for the 
 sums due to the professors respectively. This last sum of $21,079 
 02, forms the total debt now due and owing from the college — and 
 lor which provision is required. 
 
 The income of the college consists in the ground rent of a cellar 
 under the building — the matriculation fee — and the five hundred 
 dollars per annum from the Regents. — The total income per an- 
 num, has been about $1,400. 
 
 The expenditures of the college, have been for the interest due 
 
14 
 
 on the debt to the professors — the contingent expenses of the col- 
 lege for repairs, &c — additions to the library and periodical publi- 
 cations, and the interest due on the debt of $20,000, to Mr. A. H. 
 Lawrence : the total expenditures have amounted, per. annum, to 
 about $4,000. (After October 1826, the college will be relieved 
 from the interest on the debt to Mr. Lawrence ; the money to meet 
 that sum, being then receivable.) The excess of the expenditures 
 heretofore, over the income of the college, has placed the institution 
 in a sinking condition. The provision to meet this excess of expen- 
 diture, over the income, has been annually made by the professors, 
 and forms the principal part of the debt before mentioned, as due 
 to them. The debt of the college has been accumulating by bor- 
 rowing monies to pay its interest and expenses. The college edi- 
 fices are deteriorating in value, and under its present operations, 
 the time is not very remote, when the whole college property will 
 be inadequate in value to meet its growing debts. It has been 
 correctly urged, that the public institution is fast merging into pri- 
 vate property. 
 
 It is indispensable to the preservation and the continuance of 
 this institution, that material alterations should be made in the ope- 
 ration ofits finances. It remains for the wisdom of the Regents, 
 to determine on some proper plan to relieve and redeem the col- 
 lege from its present burthens. 
 
 It has been proposed, that the college should receive the tuition 
 money for the lectures — and that the professors be allowed fixed 
 salaries. Such a measure would damp the ardor of literary pur- 
 suit in the professors ; would take from individuals the propor- 
 tionate rewards due to their celebrity, and might endanger the ul- 
 timate prosperity and success of the institution. The committee 
 respectfully suggest, that the graduation fee be appropriated per- 
 manently to the funds of the college. This sum, added to the 
 fees for matriculation ; and the ten per. cent, on the tuition, with 
 the retrenchments hereinafter proposed, as to the Treasurer and 
 Register, and with care in the ordinary expenditures, will produce 
 an alteration in the operation of the finances, annually, of about 
 $4,000. It will produce a considerable amount of receipts, be- 
 vond the expenditures, and provide for a gradual redemption of 
 the debts. 
 
 The committee recommend this subject to the particular consi- 
 deration of the Regents. Sundry documents and papers have been 
 prepared, and are herewith submitted, which throw much light on 
 
15 
 
 this interesting subject. An abstract of the finances of the col- 
 lege, marked A, is especially referred to. 
 
 The late Dr. De Witt, received certain monies to be expended 
 and accounted for to the college. His representatives hold scrip 
 or claims against the college ; and the account remains unsettled. 
 Other monies have been advanced to other of the professors, to 
 erect fixtures, and meet expenditures for the college. They also, 
 have demands ; and the accounts remain unliquidated. It is very 
 desirable, in the opinion of the committee, that all those account* 
 be finally adjusted, and the correct balances be ascertained and dis- 
 tinctly stated. The income and the expenditures of the college, 
 should be precisely known, and often compared. 
 
 THE TREASURER AND REGISTRAR. 
 
 The present treasurer has performed the labour of this office, 
 since 1811. He appears to have discharged the duties imposed 
 upon him with intelligence, fidelity and care. He performed the 
 duties without compensation, from 1811, to 1818. Since that time 
 he has charged in his account, for receiving and disbursing, a com- 
 mission of 2 1-2 per cent, on the monies which have passed through 
 his hands. He now claims, (in his letter of April, 1825,) " inas- 
 much, as the other offices are extremely lucrative, and no dispo- 
 sition on the part of the incumbents to make sacrifices for the be- 
 nefit of the institution," that he be allowed a like commission on 
 all monies received and disbursed by him, before 1818. The 
 amount of the commissions received by him since 1818, is 
 $1,257.17. The treasurer, upon the whole, has been very well 
 compensated : there is no good reason for a very great commission, 
 on receiving and paying the sums granted to literary institutions. 
 In the opinion of the committee, this claim of the treasurer for 
 further commissions, ought not to be allowed. 
 
 The present registrar (Dr. Francis) has received no compensa- 
 tion since he has held the office, for recording, and keeping the 
 books and proceedings of the college. Considerable sums, how- 
 ever, have been paid to ascrivner, amounting to $745, for engross- 
 ing into record books, the minutes, charter, by-laws, and other 
 proceedings of the college, from its organization to this time. This 
 duty ought to have been performed as the proceedings occurred. 
 But it appeared the registrar could not sooner possess himself 
 of the papers to complete the records. It is hoped the trustees 
 will not again suffer it to be in arrear. The sum of $50 per an- 
 num, to each, would, at all times, be a sufficient and reasona- 
 
16 
 
 tele compensation to the treasurer, and the register, if any pay 
 was required for their services. The allowance to them ought 
 to be limited to such sum : but the register does not ask com- 
 pensation, and several of the professors and trustees now prof- 
 fer to perform the duties of treasurer in future, without any 
 charge. The present treasurer is willing to do the same, if other 
 officers are put on the same footing. No allowance for either of 
 these officers will hereafter be expected. 
 
 This will form a considerable retrenchment of expenses, and 
 obviate future difficulties. These duties, important in their char- 
 acter, but of very little risque or labour, ought ever to be per- 
 formed by some officers interested in the concerns of the college. 
 An instalment of $20,000 from the lottery endowments, is receiva- . 
 ble this year to meet the debt due to Mr. Lawrence ; this sum, 
 with the other ordinary receipts, would produce a commission 
 of nearly $700, while its labour will principally be performed by 
 receiving and handing over a check. 
 
 A graduation fee of $25 is required of each candidate on his ob- 
 taining a diploma. This fee appears to have been required since 
 1811, and was then considered a perquisite to the professors, and 
 a compensation for the labour of the examination. It was receiv- 
 ed by them for their own use. In the infant state of the college, 
 and when the classes of the students were small, the allowance of 
 this fee was a proper and necessary encouragement to the pro- 
 fessors. 
 
 The classes of students have since increased, and the amount of 
 the tuition money has been so much augmented, it may well be 
 considered whether the tuition is not alone a very sufficient com- 
 pensation to the professors, for four months labour in a course of 
 lectures of one hour each day : and more especially, if the advan- 
 tages derived from the winter students are considered. The com- 
 mittee recommend an ordinance, appropriating this graduation fee 
 in future to the funds of the college. It may be estimated as pro- 
 ducing annually about $1000, and will greatly aid the finances in 
 their depressed condition. 
 
 A controversy formerly existed between the late president (Dr. 
 Bard) and the professors, as to the division of the residue of this 
 graduation fee, after an allowance of three dollars to the secretary 
 of the board of Regents for diplomas, &c. An appeal was made to 
 the Regents. 
 
 By an ordinance of the Regents in 1820, this fee was confirmed, 
 and granted $5 to the president, and the remainder equally to the 
 
17 
 
 professors ; and formed, as it had before, a source of their indi- 
 vidual income and profit arising from their lectures. Upon an ex- 
 amination into the funds of the college in 1822, and finding they 
 were greatly embarrassed, and sinking under accumulating debts, 
 the trustees had under actual discussion a resolution, proposing to 
 the Regents to resume the graduation fees, and place them in aid of 
 the common funds of the college. The professors, thereupon, on 
 the 24th of January, 1822, subscribed and delivered to the trus- 
 tees the following agreement. 
 
 " COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS, 
 
 January 24th, 1822. 
 
 " We the undersigned, professors and surgeons, &c. do agree to 
 place our graduation fees for a term of five years at the disposal of 
 the college, unless in the meantime it should be relieved from its 
 present embarrassment." 
 
 The proposed resolution then under discussion by the trustees 
 was withdrawn, and not further acted upon. The trustees in their 
 report to the Regents, represented, that the professors had relin- 
 quished to the college, their graduation fees for the term of five 
 years. 
 
 The Regents on the 10th of April, 1822, passed the following 
 ordinance. "That the sum of five dollars, heretofore allowed to 
 the president of the said college, together with the sums allowed to 
 the professors therein, out of the graduation fees, &c. &c. be and 
 the same is appropriated to the general funds of the said college 
 tor the said period of five years." 
 
 The trustees, understanding that some difference of opinion was 
 entertained, as to the effect of the surrender of the graduation fees, 
 made by the professors, passed on the 12th February, 1822, the fol- 
 lowing resolution. " Resolved, as the sense of this board, that the 
 arrangement entered into by the professors, in relation to the 
 graduation fees, is understood to amount to a relinquishment of 
 said graduation fees to the college, so long as its embarrassments 
 require them, provided the said term does not exceed five years." 
 
 This resolution was passed in the board of trustees when the 
 professors were present. It appeared that no division of names 
 was taken on the passing of the resolution. The affirmative of 
 the question was put, to which there was a general answer " aye." 
 The negative was put, to which there was one voice said " no," 
 and the resolution was recorded as duly passed. It did not appear 
 
18" 
 
 whether professors voted or remained silent upon the passing ef 
 the resolution, yet it was understood, by sentiments previously ex- 
 pressed, that one or two of the professors were opposed to it. 
 
 Notwithstanding ail these proceeding?, the professors claim that 
 the graduation fees were not relinquished by them to the college '. 
 but that to aid the college, they were allowed to be put into its 
 funds- as a loan for the term of five years, and that the amount 
 thereof with interest is a just debt due from the college to the pro- 
 fessors. They further urge, that the Regents m their reports to- 
 the legislature in 1822 and 1823, recognized this claim as a loan 
 put into the college funds for five years only. 
 
 This graduation: fee was in 1821-2 $730 50 
 
 1822-3 750 00 
 
 1823-* 1275 00 
 
 1824-5 1025 Ofr 
 
 Suppose 1825-6 to be the same,- 1025 00- 
 
 $4805 50 
 If this claim is allowed, this sum, with interest thereon, must be 
 added to the amount of debts due from the college. In the opinioi? 
 of the committee r the claim ought not to be allowed;. 
 
 ANATOMY AND SURGERY. 
 
 Under this head, the committee had cause to apprehend that if 
 exactions had not been made upon students, yet that improper usa- 
 ges were allowed, which required- the interposition of authority. 
 
 The subject was critically examined. All suggestions of grie- 
 vances were attentively heard ; and the result was such, it appear- 
 ed to your committee, that these departments were conducted in a 
 correct manner,, and without just cause of complaint. 
 
 The provision made by law, for delivering over for dissection 
 certain convicts, who are executed, or who die in the state prison, 
 furnishes an insufficient number of " subjects" even for the regu- 
 lar course of surgical and anatomical lectures. 
 
 The professors, in the course of their lectures, grve explana- 
 tions, and perform the operations of surgery' and dissectiou in the 
 presence of the class of students, seated upon elevated benches, 
 around the lecture room. This course teaches the principles and 
 the practice of anatomy and surgery, and is a performance of the 
 professor's duties. But the student, who is desirous to become a 
 skilful practitioner, feels the evident necessity of a more intimate 
 
19 
 
 ^smmation of the matters of his study, and the important benefits 
 "io be derived from it ; and from reducing the theory of the lec- 
 tures to practice, by descending from the benches, and handling the 
 subject, and actually performing operations with the instruments. 
 
 This desire, hi the pursuit of practicahinformation, induces the 
 students oftentimes to assemble in the dissecting room, out -of lec- 
 ture hours, to participate in actual practice. The assistants to the 
 professors, attend with them, take care -of the instruments, aid 
 them in the performap.ee of operations, and with renewed expla- 
 nations. Those assistants, to the professors in Surgery and Ana- 
 tomy, are called Demonstrator s, and appear to be very useful aids 
 to the diligent student. 
 
 These volunteer associations, and meetings, of the students, with 
 She demonstrators, require other subjects for operations. It seems 
 -jnjsagehas, therefore, been introduced, that each student, uniting 
 in these meetings with the demonstrators, shall contribute the 
 sum of five dollars, to constitute a common fund, from which to 
 provide other subjects^ to operate upon. It appeared that the sums 
 thus contributed by the students, had been actually applied to the 
 professed object, leaving a deficit of the expenses actually incur- 
 red ; and tliat no part of the monies had been received, or retained, 
 by either the professors, or demonstrators, and that the contributions 
 had been voluntary, and from such students only, as desired ad- 
 mission into those private meetings among themselves. 
 
 It was urged, that these meetings, and this contribution, was an 
 abuse, and led to evil consequences, andtlmt they ought to be prohi- 
 bited ; or that, if they were deemed beneficial, they should be 
 sanctioned by the Regents, and the offices of the demonstrators 
 should be erected into a distinct department. 
 
 In the opinion of your committee, the practice yet has led to no 
 abuse — that it is productive of great benefits ; and that the dili- 
 gent student ought not to be prohibited from this source of addi- 
 tional information. To recognize the offices of these demonstra- 
 tors, as separate departments, would greatly augment the present 
 expenses to the student ; and, perhaps, might grow into competi- 
 tion with the professors in surgery and anatomy, and even invite 
 new sources for collision in this c liege. If these demonstrators 
 are left as the unforbidden and unauthorised assistants of the pro- 
 fessors, the Regents can hold those professors responsible for the 
 conduct of their agents : and a watchful care over the concerns of 
 the college, will prevent any growing abuse. 
 
20 
 
 Connected with this subject, was the representation of a further 
 abuse, in requiring from each student a contribution of two dollars, 
 for an attendant on the dissecting room. It appears that a person, 
 in the character of servant, waits upon the students at the dissecting 
 room — at the lectures, and at their private meetings ; provides 
 water, soap, and towels, for their use, and attends to the removing 
 the offals and useless parts of the subject, and cleaning the room. 
 For these services, this contribution of two dollars has been made. 
 It does not appear to the committee, that the subject requires the 
 interposition of the Regents. 
 
 A matriculation fee, of five dollars yearly, is now required 
 from each student. This is a perquisite to the college library ; 
 and for its gradual increase, especially in the modern periodical 
 publications, and for which the student is entitled to its free use. 
 The annual amount of this fee depends upon the number of stu- 
 dents. 
 
 It produced to the College, in 1819, $711 00 
 
 1820, 925 00 
 
 1821, 1005 00 
 
 1822, 1000 00 
 
 1823, 1010 00 
 
 1824, 975 00 
 
 Perhaps a portion of these monies might be advantageously ap- 
 plied to the purchasing of appropriate medals, to be offered an- 
 nually, under the auspices ofthe Regents, for prize essays on me- 
 dicine, or subjects of science connected with the public health. It 
 would call forth the talents of the country, excite a spirit of im- 
 provement, and furnish a collection of valuable materials, for pe- 
 riodical publications. Two prizes, of $50 each, are regularly of- 
 fered for the best medical dissertations, by a committee ofthe uni- 
 versity of Massachusetts ; and it is worthy of remark, that the 
 premiums have been annually awarded to young physicians and 
 medical students. The medal should derive its value from 
 being a token of honour, rather than from its intrinsic worth. If 
 an honorary degree should sometimes be conferred upon a meri- 
 torious competitor for a prize, it would spring from as good cau- 
 ses, rest on as much foundation, and promise as beneficial results 
 • to society, as many other degrees now often bestowed by other 
 literary institutions. 
 
 It has been urged, that but one matriculation fee, or a fee for 
 one vear, should only be charged to each student, and that the 
 
21 
 
 amount of the fee should be increased. It appears to the com- 
 mittee, to be inexpedient, at this time, to make any alterations in 
 the present regulation on this subject. 
 
 If the provision now made by law, for delivering certain con- 
 victs to the college, could be extended to the convicts, who de- 
 cease in the penitentiary, it would probably supply a sufficient 
 number of subjects, not only for the regular lectures, but even for 
 the meetings with the demonstrators of surgery and anatomy. Such 
 provision might assist the criminal police of the state : It would 
 remove the odious practice of the exhumation of bodies : It would 
 relieve the students from the necessary contribution to procure 
 subjects ; and might well then justify an increase of the matricu- 
 lation fee, for the benefit of the college funds. 
 
 PROFESSORSHIPS IN THE COLLEGE. 
 The college has established six professorships, in each of which 
 full courses of lectures are given to the students. 
 
 1. Dr. Hosack, on the Theory and Practice of Physic and Cli- 
 nical Medicine. 
 
 2. Dr. Macneven, on Chemistry. 
 
 3. Dr. Mitchill, on Botany and Materia Medica. 
 
 4. Dr. Post, on Anatomy and Physiology. 
 
 5. Dr. Mott, on Surgery. 
 
 6. Dr. Francis, on Obstetrics, and the Diseases of Women and 
 children. 
 
 The lectures commence on the first Monday of November, and 
 continue daily until the first of March. The examination of can- 
 didates is then begun and continued till about the 20th ot March, 
 when the degrees are conferred. 
 
 The prescribed plan of instruction appeared to have been exe- 
 cuted according to the existing regulations. The college has a 
 respectable medical library. The professors have a valuable ca- 
 binet of anatomical and surgical preparations ; a laboratory and 
 an expensive chemical apparatus ; an extensive collection of spe- 
 cimens in the materia medica, botany and natural history ; and mu- 
 seums containing specimens and articles illustrative of the subjects 
 taught in the lectures. They are deposited in convenient rooms 
 in the college edifice, and are used for the instruction and improve- 
 ment of the students. It is from these facilities in education, from 
 which the student probably derives as much benefit in his studies, 
 as from his attendance on the lectures. It may be safely said, that 
 
22 
 
 inhere are very few medical schools in this country, which equal, 
 if there are any that surpass, in the facilities of education, those 
 afforded in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New- York. 
 But it must he stated that these valuable cabinets, collections, ap- 
 paratus, and museums, are the private property of the professors. 
 They ought to belong to and form a part of the public institution, 
 and be open and accessible to the medical practitioners throughout 
 the state. Till this is effected it cannot be considered entirely a 
 public institution. To accomplish a measure so desirable, great 
 economy should be encouraged in the management of the affairs of 
 the institution ; all proper sources of revenue should* be put into 
 the funds of the college ; first, for the liquidation of its debts ; and 
 then to acquire and increase all those facilities in education, which 
 are so important to the student, and so desirable to the public. 
 
 The appointment of persons to the profesorships in the college 
 should ever be made with great care ; and after great delibera- 
 tion to ascertain their fitness and their devotedness to the pursuits 
 of medical science. It is recommended that the Regents occa- 
 sionally cause a scrutiny to be made into the manner and skill 
 with which the duties of the professors are performed ; to ascer- 
 tain their acquaintance with recent discoveries and modern im- 
 provements in medicine, and the treatment of diseases, as well as 
 their continued attention to science, and the continued usefulness 
 of each one, to the advancement of the interests of the college. 
 Such watchful proceedings will keep up proper excitement, and 
 stimulate professors and students to renewed efforts, and increas- 
 ed acquirements. It will elevate the rank of professorships, and 
 raise the institution to the highest grade in science. " The science 
 of medicine was once greatly involved in mystery and artificial 
 theories, when genius lashed it with the pen of Moliere. Since 
 it has abandoned its senseless nostrums, and formulas, and fixed 
 itself firmly on the basis of fact and experiment, it has considera- 
 bly gained in respect, honour, and emolument." To become 
 perfect, it must be divested of its jargon of technicalities ; its princi- 
 ples must be studied and understood, and be attired in the plain 
 robe of reason and common sense. The spirit of free inquiry 
 which characterizes the present age, has considerably improved 
 it. Rut the patrons of scientific institutions should hold their pro- 
 fessors responsible for further amendment. All this will be ac- 
 complished in a considerable degree, by the board of visitors, 
 hereafter recommended. 
 
23 
 
 A tuitidnfee of fifteen dollars is charged for the full coarse of 
 lectures, for one year, with each professor, An additional charge' 
 of Jive dollars is allowed to the professors of chemistry and anato- 
 my for their assistants, and extra necessary expenses about their 
 lectures. 
 
 There is great difference of opinion as to the price proper to be 
 paid for a course of lectures ; some urge that the price is much 
 too high, and others insist it is much too low. 
 
 The University of Pennsylvania has six professors in the med- 
 ical department ; the fees are $20 to each professor, for one 
 course of lectures, and the number of students is about 400. 
 
 The University of Maryland has seven professors in medicine, 
 fees $20 to each ; and about 200 students. The medical institu- 
 tion in Connecticut has four professors ; the fees- are $12.50 to- 
 each, and about 90 students. The Western college of physicians 
 and surgeons at Fairfield, has five professors; the fees are $10 
 each, for three of them ; the other two, have $12 each, and about 
 1 20 students. (It is not the object of this report to remark uport 
 the extent or comparative excellence of the courses of the lec- 
 tures in these different institutions.) After a full hearing of the 
 reasons urged on either side of this question, your committee 
 recommend, that it shall remain with the Regents under advise- 
 ment, but that no alteration shah be made at the present time. 
 
 MEDICAL STUDENTS. 
 
 From the very many regulations called for, in order to perfect 
 the discipline and promote the interests of the college, relative- to 
 students, it was but too evident, many of the causes of the differen- 
 ces of opinion between the professors, and the trustees and medi- 
 cal societies, were dependent upon or intimately connected with 
 this subject. It therefore received the particular consideration of 
 your committee. 
 
 It appeared that the average number' of students annually attend- 
 ing the lectures in the college, had been for several years past 
 about two hundred. 
 
 The students which attended the lectures of the several profes- 
 sors in 1824-5, were as follows : 
 
 Dr. Hosack, 136 students, 4 of which were received without fee. 
 
 Dr. Macneven, 117 students. 
 
 Dr. Mitchill, 121 students. 
 
 Dr. Post, 158 students. 16 of whom paid no fees. 
 
24 
 
 Dr. Mott, 158 students, 16 of whom were private students, and 
 6 were poor, and paid no fee. 
 
 Dr. Francis, 129 students. 
 
 It appeared that several of the professors had an established 
 Usage, that any person who had regularly attended with them two 
 full courses of lectures, should not be subject to any farther char- 
 ges for any subsequent attendance at the lectures. It was under 
 such usage that some of the persons, who had been at the lectures, 
 were returned as not paying any fee. It appeared however, that 
 the matriculation fee to the college library, had been duly paid by 
 this excepted class of students. 
 
 The regulations of the college require, that in order to be ad- 
 mitted to an examination, each candidate shall be twenty-one years 
 of age ; shall have pursued medical studies for the term of three 
 years, and attended two full courses of lectures, one of which must 
 be at this college. Students very often divide the course of lec- 
 tures. Attend one year the lectures of certain of the professors, 
 and another year the lectures of the others, so as to complete in 
 three years the full course. This enables the student to attend a 
 second or a third time the lectures of the professors in the depart- 
 ments which he intends more immediately to follow. This manner 
 of receiving the lectures at different seasons, gives many additional 
 advantages to the student. 
 
 The students who come from the country, or from abroad, to 
 attend the college during the season of lectures, are not necessarily 
 required to enter into the office of either professor, trustee, or oth- 
 er practising physician. It is entirely at their own option, into 
 what office they enter themselves, or whether they go into any 
 one. It is however, generally the case, that those students do en- 
 ter into some office, and by far the greater portion of them enter 
 the office of some of the professors. Indeed the professors have 
 almost a monopoly of this class of students. 
 
 The two classes of students in the several offices are distinguish- 
 ed by distinct appellations. The students steadily residing in any 
 office are called " private students." Those who enter the office 
 to remain only during the course of lectures, are denominated 
 " winter students." 
 
 The students who attend the lectures suppose they can derive 
 great additional advantages from frequenting the office of some 
 practitioner, where they can obtain further explanations on the 
 subjects of the lectures : compound medicines ; make experiment? 
 
25 
 
 in chemistry ; assist in surgical operations, or witness clinical prac- 
 tice. It is probable from such views they generally enter into 
 some office, and most usually give preference to the office of a pro- 
 fessor. Many of the students, however, while attending lectures, 
 enter at the same time into the offices of two different professors. 
 It has been urged, that persons who contemplate a residence as 
 practising physicians where they must be called to practice in the 
 different branches of medicine, require to become skilful in those 
 several branches, and therefore properly enter at the same time as 
 students in two or more offices, as interest or inclination may 
 prompt, to increase their opportunities for acquiring information. 
 That the same person may advantageously be a student at the same 
 time, with the professor of surgery or anatomy, and attend his office 
 while engaged with his particular lectures : and also with the pro- 
 fossor of the theory and practice of physic, of botany, or chemis- 
 try, and attend his office while engaged with his lectures. 
 
 On the other hand, this practice of allowing persons to enter as 
 students into two offices at the same time, has been reprobated in 
 strong terms, and represented as injurious to the character of the 
 college, and intended only to secure favouriteism with the profes- 
 sors at their examinations, and as calculated to send forth incom- 
 petent men, from motives of partiality, with the honours of the col- 
 lege, which ought only to be the reward of great merit. 
 
 Connected with this subject, it appeared that the annual public, 
 examination of the candidates for graduation, which, by the charter, 
 is required to be before the board of professors and trustees, has 
 usually been preceded by a private examination before the profes- 
 sors. It was alleged, that the effect had been to render the public 
 examinations a mere form, and that it enabled the professors more 
 easily to accomplish any objects of favouriteism to students who 
 should have entered their several offices. On the other part, it 
 was insisted to be correct and proper for the professors, by previ- 
 ous private examinations, to ascertain the fitness of the pupils, be- 
 fore they were recommended as candidates, and thus to guard them 
 from failure and dishonor by an unsuccessful public examination. 
 It was said that no evil could result from such a course, or be- 
 cause the candidate had been a student in more than one office, 
 in as much as the professors were but six members of a board of 
 twenty-live trustees ; all of whom were by the charter required 
 to attend the examinations, and each of whom were to pass after 
 
 4 
 
 
26 
 
 satisfactory enquiry, upon the fitness of the candidates, by a direct 
 vote, rejecting or recommending each to a diploma. 
 
 The committee called for some proof of any instance of favo- 
 riteism, or oppression, against any candidate, by either professor, 
 or trustee ; and especially, if any instance could be shewn, where 
 a candidate had been favoured, because he had been in the office 
 of one or more of the professors ; or had been oppressed, be- 
 cause he had been a student in the office of a trustee ? The in- 
 quiry was diligent, but ineffectual, to establish any such case. The 
 trustees insisted, that proof ought not to be expected — that the 
 circumstances did not admit of proof. The motives which might 
 influence a student to give preference to a professor's office, or to 
 enter, at the same time, into more than one office, or the bias it 
 might produce on the professors' minds, could not be matter of 
 proof. It was said, the moral effect was evinced, from the rela- 
 tion in which the parties were placed, and from the attitude and 
 power of the professors over the students, and the evils were to 
 be inferred from the circumstances. 
 
 In the absence of proof, the case rested wholly upon inferences, 
 which were pressed with great force, upon the consideration of the 
 committee. It was represented, that the college would never at- 
 tain any considerable eminence, under its "present regulations, 
 which were so replete with incongruous provisions. In this latter 
 position only, both professors and trustees seemed to accord. The 
 committee required of each to submit the alterations and amend- 
 ments, which were deemed so essential to the welfare of the insti- 
 tution. Various propositions were submitted, and which are here- 
 with delivered over to the Regents. The principle of these pro- 
 positions require, on the one hand ; that an ordinance should be 
 passed, making the professors depend on a specified salary, and 
 prohibiting the professors from taking any " winter students" ; in 
 order to elevate the character of the college, by a more rigid and 
 entirely impartial examination of candidates for diplomas : And 
 on the other hand, that the trustees should be removed from their 
 places ; or that the examination of candidates, and the care of the 
 instruction in the college, be placed wholly with the professors. 
 
 In the perplexity arising from the different opinions entertained 
 on these subjects by medical gentlemen, of acknowledged respec- 
 tability, and perhaps of equal talents, your committee have endea- 
 voured to derive instruction, from a reference to the manner and 
 
27 
 
 principles upon which other medical institutions, in the adjoining 
 states, have been founded. Their means of information are limi- 
 ted ; but as far as they have been enabled to learn, it appears : 
 
 The Regents of the University of Maryland, is an incorporation, 
 embracing four faculties, together with the provost of the said uni- 
 versity. The four faculties are, viz : 
 
 The Faculty of Physic, " 
 
 The Faculty of Divinity, 
 
 The Faculty of Law, and 
 
 The Faculty of Arts and Sciences. 
 These four faculties thus united, constitute the university. 
 "Each of the faculties are declared to possess the power of ap- 
 pointing its own professors and lecturers." And the professors 
 now appointed in the college of medicine of Maryland, and their 
 successors, are declared to constitute the faculty of physic. 
 
 The University of Pennsylvania consists of the following gene- 
 ral divisions : 
 
 1. A department of the Arts and Sciences. 
 
 2. A Medical department. 
 
 3. A Law department. 
 
 4. A department of Natural Sciences. 
 
 5. A department of General Literature. 
 
 Its government is in the governor of the state, ex-officio, and 
 twenty-four other persons, (who arc not medical men,) denomina- 
 ted a •' board of trustees." The medical school is under the im- 
 mediate government of the medical professors, with power to esta- 
 blish proper rules aud regulations for conducting the business of 
 the department, subject to the rules and statutes of the board of 
 trustees. 
 
 The candidates are examined privately by the professors, in the 
 presence of such of the trustees as choose to attend. If found 
 qualified, they are to be so reported to the provost, who is to com- 
 municate such report to " the board of trustees," in order, if ap- 
 proved of by them, that degrees maybe conferred. 
 
 In Massachusetts, the medical school is controuled by a medical 
 faculty, composed of the president of the university, and the five 
 medical professors. It is subject to the incorporation of the pre- 
 sident, and fellows of Harvard university, and which is again 
 subject to the " overseers of the university." The overseers 
 are composed of the governor, and senate of the state, with about 
 
28 
 
 thirty distinguished individuals. In practice, the medical faculty 
 regulate their own department, and fill their own vacancies, sub- 
 ject to the negative of the overseers. 
 
 In Connecticut, " The Medical Institution of Yale College" is a 
 faculty'attached to the incorporation of that college ; it has four pro- 
 fessors, 
 
 1st. Of Chemistry and Pharmacy. 
 
 2nd. Of the Theory and Practice of Medicine, 
 
 3d. Of Anatomy, Surgery, and Midwifery. 
 
 4th. Of Materia Medicaand Botany. 
 
 The institution is under the government of the corporation of 
 Yale College, by which its professors are appointed ; its concerns 
 regulated and its degrees conferred. The diploma is under the 
 seal of Yale College, and signed by the president. The exami- 
 nations and recommendations of candidates are made by a board to 
 consist of the four professors and four members from county medi- 
 cal societies, to be annually appointed by " The Medical Conven- 
 tion," which is a meeting composed of delegates from the county 
 societies. 
 
 From the preceding references it appears, that the Medical fa- 
 culty of other institutions, have the immediate government of their 
 colleges, with the power of the examinations and the right of re- 
 commending candidates for degrees, to a Board of Trustees, answer- 
 ing to " the Regents" in this state, and without any intervening body 
 of Medical Trustees, vested with power to controul the examina- 
 tions and recommendation of candidates for degrees. A recurrence 
 to the rise and progress of" The College of Physicians aud Sur- 
 geons in New- York," through its various mutations and regula- 
 tions, from its commencement to this time, shews that it has hith- 
 erto been conducted under the immediate guidance of medical 
 professors and medical trustees, subject to a negative of the Regents. 
 The first proposition in 1791, for its incorporation, was accompa- 
 nied with opposition and a remonstrance, signed by the president 
 and secretary of the medical society. Subsequently from that 
 time, differences in the government of its concerns have been un- 
 interrupted, and collisions have been unceasing. At the last ex- 
 amination of candidates these differences arose to personal alterca- 
 tions between professors and some of the trustees, in the presence 
 of the students. Their continuance is injuriously indicated to the 
 public, by two conflicting notices for the commencement of the 
 
 i 
 
29 
 
 lectures this last term. The one from the professors, the other 
 from the trustees. It is, however, with feelings of conscious sa- 
 tisfaction, your committee are enabled to state that these differen- 
 ces and collisions appear to have been confined within the body of 
 the professors and medical trustees : and that they have in no in- 
 stance extended themselves to produce injustice by partiality or 
 oppression to any student or candidate. In the mean while, the 
 college has continued to advance in prosperity, and has retained 
 its number of students, notwithstanding other medical schools have- 
 since been established in m. ;t of the other states ; and one other in 
 this state, denominated" the Western college of physicians and sur- 
 geons," which is also in a flourishing condition, and well attended. 
 To have sustained itself against such competition, is proof of its in- 
 creasing strength ; and which is yet more certainly demonstrated 
 by a reference to its students, which have been collected not onlv 
 from this state, but from most of the other slates, the Canadas, and 
 even the West India islands. The fame of the college as a medi- 
 cal school, combining very many advantages for improvement in 
 that department in science, has become widely extended, and from 
 its importance, general utility, and admitted facilities in education, 
 it seems to have attained an high degree of eminence. 
 
 Perhaps it will not be matter of surprise, that disagreements 
 have arisen in the management of this college, between the profes • 
 sors, and the trustees, and medical societies, when it shall be re- 
 collected those bodies are composed of practising physicians, and 
 candidates for the same patronage ; and that most, or all of the 
 trustees, are also members, and many of them officers of the me- 
 dical societies. The advantages incident to a professorship, may 
 furnish causes of excitement. The duties of a professor do not 
 impede or hinder him from the ordinary pursuits of his private 
 practice. Probably it is even increased in the particular depart- 
 ment, by his place of a lecturer. Upwards of one hundred and 
 fifty intelligent young gentlemen, annually brought about him in 
 habits of intimate friendship, in the attendance upon the lectures, 
 carry home with them the kindest feelings of respect, and more 
 widely spread, in their respective places of residence, the fame 
 of their professors. The pecuniary advantages are worthy of 
 consideration. The fee of fifteen dollars, paid by each attendant 
 upon the lectures, forms no inconsiderable sum ; and to which 
 
30 
 
 may be added, a further amount for the fee of thirty-five dollar;:, 
 claimed by the professors from each " winter student," who en- 
 ters into his office. 
 
 The acquisition of such profit and fame, is the just reward of 
 distinguished reputation, and high attainments in science. To rear 
 this college to its proper eminence, and to sustain it in the fulness 
 of its usefulness, it must ever be in a condition to command ta- 
 lents of such an order. These places ought to be preserved as 
 the meed of high ambition. Such prizes may be expected to awa- 
 ken competitors in talents, in fame, an ", fortune. It is one of the 
 benefits to be derived from this institution to society. 
 
 By an ordinance of the Regents, passed in March, 1825, the 
 professors are required to account, and pay to the funds of the col- 
 lege, ten per cent upon the sums received by each one for their 
 lectures. Perhaps, at some future time, it may be expedient to 
 increase this rate of per centage, to be paid over to the college 
 funds. The exigencies of the funds require relief. It must, how- 
 ever, be observed, that the graduation fees, together with this al- 
 lowance of ten per cent on the tuition money, being hereafter to 
 be taken from the professors, make a very material deduction from 
 the income from their lectures, and forms an important annual ad- 
 dition to the finances of the college. The ability to redeem its 
 debts, will depend on its future prosperity. The professors 
 ought not to be depressed with too much parsimony, lest it might 
 impair their efforts, and prove injurious, in the result, to the insti- 
 tution. 
 
 After full consideration upon the proposed alterations in the re- 
 gulations of the college, your committee do not believe it would 
 be expedient to make the professors salary officers. 
 
 An ordinance, forbidding professors from taking " winter stu- 
 dents," would infringe upon the rights of the students to acquire 
 information with whom they please. The reasons upon which 
 this ordinance is now required against the professors, might then be 
 urged with equal force, to have the same prohibition extended to 
 the trustees, who also have a vote upon the examinations. Such 
 regulations would abridge the opportunities of information to the 
 students — would proscribe, too, large a portion of the medical 
 talent of the city ; and would bespeak aa unreasonable and im- 
 proper jealousy of the respectable and honourable gentlemen who 
 are professors and trustees. In the opinion of the committee, the 
 ordinance ought not to be granted. 
 
31 
 
 Whatever difference of sentiment has been entertained, and 
 whatever disagreements have arisen in the government and regu- 
 lation of this college, the trustees have proceeded only pari passu 
 with the professors. However much we may differ from the pro- 
 positions and conclusions urged by either, there is no sufficient 
 reason to censure the fairness of the motives of each. If the Re- 
 gents possess the power, the committee are of opinion it ought 
 not to be exercised to remove all or any of the trustees. 
 
 In searching for remedies, to secure harmony to this college, 
 and to produce a greater unity of action in the members of its go- 
 vernment, the committee are induced to recommend, that the 
 several vacancies now existing, and which shall hereafter happen 
 in the board of trustees, shall be rilled by distinguished gentle- 
 men, who are not medical men, until they shall be equal in num- 
 ber to the medical trustees. 
 
 A board thus composed of the professors, and of trustees one 
 part of medical men, and the other of men from other professions 
 and pursuits in life, would, in the opinion of the committee, pos- 
 sess within itself an equipoise, and the means of harmony, and yet 
 retain all the medical information necessary and useful for the 
 greatest advancement of the interest of the college. By interpo- 
 sing this third body between the professors and medical trustees, 
 it would neutralize the ingredients of the college government, and 
 prevent its too grest tendency to effervesce. An ordinance mak- 
 ing provision for this case, is therefore recommended to be adop- 
 ted by the Regents. 
 
 Connected with this subject, and with a view that the board oi 
 trustees shall be composed of those three orders, it is necessarv 
 
 and proper to retain the professors as members of the board 
 
 The committee therefore recommend the repeal of the ordinance 
 of the Regents in 1820, whereby any professor thereafter to be 
 appointed is declared ineligible to be a trustee. Another ordi- 
 nance, requiring, that to make a quorum to transact business a 
 majority present shall be trustees who are not professors is a suf- 
 ficient guard against any acts of the professors. The board thus- 
 organized will be composed of six professors, ten medical trustees, 
 and nine trustees from other pursuits. 
 
 In the course of the discussions on this enquiry, the disinterested 
 zeal and patriotic feelings which influenced the trustees so solicit- 
 ously to promote the advancement of the college, were often ur- 
 ged upon the consideration of the committee. It was insisted, on 
 
32 
 
 the part of the professors, that they too were influenced by the* 
 same zeal and the same patriotic feelings, and an equal desire for 
 the advancement of the college, with the additional stimulus of a 
 great personal and individual interest in fame and fortune. It is a 
 practice in courts of equity, allowing equal rectitude to all, to con- 
 fide any property in its keeping, to those persons most interested 
 in its preservation and improvement. It is a rule of the common 
 law, established by antient jurists, and handed down as the deter- 
 mination of wisdom, adopted from experience in human concerns, 
 that the guardianship and possession of an infant shall never be com- 
 mitted to the persons next entitled to the inheritance, in case of 
 the infant's decease. 
 
 THE EXAMINATION OF STUDENTS. 
 
 The charter of the college provides, that the examination of 
 randidates shall be by the professors, in the presence of the trus- 
 tees, who are to receive due notice of the time and place of the ex- 
 amination, and may attend. Professors and trustees all vote on the 
 fitness and recommendation of the candidates, to the Regents for a de- 
 gree, and a majority of voices determines the result. All agree that 
 the practice and the regulations on this subject are of importance to 
 the student, and of deep interest to the advancement and the hon- 
 our of the college. The possibility that any student should be 
 either unduly favored or oppressed in the course of his studies or 
 at his examination, must not be admitted. And the committee be- 
 lieve it has hitherto occurred in no instance. Examinations which 
 become too lax, will favour the indolent student, and send out the 
 ignorant candidate with the honors of the college, and bring discre- 
 dit on the institution. If too rigid and unreasonably severe, they 
 become oppressive, and will drive away the pupils, and chill and 
 even nip the growth of the college with an untimely frost. 
 
 Should that section of the present charter, relating to the exam- 
 ination of candidates, be so amended as to suspend the right of the 
 recommendation of candidates on the vote of the professors and 
 trustees, and further provision be made, that the examination 
 should be by the professors in the presence of the trustees, and 
 under the direction of a " board of visitors," 1 and who alone should 
 recommend the candidates to the Regents, as found worthy and 
 meriting the honors of the college ; it would put at rest all possi- 
 bility of unfairnp=s in the examination?, or of favouritism or oppres- 
 
33 
 
 sion. A board of visitors of not less than five persons, distinguish- 
 ed for medical science or literature, might he annually appointed 
 by the Regents a short time before the close of the lectures, to at- 
 tend the examination. They would be entirely impartial. They 
 would cherish the worthy candidate, and yet sufficiently guard the 
 reputation of the college. 
 
 'Such a board for examiners might be selected from the Re- 
 gents, from the trustees, or from other persons in the city or 
 state, respectable for their learning. A professor from the " West- 
 ern college of physicians and surgeons," or even any distinguished 
 professor from the universities of Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore 
 or New-Haven, might be requested Ijy the Regents to associate as 
 a member of such a board of visitors. It will be observed, that 
 these suggestions are intended to assimulate with the regulations 
 adopted for the examination of cadets at the West Point academy. 
 These principles have proved in practice most auspicious to the 
 harmony and reputation of that distinguished seminary. 
 
 An examination and recommendation of candidates by such a 
 board of examiners, would carry forward its own credit. It would 
 raise the qualifications of a degree. Above suspicion for its intel- 
 ligence and impartiality, it would redound to the honor of the stu- 
 dent, stimulate professors to exertions, and greatly add to the ce- 
 lebrity of the college. From the observations which your com- 
 mittee were enabled to make, of the proficiency and acquirements 
 in science of the professors and trustee's of this college, they con- 
 fidently believe it can come with its class of candidates, from the 
 scrutiny of such a board of examiners, and stand holding its place 
 with renewed lustre in the ranks of science. 
 
 It is therefore recommended that an ordinance be adopted by 
 the Regents, carrying into effect these provisions, in regard to the 
 examination of students. 
 
 Should the Regents approve of these recommendations, and 
 any doubts be entertained as to the power of the Regents to amend 
 the charter of the college, so as to carry the suggestions into full 
 effect, the committee believe the evident utility and necessity of 
 new regulations on this subject, would induce the professors and 
 trustees, upon application from the Regents, to give their corpo- 
 rate assent to the alterations. Legislative interposition may oth- 
 erwise become necessary. But the provisions recommended in 
 regard to the filling of vacancies in the board of trustees, from per. 
 sons not concerned in medicine, till they constitute the one half of 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 the number, will however carry into effect and accomplish the 
 principal means desired to secure harmony in the institution. 
 
 From the preceding remarks, it will be apparent that the opin- 
 ion of this committee is decidedly against granting the prayer of 
 the trustees in their memorial of the 6th of January, 1 825, in which 
 the trustees ask the Regents" to vest them with the power of regula- 
 ting all the affairs of the college, and to delegate to the trustees the 
 power of making their own by-laws and regulations. In the opin- 
 ion of this committee, a surrender of these important powers and 
 authority by the Regents would be inconsistent with the high du- 
 ties which they owe to the people of this state, and would, under 
 existing circumstances, be altogether inexpedient for the interest 
 of the college. 
 
 Before closing this report, the committee take the liberty to 
 suggest for the consideration of the Regents, one other subject, 
 which has occurred to them in the course of their inquiries. — ■ 
 They are aware that the subject is not directly included in the vi- 
 sitorial powers confided to them. But its importance induces 
 them to present it for consideration. 
 
 It is proposed to extend and apply the medical schools, and per- 
 haps the colleges, to the teaching of Agriculture, Mechanics, and 
 the Useful Arts, as collateral branches, and to separate classes. 
 
 Notwithstanding the liberal endowments made by this state, in 
 the support of its various literary institutions, yet great deficien- 
 cies exist, in supplying the requirements of society, and in the 
 adaption of the ^sciences to actual practice in the pursuits of 
 common life. The rapid growth of this state ; its multiplied re- 
 sources ; and the industry and enterprise of its citizens, make 
 large demands upon the sciences, to aid and co-operate in advan- 
 cing the general prosperity. It is not sufficient that the sciences 
 connected with agriculture and the mechanic arts, are diligently 
 studied and correctly understood by a few votaries in ©ur literary" 
 institutions. It seems very necessary that those sciences essen- 
 tial to the prosperity of manufacturing industry, should be espe- 
 cially promoted, and adapted to the comprehension of a meritori- 
 ous class of citizens, whose situation and circumstances, while 
 they deny them the opportunities of an academic life, devote 
 them more sedulously to mechanic pursuits, and perhaps as cer- 
 tainly prepare them to advance the public good. If this class of 
 sciences was exhibited to the manufacturer and practical mechanic 
 in a course of lectures, it would not fail to produce improvements, 
 
35 
 
 and confer lasting benefits on the country. Courses of popular 
 lectures for a few weeks in every year, upon Agriculture, Chemis 
 try and Mechanics, with illustrations, and the exhibition of expe- 
 riments, models and specimens, would secure an advantageous 
 union in the efforts of theoretical and practical men ; would 
 awaken the mental energies of the agriculturist and the artisan, 
 and soon produce a new era in the mechanic arts. 
 
 The advantages which may be anticipated from the proposed 
 more intimate union of the efforts of scientific and of practical 
 men, will be sufficiently illustrated by reference to a recent and 
 familiar case. The hats hitherto in use, have been manufactured 
 and stiffened with glues, which were dissoluble in water. Within 
 the last five or six years, " water proof' hats, warranted to be im- 
 pervious to water, have come into general use. The art of mak- 
 ing of them has been blazoned forth as a new invention, and has 
 been even the subject of "patent rights." The important disco- 
 very consists in the use of " Shell Lac," as the stiffening glue. It 
 is a gum imported, and found in all druggist stores. It is of- 
 ten used in medicine, and a peculiar property of which has long 
 been known to the chemist, to consist in its being indissoluble in 
 water, while it readily dissolves in alkohol, and becomes a conve- 
 nient glue, impervious to water. The discovery and recent in- 
 vention, therefore, consist jn the working mechanic having acqui- 
 red and adopted into his daily business, the information on this one 
 point, which has been possessed and used for the last century by 
 every chemist, druggist, and compounder of medicines. 
 
 Perhaps, Avithin another century, or, if assisted, within another 
 year, the worker in leather may acquire a like secret, and by satu- 
 rating his materials with some such ingredient, effectually pro- 
 tect our feet from moisture. Water proof cloth has long been 
 also a disideratum for mankind. It is said, it has been recently 
 manufactured in Great Britain with the use of the common " India 
 Rubber.". The manufacturer has hitherto been unable to make a 
 solution of this substance, while the chemist has long known its 
 solubility, by the application of bituminous oils, like the "Seneca 
 Oil," of which this country affords an abundance. 
 
 The indigent mechanic must rely upon his daily labour for his 
 subsistence. He can not waste his time, or incur expense, to go 
 in pursuit of the sciences, even as applied to his own occupation. — 
 Any separate establishment, requiring him to leave his employment 
 or the apprentice to forego his labor, would thereby be inaccessi- 
 
36 
 
 ble to them. To be. of utility, it must be fitted to their opportuni- 
 ties and their means. It must be applied to their condition. 
 
 The school should be organized with a view to convenience 
 and economy, in time and expense, and with the expectation that 
 the manufacturer, the mechanic, the journeyman, apprentice and 
 labourer, will become the pupils, and there learn the principles 
 upon which successful practice in their several occupations de- 
 pend, and acquire additional skill in their respective employments. 
 Some public provision, by which these advantages may be extend- 
 ed to this portion of our community, seems to be required, as a 
 measure of policy, and as an act of equal justice. It is believed 
 it may easily be accomplished, under the patronage of the Regents, 
 and by an authority to hold such a course of lectures. Scientific 
 gentlemen would undertake the duties ; or the professors of chem- 
 istry and of natural philosophy, in the institutions already estab- 
 lished, might derive fame and profit, and find employment for their 
 leisure time, in this further duty. It would be consonant with 
 their present pursuits. The institutions now provided for medical 
 or literary purposes, might thus be made more extensively focal 
 points, from which to radiate the public mind. They would bet- 
 ter accord with the situation and condition of our country. The 
 plan of education in our colleges was derived from Europe, where 
 it was established by the Romish priesthood ; and it has been 
 adopted here, and since continued with too great a subseiviency 
 to precedent. Perhaps at some future time it may be deemed ex- 
 pedient to re-examine the system of education now in practice, and 
 to adopt such improvements as may more immediately conform it 
 to the pursuits of our citizeus, and the spirit of our government : 
 at least, to provide a plan of education in some of the colleges, a 
 part of which shall be more suited foi our intercourse with other 
 nations, and more adapted to the energies and the enterprise of 
 our people. To encourage the arts, as applied to manufacturing 
 industry, by a more direct application of the sciences upon the 
 plan now proposed, will be an extension, and a new application, of 
 the benevolent and important system of common schools. It may 
 be presumed that the judicious master would not only permit, but 
 encourage " his apprentices to frequent lectures within their 
 reach, sure that the little time so lost to his trade, would be amply 
 repaid, by the increased diligence, sobriety and knowledge, thereby 
 purchased." 
 
37 
 
 The moral effect justly to be anticipated upon the youth and 
 middle classes of society, should also induce to the proposed ob- 
 ject. It will diffuse intelligence amongst a portion of society, 
 whose condition has been hitherto almost inaccessible to improve- 
 ment ; and remove that state of ignorance and depression usually 
 incident to, and often urged against, mechanic pursuits and manu- 
 facturing establishments. 
 
 The laboratory, apparatus, models and specimens now used by 
 professors, might, without prejudice, be allotted to this further 
 purpose. 
 
 If an augmentation of the cabinet of models and specimens 
 should be required, the importance of the object would justify the 
 hope of further bounty from the legislature. 
 
 The able professor of Moral Philosophy in Columbia College, 
 (Mr. McVickar) with great benefit to the institution, and increased 
 reputation to himself, has recently made " Political Economy" 
 the subject of a course of lectures. The professor of Natural 
 Philosophy in the same college, (Mr. Renwick) ; the professor of 
 Chemistry (Dr. Macneven) in the college of Physicians and Sur- 
 geons in New-York ; and the professor of Chemistry (Mr. J. 
 Nott) in Union College, upon suggestions from your committee, 
 have assented to undertake, with the permission of the institutions 
 to which they belong, courses of lectures for the instruction of 
 mechanics, under the authority and sanction of the Regents. The 
 colleges at New-York, Schenectady, Fairfield, Hamilton, and Ge- 
 neva ; and perhaps the academies at Albany, and the principal 
 villages, furnish convenient opportunities to make the experiment 
 of teaching such branches of education, as collateral to the profes- 
 sorships and the original objects of those institutions. 
 
 The utility of the scheme would soon be ascertained, and the 
 expediency determined, of hereafter conferring degrees {or profi- 
 ciency in agriculture and the useful arts. All which is respectfully 
 submitted. 
 
 By order of the Committee. 
 
 JAMES TALLMADGE, 
 
 Chairman. 
 
 October 15th, 1825. 
 

 
 
 
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