Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/115

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
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ous in the whole round of the science, forms a burden too heavy for the powers of one individual, however expanded may be his intellect, and vigorous his application. It is to be hoped, however, that means will be provided to supply this deficiency, either by the appointment of an adjunct, or by the creation of a new professorship. It is indeed impossible, that in a system of instruction, in all other respects so perfect, one of the chief pillars upon which the science of medicine rests, should be long allowed to be wanting.[1]

The degrees conferred in the medical department are those of Doctor of Medicine, and Master of Pharmacy. To be admitted to the former of these honours, it is required that the candidate should have attained the age of twenty-one years; should have been three years engaged in the study of medicine, and at least two years of this period under some respectable practitioner; should have attended two full courses of lectures in the university,[2] and one course of clinical instruction in the Pennsylvania Hospital or city Alms-house; should have written a dissertation on some medical subject, to be approved by the faculty; and, finally, have undergone a satisfactory examination by the professors, as to the extent of his acquirements, and his fitness for the practice of the profession.

Every medical student, upon entering the university, is

  1. Since this account was written, Dr. Physick has retired from the school with the title of "Emeritus Professor of Surgery and Anatomy;" and has been succeeded by his former adjunct, Dr. Horner. The deficiency noticed in the text in relation to the institutes of medicine, has been supplied by the appointment of Samuel Jackson, M. D., as assistant to the professor of the institutes and practice of physic and clinical medicine.—January, 1834.
  2. With regard to this requisite, an exception is made in favour of those who have attended one or more courses in any respectable medical school in which the same subjects are taught as in the university of Pennsylvania. Of these it is only required that they should attend one full course of the medical lectures.