Page:Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia - George W Norris.djvu/29

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The Early History of Medicine in Philadelphia.

Merion, on the west side of the Schuylkill, he visited Europe, and having there, under Mr. Cheselden, devoted himself to anatomical pursuits, upon his return to Philadelphia he engaged in dissections and demonstrations for the instruction of his brethren, the first ever made in Pennsylvania; and it is worthy of notice that among those who availed themselves of his teaching was the elder Shippen.

Dr. Cadwalader was one of the physicians appointed to the Pennsylvania Hospital at its commencement, and for more than thirty years continued to be annually re-elected there. He was much celebrated for the polish of his manners and benevolence of disposition; and these, added to his solid attainments in medicine, soon gained for him a distinguished position as a practitioner. His courteous deportment was on one occasion the means of preserving his life. A provincial officer in 1760, laboring under some alienation of mind, left his home one morning armed with a gun, with a determination to kill the first person he should meet. He had not proceeded far before he met Dr. Cadwalader; the doctor bowed politely to the officer, who, though unknown to him, had the appearance of a gentleman, and accosted him with "Good morning, sir; what sport?" The officer answered civilly, engaged in conversation with the

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