school of Dr. Allen. This gentleman by his thoughtful arrangements enabled me to overcome the natural repulsion to these studies generally felt at the outset. With a tact and delicacy for which I have always felt grateful, he gave me as my first lesson in practical anatomy a demonstration of the human wrist. The beauty of the tendons and exquisite arrangements of this part of the body struck my artistic sense, and appealed to the sentiment of reverence with which this anatomical branch of study was ever afterwards invested in my mind.
During the following months, whilst making applications to the different medical colleges of Philadelphia for admission as a regular student, I enlisted the services of my friends in the search for an Alma Mater. The interviews with the various professors, though disappointing, were often amusing.
Extracts from the Journal of 1847
May 27.—Called on Dr. Jackson (one of the oldest
professors in Philadelphia), a small, bright-faced, grey-haired
man, who looked up from his newspaper and
saluted me with, 'Well, what is it? What do you want?'
I told him I wanted to study medicine. He began to
laugh, and asked me why. Then I detailed my plans.
He became interested; said he would not give me an
answer then; that there were great difficulties, but he
did not know that they were insurmountable; he would
let me know on Monday. I came home with a lighter
heart, though I can hardly say I hope. On Monday Dr.
Jackson said he had done his best for me, but the pro-
