Medical College of Virginia - X Ray Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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as a surgeon; but by two things especially will he live in the minds of those who knew him — the readiness and pleasure with which he helped the younger members of his profession, and his services to the Medical College of Virginia. Possessing a vision almost prophetic, with advice, encouragement and assistance, he guided many a medical career through college, through hospital and special training, to the fruition of a large and useful practice. His time, his labor, his resourcefulness and his influence was ever at the disposal of those who wished them. There was never a man more loyal, nor a heart more responsive, and he did not count the cost of doing, nor ask a price for sacrifice. Coming to Richmond in 1876, he began his brilliant professional career by accepting a minor position at the Medical College of Virginia. It was not long before he became the leading spirit of the College, and over smooth waters and through the stormy seas he guided its course. -In 1913 the amalgamation with the University College of Medicine was effected largely through his efforts. It is a thing of pride for the students and alumni to feel that the present Medical College of Virginia stands as a memorial of the devo- tion to medical education of the South ' s two greatest medical leaders, Hunter Holmes McGuire, founder of the University College of Medi- cine, and George Ben Johnston, sponsor for the Medical College of Virginia. It is, therefore, most appropriate and altogether fitting that the College Annual for 1917 should be dedicated to Dr. George Ben Johnston, who departed this life on December 20th, 1916. In doing him honor we honor ourselves — and we pay tribute where tribute is due, for while he was amongst us he went about doing good. BEVERLEY R. TUCKER.

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TO O eorge 25en 3oi)n£(ton, M.D., lld. Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Medical College of Virginia ; Member of the Board of Visitors, Medical College of Virginia. URY me with a low mass, Dr. Johnston said to Bishop O ' Connell. He could have selected the mass of wonder- ful pomp and ceremony by which the famous, the poten- tates and those of royal lineage are buried; but he chose the funeral rites used for those who serve rather than those who rule, and said, Bury me with a low mass. The spirit of service without pretentiousness was the keynote of his life. A man of powerful personality, he was always glad to give more than he received and to build for others rather than for himself. Born in the town of Tazewell, in beautiful south-western Virginia, of a family distinguished for pioneers, statesmen and physicians, he gained, during the years of his youth, strength and virility among those mountain scenes and people, and throughout the remainder of his life he ever turned to them with fidelity and affection. He was an earnest man, but at the same time genial; a forceful, though a kindly man; a busy man, always deliberate; an humble man, yet self-assertive for a cause. Although he never sought personal prefer- ment be became president of nearly every organization to which he be- longed, and honor upon honor was heaped upon him, but he did not use these for self-aggrandizement. Many things marked him among men: his magnetism, his striking appearance, his courtly manners, his interesting conversation, his success

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I9I7 (g ' .:: ? THE ' RAy i9 I9I7 Dr. Stuart McGuire, Dean.