Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing - Hahnoscope Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 10 text:

gl-x -J sl 'O C' Q 1 i ln -ag 1 ,- ps-s 'sl The llahnemann Medical College was incorporated and organized in 1848, and is the oldest institution of its kind in existence. Under the first charter it was known as the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. The three prominent founders were Dr. Constantine Hering, Dr. NValter XYilliamson and Dr. Jacob bleanes. Dr. Hering had received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of VVurzhurg in 1826. Dr. Jeanes and Dr. VVilliam- son were doctors of medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1867 there was a division between the newly-organized Hahnemann Medi- cal College of Philadelphia and the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsyl- vania. These two schools were rivals until 1869, when a reunion was effected. the consolidation taking place under the name of the lclahnemann Medical College of l'hiladelphia. The college advanced rapidly to its present high grade of efficiency and prosperity. ln 1894 the four-year course was enforced. The lXluseum of llahnemann College has long heen an object of particular interest to graduates and teachers. lt was started in 1850, when the faculty hegan the collection of morlmid and normal anatomical specimens, which are the most com- plete in the country. All hranches of medicine can he illustrated hy means of speci- mens of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, zoology, materia medica and surgery. The world-famous dissection of the cereliro-spinal nervous system hy Dr. Rufus B. XYeaver is stored in the fireproof vault. The preparation was included in the exhibit 6

Page 9 text:

' f Illcmaxzm' P. I,liUI'UI-IJ, ,X.M., MJD., F..X.C.S. lirmml of the IIZIIIIICNIZIIIII lluspitnl Sclwul uf Nursing Cunmmillee 5

Page 11 text:

sent to the XVorld's Fair, Chicago, 1893. .X diploma granted to the college for the display says: An award'is granted for the number and variety of specimens and the skill and patience demanded in the preparation of the cerebro-spinal nervous system of a human body, the only one of its kind in existence. The college library, begun in 1867, now contains more than 15,000 bound vol- umes. This includes the priceless collections of the works of Paracelsus 11-193- 15413, among the most complete in the world, which represents fifty years' work of the late Dr. Constantine Hering. So precious is this collection that it lies in a safe place in the fireproof vault. The works of Samuel Hahnemann in the original homeopathic journals of this and other countries are also among the collection. This is the most complete library of homeopathic literature in the country. XVith the opening of a college a dispensary was organized in 18-18. for the double purpose of giving the opportunity to the poor for homeopathic treatment, and also to furnish clinics of the college with cases for practical instruction for stu- dents. Up to 1906, 758,229 cases were treated. In 1923 the new dispensary building was opened, which offered abundant and badly-needed service for the increasing number of out-patients, as well as improved facilities for this line of medical teach- ing. This event marks a decided step forward for the Hospital. Hahnemann Hospital The charter was obtained April 20, 1850, for the Hospital, which was then located on Chestnut Street, near the Schuylkill River. Vincent Bradford was Presi- dent of the Hospital. In 1853 a fair was given for the support of the Hospital and 32,800 was raised. The Hospital remained in existence only two years, when it closed for want of support. All furnishings and supplies were given to the Soldiers' Hospital dur- ing the XVar of Rebellion. After various attempts to re-establish a Hospital, a group of women held a meeting at the College in September, 1862, and an association for management of the Hospital was organized. The faculty fitted up suitable rooms in the building in the rear of the College for reception of sick and wounded soldiers. The United States Government would not let soldiers who preferred homeopathy go to this building for treatment, but many discharged soldiers were received and cared for. However, soon after the war the Hospital again closed. The faculty of the College, feeling the need of a Hospital for teaching pur- poses. originated a movement in 1869 for holding a large fair at Horticultural llall. This was a great success. Seventeen thousand dollars was made during the two weeks of the fair. 7