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

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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

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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

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In 1870 money was invested by Trustees of the Hospital and College to pur- chase property on Filbert Street above Eleventh. This was a brick building of five stories and contained thirty-five beds. It was the Old Soldiers' Hospital site. In 1871 it was formally opened, but incomplete. In 1886 it was completed. During this period 5,478 patients were treated. In 1880 the Hospital was found to be inadequate, the location and surround- ings were poor, and so efforts were made to find a new site. There was constant dispute between College and Hospital as to whether there would be one management for both. This resulted in division again. The newly- elected Trustees of the College appointed a committee to secure a new lot for the College and Hospital buildings. The site on Broad Street above Race was found and purchased for S5103,666, and with this the construction of a new College and Hospital began. On November 6, 1884, the cornerstone was laid by Grand Officers of the Masonic Fraternities of Pennsylvania. Governor Robert Patterson made the address. In 1885 a meeting was held to again merge the two institutions into one cor- poration, and on May 16, 1885, the charter was given, with the title of Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital of Philadelphia. The following year the Hahnemann Hospital Association was formed for the purpose of aiding in the erection and maintenance of the Hospital, and as far as possible assist in providing for needs and comforts of the patients. This association raised 155,000 in December, 1886. There were receptions, teas, garden parties' and fairs. In 1887 this association made plans for the fair held in Horticultural Hall and helped greatly with prepara- tions for this international convention. In 1895 the Junior Auxiliary of the Halmemann Hospital Association was formed. This group was composed of younger members, daughters and friends, their purpose beingito raise funds and to look' after the interests of the children. Many donations were received of toys, pictures, books and the like. The Children's Homeopathic Hospital asked to merge with Hahnemann Medi- cal College and Hospital on condition that there be a ward for children. The new building for the College was completed and opened for inspection. It was dedicated September 21, 1886. In 1887 the first Hospital building opened, which contained thirty beds, and was provided with an out-patient department, a steam heating plant and an elec- trical plant. After the Johnstown Flood in 1889 the Hospital Staff was the first to offer its service to Governor Beaver. A branch dispensary was established in that community and 3,040 patients were treated. 8