Northwestern University Dental School - Purple and Gold Yearbook (Evanston, IL)

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1 I wx I I In I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I GREENE VARDIMAN BLACK, M D., D.D.S., Sc.D., LL.D,, Dean, Professor of Operative Dentistry, Pathology and Bacteriology.

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A BRIEF SKETCI-I PROF. G. V. BLACK, M. D., D. D. S., SC. D., LL. D. A ' By Trios. L. GILMICR, M. D., D. D. s. B' It has been my special privilege to have known the subject of thisimperfect sketch for thirty years. The relationship in all this time has been one of much pleasure and profit to me, indeed, the inspiration gained from the intercourse has been of the greatest pos- sible advantage. ' It may not be inappropriate to relate the experience of my first visit to Professor Black, early in 1871. I had just located in a small village near the home ofthe Doctor, who was at this time residing and practicing in jacksonville, Ill. jacksonville was known as the Athens of the NVest, as it probably contained at that time more men of letters and genius than almost any place of similar size in the United States, and Dr. Black was one of the giants of the city. Hav- ing heard so frequently of Dr. Black while in the Missouri Dental College in St. Louis, from Drs. Judd, Eames, Forbes, 'lVIcKellops, Chase, Spalding and others, it was but natural that I should desire to see this great man. At the first opportunity I went to Jackson- ville, only twenty miles distant, intending to call upon him. Being young and bashful, I feared to go into his presence. The picture of him in my mind was that of an austere scientist, one who could hardly be willing to spend even a moment of his valuable time with a novice, a mere youth, without learning, experience or reputation. I sought out his office, went to the, head of the stair which led- to his ro-oms. My heart failed, me, I turned back without ringing the bell, and gave up what seemed to me, at the time, a severe ordeal. I returned to my home with my ambition unsatisfied, but the desire to see him would not down,'and the next time I visited.-Iacksonville I renewed my effort, and was b-old enough to ring the bell, after which I could not honorably back out. , So, in great fear, I awaited the opening of the door. I was met by a young woman, to whom I gave my name and the suggestion that I did not wish to disturb the Doctor if he was engaged. She presently returned, and said: Dr, Black is en- gaged,'but will be able to see you shortly and asks that you remain. This encouraged meg still I full well knew that I should make a bad 29