Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Synapsis Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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under the control of a common Board of Directors. This plan has insured both the College and the Hospital the loyal support of the osteopathic profession, as both institutions are conducted for the advancement of their respective spheres of usefulness to students, to the osteopathic profession, and to the public. In the year 191 1, the Board of Directors saw fit to raise the educational standards of the College by extending the course to one of four years of eight months each. This put the College on the same scholastic plane as that of the Class A medical colleges of this state. In 1922, the course was again extended, this time to four years of nine months each. In 1925, the require- ments were again raised, students desiring to practice in Pennsylvania being required to have completed one year each of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics of college grade. In the early days of the College the problems confronting its officials were indeed trying. Not only were the financial problems exasperating, but, also, these men were constantly being threatened with arrest by the members of the medical profession. In spite of all opposition, the new science continued to grow and gain favor in the eyes of hosts of its beneficiaries. When the time came to put the name of Osteopathy on the statute books, people came forward in large numbers and fought for the good of the cause. In 191 1 and in 1925, laws were passed in this state defining Osteopathy and the rights and duties of the osteopathic physician. The growth of the College from its inception has been uniformly success- ful. Much of this success has been made possible through public contri- bution. In 1916, a public campaign for funds for both the College and the Hospital resulted in securing $60,000. In 1919, another campaign raised $102,000, while in 1923, $70,000 more was subscribed. From the two small rooms in which the first classes were held, the institution has come to occupy its present commodious quarters, while from a faculty of half a dozen members there has come to be a present faculty of fifty-six active instructors. The institution has always maintained a place in the front ranks of osteopathic colleges and has fostered a high standard of education, both preliminary and professional. The curriculum has been increased from time to time in keeping with the advances in osteopathic and medical teaching and scientific equip- ment. Thus may the history of our College be concluded. The story, we know, is incomplete, much having been left unsaid, but may the spirit of the founders of this College ever be a guiding star to those who follow.

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r 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 1 HI I H I m 1 1 n mi n 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 Ml I u 1 1 u s c-»w :r-»w 3czr fc g r-»w DEAN EDGAR O. HOLDER, A.B., D.O. Born in Philadelphia, Pa. Graduated from Central High School; A.B., University of Pennsylvania, 1916; D.O., Philadelphia College of Osteopathy, 192a. During the World War served i}4 years, A. E. F., Sergeant Major, 538th Engineers. Came to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in 191 5 as Head of the Department of Natural Sciences. Since then has served on the Faculty in additional capacities. Became Dean in June, 1924. Later was likewise made Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy and the Osteopathic Hospital of Philadelphia, also Superintendent of the Hospital. WE ACKNOWLEDGE and revere him as a sympathetic leader with inspir- ing visions; as one who tempers justice with mercy in the administration of duty, yet un- flinchingly upholds the standards he is en- trusted to represent; an untiring worker with ambitions not for himself but for the College and Osteopathy.