Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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9 3 6 I I listory of the School Tl 1E Medical School tli at we have come to know so well now stands as a fitting monument to those pioneers in the modern phase of education who carried on a dauntless struggle in the face ol overwhelming adversity, whose courage ol convictions, sincerity of purpose, and undying spirit now stands as hut a memory, hut one whic h forms an integral part ol the very foundation ol oar institution. I he spirit of the beloved Dr. Conwell is inseparably linked with the development of the school. His was the mission to provide the opportunity of education to those deserving young men and women who found it necessary to earn their own livelihood- In response to the appeals of seven young men desiring to enter the Christian ministry. I)r. Conwell. in 1884, planted the seed that was the humble beginning of I emple University. So well was his plan received, that in the Spring of 1901. in response to tin-appeals of a small group of students eager to obtain a medical education and yet remain sell supporting, tlie hoard of trustees of Temple College determined to establish an evening medical school. I he noble spirit behind this move was the more evident in view of the fact that Philadelphia already boasted of several Class A medical colleges, hut whose doors were closed to financially handicapped students. A faculty of 20 professors and instructors was formed, headed by I )r. Fritz, the first dean, and a five year curriculum with 700 hours of daytime instruction each year, was outlined. I he 51 ambitious students constituting the first class met at the main College building, at Broad and Berks Streets, and at the Samaritan I lospital. J he development of the Samaritan Hospital is likewise inseparably linked with tin-name of Dr. Russel Comvell. whose faith, vision, and benevolence endeared him to the hearts of all. It was he who. in 1891. rescued from oblivion the North Philadelphia Hospital when the founders, a society of physicians, were unable to continue because of financial difficulties. With his usual efficient management and his ability to interest others in making this new venture a success. Dr. Conwell had the hospital moved to its present location, and on January 50. 1892. the Samaritan I lospital was formally dedicated, under a new staff. A year later a state charter was obtained, and in 1896 the addition of a rear annex and other modifications increased the rapacity of 20 beds to 40. Five years later, a state-made building grant to the hospital resulted in the erection of a one story central building for administrative purposes, and a three story north wing. In view ol the recent affiliation with the new Medical School the staff was reorganized, with Dr. I. Newton Snively. medical dean. Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Reed the chief physicians. Dr. Edmund Holmes, chief surgeon, and Dr. W. Wayne Babcock, obstetrician and gynecologist. In 1905. Dr. Babcock became surgeon in-chief subsequent to the resignation ol Dr. Holmes. Dr. J. C. Applegate became chief obstetrician to the hospital and Prolessor of Obstetrics in the Medical School. With the aid of a grant of $30,000 from the state, a two story south wing 19

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s U T u R E S I N ANCIENT SURGERY Q A B R I E L E F A L L O P P I O (1523-1565) Was one 0 llie foremost anatomists of the XVIth Century as well as a surgeon of renown. His works describe numerous surgical procedures and reveal a decided preference for the suture over other means of wound closure. I le employed the best linen thread imported from Alexandria' and triangular pointed needles of Damascus steel. When curved needles were required lie wrapped the shafts in moist linen and annealed them over a hot flame.

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I'm: Hospital was built, bringing the bed capacity to 110. The basement was equipped to render dispensary services. in 1904, two students wbo had been admitted to advanced standing comprised the first graduating (lass, and in 1903. two more, similarly admitted, were graduated. Or. I. Newton Snively became Oean in 1903. and in 1906 a class ol fourteen men. the Iirst to receive their entire medical education in the Medical Department of Temple College, was graduated. Temple College was granted the title of Temple University” by the Philadelphia Courts in 1907. converting the Medical Department into the School of Medicine. Shortly thereafter the Philadelphia Dental College and the Garre tson I lospital at Kighteenth and Buttonwood Streets, were annexed to I emple I niver sitv. and medical classes were moved to that location, furnishing executive offices, lecture rooms, a library, and an amphitheatre — ample facilities with which to carry on. I he Garretson Hospital had a capacity ol 73 beds, and was amply supplied with cases for traumatic surgery from the surrounding industrial plants. Almost immediately, because of unfavorable legislation, it became apparent that the evening classes would have to he abandoned since it was impossible for graduates to obtain the necessary licensure to practice in many states. It was with regret, therefore, that students were urged, wherever possible, to transfer to day ciasss which were being organized. A lour year course of nine months each was instituted, the Junior and Senior years being taken in the daytime. I bus the night school was gradually discontinued. The enrollment of the School of Medicine in 1908-1909 totaled 238 students, and the teaching stall had grown from 20 to 83. Such was the school w hen Dr. 20 s K U L L