University of Maryland School of Medicine - Terrae Mariae Medicus (Baltimore, MD)

Page 9 text:

The close of this four year period of study will signal the division of a closely knit class into separate careers of medical practice, in many cases so far away that future reunion will be improbable, if not impossible. Memories of malodorous cadavers, known quite intimately to be sure; memories of mercilous exams; mem- ories of those pseudo-formal dances and frankly informal beer parties; memories of professors whose lives are dedicated to the teaching of medi- cine; these would perhaps fade as time all too hastily consumes us, if it were not for a text of this sort to bring back the life we knew as as- pirants to the degree Doctor of Medi- cine. Assuming literary license, we hav treated with flippancy personalities, specialties, and ideals. Let it be un- derstood without question that our de- votion and respect for our confreres, teachers, and profession is beyond re- proach. ■k il h si ' iJ

Page 8 text:

When the republic was but eighteen years of age and Thomas Jefferson was yet President the University of Maryland School of Medicine had its beginnings in a law enacted by the State Legislature. The population of Baltimore was less than thirty thousand, and there were but four other medical schools in existence in this country. Seven students enrolled for the first session and classes were held in various rented and private buildings. Because of the inadequacy of these structures and active public resistance to attempts at anatomical dissection and demonstration, the need for a permanent location soon became acute. A lottery was authorized by the legislature and bond was supplied by faculty members and public spirited citizens. Plans were drawn up by R. Carey Long, an eminent architect of the times, and construction of the present Pantheonesque edifice was begun in 1811 with the Revolutionary hero. Col. John Eager Howard, laying the cornerstone. The building was occupied in 1812-1813 and represents today the oldest building in the United States from which the degree Doctor of Medi- cine has been granted annually since its inception. It stands today, a monu- ment to its sons who have devoted their lives to the teaching and practice of medicine, and an inspiration to each new generation of graduates. Re- plete with legend and steeped in tradition, in its solid permanency it bids well to endure for centuries.

Page 10 text:

THIS BOOK, AND THE LIVES OF THE MANY PERSONS REPRESENTED HEREIN, ARE DEDICATED TO THE SPIRIT OF MEDI- CINE SO GRACEFULLY DESCRIBED IN THE OATH OF HIPPOCRATES.