steam engine (for such he surely was), still full of steam, still aching to go, but crippled by injured machinery, engaged in the greatest of repressive conflicts with himself. I have known him intimately for more than thirty years. I have watched this tremendous capacity for work, lasting day after day, and far into the night. Without this, all of his acknowledged ability would have been far less fruitful. The encouragement to our younger physicians from his example, then, is great. There is still and will always be much to do, and by a proper conservation of one's forces by morality, temperance, self-control, and proper living, with a willingness to work, even without his ability, much can be done. Dr. Talbot, from his tremendous "push," from his willingness to fill every gap or to lead the van, if victory might follow in the cause of homoeopathy which was so dear to him, has sometimes been accused of selfish ambition. This I know, and all of us who have known him intimately know, to be false. If he had been only a seeker of self, and had confined himself to his medical practice, with his particular qualifications, I am sure that he might have had one of the largest incomes that any medical man ever enjoyed in Boston. I will not say that he might have become rich, because that in these days is hardly possible for any honorable physician who has started with nothing. That he appreciated the results of his efforts, and had the satisfaction of enjoying the many good things that had come to the cause through them, is only natural. Who could begrudge this to him? Only the envious man, who hankers after a wide reputation, but is not willing to work for it. Another of Dr. Talbot's many claims to our gratitude is his successful work for many years as a peacemaker, in harmonizing conflicting elements and pouring oil on the troubled waters. While physicians in some cities and States have been torn asunder by acrimonies, we have dwelt together in comparative peace. His tact in dealing with men was remarkable. He exerted a powerful influence on them, and sometimes without their being conscious of it; and his influence was always in the direction of the wise and good. He practically demonstrated over and over again that by dwelling together in harmony and in brotherly love, we could accomplish far more in building up the cause than when fighting each other. Another characteristic was his real kindliness of heart. He delighted in helping others along. He always had the outstretched hand for the relief or advancement of many in the profession, for which they will ever feel grateful. Many, many other noble traits and good qualities have to be omitted from this tribute for lack of space and time. Those of us who have known him well have loved him, have respected him, have admired him. We have lost a true friend, we have lost a nobleman. ACTION TAKEN BY THE CONSULTING BOARD OF WESTBORO INSANE HOSPITAL UPON THE DEATH OF DR. I. T. TALBOT. We, the members of the Consulting Board of the Westboro Insane Hospital, shocked and profoundly saddened by the sudden loss of our honored chairman, Dr. I. Tisdale Talbot, desire to express our grief and our sense of personal bereavement in the sundering of the close ties which have so long united us as men, as physicians, and as coworkers upon this Board; as well as our keen realization of the loss to this institution of his wise counsels, his ever-active interest, and his ripened experience. We desire, also, to tender to her who labored with him for the welfare of this hospital, as in many other fields of usefulness, and to the other members of his family, our sincere and heartfelt sympathy. HOWARD P. BELLOWS, JOHN PRENTICE RAND, For the Board. SPECIAL MEETING OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. A special meeting of the Faculty of Boston University School of Medicine was held at 11.30 A.M. Wednesday, July 5, 1899, to take action on the death of Dr. Talbot. W. F. Warren, President of the University, presided. On being asked to read the call for the meeting, Dr. Sutherland said as follows: "Fellow Members of the Faculty of Boston University School of Medicine: "It is, I am sure, with sorrow in our hearts that we are gathered together to-day. Another example of the uncertainty of human life and its inevitable cessation is brought vividly before us by the sudden removal from our midst of one whom we have grown accustomed to look upon as essential to the welfare of our school, or one whose many good qualities, whose excellent judgment, whose foresight, whose tact, whose energy and fearlessness, made him a veritable. tower of strength in our midst, our Dean, Dr. I. Tisdale Talbot. It is impossible for us yet to realize our loss, to measure the magnitude of our deprivation. Personally, I find it almost inconceivable that death has claimed Dr. Talbot, and that we are to have him with us in the future only as a memory, present with us only in the results of his arduous labors. I can attempt no eulogy, no analysis of his character, no estimate of his accomplished work, no biographical sketch. These things are for another time and place. We have met to take such action as may seem appropriate to the occasion which calls us together." President Warren then made brief eulogistic remarks, after which he called for a report of the Committee on Resolutions, which had been previously appointed by the Executive Committee. Dr. N. Emmons Paine in response read the following: "WHEREAS, In the providence of God, we find ourselves called to mourn the passing from among us of our leader, colleague, and friend, the Dean of Boston University School of Medicine, ISRAEL TISDALE TALBOT; "Therefore, Be it resolved: "I. That we, the Faculty of Boston University School of Medicine, do hereby desire to record our conviction that in the death of Dr. Talbot the school loses the man to whom, under Providence, it owes its being; the man to whose keen insight, strenuous grasp of affairs, untiring energy and marvellous executive ability, it owes, in great measure, alike its foundation and its safe guidance through the difficulties of the early years of its existence. "2. That in the death of Dr. Talbot, the Faculty of Boston University School of Medicine lose a leader, to whose wise counsels, able direction, and friendly encouragement the Faculty owe incalculable help and inspiration in their work during the entire period of the school's life. "3. That it is the desire and purpose of the Faculty of Boston University School of Medicine, that the name of Dr. Talbot be ever kept in living and hearty remembrance in the traditions of the school, and in the memory of its Faculty and of its students; and that his work and influence as founder and as Dean, shall remain a cherished heritage. "4. That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of Dr. Talbot, with the assurance of the sincere sympathy of the Faculty of Boston University School of Medicine, in their great bereavement." Drs. Conrad, Wesselhoeft, and Horace Packard then made a few remarks, referring briefly to some of Dr. Talbot's characteristics, and making the suggestion that memorial services be held at some later date when appropriate biographical sketches, eulogies, etc., might be presented. After a little discussion a Committee on Memorial Services was appointed, being the Executive Committee of the school. Dr. Herbert C. Clapp then (by request) presented the tribute which appears on page 374 of this issue. The meeting then adjourned to unite with representatives of the Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, the steam engine (for such he surely was), still full of steam, still aching to go, but crippled by injured machinery, engaged in the greatest of repressive conflicts with himself. I have known him intimately for more than thirty years. I have watched this tremendous capacity for work, lasting day after day, and far into the night. Without this, all of his acknowledged ability would have been far less fruitful. The encouragement to our younger physicians from his example, then, is great. There is still and will always be much to do, and by a proper conservation of one's forces by morality, temperance, self-control, and proper living, with a willingness to work, even without his ability, much can be done. Dr. Talbot, from his tremendous "push," from his willingness to fill every gap or to lead the van, if victory might follow in the cause of homoeopathy which was so dear to him, has sometimes been accused of selfish ambition. This I know, and all of us who have known him intimately know, to be false. If he had been only a seeker of self, and had confined himself to his medical practice, with his particular qualifications, I am sure that he might have had one of the largest incomes that any medical man ever enjoyed in Boston. I will not say that he might have become rich, because that in these days is hardly possible for any honorable physician who has started with nothing. That he appreciated the results of his efforts, and had the satisfaction of enjoying the many good things that had come to the cause through them, is only natural. Who could begrudge this to him? Only the envious man, who hankers after a wide reputation, but is not willing to work for it. Another of Dr. Talbot's many claims to our gratitude is his successful work for many years as a peacemaker, in harmonizing conflicting elements and pouring oil on the troubled While physicians in some cities and States have been torn asunder by acrimonies, we have dwelt together in comparative peace. His tact in dealing with men was remarkable. He exerted a powerful influence on them, and sometimes without their being conscious of it; and his influence was always in the |
