Rusclienberger.] 11U [Nov.fi, 



History of Medicine and Medical Philosophy. Subsequently he 

 devoted himself to chemistry, upon which he delivered, it is 

 supposed, the first complete series of popular lectures ever given 

 in this city, or in the country. 



The death of his father, who was drowned in a brook which 

 flows on the place, called him to Ireland in 1807. He sold the 

 family seat and settled the bereaved second family on the leased 

 lands. This business, which occupied some time, being com- 

 pleted, he returned to Philadelphia, bringing with him two 

 younger brothers and a sister, and resumed his work. 



In 1809 the professorship of chemistry in the University of 

 Pennsylvania was made vacant by the death of Dr. James Wood- 

 house. 



Dr. P. K. Rogers addressed a letter, June 12, 1809, to Dr. Ben- 

 jamin Hush, from which the following are extracts. They are 

 characteristic of the writer in some degree : 



" The chemical chair being vacant, I intend to become a candi- 

 date for the professorship. Your influence in my behalf is the 

 favor which I am anxious to obtain. It would bind me in chains 

 of gratitude for life. 



" My indigence has compelled me to make some attempts as a 

 medical teacher, and unless some fortunate change should take 

 place in my affairs, the same indigence may still urge me to the 

 same exertions. Arrangements have been made in relation to 

 my library which place it on a permanent foundation. Of course 

 I will be enabled, as far as books can do it, to take a more ad- 

 vantageous stand as a private lecturer, or as a professor." 



" I could wish to secure your patronage only by deserving it. 

 As neither the professors nor trustees have had any adequate 

 opportunity of judging of the real qualifications of candidates, 

 I would be willing to deliver a series of experimental lectures in 

 competition with others. I venture to mention this, because I 

 hope the appointments are not solely regulated by the partiality 

 of friends."* 



Dr. John Redmond Coxe was elected to the vacant chair July 

 10, 1809.f 



* MS. Correspondence of Dr. Benjamin Rush, vol. 22, R to W., Ridgway Library , 

 Philadelphia. 



t History of the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. By 

 Joseph < arson, M.D., Professor of Materia Medica and Pharmacy in the Univer- 

 sity of Pennsylvania. Lindsay A Blakiston, Philadelphia, 1869. 



