1885.] J- "J- _ [Ruschenberger. 



Under instructions of the Director of the Mint he made, in 

 November, 1875, "a careful and laborious investigation " of the 

 consolidated Virginia and California Mine in Nevada, for the 

 purpose of estimating " their probable total yield of gold and 

 silver based upon their present explored extent and the quality 

 of their ores as ascertained by assays." And after due consid- 

 eration of the chances of over-estimation he places the production 

 " at not less than $150,000,000," which is one-half of the sum in- 

 dicated by the assays. 



Besides doing the work just mentioned, Dr. Rogers served as 

 a member of the Annual Assay Commission every year from 

 1871 to 1879, both years included. 



From June, 1872, till his death, he was one of the chemists, 

 employed by the Gas Trust of Philadelphia, to make analyses 

 and daily photometrical tests of the gas. He was succeeded in 

 the office by his assistant, Dr. George M. Ward. 



Very soon after the University of Pennsylvania was trans- 

 ferred to the buildings which it now occupies in West Phila- 

 delphia, it was suggested that the scheme of medical teaching 

 which had been long followed ought to be improved. During 

 the evolution of the plan adopted and the transition from the 

 old to the new ways, personal discussions of the subject were 

 frequent and often warm. The Board of Trustees, it was sup- 

 posed, did not rightly appreciate the injury which the proposed 

 changes might work to its medical faculty. The professors were 

 ready for and in favor of such reform as would make the diploma 

 significant of qualifications higher than obtainable in any other 

 medical school ; but they were not prepared to sacrifice their 

 pecuniary interests to effect at once what might be achieved 

 gradually without much loss. The Trustees seemed to differ 

 from them more about the time and methods of proceeding than 

 the object desired. 



With comparatively few exceptions, medical education is 

 sought as a means of livelihood where it may be had at least 

 cost of labor, time and money. The diploma, which carries 

 with it license to practise, the public generally accepts as a 

 certificate of qualification. Rivalry and competition of the many 

 medical schools are strong, each striving to attract as many 

 students as possible, because, as a rule, the emolument of the 



