184 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



26. 



Dr. Bucke paid many visits to Whitman at Camden. During 

 cne of these visits, in June, 1888, Wliitman was seized with a serious 

 illness which threatened a fatal termination. Dr. Buclve became his 

 general medical adviser, and at once placed Dr. William Osier in charge. 

 Early in 1892, when the old poet's time for departure was at hand, 

 Bucke was again at his bedside, although unable to remain until the end. 

 At the funeral, which was a memorable expression of popular apprecia- 

 tion and sympathy, the doctor was an honorary pall-bearer. He was 

 one of the speakers sft the grave. By the poet's will, Richard Maurice 

 Bucke, Thomas B. Harned and Horace L. Traubel were appointed his 

 literary executors. 



The volume entitled '" In Ee. Walt Whitman," published by the 

 executors in 1893, contains among its many papers articles from Dr. 

 Bucke's pen, 



A large part of Whitman's correspondence, MSS. and other papers, 

 came into his hands, and he devoted himself assiduously to their assort- 

 ment and to editing portions from time to time, as his other duties 

 permitted. 



The books issued by Bucke under the titles, "Calamus" (1897), 

 and "The Wound-dresser" (1898), are composed of Whitman's letters 

 to Peter Doyle and the poet's mother respectively. " Notes and Frag- 

 ments," of wdiich 225 copies were issued for private circulation in 

 1899, is made up of Whitman's notes and memoiranda, showing the 

 evolution of " Leaves of GraiSS," almost from the germ. 



The Introductions by Dr. Bucke to these three volumes are full 

 of interest, and of autobiographical as well as biographical value. 



Dr. Bucke's collection of portraits of Whitman is the most com- 

 plete in existence. His collection of books, pamphlets, MSS., and 

 bibliographical data relating to the sage of Camden is also probably 

 nnsurpassed. 



In Horace Traubel's book, " With Walt Whitman in Camden," 

 are many references to Dr. Bucke, jotted down by Traubel, from Whit- 

 man's table-talk in 1888. They are interesting as indicating Whitman's 

 estimate of Bucke's qualities and friendship. 



Referring to Sloane Kennedy, as one of his most ardent admirers, 

 Whitman added, " Indeed, he out-Buckes Bucke." 



On another occasion, Bucke's name being mentioned, he exclaimed : 

 " Bucke ? 0, yes, Bucke ! Some one was here the other day and 

 complained that the Doctor was extreme. I suppose he is extreme — 

 the sun's extreme too; and as for me, ain't I extreme?" 



