EDWARD LIVINGSTON TRUDEAU, M.D. 317 



with virtually no means of his own, was nevertheless able to build 

 this vast institution and maintain its workings has been a wonder 

 to the world. The explanation is to be found in his optimism and 

 in the generosity of his countless wealthy friends who were always 

 willing to give when he asked for money for the building of a 

 cottage or for this or for that. 



Those who came into close contact with Trudeau will recall his 

 personal charm. Tall, slender but wiry, with a wonderful head 

 and pleasing smile, he was the ideal physician and friend. His 

 humor never left him no matter how trying the hour. A few 

 years ago, when he had had one of his unpleasant relapses, the 

 author of this sketch had occasion to write him and closed the 

 letter wishing him a speedy recovery, to which Dr. Trudeau re- 

 plied as follows: " I am still on my chair on my porch, to which 

 I am glued like the fly on the fly-paper, and still have a nurse. 

 I am afraid I don't 'enjoy' poor health as some people seem to, 

 and it is much preferable to play the part of doctor to that of 

 patient." 



Few men of the medical profession were so greatly beloved and 

 honored as he. His alma mater, the College of Physicians and 

 Surgeons, now the medical department of Columbia University, 

 conferred on him the honorary degree of M.Sc. in 1899, and 

 McGill University of Montreal gave him the degree of LL.D. in 

 1905. In 1910 he was tendered the presidency of the Congress of 

 American Physicians and Surgeons, one of the highest honors 

 within the gift of the medical profession. In May, 1913, he re- 

 ceived the degree of LL.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. 

 Custom requires the presence of those about to receive the degree, 

 but in this case, owing to his illness at the time, precedent was 

 waived and the degree conferred "in absentia," an added honor. 



We have already referred to the enthusiastic reception (see p. 

 31) which was given him in Atlantic City at June, 1904, when he 

 was elected president of the National Tuberculosis Association, 

 and have quoted the remarks he made in his address of accept- 

 ance. The scene which preceded his acceptance, however, is of 

 sufficient historical interest to be related here. Trudeau's name 

 was proposed as president and his election was proclaimed by a 

 unanimous vote, but Dr. Trudeau declined. Dr. Osier and Dr. 



