DISSECTION IN MEDICAL SCHOOLS OF NEW ENGLAND 203 



to preserve subjects for many months. He described one specimen 

 as being in a well-preserved state after eight years in spirit. Dur- 

 ing his tenure as professor of anatomy and surgery, he built up 

 an anatomical collection of considerable proportions which gained 

 wide acclaim and recognition. 



John C. Warren was such an unusual individual in his 

 field that a few remarks on his character may not be amiss. He 

 is described as having possessed a highly excitable temperament, 

 a keen sensibility to impressions of pain or joy, impulsive tend- 

 encies, which were controlled by habits of reserve. He seemed to 

 delight rushing into danger and taking the lead from love of 

 excitement, whether it was to a fire, a bread-riot or what not; 

 yet, he was ready to listen to the first words of calm reason. His 

 greatest trait was that of unwearied industry in which each exer- 

 tion required a separate psychological effort. No moment was lost 

 in an occupation which seemed worthless. With his patients, he 

 never gave a hasty opinion nor did he answer a frivolous ques- 

 tion or risk an erroneous explanation. His manner with stu- 

 dents was restrained and he often regretted the quick uttering of 

 an impetuous word which wounded the feelings of those around 

 him. Although he never seemed to notice things or words foreign 

 to his immediate interests, his eyes and ears encompassed every- 

 thing about him. 



Throughout his life, J. C. Warren exhibited great tenacity 

 of purpose in any pursuit he chose to follow. An old friend was 

 a friend forever, never forgotten. He indulged but little in petty 

 conversation, amusement or social intercourse. Although not an 

 obstinate man, a maxim, once adopted, was never altered except 

 for the strongest reasons, yet he could yield gracefully when he 

 thought it was wise to do so. Rigid economy was practiced in all 

 of his financial transactions, both trifling and large because he 

 believed this was the only way a person could be prosperous vin 

 his affairs. Religiously speaking, he had been educated to a firm 

 and reverent belief in the Scriptures and in their full inspiration; 

 the Sabbath was rigidly observed and church regularly attended. 



I Finally, he loved to dwell upon pictures and memories of the 

 past which probably stemmed from his pride in his English 

 heritage and his interest in his illustrious ancestors. 



