[XVIII] 



HUMAN DISSECTION IN THE SOUTH 

 ATLANTIC STATES 



A. The University of Maryland Medical School— 

 A.D. 1790 to 1958 



JLhe activity in respect to early dissection, in the South At- 

 lantic States, centered around Baltimore, particularly the Uni- 

 versity of Maryland School of Medicine, which was founded in 

 1807. 



One of the first to teach anatomy in this vicinity was Dr. 

 C. F. Wiesenthal. Dissections were carried on in a rear room of 

 his residence located on Fayette Street; considering the time, his 

 laboratory was well-equipped. In the year of 1788, he obtained the 

 body of Patrick Cassidy, an executed murderer, which was put in 

 the hands of his students. A mob, formed of certain citizens of 

 Baltimore, attacked his establishment and took the subject by 

 force (Cordell, '03). 



The year 1 807 was a signal one in Maryland, because certain 

 events led to the development and organization of the University 

 of Maryland Medical School. Dr. John B. Davidge, who graduated 

 at Glasgow, in 1793, erected a small anatomical building, in 

 Baltimore, obtained a cadaver, and immediately started teach- 

 ing. When the populace, which consisted of about 8,000 people, 

 learned of this venture, a crowd gathered and totally destroyed 

 the structure. Great prejudice existed in Baltimore and this type 

 of violent action was generally approved. In this instance, the 

 physicians of the state rallied to the support of Dr. Davidge, and 

 drew up a charter for the purpose of founding a medical school. 

 The attempt was successful since it passed the legislature within 

 two weeks. Davidge was elected dean and professor of anatomy. 

 His first lectures were held in his home, but were discontinued 



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