Sect. V.] Materia Medica. . 23 



livered lectures on the several branches assigned 

 to them ; and though the number of students who 

 usually attend them is comparatively small, yet 

 they are annually increasing; and the erudition 

 and talents of the professors afford a satisfactory 

 pledge that the institution will, at no distant period, 

 reach a much higher station both of respectability 

 and usefulness. 



The fourth medical school formed in the United 

 States is that connected with Dartmouth College, 

 in the state of New Hampshire. This establish- 

 ment for instruction in medicine was founded in 

 the year 1798; when Dr. Nathan Smith was ap- 

 pointed professor of Medicine, to lecture on Ana^ 

 tomij. Surgery, Midzvifery, and the TJieory and 

 Practice of Physic ; and Dr. Lyman Spalding, pro- 

 fessor of Chemistry and Materia Medica. A con- 

 siderable number of young gentlemen have attend- 

 ed tlie lectures, and several have received the ho- 

 nours of this institution. 



The last medical school established in the United 

 States is that of Lexington in Kentucky. This 

 was founded in 1798, when Dr. Frederick Ridgely 

 was appointed professor of the Practice of Physic, 

 Obstetrics, and Materia Medica ; and Dr. Samuel 

 Brown, professor of Anatomy, Surgery, and Che- 

 mistry. Its present state is not known. 



The establishment of Medical Schools in the 

 United States may be considered as forming a 

 grand asra in our national progress, and as pro- 

 ducing important effects on the character of our 

 physicians. The happy influence of these institu- 

 tions has also been much aided by the formation 

 of Medical Societies in almost every state, whicli 



