1883.] 267 [Pepper. 
they hold most precious to their skill, energy and 
devotion, 
Nowhere are such men found so frequently as in 
the ranks of the medical profession. Battles which 
call for the display of varied knowledge, ready re- 
sources, quick resolution, and unflinching courage and 
self-reliance in the face of tremendous dangers and 
responsibilities—and for these in such large measure 
as would win the world’s applause if shown on some 
are waged by the physician in 
conspicuous stage 
many a silent and secluded chamber against disease 
and death. And the man who turns aside from all 
allurements of personal ease, and, seeking no noto- 
riety or other reward for his labors, save the conscious- 
ness of duty done, and of good results wrought out 
of perilous conditions, wages ceaselessly such warfare 
year after year, must rank as truly great. 
Eminently such an one was the subject of this me- 
moir, which, as I well know would accord with his own 
wish, shall be plain and brief in statement. John 
Forsyth Meigs was born in Philadelphia on October 
4, 1818, and died there on December 16, 1882, at the 
age of 64 years. In an eloquent and _ instructive 
memoir of his eminent father, Charles D. Meigs, 
M.D., which he read in 1872, before the College of 
Physicians of Philadelphia, a full account is given of 
the staunch stock from which he was derived. Cer- 
tainly no one who enjoyed familiar acquaintance with 
that remarkable man, the elder Dr. Meigs, as I myself 
