G. H. Wikoff notes on the lectures of Nathaniel Chapman

Item

Identifier: Z10 5

Scope and Contents

The two volumes contain notes on lectures by Chapman, the first of which is dated 1833. The lectures were delivered either at the University of Pennsylvania or at the Medical Institute of Philadelphia. Volume one (211 numbered leaves) contains lectures on pathology, nosology, circulatory system, fevers, practice of medicine, hemorrhages, digestive system. Volume two (222 numbered leaves) contains lectures on diseases of the skin, respiratory system, muscles, dropsy, scrofula, marasmus, amenorrhea. A list of faculty and a class schedule for the Medical Institute for 1833 appears at the beginning of volume one.

Dates

circa 1833

Creator

Wikoff, G. H. (George H.) (Person)

Biographical / Historical

George H. Wikoff, is listed in McElroy’s City Directory of 1837 as a "gentleman" living at 75 N. 10th in Philadelphia. The matriculant list for the University of Pennsylvania has Wikoff attending the University from 1826-29, but he is not listed in the alumni catalogue as a graduate. He was hired to transcribe Nathaniel Chapman’s lectures, perhaps by Chapman himself. Notes in volume one by Chapman state that he was greatly dissatisfied with Wikoff’s poor Latin and spelling, complaining of Wikoff’s "most diabolical and inveterate mis-orthography." No other information could be found on Wikoff.

Nathaniel Chapman was an 1801 graduate of the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, furthering his medical studies in Edinburgh before settling in Philadelphia in 1804. Chapman is best known as a medical teacher, editor, and professional advocate. He became editor of the Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and Physical Sciences in 1820. From 1810 on he taught at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as professor of materia medica and professor of the theory and practice of medicine and clinical medicine. In 1817 Chapman founded the Medical Institute of Philadelphia, considered the first medical post-graduate school in the United States. The principle publications of Chapman’s career are based on his lectures, such as his A Compendium of Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Medicine (1846). Among his other accomplishments, Chapman was elected the first president of the American Medical Association in 1847. Chapman was also a Fellow of the College of Physicians, elected in 1807.

Extent

2 Volumes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

The two volumes came to the College with the library of Thomas Betton. The volumes have Betton’s bookplates, and his signature appears in several places. The signatures of John Mark Smith and J. K. Mitchell appear in volume one. Smith attended the Medical Institute and received non-medical degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. John Kearsley Mitchell taught at the Medical Institute.

Thomas Forrest Betton (1809-1975) was born in Germantown, Pa. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1832 and probably attended the Medical Institute of Philadelphia. He was fairly active professionally, serving, for instance, a term as President of the Philadelphia County Medical Society (1854). He also translated several French medical texts. Betton, a Fellow of the College of Physicians, donated his library to the College in his father’s name in 1857.