History of medicine in New Jersey and of its medical men, from the settlement of the province to A.D. 1800

Front matter

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Gc 974.9 * W63h Wickes, Stephen, 1813-1889 History of medicine in New Jersey and of its medical

Introduction

In the year 1875 the Medical Society of New Jersey resolved to publish its “ Old Transactions,” from its institution in 1766 to 1800. My official relations to the Society involved the editorship of the volume. I had previously found, after much enquiry, that nothing was known of the character of its founders, not even their residence ; nor had anything been published heretofore, which furnished any information upon the condition of Medicine in New Jersey. A number of historical addresses had been read before the Society, and had been published. None of these covered the ground which I found myself prompted to occupy in the preparation of this work. It was begun with the purpose of making a record which should be a supplement of a few pages to the old records which I was charged with editing. I soon discovered that I had entered upon a new historical field, and had commenced to glean “ even among the sheaves.” I did not resist the inviting opportunity which was presented, and have, for five years, found pleasure and profit in thus employing my leisure time.

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INTRODUCTION.

No small part of the pleasure derived in the preparation of this volume has come from the cordial co-operation of those to whom I am indebted for information. My acknowledgments are especially due to Hon. Judge Bradley, of the United States Supreme Court, whose unsolicited and unlooked for MSS. notes of Essex County first led me to broaden my original plan. To Mr. Wm. John Potts, of Camden, whose aid, (unsought also), by suggestions as to sources of knowledge, and numerous MSS. historical and genealogical notes, has been of special value. To my friend, Dr. Jos. M. Toner, of Washington, D. C., whose accurate and extensive MSS. historical notes have been, with his characteristic liberality, placed at my disposal. I owe a large debt also to my medical associates and others in the State. To Drs. H. H. James and A. H. Cory, of Union County; Voorhees, of Middlesex ; Vought, Pumyea, Howell, Long, Imlay, and Miss Anna M. Woodhull, of Monmouth ; Bodine, of Mercer; Parrish, Price, and Miss Eliza Neale, of Burlington ; Fithian, of Gloucester; Gibbon, of Salem. Also to Hon. Jno. Clement, of Camden County; Prof. Cameron and Dr. Maclean, of Princeton ; Prof. W. H. B. Thomas, of New York, Edwin Salter, of Washington, D. C., and to others who have promptly responded to my application for aid in my researches.

Credit has been given for material obtained from printed records. When no credit is given the record is derived from original sources.

INTRODUCTION.

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The medical history of Cumberland, Monmouth, Hunterdon and Essex Counties has been written, and published in the “ Transactions of the Medical Society of New Jersey.” My records in these Counties have been only supplementary. The District Medical Societies of Warren and Sussex have appointed, each, its historian. Their histories are now written, and will soon be offered to the profession.

I shall be more than satisfied if the readers of this volume shall derive a tithe of the pleasure, in its perusal, which has come to its author in its preparation.

Orange, New Jersey,