1890-92 - University Archives and Records Center - University of ...

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lesson in Hygiene, and a model of perfect adaptation to its
scientific purposes. It was formally opened on February 22,
1892, when before a large concourse of people, including many
eminent hygienists, Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, on behalf of Mr Lea
formally presented it to the Trustees. I had the honor of accepting
it on your behalf, and able addresses were made by Dr. John
S. Billings, Dr. Benjamin Lee, and Dr. H. P. Wolcott. Once
again the result of careful and scientific forethought is manifested
m a building which meets every requirement of teaching and
research, and. stands a monument not only of the liberality but
of the practical wisdom of its donor.
An important and unique structure erected during this,
period was the Canine Infirmary,-in connection with the Veterinary
Hospital. The treatment of sick dogs is an important part of
the Hospital work, and the special difficulty connected with
their contagious diseases made it almost impossible to care for
them in the general buildings. It was deemed good economy
to erect a substantial two story-building, divided into two
absolutely non-communicating sections, and filled up with every
convenience and security for the treatment of canine disorders.
Plans are now being made for the construction of a Chemical
Laboratory for the College Department, to be erected at the
north e^st corner of Thirty-fourth and Spruc£ Streets. This
convenient location was made possible by a gift from the -City
of Philadelphia of a small triangle of ground left open on the
city plan, the acquisition of which squared our ground and made
available for building purposes a portion which would otherwise
have been of little use.
One of the most important movements of recent years was
the construction of a Central Station for Heating and Lighting
designed to supply these essentials to all the buildings upon the
University grounds. Various systems of heating had been
employed in the several buildings. In some of these the plant
was originally and inherently defective. In others that which
had fairly well answered its original purpose had worn out and
speedy renewal was essential. In none of the buildings' was
there an effective system of ventilation, and in all the only means