Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

TRIBUTES AND RESOLUTIONS 73
Journal of the American Medical Association, February 26, 19 16.
HENRY BAIRD FAVILL
DR.
Henr>' B. Favill, whose obituary appears elsewhere
in this issue, was an unusual man. As a physician
he represented modern scientific medicine, and his
practice was large. He took active part in the work of local,
state and national societies, and when he discussed scientific
medical questions he was listened to as one speaking with
authority. However, while his interest in medicine was
great and his practice large, his interest in social questions
and in public welfare was so extensive as to make his medical
work seem almost incidental. As a citizen of Chicago
he was intimately identified with those forces which are
seeking to bring about purity and efficiency in public works
and service. He was one of the moving spirits in the
organization of the City Club — an institution which has
done much to bring about better conditions in Chicago.
He did effective work as chairman, and executive officer,
of the Municipal Voters' League of Chicago, which position
he occupied for three years. During that time he
naturally made many enemies, but in spite of the attacks
made on him by ward politicians and others, he emerged
from this work with reputation unspotted. He was a man
of altruistic ideals, but at the same time was practical:
he attacked all problems with a broad conception of humanity
and its weaknesses. With absolute unselfishness, he
accepted leadership in many movements which he knew
would bring on him attacks by those injured. As chairman
of the Council on Health and Public Instruction, his
advice was regarded as that of a man who looked at the
problems not alone from the standpoint of the physician,
but also from that of the publicist. As the Chicago Herald
said, "No class was big enough for him. His interest and
his service belonged to all groups. The mere recital of the