History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

430 History of Medical Practice in IllinoisAs previously noted, a marked extension of the curriculum to a threeanyear course was made in 1868. A fourth year was later added. It is stillessential for graduation that the student shall have had a hospital attendanceduring the last two years of the course, and this, furthermore, in conjunctionwith a lengthening of the annual course, which in 1890 had beenincreased from six to seven months and later from seven to eight months.It was midway between these two decades (1870-1890), so pregnant withresults redounding to the fame of Chicago Medical College, that the facultyestablished a practitioners' or postgraduate course. It was inaugurated inMarch 1880, and, as it was unique in the scheme of medical education thenin vogue in this country, it is thus described in the words of the annual announcementfor the year: "This course is designed for the benefit of practitionersand is entirely distinct from that for students. It begins the dayfollowing public Commencement and continues four weeks. Especial attentionis given to bedside clinical teaching. Short clinical courses are givenin General Medicine and Surgery, and in Gynecology, Nervous Diseases,Ophthalmology and Otology, and other specialties. These are accompaniedby didactic lectures on the same subjects. The aim is to give a comprehensivesummary of the most recent advances inthese departments. An opportunityis also given to review scientific branches. A course is given inSurgical Anatomy. The dissecting room is open and the supply of materialabundant. Practical work may be pursued in the chemical and microscopicallaboratories. A short review of some of the most important advancesin Pathology is given, illustrated by diagrams and with microscopes.Special courses of didactic lectures will also be given having reference tothe needs of those who desire to make a thorough review of their professionalstudies."After the expiration of the first 20 years' contract between Chicago MedicalCollege and Mercy Hospital, and after a new contract had been madeby them by which the former leased its building site, arrangements wereconcluded by Northwestern University for the purchase of ground at thecorner of Dearborn and 24th Streets. During the year 1890, the universitypurchased 450 feet frontage upon which were subsequently erected themedical, pharmaceutical and dental schools and Wesley Hospital. It wasthe munificence of William Deering of Evanston thatthus enabled themedical school to enjoy the splendid facilities with which it is now supplied.His gift of $20,000 to the university made possible the purchase ofthe present ample site, and within the succeeding three years arose thebuildings now forming these professional departments. Chicago MedicalCollege became Northwestern University Medical School, and the title ofDean of the school was substituted for that of President.In 1893 the main laboratory building was completed. The name of Dr.