Canad. MIed. Ass. J. HART DAVID 115 Jan. 20,1962, vol. 86 MEN AND BOOKS: AARON

Aaron Hart David, M.D. (1812-1882) HARRY C. BALLON, M.D.,*

AARON Hart David, who was born in Montreal America, in 1777. It originally stood on Notre Dame October 9, 1812, was probably the first' t on the Street, adjoining the Court House.4* roll of Canadian Jewish physicians. He was a After acquiring a liberal education Aaron David, member of a distinguished family who knew how not yet 17, began the study of medicine in January to use freedom, and he had a many-faceted, fruit- 1829. As was then required by law, he was in- ful career. dentured for four years to Dr. William Caldwell In the 80 years that have elapsed since his death, (1782-1833), one of the four founders of the McGill no definite biography of Aaron Hart David has Medical School. appeared. His active life can be divided into a He has described5 Dr. Caldwell "as tall, erect, number of periods, each with differing types of and very gentleman-like, but he had a stern opportunities and responsibilities, which reflect countenance, although of a mild, amiable dis- many influences and distinct devotions; and reveal position, and was constantly doing good. He was his direct, forceful, and meaningful approach to keen in discernment, cool in judgment, sagacious in problems. Nowhere is his facile pen displayed expedient, and kind in counsel, he was in fact a better than in his Address to the Graduates in physician of the highest order." MacDermot6 has Medicine, University of Bishop's College, April 4, observed that whereas Dr. Caldwell's stiffness of 1872.2 What needs to be known of Aaron Hart manner was apt to keep his students at a distance, David is recorded, not only in his diary, but in he always gained their respect. "At his funeral they the publications of the universities, hospitals, took the horses from the hearse and drew it them- scientific and religious organizations with which selves to the cemetery." his life's work is identified. These writings reveal Thus when only a beginner, and without having a man who regarded education and religion as "taken out his ticket", David was installed as the great bulwarks of society and who deserves "dresser" by Dr. Caldwell. In his Reminiscences,5 to be considered a notable figure in Canadian written during his last illness and read by Dr. F. medicine of his period. W. Campbell at the meeting of the Medico- His father, Samuel, who was born in Montreal Chirurgical Society of Montreal on October 6, 1766 and died there in 1834, vas a merchant, and 1882, Dr. David recalled that in his apprentice days Captain (later Major) in command of the 42nd the dresser had to carry a tray with sponges, Battalion, Canadian Militia, which was composed plasters, ointments, lotions and so forth. The mainly of French . During the War of dresser was told to follow the Doctor, and in all 1812, when Montreal was twice in danger, Samuel cases that required to be dressed, "Dr. Caldwell did David served with distinction and was awarded it, showing me how and telling me what had to be the War Medal. done by the time he did it." During the "dresser" His grandfather, Lazarus David, was born in period Aaron David was taught to bleed, pull teeth, Swansea, Wales, in 1734 and died in Montreal on open abscesses and so on. October 22, 1776; he had come over with Colonel Dr. David has stated that Dr. Caldwell "did not Amherst at the time of the British conquest. His die a sacrifice to typhus fever", but that his early name is inscribed in the register of Montreal land- death in January 1833 was consequent on "gan- owners for 1767. Originally interred in a cemetery grene of the lungs." He knew this because he "had the situated on St. Janvier Street, in the vicinity of the the melancholy duty of making post-mortem Others6' 7 have present Dominion Square, the remains of Lazarus for the medical friends present." stated that Dr. Caldwell died of maculated typhus David and the original headstone of his grave (the (ship fever), during an epidemic which carried off oldest gravestone in Canada) vere trans- Jewish four of his students as well. the cemetery of the ferred subsequently to present The Montreal Medical Institution, which bore and Portuguese Synagogue.3 This synagogue Spanish the same relationship to the Montreal General Hos- as Israel" of was also known "Shearith ("Remnant pitalt in its clinical work as the Edinburgh Medical Israel"), and was the first erected in British North *The Numisnmatic and Antiquar ian Society placedl a tablet \\hich nmarks the site. *Frorom the Depar tm-lent of Surgery, JeNvish General Hospital, tAccording to Bos,% orth (10) the namiies of Director-s listed Montreal. on the flrst parchment, which -was buried \\hen the corner- But the Directory of stone of the Montreal General Hospital wvas laid "with -Sack refers to a Dr. Philip Hart. inclucled David Davi(d graduates lists Frederic Wilber Hart as a graduate of McGill mlasonic ceremony," on June 5, 1821, University in 1835. His origin coul(d not be trace(l. (.\. H. David's brother). Canad. Med. Ass. J. 116 MEN AND BOOKS: AARON HART DAVID Jan. 20, 1962, vol. 86

School bore to its Royal Infirmary, issued its first Aaron Hart David enrolled at Edinburgh Uni- prospectus on February 4, 1823,- and began to versity in 183 and graduated in 1835, twenty- function in the autumn of 1824. The number of fourth in a class of 117. He was also a graduate students during the first session was 25. The (diplomate) of the University Lying-in Hospital of Montreal Medical Institution was engrafted upon James VI College, Edinbu.rgh. His thesis was en- the University of McGill College, which opened in titled "The Medico-Legal Proof of Infanticide". 1829 with 30 students.8 After a short period of travel on the Continent, he Dr. David has described) the small wooden returned to Montreal. On January 4, 1836, Dr. building where the lectures by the Faculty of the David was commissioned to practise as a physician, Montreal Medical Institution were conducted. The surgeon and mid-wife, by the Earl of Gosford, narrow house of three storeys was situated about Governor-General of Canada. where the west end of the Montreal Bank (1817) Later- Dr. David has related "the dodges" to now stands in la Place d'Armes. It ran through to which two fellow practitioners resorted "to in- Fortification Lane where the dissecting room Nvas crease their name, fame, and practice". It is "pro- located. verbial that some medical men resort to expedients In his oft-quoted6' 7. references to bodv-snatch- for this purpose-they sometimes succeed, but as ing, Dr. David noted that subjects were scarce in often fail. In the days of which I am now speaking those days, and the students had to resort to resur- we all drove ourselves in our old-fashioned gigs- recting to obtain the material. "One night some of we did not have liveried servants to drive us, so as the students went out and obtained three subjects, to be able to carry our visiting lists in our hands and when we brought them in went to Dr. Stephen- to hold up to the public, and to occasionally open son's house to ask him for the key of the dissecting and become deeply absorbed in its content, as if room so as to place them there; but he refused to we had 18 or 20 patients to visit, when were the give it to us or to allow the bodies to be placed truth known, we have actually one or two to there and sent us off "with a flea in our ear".5 see. According to MacDermot," "Next day they held an When David began practice, MIontreal, "the first indignation meeting and passed a vote of censure, city in magnitude and commercial importance in on the doctor, which was sent to the teaching body. British America, including the suburbs, covered Nothing came of it, although Dr. Stephenson seems about 1020 acres."1" The Theatre Royal in St. Paul to have treated them with more respect afterwards." Street was built in 1825. Rasco's Hotel, the largest Dr. David has said that Dr. Stephenson (1797- hotel, opened on the first day of May 1836 and 1842), who was operated upon for cleft palate by accommodated 150 guests. The Exchange Hotel Baron Roux of Paris, never spoke distinctly. It was in St. Pauil Street (formerly Goodenough's), estab- Aaron David's belief that Stephenson was the first lished 40 years previously, furnished accommoda- patient operated upon for cleft palate by the tions for 70 guests. Three other hotels, the Com- eminent surgeon: and in consequence of the stuccess mercial in St. Paul Street, the Ottawa in McGill of the operation he was well known to the medical Street, and Orr's in Notre Dame Street, together men of both and Edinburgh. The doctor could take care of 150 guests. For the year ending was described by David "as rather loud, boisterouis MIav 1, 1836, the number of indoor patients treated and not always too courteous, particularly to the at the Montreal General Hospital was 1029 (out- students", but it is pointed oUt"' 7 '+ that the incident door 638).1" of the resurrections disclosed that Stephenson wvas In 1835 Aaron David married Catherine, eldest sorely tried by his students, on at least one oc- daughter of Henry Joseph. He was born in England casion. in 1775, and died in Montreal on June 21, 1832, of Dr. David noted that, in his student days, a Asiatic cholera. After extending its ravages from Student's Medical Society existed, "of wlhichl the India through Europe, cholera made its appearance Professors were patrons, but I never had the in Lower Canada; there were 4420 cases in an pleasure of seeing any of them at meetings." area which, during the early part of June 1832, had As a student, Mr. David watched Dr. Robert a population of half a million. "In a less violent Nelson, who had a dissecting room in the upper form the same dreadful malady paid a second visit part of his house, "perform lithotomy seven or eight in 1834." With renewed vigour the citizens of times". It was also reported that, in 1822, -Nelson Montreal improved the harbour, the streets were had successfully ligated the carotid artery of one kept in better order, and attention to conveni- of the wealthy merchants who in a fit of despond- ence and comfort became more general than ency attempted to commit suicide by cutting his at any former period.") Montreal was supplied with throat. water by wooden pipes from 1801 to 1819. Of Dr. Michael McCullach who operated a drug Because they possessed a high intelligence, con- store in 1833, where for his friends he would dis- tributed to the Canadian mosaic, and helped mould pense "some pooders" for pains and aches, David Aaron David's career, reference is made to Henry jocosely commented that McCullach "charged for Joseph and to Abraham de Sola, descendant of an the medicine only, not for the advice!" ancient Spanish-Jewish family which included Don Canad. Med. Ass. J. 117 Jan. 20, 1962, vol. 86 MEN AND BOOKS: AARON HART DAVID

Bairtolomeo de Sola, Viceroy of Navarre in the meet the required expenses of an increasing family; ninth century.4 the reasons for which I attribute to religion." He Henry Joseph, David's father-in-law, settled in returned to Montreal in 1844. Canada at the suggestion of his uncle, Aaron Hart, In 1847, to provide assistance to poor and needy who was a member of Amherst's staff when Mont- immigrants, the Rev. A. de Sola founded the real surrendered on September 8, 1760. Originally Hebrew Philanthropic Society. M. J. Hays, in his stationed with the troops at Fort William-Henry first presidential report (June 18, 1848) referred to at the mouth of the Richelieu River, Henry Joseph the valuable services and extensive kindness of resigned his commission and took up residence at A. H. David, Esq. M.D., "who most feelingly and Berthier across the river and opposite the Fort. attentively visited the sick immigrants and dis- With members of his family, he established several pensed medicines to them gratuitously".' trading posts, the most important of which was at Dr. David was a member olf the staff of the Mlichilimakinac (Mackinac). He was one of the Montreal General Hospital from May 1849 to De- pioneers of Canada's Merchant Marine;" his ship cember 1851. According to MacDermot,' at the Ewretta engaged in commerce between Canada end of the 1849 "Treatment Book" there are two and England as early as March 1801. Henry Joseph pages of the M.G.H. Phalrmacopeia with a ntumber was a pious man who showed strict regard for the of prescriptions. Some bear the names of Arnoldi, tenets of his faith. The minutes of the Shearith Crawford, Robert MacDonald and A. H. David. Israel Congregation of New York contain the From 1847 until it was disbanded by the Govern- following entry by Rabbi Lyons.12 "On the 8tl ment, Dr. David was Secretary to the Central of November, I circumcised a son of Mr. Henry Board of Health.1 During the construction of the Joseph at Berthier, naming him Benjamin Solomon, original Victoria Bridge (1854-59) he was one of aind on the 14th of November I left M\Iontreal and the physicians to the contractors. arrived safe at home on the 21st of November St. Patrick's Hospital wvas established in 1851, 1811." in connection with the St. Lawrence School of In an official census the first mention of Jews is Medicine. Dr. David Nvas appointed physician and found in Lower Canada in 1831, when 107 were clinical lecturer in medicine. Dturing the year 1852, recorded as living in that part of the country.'' Nwhen private patients of the medical staff were ad- Henry Joseplh's yotungest dauighter Esther mitted at a weekly chalrge of from one dollar up- marriecd the Reverend Abrahalm de Sola, the first wards for board, "the splendid building known as of the (Ie Sola family to emigrate to North America. Baptist college was purchased". The nuns of H6tel- In 1848 he was appointed the first Lectturer, and Dieu, which 12 years later absorbed St. Patrick's in 1853 full Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Hospital, acted as nurses. The following is taken Literatuire at MVIcGill University. He was also a from the report for the quarter ending April 30, lectturer in Spanish literature. M/icGill University 1852, which was signed by R. L. MacDonnell, A. conferred the degree of LL.D. upon him in 1858. H. David and H. Howard: "It appears that the A distinguiished author and Rabbi of the Spanislh number of intern patients amounted to 211, and anid Portugese Synagogtue, in 1872 Dr. de Sola was that of the externs to 306, making a total of 517." inivited to Washington by General U.S. Grant, The su-rgical operations included removal of a President of the United States, to deliver the open- parotid tumour and a breast amputation.'; At St. ing praver before Congress. Patrick's Hospital the patient was permitted to Dturing, the entire 1837-39 rebellion in Lower make his selection of a physician from the medical Canada, Dr. David fotught in the loyalist ranks. He staff, "and is sure of being watched and tended servedl as assistant-surgeon of the MVlontreal Rifles through his illness wvith more than a mother's care; and participated in the battle of St. Eustaclhe. In he can command a visit from his medical man as 1867, lhe joined the 6th Battalion (6th Ftusiliers), often as he pleases, and when necessary to take active 'Militia, and served on the frontier during exercise, he can do so on the grounds connected the Fenian Raid. When Aaron David resigned his with the establishment."I5 commission with the rank of surgeon, after 46 years Dr. David was one of the founders of both the of service, he was granted the honorary rank of St. Lawrence School of M4edicine (1851) andI lieutenant-colonel.l4 Bishop's Medical College (1871). The reason whly Dr. David forsook Niontreal for In his History of the MNedical Faculty of Bishop's Three Rivers is noted in this entiy from his Diarv College in Montreal, Francis Wayland Campbell'" quiotedl by Benjamin G. Sack:' has recorded that the St. Lawrence School of Medi- "June 1840. Three Rivers-Most important events cine of Montreal was incorporated by an Act of the have occurred since I last opened this Diary. I and Provincial Parliament. The winter course of lectures sisters lhave left the place of our nativity and come commenced on Monday, November 3, 1851, and for were conducted by F. C. T. Arnoldi (Midwifery down to Three Rivers to live. My reasons doing Gibb so are very numerous. I was living far beyond my and Diseases of Children); George D. means in Montreal and without any prospects of (Institutes of Medicine, Physiology, Pathology and my practice increasing sufficiently to enable me to Therapeutics); R. L. MacDonnell (Theory and Canad. Med. Ass. J. 118 MEN AND BooKs: AARON HART DAvI Jan. 20, 1962,vol. 86

Practice of Surgery); Thomas Walter Jones At a meeting of the new Faculty held on March (Anatomy, Descriptive and Surgical); A. H. David 14, Dr. Smallwood was named Dean, Dr. F. W. (Theory and Practice of Medicine); George E. Campbell, Registrar. On June 7, Dr. Smallwood, Fenwick (Materia Medica and Pharmacy); Henry who was also a great meteorologist, resigned, be- Howard (Ophthalmic and Aural Surgery); and cause he had "received an appointment from the Robert Palmer Howard (Chemistry). Signal Office of the United States War Department, Dr. David also served as Secretary of the St. and also from the Hon. Minister of Marine and Lawrence School of Medicine of Montreal. The Fisheries". The resignation was accepted and Dr. business of the School was "carried on in a com- Hingston was elected Dean in his place. At the modious building situated in the immediate vicinity annual Convocation held at Lennoxville during the of the Montreal General Hospital". Students attend- latter part of June, each member of the Faculty ing the lectures on ophthalmic and aural surgery received the degree of Masters of Arts honoris had the privilege of witnessing the practice at the causa. Montreal Eye and Ear Institution. Later additions to the faculty included Robert According to Campbell,16 "The St. Lawrence T. Godfrey (Midwifery); Jean Lukin Leprohon School of Medicine only existed for one session. (Hygiene); J. Baker Edwards (Practical Chemistry, The cause which, it is said, terminated its existence, and Microscopy); Richard A. Kennedy (Anatomy); should have prevented its birth. This was the fact William Gardner (Medical Jurisprudence); George that it could not compete on equal terms with Wilkins (Pathology); Silas E. Tablo (Botany); and McGill University.* The spirit, however, which had James Perrigo (Demonstrator of Anatomy and brought to life this school [St. Lawrence] did not Curator of Museum). die. On the contrary it continued to grow and gain The first announcements appeared during the force.... The formation of a New Medical School end of July 1871. Shortly thereafter Dr. Hingston, would afford an opportunity of at least attempting now Sir William, resigned in order to retain his to rectify sorme of the grievances." (These are dis- connection with Hotel-Dieu. Dr. David was elected cussed in Campbell's account.) With this objective- Dean, and occupied the post until his death. Dr. in mind, during January 1871, Drs. Charles Small- Godfrey transferred to the Chair of Surgery. wood, Hingston, A. H. David, and E. H. Tren- The opening lecture was delivered by Dr. David holme met and discussed the formation of a School on October 4, 1871. About the end of the second of Medicine in Montreal, in connection with the week, the class had been diminished by one-half; University of Bishop's College, Lennoxville. A that is, it had been reduced to one student. But by meeting took place at Aaron David's house, 42 the time the registration book closed in December, Beaver Hall Terrace, on the evening of February 25 students had registered. Tte first class of five 1, 1871, when these four gentlemen were present. students graduated on April 4, 1872. It was decided to send Dr. David to Lennoxville. According to Bensley,17 the 1871-72 sessions were On February 3,,Dr. David reported that his inter- held in rented rooms at McGill and Notre Dame view with the Board of Trustees of Bishop's College Streets; the following year the school obtained a "had been very satisfactory-the following resolu- new building of its own on the north-east corner tion having been passed by them.... of St. George (now Jeanne Mance) and Ontario "That it is the unanimous opinion of the gentle- Streets. For clinical teaching Bishop's Medical Mont- . affiliated with the Hotel-Dieu, men present at this meeting . . that the proposal College was to affiliate to the University, the Medical School real General, Royal Victoria, Western, and Women's about to be formed in Montreal, consisting of ... Hospitals. The Dental School, where teaching was and others, is one of the highest importance to the done in both English and French, was added in University, and with this view the gentlemen now 1896. In 1890 Bishop's admitted women to the present will request the President of the Corpora- study of medicine. The first woman to graduate tion at the earliest possible period to call a meeting was Dr. Grace Ritchie, who married a Dr. England. of the Corporation to consider this proposal." The most distinguished of the ten women to gradu- On March 9, 1871, a special meeting of the ate was Maude E. Abbott. Regina L. Landau Corporation of Bishop's College was held in the graduated in 1896. Other distinguished graduates, Cathedral House (Synod Hall). The following to mention but two, were Dr. C. R. Wood, an gentlemen were then appointed Professors in the ophthalmologist, and Dr. W. H. Drummond of Medical Faculty of Bishop's College: Charles "Habitant" fame. From the first session until 1880, Smallwood (Midwifery); A. H. David (Theory Dr. David filled the Chair of the Practice of Medi- and Practice of Medicine); William H. Hingston cine. He was then elected Professor Emeritus (Surgery); Francis Wayland Campbell (Institutes (Fig. 1). In 1905, for reasofls which need not be of Medicine); and Edward H. Trenholme (Materia detailed here, Bishop's Medical School was amal- Medica). gamated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University.

*Only one course of lectures was delivered to 17 students. The Medico-Chirurgical Society of Montreal was Being a school, its students would have had to go else- the first where for a degree.(14) formed in 1845. During the same year Canad. Med. Ass. J. 119 Jan. 20, 1962, vol. 86 MEN AND BOOKS: AARON HART DAVID

stressed the value of a postmortem examination. In this instance he found that there was no evi- dence of fracture or hemorrhage. Death was due to hydrocephalus and not attributable to a blow. "A Case of Poisoning by Vinegar"2' concerned a widow with four children. The woman drank a quart bowlful of common vinegar. Having procured some sulphate of zinc, "I gave her two scruples in a cup of water, which soon produced full vomiting, great straining, and relief." The humane treatment of the insane came rela- tively late in the Province of . Of the Beau- port Lunatic Asylum (1845), the first such institu- tion in the province, David has written,21 "The building was well adapted for an Asylum, it is of the slhape of the letter L, its wards are capacious, lofty and well-ventilated and are heated by a hot air apparatus, and are remarkable for their perfect cleanliness." Patients were occupied in washing, sewing, writinig, playing the violin, etc. "The phy- sician reaped the reward of his kind treatments, by f A,'_7SO,0 the confidence reposed in him by his patients, and the influence he has over them." Fig. 1.-Dr. Aaron Hart David (1812-1882), from the When faced with a seriously ill patient suffering originial painting by W'illiamii Raphael, R.C.A.. donie in 1882. (Reproduced by courtesy of Reginiald J. Hart.) from locomotor ataxy,:" Dr. David wrote "I suggested the propriety of a consultation and, on entirely English medical journal ever published in the 31st, Dr. G. W. Campbell saw him with me and this country appeared. It was known as the concurred. A combination of Iron with the Iodide Montreal Medical Gazette. The first issue of the and Bromide proved beneficial for a short time." B7ritish American Joulrn1Cal of Medical and Physical "On the Use of Cod-Liver Oil Externally,"21 Sciences was also issued in 1845. David referred to benefits observed in 20 cases of The Canada MIIedical Journal and Monthly ringworm of the scalp; its use in hospital practice Record of Medical atndl Surgical Scien'-e was cre- for the treatment of cases of tinea capitis and ated and edited in 1852 by R. L. MacDonnell and psoriasis inveterata and in a case of extensive burns. by A. H. David. It ran for one year. A single volume "In one, a man who when drunk actually roasted of 767 pages appeared before publication was dis- the whole of his back, the constant application of continued "for want of support".> In 1865, G. E. cod-liver oil to it produced cicatrisation in a very Fenwick and F. WV. Campbell started a new journal, slhort time, without suppuration or any contraction; and, with Aaron David's permission, gave it the this case vas also seen by several medical men, as same name. the patient was an inmate of the Montreal General The Canadian ivledical Association, which was Hospital, and they all agreed it was a surprising founded in 1867, publislhed Volume I of its Trans- case. actions in 1877's (the Tenth Annual Meeting, In his publication "Acute Pericarditis",24 David Windsor Hotel, Montreal, September 12 and 13). referred to the frequency of inflammation of the In hiis presidential address, William H. Hingston pericardium in rheumatism, and to the fact that alluded at some length to State Medicine and slight attacks may escape observation. He regretted whbat he said on that occasion deserves to be his inability to give details of the interesting case scrutinized today. The Transactions record that which concerned a 42-year-old Negro of short, "The Publications Committee was composed of athletic build, because "in the late terrible con- Drs. David (Chairman), E. Robillard, R. P. flagration which destroyed near a third of our city, Hovard, F. WV. Campbell, and Osler (Secretary)." the St. Patrick's hospital was consumed," together notes David became an ordinary member of with his case book which contained ample Aaron In The Canadian Medical Association in 1868. He was including those taken by his clinical clerk. elected general secretarv in 1869 and served in this addition to bleeding and cupping, remedies time included capacity until 1881. He was succeeded in this office employed during that mercury, by William Osler. colchicum, purging and blistering. David's first medical publication in 1845 In "Cases in Practical Medicine",' David com- Dr. "Fracture of Sacrum dealt with observations on "Concussion of the mented on the use of diuretics. erroneously Impeding Delivery"26 is an anatomical study. Brain".19 The patient's death was " attributed to trauma. In all cases, and particularly In his treatise on "Laryngismus Stridulus,"2 he met where there was a question of responsibility, David noted that this affection is usually only during Canad. Med. Ass. J. 120 MEN AND BOOKS: AARON HART DAVID Jan. 20, 1962, vol. 86 the first year or two of life "the attacks come himself." "Whatever number of years may have on without any apparent cause, when the child passed over our heads; whatever may be the extent otherwise in perfect health, is playing and becomes of our experience, every day brings its own knowl- excited or vexed. The child struggles for breath edge-there is something new to learn, some de- as if the respiration were arrested for the moment, ficiencies to supply and some errors to correct." but after repeated violent efforts recovers with a "If you would hold your own, keep up with the crowing or shrill inspiration approximating whoop- ever-changing and generally improving aspect of ing-cough or croup. If the paroxysm lasts many the science. A few years of neglect throws one seconds the face and extremities become purple, fearfully behind hand." the head is thrown back and the spine bent." David "Set apart a portion of your time for self-culture, has commented further on the "irritation at the for a scholar can no longer repose upon his aca- roots or origin of some portion of the laryngeal demic laurels, and each one should make it the nerves, whereby the muscles which close the glottis object of his life to add something to his medical are unduly contracted, and cause the peculiar knowledge." "Pursue with ardour and constancy croupy inspiration". every discovery after truth." Eczema 28 was noted to be a very common com- "The basis on which rests the glory of the medi- plaint among the French Canadians, who referred cal profession is the sterling truths of its observa- to it as La rifle or reefe. Dr. David wrote that the tions. Never employ your talents in aggrandizing "absurd idea prevails that it is wrong to stay its visionary hypotheses, as truth is alone abiding. It progress, is not merely the duty of every medical m&n, but In another publication (1852), Dr. David raised it is his greatest glory.and privilege to declare it. the question whether a child Nvill be liable to small- Be systematic, patient and attentive and clear, in pox if the mother contracted the disease during all your statements. Be affable, yet dignified.'-'A gestation.2'9 "The child when seven took small pox, medical man is emphatically a public man, and and had it rather severely." David makes reference should be a man of the people. He shotild not make to "immunological" reactions, saying that he was himself objectionable to any part of the community. "well aware that one swallow does not make a He should only be known as a philantlropist and summer and that one can not build an hypothesis patriot in the broadest sense of the terms, devoted upon a single fact; but that a well-authenticated to the common weal and good of his patients." case gives cause for reflection." "To you, especially will the community look to In his Reminiscences,) discussing the many inform and enlighten it in relation to the best means changes that he had witnessed in the 52 years since of preserving health, of preventing the spread of he had entered upon the study of medicine, he contagious and infectious diseases, the influences wrote that "the introduction of the hypodermic of trades and occupations, the effects of different syringe was perhaps on the whole the greatest of sorts of foods, of dress and amusements, the natutre, all improvements introduced." cause and cure of those diseases whichl attack the The following extracts from Dr. David's Vale- lower animals, and vegetable as well as animal life, dictory Address2 to the 1872 graduating class of the influence of soil and climate and season, of Bishop's Medical College are illustrative of his geological formations and geographical localities, judgments, his counsels and his personal influence the question of quarantine, the best mode of warm- and give an impression of the tone of this meaning- ing and ventilating houses, the establishment and ful life: regulation of schools and seminaries of learning." "You must always bear in mind the obligations "You will be called upon to instruct judges, and you have assumed-to follow an honourable and lawyers, and courts of law in relation to many im- discreet conduct; to practice your profession in a portant questions,- . . . fractures, dislocations, and cautious, chaste, and upright manner; to care and poisons,-and your opinions will, if well sustained, do all you can for the safety of those who may trust be decisive." "You are to act your part as a good their lives in your hands." "You are not exempted citizen,-patronizing every worthy object, especially from the labour-I ought, perhaps to say pleasures, in all improvements calculated to benefit the condi- -of study: for if you do, you will soon find your- tions of people, contributing freely to the s'upport selves outstripped by your contemporaries, and of education and religion, the great bulwarks of deservedly so." "You must pay attention to the safety." advancement in the scientific knowledge of your "You should never forget that to most persons profession, and keep pace with its improvements, a fit of sickness is an important event, the physician and in so doing you will unquestionably elevate is associated with all-its recollections, and you will yourself and bring credit to our university." "There best secure the confidence and regard of the pa- is no profession in which it is more essential that tient and his friends, by having aided in beguiling those engaged in it should combine the talent of its wearisomeness, diminishing its discomforts; observing, thinking and reasoning for themselves, relieving its anxieties, dispelhng its fears, and than it is in the medical profession." "The best part raising its hopes." "Your duty to your professional of every man's knowledge he must acquire for brethren, not the least part of what is worthy of Canad. AMed. Ass. J. AARON HART DAVID 121 Jan. 20, 1962, vol. 86 MEN AND BOOKS: your deep consideration, may be summed up in the The Cansada Medical and Surgical Jo(rnal words of the Golden Rule." "May your manhood recorded that Aaron David was noted amongst his be irreproachable and your character unimpeach- confreres as a man of the strictest integrity and able." the highest sense of honour, and that in these re- In the recital of Dr. David's all-inclusive counsels spects he was alwavs an example to young men. and ideals for the recent graduate, one discerns "He wvas an able and conscientious practitioner, full reason, purpose and the quality of his beliefs. If of zeal for h1is profession, and anxious for the ad- there is truly a step which leads from knowledge vancement and the cause of the medical profession. to wisdom, then Aaron David appears to have He was a good citizen, and took an active part in pointed in its direction. public meetings and in the promotion of charitable Dr. David received an M\.D. (ad etindlem ) and a objects. He hald an excellent memory and vxvas D.C.L. (lioonoris catisa), from Bishop's MVIedical always resorted to by his friends when anything College. He was an extraordinary member of the concerning the profession long ago needed to be Royal M\4edical Society of Edinburgh; member of recalled." the Britislh Societv for the Advancement of Science; The Cancada Lancet3l commented that "Long and Governor of the College of Physicians and Surgeons favourably known as the General Secretary of the of Lower Canada; corresponding member of the Canada Mledical Association," Dr. David "ever Gvnecological Society of Boston, and an Honorary took a wvarm interest in its success." Member (1880) of the American Mledical Associa- At a meeting of the MIedico-Chirurgical Society tion. He was a Life Member and Past President of of 'Montreal on November 17, Dr. Henry Howvard, the Natural History Society, and corresponding in speaking of the great loss wlhiclh the medical meInber of the Literarv and Historical Society of profession in general and that of the citv of Quebec. Montreal in particular had sustained in the Aaron Hart David was a life-long active member deatlh of Dr. David, moved the following resolu- of the Congregation of Spanislh and Portuguese tion, which Nvas seconded by Dr. Hingson. "Re- jews.4 In addition to the presidency, he held every solved: that the Medico-Chirurgical Society of honorary office which it is possible for a layman \Iontreal deeply regrets the death of A. H. David, to hold. A David-and-Jonathan relationship existed MI.A. (Bishop's University), 'M.D., Dean of the between Aaron David and his brother-in-law Faculty of Medicine of Bishop's College, and Abraham de Sola, wvho predeceased him by a few formerly a member of this Society. Always highly months. esteemedl and respected by his brother practitioners Dr. David gave his last lecture at Bishop's MIedi- for his many sterling qualities and honest bearing cal College on November 15, 1880. "A few days towards them, being especially kind and considerate subsequently, a consultation of his medical friends to the youinger members of the profession, hiis loss wvas held, and the melancholy duty devolved upon will be sorely felt and his place can witlh difficulty them of informing him that he was suffering from be filled. That this Society tenders its sincere sym- cancer about the sigmoid colon."1 He died, almost pathy to the members of the bereaved family, and two years later, on November 5, 1882. The diag- assures them that the profession sympathizes With nosis was confirmed at postmortem examination. them in their great affliction." The funeral took place on November 8. The pall- The Medical Faculty of the University of bearers were Dr. R. P. Howard, Dean of McGill Bislhop's College "deplored the loss of their re- Miedical Faculty; Dr. Rottot, Dean of Laval Medi- spected Dean, who from the first inception of the cal Faculty; Dr. Dorsonnens, Dean of Victoria Faculty, until his last moments, took the deepest Medical Facculty; Dr. F. W. Campbell, Acting Dean interest in the welfare of the College, and con- of B3ishop's College Mledical Faculty; Dr. Robillard, tributed largely to its success." representing the College of Physicians and Sur- To show its appreciation of his work, the Facculty (reons of the Province of Quebec; and Dr. Henry founded the David Scholarship. The award went Howard, representing the general medical pro- to the student obtaining the highest marks in the fession. He was buried in the cemetery of the primary examination. Some years later the award Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. became the David Silver Medal. The obituary notice which appeared in the Dr. and Mrs. Aaron Hart David had nine clhil- November 1882 issue of the Canada Medical dren.3' A communication dealing with the career Record14 says that "Among the entire profession of their distinguished son-in,law, Dr. David Alex- Dr. Aaron Hart David was much beloved and ander Hart, who was born in Three Rivers in 1844 looked Up to as a man of the most sterling honour. and died in Montreal in 1925 and was a graduate It was a common saying, no one ever knew David of Bishop's in 1874, is planned for another occasion. to do a mean and disreputable act towards a Dr. D. A. Hart was the donor of the National lrother practitioner. To the young men of the pro- Hockey League Trophy wvhich bears his name. fession he WaS ever exceedingly kind, and although Aaron Hart David came of highly intelligent at fiery medico-politician, those he fought most stock who loved their country and defended its bitterly loved him the best." interests. They supported it zealously; and knowing Med. Ass. . 122 MEN AND BOOKS: AARON HART DAVID Jan.Canad.20. 1962, vol. 86

8. CRAIG, R.: Address at the Medical Convocation McGill how to use freedom, participated in the early University, April 1, 1890. In: Volume of Aldresses, The Gazette Printing Co., Ltd., Montreal, 1907, p. 45. weaving of the lustrous fabric of Lower Canada. 9. LAWRENCE, D. G.: Bull. Hi8t. Med., 32: 408, 1958. He was dignified and forthright, took his full share 10. BOSWORTH, N.: Hochelaga depicta: or, a new picture of Montreal, embracing the early history and present state in all fighting, was possessed of judgment, de- of the city and island of Montreal, William Greig, Montreal, 1839. cision, and the spark of wise generalization and 11. DAVID, S.: Cited by Sack, B. G.: History of the Jews in Canada, Vol. 1, Canadian Jewish Congress, Montreal, loved to walk with the young, who held him in high 1945. 12. The Lyons Collections, Publications American Jewish regard. Historical Society, No. 27, 76: Cited by Sack, B. G.: he was History of the Jews in Canada, Vol. 1, Canadian Aaron David knew at all times where Jewish Congress, Montreal. 1945. p. 97. and he reached out for set objectives. That 13. ROSENBERG, L.: The Jewish Population of Canada. Cana- going, dian Jewish Population Studies. No. 2, p. 5; reprinted some of the undertakings with which he was asso- from the American Jewish Year Book, Vol. 48, 1946-47. 14. Obituary: Ca'nada M. Rec., 12: 44, 1882. ciated were not perpetuated provides cause for 15. St. Patrick's Hospital: Canada M. J., 1: 63, 188, 316, 576, 1852. contemplation. It is history, not a little of which 16. CAMPBELL, F. W.: History of the formation of the Medical Faculty, University of Bishop's College in Montreal, will endure, that these same undertakings con- J. H. Osgood, Waterloo, P.Q., 1900. 17. BENSLEY, E. H.: Canad. Med. As8. J., 72: 463. 1955. tributed to and influenced the lives of many people. 18. Canada Medical Association: Transactions, Vol. I: Tenth to the belief that "principles Annual Meeting, Lovell Printing and Publishing Co., He was dedicated Montreal, 1877. are immutable and eternal," and that man's service 19. DAVID, A. H.: Brit. Am,. J. M. cG Phys. Sc., 1: 5. 1845. 20. Idem: Canada M. J. & Month. Rec. M. & S. Sc., 3: 117, to humanity is the yardstick by which we measure 1867-68. 21. The Beauport Lunatic Asylum: Brit. Anm. J. M. & Phys. values. Dr. Aaron Hart David deserves to be re- Sc., 4: 67, 1848-49. 22. DAVID, A. H.: Canada M. J. & Month. Rec. M. & S. Sc., 8: membered. 351, 1871-72. 23. Idenm: Canada M. J.. 1: 129, 1852-53. REFERENCES 24. Iden: Ibid., 1: 396, 1852-53. 25. Idem: Ibid., 1: 526, 645-1852. 1. SACK, B. G.: History of the Jews in Canada, Vol. 1, 26. Idem: Brit. Am. J. M. & Phys. Sc., 1: 5, 1845-46. Canadian Jewish Congress Montreal, 1945. 27. Idem: Ibid., 1: 101, 1860. 2. DAVID, A. H.: Canada M. J. & Month. Rec. M. d; S. Sc., 8: 28. Idem: Canada M. J., 3: 193, 1867. 448, 1871-72. 3. SACK, B. G.: History of the Jews in Canada, Vol. 1, 29. Idem: Canada M. J. & Month. Rec. M. & S. Sc., 5: 8, 1869. Canadian Jewish Congress, Montreal, 1945, P. 60. See also Brit Am. J., 2: 100, 1861. 4. History of the Corporation of the Spanish and Portugese 30. AARON HART DAVID; Obituary: Canada M. & S. J., 11: Jews "Shearith Israel" (Remnant of Israel) of Mont- 248, 1882. real. Published on the celebration of its 150th Anni- 31. AARON HART DAVID; Obituary: Canada Lancet, 15: 126, versary in the year 5679-1918. 1883. 5. DAVID, A. H.: Canada M. Rec., 11: 1, 1882. 32. Personal Communication, Reginald J. Hart, son of Dr. 6. MACDERMOTT, H. E.: A history of the Montreal General and Mrs. David Alexander Hart, grandson of Dr. and Hospital. Published by the Montreal General Hospital, Mrs. A. H. David whose children-many distinguished 1950; -wvere Henry (b. 1893, died at 1 year); David; Sarah 7. ABBOTT, M. E.: History of medicine in the Province of (Mrs. D. A. Hart) ; Fanny, Harlene (Rubin) ; Samuel; Quebec, The Dominion Publishing Co. Ltd., Montreal, Tucker; Edmond (died at age 14 years) and Robert 1931, 97 pp. Sullivan (named after an Irish friend) David.

CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY The January 1962 issue of the Canadian Journal of Surgery contains the following original articles, case reports and experimental surgery: History of Canadian Surgery: Lorimer John Austin, M.A., M.B., M.Ch., F.R.C.S., F.R.C.S.[C], F.A.C.S. 1880-1945-W. A. Jones. Original Articles: Lesions of the breast associated with nipple discharge: prognosis after local excision of benign lesions-V. A. McPherson and W. C. MacKenzie. Intraductal epithelial proliferation in the human breast: a comparative study-J. A. Ryan and C. J. Coady. Blood volume determinations following cardiac operations- M. S. Ramakrishnan, A. R. C. Dobell and D. R. Murphy. Consid6ration sur 100 cas d'h6morragie gastro-duod6nale -P. L'Esp6rance et L. Dionne. The use of blood volume determinations for the evaluation of blood loss during operation-W. E. Spoerel and F. C. Heagy. The clinical course of actinomycotic infections: a report of 14 cases- B. W. Spilsbury and F. R. C. Johnstone. A statistical review of fractures of the calcaneus-C. R. Salsbury. Auto- genous cortical bone grafts for delayed and non-union of fractures of the tibial shaft-F. P. Patterson and K. S. Morton. Non-specific mesenteric lymphadenitis-P. Madore, D. S. Kahn, D. R. Webster and S. C. Skoryna. Case Reports: Malignant lymphoma developing in ulcerative enteritis-J. D. B. Baird and S. C. Lauchlan. The serotonin syndrome in carcinoidosis-G. B. Elliott, D. A. Grace and H. E. Gibson. Carcinoma of the main intrahepatic bile ducts-A. F. Alvarez. A case of epidermoid cyst of the spleen-K. G. Atkinson, H. H. Pitts and G. C. Johnston. Simultaneous hemorrhage from multiple intracerebral aneurysms: a case report-F. Turnbull and C. L. Dolman. Tracheal reconstruction with dermal graft-C. B. Baker, T. Molony and J. H. Moffat. Experimental Surgery: Tissue responses to polyurethane foam-A. M. Wiley. Polyurethane foam in the treatment of fractures-A. Gregoire and I. Macnab. Some effects of cortisone and an anabolic steroid on healing of experimental fractures-L. J. Clein and K. Kowalewski. The Canadian Journal of Surgery is published quarterly by the Canadian Medical Association. Subscription rates are $10.00 a year or $2.50 for individual issues. Yearly subscriptions and back issues are available on request, from the Canadian Journal of Surgery, C.M.A. House, 150 St. George Street, Toronto 5, Ontario.