Series 2 CHARGES AGAINST FELLOWS, 1836-1911

Series

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The records of the censors of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, spanning 1836 to 1931, consist of a minute book, censors’ reports, correspondence between censors and secretaries, and material relating to various charges of misconduct among Fellows. One of the best documented cases in the collection, dating from the 1890s, involves Joseph Price, who was accused of verbally attacking the personal and professional reputation of Charles B. Penrose. Other physicians, such as F. H. Getchell and Charles W. Burr, were charged with stealing patients from their colleagues. Also of note are the cases against Joseph Togno, who was accused of publishing an "empyricist" pamphlet, William Alexander Hammond, who was charged with quackery, and Henry Beates, who was accused of provoking hostile feelings among Fellows during the 1894 election for Vice President of the College. Cases include correspondence, statements of opinion, transcripts of interviews, and censors’ recommendations. Most of the censors’ reports in the collection provide recommendations concerning what action to take following the death of a Fellow. After determining if the deceased Fellow was worthy of a full obituary or merely a mention in the President’s annual address, the censors would send a report to the College. Correspondents represented in the collection include senior censors Richard A. Cleemann and William W. Keen, secretaries Thomas R. Neilson and John H. Girvin, clerk Mary F. Zelner, and William J. Taylor.