James P. Boyd, M.D.     Click on image to enlarge Go to lecture card display Biographical Sketch Of Dr. James P. Boyd. By S. H. Freeman, M. D. and Thomas Hun, M. D., of Albany, N. Y.* The subject of this memorial sketch, was born in Albany on the 24th of February, 1804. He was the son of Peter Boyd, a native of Albany, [an eminent merchant of Scotch descent.'] The Doctor received his academical education in the Albany Academy, at that time under the superintendence of Dr. T. Romeyn Beck. In after life he retained a strong attachment to this school of which he was for many years, and up to the time of his death, a trustee. He commenced his medical studies in the office of Prof. James McNaughton and attended medical lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York, and in the University of Pennsylvania, from which latter institution he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1825. * *Two notices of Dr. Boyd were referred to the Committee of Publication. The one by Dr. Freeman was selected for publication, as going somewhat more fully into details than the other. An occasional item, of additional information from Dr. Hun's paper, is inserted in brackets. He commenced the practice of medicine in the city of New York, but after a short time he removed to the city of Albany and formed a partnership with Dr. Jacob A. Wing. A few years later the partnership was dissolved, and the doctor continued in practice till his death in 1881.] [Dr. Boyd's professional knowledge was extensive and accurate. He was a careful observer of disease, and judicious practitioner. From an early age he acquired an extensive practice with large opportunities for study and observation, which he carefully improved. His practice was not confined to any specialty, but he particularly excelled in obstetrics, and in that department had a large practice, and was often called in consultation in cases requiring instrumental delivery. He became a member of the County Medical Society in 1828. He frequently contributed to the interest of its meetings and was in due time the modest recipient of its highest honors; he was many times elected censor, in 1828-29 Secretary, and in 1838-39, President; was elected delegate to The Medical Society of the State of New York in 1852, and became a permanent member in 1859. The early professional career of Dr. Boyd received a very favorable impulse under circumstances of peculiar interest. The Asiatic cholera first appeared on this continent at Quebec, on the 8th of June 1832, and about two weeks later, without having shown itself at any intermediate point, suddenly broke out in Albany. This event at once furnished a broad field for active service and skill. The utmost anxiety and consternation prevailed throughout the city. Neither the quarantine regulations, nor the burning of tar and the sprinkling of lime in the streets, seemed to furnish %,barrier to its fearful progress, as during the month of July there were reported 387 cases and 136 deaths. The population at this time was twenty-six thousand. During this epidemic Dr. Boyd enjoyed the professional advantage of meeting daily in conference and consultation, the most eminent and experienced physicians of Albany in the then " New City Hall." His native genius and quick perception enabled him to derive practical benefit from these interviews, and by his skillful and watchful care, as well as by his cheering and inspiring presence, he rapidly won reputation and a large and lucrative practice, which he continued to enjoy.  He was an active member of the first medical staff of the Albany Hospital. [He repeatedly declined the place of Professor in the Albany Medical College,] of which he was for many years senior member of the Board of Curators.

 

 

 He died on the 10th of May, 1881.