Noble Young, M. D.
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MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGETOWN
On the 25th day of October, 1849, four well-known physicians of this city met at the office of Dr. Young for the purpose of taking into serious consideration the establishment of a medical college in the District of Columbia. These gentlemen were 'Drs. Young, Howard, Liebermann, and Elliot. The gentlemen at that meeting decided upon the step, and communicated with the president of Georgetown College in reference to working under the charter of that institution. All the details were soon arranged, and on November 5 they received notice of their appointment as professors in the new department.
In May, 1850, a lot at the corner of Twelfth and F streets was leased, with the privilege of purchase, and a commodious building at once erected. Dr. Young was elected president of the institution and Dr. F. Howard registrar, which title was soon after changed to that of dean. The first course of lectures commenced on the first Monday in April, 1851, with a faculty as follows:
Professor of the Principle and Practice of Medicine; Charles H. Lieberman, M. D., Professor of the Institute and Practice of Surgery; Flodoardo Howard, M. D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children; Johnson Elliot, M. D., Professor of Anatomy; Joshua Ritchie, M. D., Professor of the Institute of Medicine; James M. Austin, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics; J. W. H. Lovejoy, M. D., Professor of Chemistry ; Samuel W. Everett, M. D., Adjunct Professor and Demonstrator of Anatomy. But little more than a year from the time the college was first spoken of had elapsed when it was in operation, showing the energy and activity of its founders.
In 1864 the college appears to have swallowed up all competitors, for at that time it was the only medical college in operation in the District, and was in a most flourishing condition. In March, 1868, it graduated a class numbering forty- seven, from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and sixty pupils at that time being constant attendants. During this year, needing more commodious lecture- rooms for the accommodation of their large classes, they removed to Tenth and E streets and re-organized, with eight professorships. In 1870 a school of pharmacy was established, which, however, was only conducted until 1873.
In 1876 the old faculty, having become tired of the active duties of teachers, determined to retire, and a meeting for the entire re-organization of the faculty was held in Dr. Young's office in March of that year. A new organization was completed and a summer school soon after commenced, which was abolished in 1881 and the winter term lengthened to eight months. The standing of this institution is to-day second to none in the Union. It has adopted a long and thorough course, so that its pupils may be the better fitted to enter upon their responsible duties, and that they may be proud to say they have graduated from a college which is one of those where the higher standard of excellence is required and where none who are not competent can obtain degrees. The new building on H street, between Ninth and Tenth northwest, is a superb one, fitted with all the latest appliances for its comfort and convenience. The gentlemen whose names are represented in the faculty are sufficient guarantee of the standing of the college.
