IV.—DR. HENRY WELLS OF MONTAGUE.
Few physicians have enjoyed a more enviable reputation than the subject of this Notice. He was the personal friend of Professor Nathan Smith of Dartmouth College, who was accustomed to speak of him in terms of the highest respect, and not unfrequently to allude, in his lectures, to his medical opinions and modes of practice.
Although Dr. Wells was in the habit of keeping a record of his more important cases, and of his views on medical subjects, he published but little, and his papers having become by an unfortunate accident a prey to the devouring element, materials are wanting from which to prepare a notice adapted to do full justice to his merits.
Soon after his death, Rev. Samuel Willard, D. D., of Deerfield, published in the Franklin Herald a brief but very just obituary notice of him; and more recently Dr. Williams has prepared a memoir, which has been transferred to his Medical Biography, from his address before the Massachusetts Medical Society.
From these sources principally, the following facts have been obtained.
Dr. Wells was born in New York, in 1742; studied medicine partly under the direction of Dr. Hull at Lebanon, Ct., and completed his medical studies in New York, having made himself well acquainted with medical science.
At the age of twenty-one, he commenced the practice of his profession in New York, and according to the custom of that day, had under his charge an apothecary's shop. After a short residence there, he removed to Brattleborough, Vt., where he continued eighteen years, and acquired an extensive practice and high reputation.
In the year 1782 he removed to Montague, with a view of obtaining a more central situation as to his business, and, perhaps, to diminish somewhat his labors in advancing life.
In 1785 he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society; and Dr. Williams states, that in 1806 he received the honorary degree of M. D. from Dartmouth College, which may be a mistake, as his name does not appear in the Triennial Catalogue.
In his profession, Dr. Wells attained the most distinguished rank. His natural powers were good; his medical reading extensive and judicious; his application methodical and patient. His eminent skill, however, in the management of disease, was derived chiefly from his own observation and experience. Possessing a clear and discriminating mind and an accurate judgment, his practical deductions were remarkably just. In difficult cases, his advice was much sought and highly appreciated. Punctual in his professional engagements, courteous in his manners, modest and unassuming in his intercourse with his medical brethren, he was highly respected by the profession and the public.
As a man, he was much beloved. He professed a firm belief in the gospel, and was much attached to the moral and religious institutions of his country. He was a pattern of temperance; his general influence was salutary; and his example such as might be safely imitated.
He was a kind husband and father. He was not exempt from domestic affliction, three of his children being deaf mutes.
In the latter years of his life, he suffered much from disease, which he bore with exemplary resignation, and, having passed the allotted period of human life, died August 24, 1814, at the age of 72; leaving behind him that good name which is better than precious ointment.