Biography

"It is made my duty to notice the decease of members during the past year. One of our corresponding members, E. C. Witherill, M.D., of Cincinnati, died of cholera in that city, Oct. 30, 1866. From an obituary notice in the " American Homoeopathist," I learn that he was born in New Hampshire; but, at the age of nine, emigrated with his parents to Auburn, N.Y. He received his early education from the public and private schools in that place. At sixteen, he made a voyage to Liverpool, which seemed to cure him of a strong desire for a mariner's life. On his return, his time was employed in teaching in public schools and in the study of medicine. He attended a single term of the Medical College of Geneva, N.Y., but continued his studies and received his diploma from a medical school in New-York City. After a successful practice of his profession in Auburn, he removed to Canandaigua, N.Y., where he remained until he was invited to the chair of Anatomy and Physiology in the Homoeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio. He accepted this position; and, before entering upon its active duties, he spent considerable time in the hospitals of London and Paris. Finding the active practice of his profession more congenial to his taste than the duties of his professorship, he resigned his chair after a brief term of service, and removed to Cincinnati, ^vhere he held an enviable rank in the profession.

Dr. Witherill possessed many excellent qualities of mind. He had very good analytical powers, which he applied with laborious perseverance. His faithfulness led him to the examination of each case brought under his professional notice. No matter what the difficulties, or the length of time consumed, the case was thoroughly examined, and he seldom failed to obtain a correct opinion of it. In the sick-room, though decided and resolute, none was ever more kind and considerate. Many a sufferer will long remember the kind words spoken by him. He was self-forgetful to the last degree. Had he been less so, he would not have neglected his own physical infirmities until he was beyond the reach of medical aid."