Medical Times and Gazette. June 14, 1873). OBITUARY. * WILLIAM TYLER SMITH, M.D., F.B.C.P. SMITH was born near Bristol on April 10, 1815, and having received a good preliminary education, commenced his medical studies in that city. He distinguished himself as a student both by his talents and acquirements. He married early in life, and repaired to the metropolis to "seek his fortune," and located himself at No. 1, Bolton-street, Piccadilly. In somewhat straitened circumstances, and without friends, he devoted himself at the commencement to literature and to the reception of pupils. Like most young physicians in a great city he had no patients, but he was energetic and ambitious, and laid out for himself a career of success. He determined to distinguish himself, and he did so. The most important element of success was undoubtedly his connection with the Lancet. He was introduced to the late Mr. Wakley by his brother-in-law, Mr. James Yearsley, then in full practice as an aural surgeon. At first he was only an occasional contributor to the journal in question, and his earliest contributions to it were "On Quacks and Quackery." These gave evidence of his undoubted powers as a writer, and he was soon appointed, in conjunction with myself, as one of its sub-editors. When it was determined by Mr. Wakley to publish biographical sketches and portraits of eminent living practitioners, the task of supplying the necessary material was confided to Dr. Smith and myself. He had the lion's share in this arrangement, and no one can doubt that he fulfilled his duty with eminent ability. My own labours were confined to three or four of the leading physicians of the time. I contributed amongst others the lives of Clutterbuck and Merriman, and subsequently embodied these articles in the second edition of "The Lives of British Physicians," which I edited. Whatever objections may be urged on the score of taste against these, biographies, have no hesitation in saying that they supplied an important addition to the history of Medicine. To Dr. Smith they were of the utmost importance, as they introduced him to many of the foremost men in the profession, and they properly lost no opportunity of serving his interests. Under their patronage he soon became a busy practitioner. When the St. Mary's Hospital and School were established mainly by the efforts of Samuel Lane and Buker Brown. Dr. Smith was appointed Physician-Accoucheur to the Hospital, and Lecturer on Obstetrics and Diseases of Women in the school attached to it. Probably with little practical knowledge of the subjects on which he was appointed to lecture, he soon gave evidence that he was equal to the duties imposed on him, and published a series of lectures in the Lancet at once original and suggestive. His connection with the Lancet brought him in friendly contact with Dr. Marshall Hall, who remained a steadfast friend to him as long as he lived. Hall had but one idea, and that was carrying out to the uttermost "the reflex function." Smith took advantage of the instruction he received from the great physiologist, and his lectures in the Lancet show that he had the sagacity to profit by the suggestions of that great man. These lectures were subsequently embodied by Smith in his " Manual of Obstetricy," which now forms one of the series of the celebrated manuals issued by Churchill. His manual soon reached a second edition, and it was at one time regarded as the best text-book for students and young practitioners. With a considerable practice, the labour as sub-editor of the Lancet, combined with his duties at St. Mary's Hospital, Smith, who was never of a robust constitution, felt that he was overworked. Nearly twenty years ago, when Joseph Toynbee was breaking down. Smith said to me, " I feel that I am overtasked ; I shall break down like poor Toynbee." His indomitable courage, however, urged him on, and he continued to work far beyond his powers, and I think it probable that the exhaustion consequent upon his incessant brain-work laid the foundation of the disease to which he eventually succumbed. The late Mr. Wakley was fully impressed with the truth of Dr. Smith's statement, and, under his advice, Dr. Smith discontinued his more laborious duties on the Lancet. Shortly before this time the New Equitable Life Insurance Company was established by Mr. Wakley and Dr. George Beaman. The object of tho new institution was most praiseworthy, and has been most successful. The chief life office had ignored the claims of the medical attendants of proposed insurers to remuneration for the reports which they f umiahed. The New Equitable adopted the principle of paying liberally for these reports. This wholesome practice was attended by most beneficial results. The success of the New Equitable was almost unprecedented in the history of life assurance; and, with few exceptions, all the chief life offices in the metropolis found it necessary to their interest that they should follow the example set them by tho New Equitable. Dr. Tyler Smith was one of the original directors of the New Equitable, and I have reason to know that in this capacity he was a most able and efficient officer. The New Equitable subsequently amalgamated with the Briton and other societies, and it is not too much to assume that the great success of that institution owes much to Tyler Smith, who for some time before his death wu its vice-president. Without derogating from his merits, it is not uncharitable to say that Smith arrived at his prominent position in the profession less from his powers as a great practical physician than his undoubted abilities and talents as a writer. His early training could scarcely be called thoroughly practical, but few men in our time, whether in regard to description or controversy, could be placed in successful competition with Dr. Tyler Smith. He had marvellous power in placing facts in a striking and original light; and in controversy he had that "skill iu fence " which generally plaoed his antagonist in what appeared to be an indefensible position. No man has done more to elevate the character of medical literature than Tyler Smith ; few men have ever written so well. Had he been a lawyer instead of a doctor he would havn been early on the bench, his astuteness and power of grasping the main facts of an argument, his readiness of resource under apparent defeat, and the judicial qualities of his mind would have made him a great judge. He was not destined to become a judge, but he is entitled to be remembered as a great medical reformer. All his ideas were likrsl, and these lie carried out faithfully to the end. In ___ Dr. Smith obtained the M.B. of the University of London, the M.D. in 1848, and was elected F.R.C.P. in 1859. He removed from Bolton-street to No. ~, and subsequently to 21, Upper Grosvenor Street, at which he resided at the time of his death. For some years his health had been in an unsatisfactory state, and he was in the habit of spending from Friday to Monday in the country. He had suffered from Brights disease and from arterial degeneration ; these were accompanied by occasional attacks of epistaxis and tendency to purpura. He was attended by Sir Thomas Watson. Dr. Georire Johnson, and Dr. Gustavus Murray. On the afternoon of Whit Monday, whilst on a visit to Richmond, he was found sitting on a bench in a state of insensibility. He was removed to the Richmond Infirmary, and notwithstanding the unremitting exertions of Mr. Hills and Dr. Withecombe he never _____, and died about three hours after admission. The verdict of the coroner's jury was "Death from natural causes." In addition to the particulars of his career given above, it should be stated that he commenced as a lecturer on obstetrics in the school of the late Mr. Dennott, then situated in Bedford Square. It can be said that in this capacity he gave any evidence of his future success. He had none of the natural gifts for the fulfilment of such a position. He was awkward in delivery, and often appeared likely to break down; but he persevered, and though he never attained eminence as a "lecturer" subject of his discourses was practical, suggestive, sal thoroughly instructive. He delivered his lectures montly with the aid of notes, and never wrote them out. He was one of the founders of the Obstetrical Society, of which he was the second president. It will be seen by the list of works appended that he was a large contributor to the literature of Medicine. Some years since he bought an estate at Seaford, in Sussex, with the object of elevating that obscure town to a state of prosperity and importance. To some ____ he succeeded in his object, but his praiseworthy efforts were, I believe, a source of great anxiety to him. He was rewarded, however, by being placed on the commission of the peace. I have already shown enough to prove that Dr. Tyler Smith was no ordinary man. In spite of early difficulties, weak bodily health, and some other drawbacks to success, he rose to be one of the foremost amongst us. This was due to his self- reliance, his industry, and his courage. He is a worthy example to the student and the young practitioner.
Medical Times and Gazette. June 14, 1873). OBITUARY. * WILLIAM TYLER SMITH, M.D., F.B.C.P. SMITH was born near Bristol on April 10, 1815, and having received a good preliminary education, commenced his medical studies in that city. He distinguished himself as a student both by his talents and acquirements. He married early in life, and repaired to the metropolis to "seek his fortune," and located himself at No. 1, Bolton-street, Piccadilly. In somewhat straitened circumstances, and without friends, he devoted himself at the commencement to literature and to the reception of pupils. Like most young physicians in a great city he had no patients, but he was energetic and ambitious, and laid out for himself a career of success. He determined to distinguish himself, and he did so. The most important element of success was undoubtedly his connection with the Lancet. He was introduced to the late Mr. Wakley by his brother-in-law, Mr. James Yearsley, then in full practice as an aural surgeon. At first he was only an occasional contributor to the journal in question, and his earliest contributions to it were "On Quacks and Quackery." These gave evidence of his undoubted powers as a writer, and he was soon appointed, in conjunction with myself, as one of its sub-editors. When it was determined by Mr. Wakley to publish biographical sketches and portraits of eminent living practitioners, the task of supplying the necessary material was confided to Dr. Smith and myself. He had the lion's share in this arrangement, and no one can doubt that he fulfilled his duty with eminent ability. My own labours were confined to three or four of the leading physicians of the time. I contributed amongst others the lives of Clutterbuck and Merriman, and subsequently embodied these articles in the second edition of "The Lives of British Physicians," which I edited. Whatever objections may be urged on the score of taste against these, biographies, have no hesitation in saying that they supplied an important addition to the history of Medicine. To Dr. Smith they were of the utmost importance, as they introduced him to many of the foremost men in the profession, and they properly lost no opportunity of serving his interests. Under their patronage he soon became a busy practitioner. When the St. Mary's Hospital and School were established mainly by the efforts of Samuel Lane and Buker Brown. Dr. Smith was appointed Physician-Accoucheur to the Hospital, and Lecturer on Obstetrics and Diseases of Women in the school attached to it. Probably with little practical knowledge of the subjects on which he was appointed to lecture, he soon gave evidence that he was equal to the duties imposed on him, and published a series of lectures in the Lancet at once original and suggestive. His connection with the Lancet brought him in friendly contact with Dr. Marshall Hall, who remained a steadfast friend to him as long as he lived. Hall had but one idea, and that was carrying out to the uttermost "the reflex function." Smith took advantage of the instruction he received from the great physiologist, and his lectures in the Lancet show that he had the sagacity to profit by the suggestions of that great man. These lectures were subsequently embodied by Smith in his " Manual of Obstetricy," which now forms one of the series of the celebrated manuals issued by Churchill. His manual soon reached a second edition, and it was at one time regarded as the best text-book for students and young practitioners. With a considerable practice, the labour as sub-editor of the Lancet, combined with his duties at St. Mary's Hospital, Smith, who was never of a robust constitution, felt that he was overworked. Nearly twenty years ago, when Joseph Toynbee was breaking down. Smith said to me, " I feel that I am overtasked ; I shall break down like poor Toynbee." His indomitable courage, however, urged him on, and he continued to work far beyond his powers, and I think it probable that the exhaustion consequent upon his incessant brain-work laid the foundation of the disease to which he eventually succumbed. The late Mr. Wakley was fully impressed with the truth of Dr. Smith's statement, and, under his advice, Dr. Smith discontinued his more laborious duties on the Lancet. Shortly before this time the New Equitable Life Insurance Company was established by Mr. Wakley and Dr. George Beaman. The object of tho new institution was most praiseworthy, and has been most successful. The chief life office had ignored the claims of the medical attendants of proposed insurers to remuneration for the reports which they f umiahed. The New Equitable adopted the principle of paying liberally for these reports. This wholesome practice was attended by most beneficial results. The success of the New Equitable was almost unprecedented in the history of life assurance; and, with few exceptions, all the chief life offices in the metropolis found it necessary to their interest that they should follow the example set them by tho New Equitable. Dr. Tyler Smith was one of the original directors of the New Equitable, and I have reason to know that in this capacity he was a most able and efficient officer. The New Equitable subsequently amalgamated with the Briton and other societies, and it is not too much to assume that the great success of that institution owes much to Tyler Smith, who for some time before his death wu its vice-president. Without derogating from his merits, it is not uncharitable to say that Smith arrived at his prominent position in the profession less from his powers as a great practical physician than his undoubted abilities and talents as a writer. His early training could scarcely be called thoroughly practical, but few men in our time, whether in regard to description or controversy, could be placed in successful competition with Dr. Tyler Smith. He had marvellous power in placing facts in a striking and original light; and in controversy he had that "skill iu fence " which generally plaoed his antagonist in what appeared to be an indefensible position. No man has done more to elevate the character of medical literature than Tyler Smith ; few men have ever written so well. Had he been a lawyer instead of a doctor he would havn been early on the bench, his astuteness and power of grasping the main facts of an argument, his readiness of resource under apparent defeat, and the judicial qualities of his mind would have made him a great judge. He was not destined to become a judge, but he is entitled to be remembered as a great medical reformer. All his ideas were likrsl, and these lie carried out faithfully to the end. In ___ Dr. Smith obtained the M.B. of the University of London, the M.D. in 1848, and was elected F.R.C.P. in 1859. He removed from Bolton-street to No. ~, and subsequently to 21, Upper Grosvenor Street, at which he resided at the time of his death. For some years his health had been in an unsatisfactory state, and he was in the habit of spending from Friday to Monday in the country. He had suffered from Brights disease and from arterial degeneration ; these were accompanied by occasional attacks of epistaxis and tendency to purpura. He was attended by Sir Thomas Watson. Dr. Georire Johnson, and Dr. Gustavus Murray. On the afternoon of Whit Monday, whilst on a visit to Richmond, he was found sitting on a bench in a state of insensibility. He was removed to the Richmond Infirmary, and notwithstanding the unremitting exertions of Mr. Hills and Dr. Withecombe he never _____, and died about three hours after admission. The verdict of the coroner's jury was "Death from natural causes." In addition to the particulars of his career given above, it should be stated that he commenced as a lecturer on obstetrics in the school of the late Mr. Dennott, then situated in Bedford Square. It can be said that in this capacity he gave any evidence of his future success. He had none of the natural gifts for the fulfilment of such a position. He was awkward in delivery, and often appeared likely to break down; but he persevered, and though he never attained eminence as a "lecturer" subject of his discourses was practical, suggestive, sal thoroughly instructive. He delivered his lectures montly with the aid of notes, and never wrote them out. He was one of the founders of the Obstetrical Society, of which he was the second president. It will be seen by the list of works appended that he was a large contributor to the literature of Medicine. Some years since he bought an estate at Seaford, in Sussex, with the object of elevating that obscure town to a state of prosperity and importance. To some ____ he succeeded in his object, but his praiseworthy efforts were, I believe, a source of great anxiety to him. He was rewarded, however, by being placed on the commission of the peace. I have already shown enough to prove that Dr. Tyler Smith was no ordinary man. In spite of early difficulties, weak bodily health, and some other drawbacks to success, he rose to be one of the foremost amongst us. This was due to his self- reliance, his industry, and his courage. He is a worthy example to the student and the young practitioner.
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