The republication of Fleming's excellent biography after more than 30 years marks the coming centennial of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, where Welch spent his active career as professor of pathology in the School of Medicine, as director of the School of Hygiene and Public Health, and as professor of the history of medicine. At Hopkins, Welch put his ideas into practice: these institutions were shaped by his vision.
Fleming gives an engaging glimpse of the Hopkins institutions in their early years, and of the diverse band of young professors allowed complete freedom in teaching and research. Here is William S. Halstead, the cocaine addict and brilliant surgeon; the sarcastic Franklin P. Mall, who taught students anatomy by leaving them alone with their cadavers; William Osler, the flamboyant and charismatic clinician; and the religious Howard A. Kelly, who insisted on prayer meetings before his operations.
Welch, who found himself increasingly ...
