CLASS OF 1879

Dr. William Thayer Smith, dean of the Medical School, and probably the most widely known member of his profession in the state, died at his home in Hanover, September 17, after a short illness, which began with an attack of acute indigestion. Doctor Smith was born in the city of New York, March 30, 1839, his father, Rev. Dr. Asa D. Smith, later the seventh president of Dartmouth College, be- ing then a pastor in that city. After graduating from Yale in 1860 he studied theology for a time, but a long period of ill health prevented his entering that profession. His health gradually becoming restored, he pursued medical studies at Hanover, and also took a medical degree at the University of New York. Opening practice in Hanover, he soon became connected with the Medical School, being assistant lecturer of anatomy and physiology in 1882-3, associate professor of the same subjects in 1883-5, professor of physiology from 1885 to 1907, and dean since 1896. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Medicine, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the New Hampshire Medical Society, and other medical and scientific bodies. In 1897 the College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. Doctor Smith married in 1885 Susan W. Kellogg of Norwich, Vt.,, who died in 1902. Their two sons are Morris K. '07 and Thayer A. '10. Doctor Smith's eminence as a physician and surgeon was unquestioned, and as a teacher he rendered rare service to the students of his profession. He was a man of the staunchest personal character, which stood the test of every emergency. He rendered noteworthy and continuous service to his church and to his town. The quality of his citizenship and his devotion to duty were alike rare, and he enjoyed in his life the respect and admiration of his profession, the students who came under his care, and the community.