4&tt't0 ®f JAMES MACDONALD, M. D LATE PHYSICIAN TO THE BLOOMINQDALE A8YLUM FOR THE INSANE J TO THE NEW-YORK HOSPITAL, AND VISITING PHYSICIAN TO THE LUNATIC ASYLUM AT BLACKWELL's ISLAND. DELIVERED BEFORE THE NEW-YORK MEDICAL AND SDRGICAL SOCIETY, JOHN A. SWKTT, M. D AND PUBLISHED BY ITS ORDER E ULOGY. Mr. President and Gentlemen: We have been called upon for the first time since the org …

In his domestic relations, in society, and in the ranks of the profession, he filled the measure of usefulness and honor. In the prime of life, with the faculties of his mind fully developed by study and observation, rich in the gifts of the heart, a truly generous and noble nature, uniting great dignity and affability of manner, he was equally conspicuous and admired in the public and the s…

the British army, he finally settled at White Plains, in this State, where he continued the practice of his profession with distinguished success until his death, in the year 1813. James Macdonald, at the time of the death of his father, was only thirteen years of age, but his education was carefully superintended by an excellent and devoted mother. It was intended that he should follow a merc…

Macdonald at once applied for the situation, and although just entering the ranks of the profession, without experience, and without many friends, his frankness and intelligence made so favorable an impression on the Governors of the Institution, that he received the appointment, although actively opposed by two rival candidates, supported by powerful friends. This flattering success fixed th…

During this period he visited the different asylums for the insane in England and on the Continent, devoting his time almost exclusively to the great objects of his voyage. On his return he entered at once upon his duties as physician to the Bloomingdale Institution, and assumed the whole medical responsibility connected with its management. Eminently qualified by natural gifts, with a consid…

Macdonald, having fulfilled his engagements with the Governors of the Bloomingdale Asylum resigned his situation in that Institution, much to the regret of all connected with it. The Governors, in accepting his resignation, expressed to him " the gratification they felt at the great success which for many years had attended his treatment of the insane patients, and assured him that they held …

Allan Macdonald, a private institution for the insane, was carried into execution after an interval of about three years. For this purpose two houses, agreeably situated on Murray Hill, in the suburbs of the city, were selected, but the rapid spread of our population soon rendered this situation no longer available. Fortunately, an excellent opportunity for a change of residence soon present…

What the hand of chance first so well erected, the hand of skill and of good taste soon admirably adapted. Beauty, neatness, comfort, threw their enchanting influences over the spot and left nothing to be desired. In this Institution, so admirably adapted to its object, Dr. Macdonald now seemed permanently established. No one could doubt its success, and a long career of usefulness seemed pro…

He said that, but for her sake and that of his children, he would choose death rather than life, -- that he was resigned to either event, having long endeavored to keep the idea of his death constantly in view. He enjoined upon his wife a religious education for his children, and begged her to cherish in their hearts the thought of their father. On the following day mental hallucinations, whi…

The sad interest felt in the event by the inhabitants of Flushing was exhibited by the closing of the stores, and by the sorrow depicted on every countenance. The domestics in Dr. Macdonald's employment piously decked the coffin with flowers, and, with tears, insisted on bearing the body to the grave. Many of our most eminent physicians and most distinguished men surrounded the grave as the l…

After his removal from the city, he still continued to exhibit his interest in our meetings, by an attendance more regular than could have been expected from one who lived so far from us. On many an evening his cheerful voice would greet us, and every year his open hospitality received us. Our visit to Flushing was always looked forward to by us as a holiday, and, amid the flowers and fruits…

His intellectual powers were solid, rather than brilliant, but fully capable of sustaining him in the difficult investigations connected with his peculiar branch of study. His mind was practical and more decided to what was useful than to what was new and striking. He was alive, however, to all the great medical improvements of the day. His opinion was always respected, but his advice still m…