Illustrious Language

As I scan through the “Medical Annals of Maryland” published by MedChi on the occasion of the 100th anniversary by MedChi member, Eugene Cordell, 

I am often struck by the language, which reflected that of the era – late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It is much more descriptive and florid than anything we’d ever use now.

Of James Moat Anderson (1752-1820), Cordell said:

His appearance was unique and striking: though small in stature and limping in gait, his dignity was never laid aside. His person was slender and arrayed in a gray cloth, long-waisted, shad-breasted coat, reaching far below the knee; a standing collar and ample pockets; olive-colored velvet breeches with silver knee buckles, such as were worn by gentlemen of time; gray home-knit stockings and low quartered shoes, which were exchanged in winter for red-topped boots, a low-crowned, broad-brimmed beaver hat and white-lawned stock, buckled behind.

Of Tristram Thomas (1769-1847),

He was very tall and spare with narrow sloping shoulders; gentle and sympathetic. The very model of a polished gentleman. He carried a cane made of wood from the Mount of Olives.

Of David Stewart (1813-1860), he said:

Of the olden school, stern yet gentle as a woman, and courteous as a Chesterfield; a brilliant conversationalist with whom no one ever conversed without profit and his tongue was always clean.

Of my many greats-grandfather, Richard Sprigg Steuart (1797-1876), he said:

He devoted his life and means to the relief of the insane. An enlightened physician and alienist and a gentleman of most courteous manners.

The book is filled with these lovely sentiments of long-gone gentlemen.