Few physicians have enjoyed a more enviable reputation than the subject
of this Notice. He was the personal friend of Professor Nathan Smith of
Dartmouth College, who was accustomed to speak of him in terms of the
highest respect, and not unfrequently to allude, in his lectures, to
his medical opinions and modes of practice.
Although Dr. Wells was in the habit of keeping a record of his more
important cases, and of his views on medical subjects, he published but
little, and his papers having become by an unfortunate accident a prey
to the devouring element, materials are wanting from which to prepare a
notice adapted to do full justice to his merits.
Soon after his death, Rev. Samuel Willard, D. D., of Deerfield,
published in the Franklin Herald a brief but very just obituary notice
of him; and more recently Dr. Williams has prepared a memoir, which has
been transferred to his Medical Biography, from his address before the
Massachusetts Medical Society.
From these sources principally, the following facts have been obtained.
Dr. Wells was born in New York, in 1742; studied medicine partly under
the direction of Dr. Hull at Lebanon, Ct., and completed his medical
studies in New York, having made himself well acquainted with medical
science.
At the age of twenty-one, he commenced the practice of his profession
in New York, and according to the custom of that day, had under his
charge an apothecary's shop. After a short residence there, he removed
to Brattleborough, Vt., where he continued eighteen years, and acquired
an extensive practice and high reputation.
In the year 1782 he removed to Montague, with a view of obtaining a
more central situation as to his business, and, perhaps, to diminish
somewhat his labors in advancing life.
In 1785 he was elected a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society;
and Dr. Williams states, that in 1806 he received the honorary degree
of M. D. from Dartmouth College, which may be a mistake, as his name
does not appear in the Triennial Catalogue.
In his profession, Dr. Wells attained the most distinguished rank. His
natural powers were good; his medical reading extensive and judicious;
his application methodical and patient. His eminent skill, however, in
the management of disease, was derived chiefly from his own observation
and experience. Possessing a clear and discriminating mind and an
accurate judgment, his practical deductions were remarkably just. In
difficult cases, his advice was much sought and highly appreciated.
Punctual in his professional engagements, courteous in his manners,
modest and unassuming in his intercourse with his medical brethren, he
was highly respected by the profession and the public.
As a man, he was much beloved. He professed a firm belief in the
gospel, and was much attached to the moral and religious institutions
of his country. He was a pattern of temperance; his general influence
was salutary; and his example such as might be safely imitated.
He was a kind husband and father. He was not exempt from domestic
affliction, three of his children being deaf mutes.
In the latter years of his life, he suffered much from disease, which
he bore with exemplary resignation, and, having passed the allotted
period of human life, died August 24, 1814, at the age of 72; leaving
behind him that _good name_ which is _better than precious ointment_.