Discourse commemorative of the life and character of Alexander Hodgdon Stevens

Published in 1871 by Anson D. F. Randolph, this discourse was composed by John G. Adams to honor the life and medical contributions of Dr. Alexander Hodgdon Stevens. Stevens was a prominent surgeon and educator in New York, best known for his long-standing association with the College of Physicians and Surgeons and his pioneering work in the treatment of fractures and dislocations. This commemorative volume serves as a formal eulogy, documenting his professional legacy and his impact on the medical community during the mid-19th century.

The publication follows the tradition of Victorian-era commemorative biographies, which were often commissioned by professional societies or mourning families to preserve the memory of influential public figures. John G. Adams, a physician himself, provides a detailed account of Stevens's clinical philosophy and his role in advancing surgical education. The work is noted for its sober, academic tone, reflecting the respect Stevens commanded among his peers and the importance of documenting the personal histories of significant contributors to early American medicine.