OSLER, WILLIAM. 1849-1919.


Autograph Letter Signed ("Wm Osler"), to Dr. [James] Bordley, 1 p, 12mo, Osler, Pointe a Pic, Quebec, September 14, 1904, centerfold, with original transmittal envelope.A FAREWELL NOTE UPON HIS DECISION TO LEAVE HOPKINS. James Bordley Jr (1874-1956) served on the Johns Hopkins Dispensary staff until 1911. Osler wrote similar letters to a few of his close friends, colleagues, and trainees who had expressed dismay at his decision to leave Johns Hopkins (and North America) to become Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University. For a detailed study of this major career transition see W. Bruce Fye, "William Osler's Departure from North America: The Price of Success," New England Journal of Medicine, 1989, vol 320, pp 1425-1431 (a signed copy of the reprint of this article is included). See also Cushing 2, pp 649-656.