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[306] his speculative opinions, he inclined to what was then called Arminianism. He was so interested in the virtuous character and thirst for knowledge of young John Brooks that he almost adopted him as a son. He took his pupil under a written indenture, as an apprentice for seven years, to learn the science and practice of medicine; and the teacher was as faithful as the pupil was ambitious. He put him to a classical school, took him into his family, directed his studies in medicine, and at length invited him to Medford, and resigned to him his practice. To show the standing which Dr. Tufts had as a scholar, we need only mention that he was one of the first in the State who felt the need of a medical society; and he was called to the first meeting for consummating the plan, which meeting took place on the third Monday in March, 1765, at Gardner's tavern, on Boston Neck. Of those who have been members of that distinguished society, Dr. Tufts's name stands the second, in the order of time, on the college catalogue. A fall from his horse brought on bleeding of the lungs; and he died Dec. 31, 1786, aged sixty, leaving a property of £ 2,676. 1s. 3d. On the tombstone of these two physicians we read the following: “Both eminent in their profession; just towards man, and devout towards God.” It is worthy of record, that one medical pupil of the father, and another medical pupil of the son, became distinguished officers in the revolutionary army. Dr. Cotton Tufts, born 1732, brother of the above, graduated at Harvard College 1749; studied medicine with his brother; settled in Weymouth; became the chosen friend and agent of Hon. John Adams; was elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; a vice-president and president of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He died in 1815, revered for his Christian piety, beloved for his extensive usefulness, and admired for his common sense. Dr. Aaron Putnam, who married Rebecca Hall, daughter of Aaron Hall, of Medford, May 9, 1780, lived in this town ten years; but his medical practice was so limited that he removed to Charlestown, and formed a partnership with Messrs. Morse and Woodbridge, in the baking business. In this he was not successful. He died in Charlestown. Dr. John Brooks had not the advantages of a collegiate education; but this fact stimulated him to make up for it by extraordinary application. The consequence was a self-made
John Wilson and son. 22 School Street. Boston. 1855.
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