Princeps Sectorum
Following Warren’s resignation, the professorships of anatomy and surgery became distinct chairs. The Hersey professorship was transferred to the Department of Comparative Anatomy in Harvard College, and Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) was appointed the Parkman Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at the Medical School. Another new professorship in pathological anatomy was also created at this time, and its occupant, J. B. S. Jackson (1806-1879), became the first curator of the Warren Anatomical Museum. Under Holmes, the role of the Demonstrator became increasingly important, and, according to Harold C. Ernst, though a brilliant lecturer, Holmes “had neither the time nor the inclination to busy himself with the practical details of running a department; to say nothing of the unsavory business of obtaining subjects…. The actual duties of the Demonstrator (apart from procuring subjects, and preparing the dissection for the Professor’s lecture) consisted of one hour’s work daily in the dissecting room overlooking and helping the students.”
Holmes’ respect for the dissector and his work is reflected in his pronouncement of his demonstrator, Richard M. Hodges (1827-1896) as “princeps sectorum,” the foremost of dissectors. Richard M. Hodges held the position of Demonstrator of Anatomy under Oliver Wendell Holmes from 1853 to 1861. He published this manual on human dissection for the student in 1858, then revised it thoroughly and reprinted it, as here, in 1867. This is a presentation copy from Hodges to Oliver Wendell Holmes; a photograph of Hodges at work, labelled "Richard M. Hodges, M.D., princeps sectorum" has been inserted on the front flyleaf.