teria Medica and Homeopathic Therapeutics," published at Philadelphia in 1879.
Early in his career he became a botanical enthusiast, and maintained his interest in this branch of scientific study in spite of his arduous professional work. He was one of the founders and curator of the Torrey Botanical Club; indeed, he is commonly credited with having been the first to suggest the organization of the Club under the name of "New York Botanical Club," now one of the strongest scientific societies of New York City. He was the first to occupy the office of vice-president in the Club, and was re-elected annually until his death nearly thirty years later. Most of his contributions to botanical periodical literature appeared in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, although there were several in other magazines, notably one in the American Naturalist for May, 1882.
As a scientist, Dr. Allen was best known for his work upon the Characeae. This difficult group of algae has attracted but few botanists, and for many years he was almost the only American student of these plants. His most important printed contribution to this subject was "The Characeae of America," issued in parts from 1888 to 1896. His "Contributions to Japanese Characeae," first printed in instalments in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club from 1894 to 1898, also appeared separately in pamphlet form. Both of these works were illustrated by beautiful plates by Evelyn Hunter Nordhoff. By correspondence, by exchange, by purchase, and by paying the expenses of collectors in North America, South America, and Japan, Dr. Allen brought together one of the finest accumulations of specimens and books relating to the Characeae in existence; all these he presented to the New York Botanical Garden the year before his death, when failing health made it impossible for him to study them further. His botanical work was by no means confined entirely to the Characeae; several species of plants, named in his honor, bear witness to the breadth of his interest in botany, as the grass Danthonia Alleni, Austin; Erigonum Alleni, S. Watson; Kneiffia Alleni (Button), Small.
Dr. Allen married, June 3, 1862, Julia Bissell, of Litchfield, Connecticut. They had six children, one of whom is now a physician in New York City.
Allison, Richard (1757–1816)
Richard Allison, who was the first physician to practise in Cincinnati, was born near Goshen, New York. Like many practitioners of that day, he was not a graduate in medicine. In 1776 he entered the army of the Revolution, remaining in it until the close of the war, and in 1789, when a corps under Gen. Harmar was organized for the protection of the frontier, was appointed surgeon. In 1790, when a new army was organized, Dr. Allison was made surgeon-general. After the defeat of Harmar's army in 1790, an entirely new organization was effected under Gen. St. Clair. Dr. Allison was made surgeon of the first infantry.
Following St. Clair's defeat in November, 1791, a new "Legion" was formed in 1792, under Gen. Wayne. Dr. Allison was appointed surgeon of the "Legion."
When peace was declared in 1795, he practised in Cincinnati and vicinity, though not mustered out of the army until 1798.
Dr. Allison practised in Cincinnati nearly a quarter of a century. He was the first physician to die in that city, his death taking place on March 22, 1816.
Almon, William James (1754–1817)
William James Almon was born in New York in 1754, and died at Bath, England, in 1817, after having practised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for upwards of thirty years. He was found dead in bed. A diary kept during his last illness has been published and is very interesting.
In 1771 he was apprenticed to Andrew Anderson, physician and surgeon, of New York. On the outbreak of the Revolutionary War he sided with the Royalists and was employed as a surgeon at the Battle of Bunker Hill. On the evacuation of Boston in 1776, he came to Halifax with Lord Howe's forces, but remained only a short time, as he accompanied the troops to New York and remained in active service for several years. In 1779 he received from Lord Townshend a commission as assistant surgeon to the 4th Battalion of Royal Artillery. Before the close of the Revolutionary War he returned to Halifax and received the appointment of surgeon of artillery and ordnance, a position which he held for many years. He was also a justice of the peace for Halifax and surgeon-general of the militia. He acquired an extensive practice and enjoyed, to the fullest extent, the confidence of the community.
