“ This distinction is rare even in the country of my birth.
“That the country which adopted me and gave me a peer among peers, opportunities to work, should in true cosmopolitan spirit adopt this method, rare enough in Germany, of raising a man to the greatest possible height of distinction and make him shine above all men — and this man I — is far, far beyond what was the culmination of all my possible hopes.” ”

“ Jacobi found for his subject the record of the advance in medicine since he came here, nearly half a century ago, touching in turn upon medical literature, the growth of the societies and schools, hospitals, and dispensaries. Touching upon his own work as a physician he said:
“In accordance with me democratic schooling, I was fortunate enough to have respect for the individual. That is why I found it easy to imagine myself in the place of a patient and to spare his feelings if I could not preserve his life. Where you cannot save you can still comfort. ”

“ I have been eulogized as if I were dead. Not being quite dead yet, I should not join in the praise. On the other hand, to speak derogatorily of my doings would be discourteous to those who expressed their good opinions. ”