This paper was read at a meeting of the University of Oregon Medical History Club on February 21, 1924. In it, Olaf Larsell describes the origins of the Medical Department of Williamette University (sometimes referred to as Oregon Medical College) in 1865. It outlines many of the obstacles the school faced during its early years including a failed start and relocating back and forth between Salem and Portland. Larsell writes about the rivalry between the Medical Department of Willamette University and the University of Oregon Medical School (UOMS) when it forms in 1887 up until the two schools ultimately merge in 1913.

This paper lays out many of the bureaucratic and administrative disagreements that took place between faculty and the board of trustees over the years and additional conflicts with the Association of American Medical Colleges over its standards. Larsell provides the names of many of the doctors involved in forming both of the medical schools.

This work also chronicles how admissions practices and curricula developed at the universities and makes comparisons to other medical schools operating in the United States at the same time. There are multiple quotes provided intended to demonstrate the mindset of both supporters and critics of both schools. This work also includes descriptions of different buildings, conditions in the schools, budgets, and opinions about who should be allowed to call themselves a doctor. There are photographs and drawings of university buildings, as well as photographs of Dr. Simon E. Josephi and Dr. K. A. J. MacKenzie who were both deans of UOMS.