Letter of the Day: November 11 (2 of 2)

Ward’s Natural Science Establishment,
College Avenue (opposite University),
Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 11 1884

Dr. John Billings, Washington.

Dear Sir,

I have for the past fortnight been greatly busy in packing and shipping 10 car-loads of specimens to the World’s Exposition at New Orleans.

And now I must follow them day after tomorrow, to stay there for six weeks, or until New Years. This leaves me no time to go through my stock and my late African acquisitions and pick out things which I can offer you.

I must request you to kindly wait on me for this until my return from the South, when I will give it prompt attention.

Respectfully yours

Henry A. Ward.

We have set aside for you the Elephant skull – to ship to you with other things later.

Letter of the Day: October 8 (2 of 2)

The World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, New Orleans.

Medical Dep’t. U.S. Army Participation,

Officer of Medical Officer in Charge,

935 F Street, N.W., Third Floor.

 

Washington, D.C. Oct. 8, 1884

 

Doctor:

 

Please let Bearer have bust in plaster, life size, of the late Dr. Otis. I indented to have it bronzed for the Exposition.

 

Yours truly,

Henry McElderrry

Asst Surgeon, U.S.A.

 

To J. S. Billings

Major and Surgeon

U.S.A.

 

Letter of the Day: May 30

U.S. Marine-hospital Service,
District of the Gulf,
Part of New Orleans La, Surgeon’s Office,
May 30th, 1885

To the Surgeon General U.S. Army,
Washington D.C.

Sir:

On a recent visit to the exhibit of the U.S. Army Medical Department at the Exposition now in this city, I was more than gratified to find displayed therein, photogrpahs of skeletons of Sioux indians donated by me when a hospital stweard of the army on duty at Camp (now Fort) Robinson, Nebraska. If it can be conveniently done, I should be glad to procure copies of the photograps above mentioned and I shall greatly appreciate the favor.

At the time I made the last donation to the Museum Asst. Surgeon Otis (then Curator) promsed me that I should have a full and complete assortment of publications of the Surgeon General’s office, more particularly those relating to the Army Medical Museum. His subsequent illness and death prevented any action on his part and I imagine no record of his promises being made, the whole matter was forgotten.

Very respectfully,
Your obedent servant,
Samuel W. Richardson
Hospital Steward
U.S. Marine Hosp’l Service
(Formerly U.S. Army)
Care of Custom House

Five unmounted photographs of skeletons sent by mail June 8, 1885

Julie Brown speaks at NLM

Julie's done a lot of research in the Museum over the years.

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
History of Medicine Division Seminar
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 2-3:30pm
NLM Visitor Center, Bldg 38A
Bethesda, MD

"Health and Medicine on Display: International Expositions in the United
States, 1876-1904."

Julie K. Brown
Independent Scholar

International expositions, with their massive assembling of exhibits and
audiences, were the media events of their time. In transmitting a new
culture of visibility that merged information, entertainment, and
commerce, they provided a unique opportunity for the public to become
aware of various social and technological advances. This presentation
examines how international expositions, through their exhibits and
infrastructures, sought to demonstrate innovations in applied health and
medical practice.

All are welcome.

Note: The next history of medicine seminar will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 2-3:30pm in the NLM's Lister Hill Auditorium. In aspecial program celebrating African American History Month, NIH scholar Sheena Morrison will speak on "Nothing to Work with but Cleanliness: The Training of African American Midwives in the South."

Sign language interpretation is provided. Individuals with disabilities
who need reasonable accommodation to participate may contact Stephen
Greenberg at 301-435-4995, e-mail greenbes@mail.nih.gov, or the Federal Relay (1-800-877-8339).

Due to current security measures at NIH, off-campus visitors are advised to consult the NLM Visitors and Security website:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/about/visitor.html

Stephen J. Greenberg, MSLS, PhD
Coordinator of Public Services
History of Medicine Division
National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services

301-435-4995
greenbes@mail.nih.gov