Sarah and I have been pounding out this intern project and making great headway. Our PowerPoint is a little crazy at the moment, but we hope to organize it by tomorrow. We found some great images thanks to Intern John and books like Altman's Development of the Human Spinal Cord. We are currently working on trying to get permission to use these images but have so far e-mailed two defunct addresses. Excellent.
Liz suggested possible topics for the comparative section of our project, including dolphin and whale brain composition and self-recognition in birds. The bird experiments involved putting a colored sticker on a bird without it noticing (how on earth they do this, we don't know...) and seeing if it tried to scratch off the sticker when looking in a mirror, thus confirming that it knew it was seeing itself. She also mentioned studies on a parrot that could form entire coherent sentences, so if you're into talking birds, get excited. Emily also told us about "theory of mind," regarding experiments done with chimps on awareness of others' knowledge. Basically this entails one chimp taking advantage of another if the first chimp knows his competitor doesn't know the location of a banana. Or something. We promise we will understand this in our project. Once we fix the eyesore of a PowerPoint presentation we hope to have better luck accessing resources for the second half of our project.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Coming Next Week: "Pest Week at the Medical Museum!" -- Lyme Disease Talk--7/15--12pm
| SAVE THE DATE! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! | |
| “Lyme Disease in Your Community” Lunchtime Talk at Medical Museum, 7/15/10, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Free! Featuring Registered Nurse Marilyn Algire and SGT Jason Patterson of the Preventive Medicine Department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Concerned about a tick bite? Will you or your pets spend time outdoors this summer? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then bring your lunch and join the National Museum of Health and Medicine for an informative talk about Lyme disease. The talk will include information about the geographic location of most cases of Lyme disease; how the disease spreads; the do's and don'ts of prevention; and the importance of early disease detection. This event is being presented in conjunction with the poster presentation, “Solving the Puzzle: Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus & You,” from the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University. | |
| Where: NMHM (Building 54), in Russell Auditorium | |
Coming Next Week: "Pest Week at the Medical Museum!" -- Yellow Fever Talk--7/13--12pm
| SAVE THE DATE! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! | “Yellow Fever – The Scourge Revealed” Lunchtime Talk at Medical Museum, 7/13/10, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Free! A Presentation by CAPT Stanton E. Cope, Ph.D. Medical Service Corps, U.S. Navy Director, Armed Forces Pest Management Board |
| Bring your lunch and celebrate Pest Week at the National Museum of Health and Medicine with an intriguing talk about Yellow Fever and some of the events that led to greater control of this terrible disease. The talk will focus on a brief history of the disease and its impact on the U.S. and world; the experiments done in Cuba by the Walter Reed Commission using human volunteers; and more. Additionally, papers, books and other items, some of which are from the 18th century, will be on display. These items, including a reprint signed and corrected by Major Walter Reed, are from CAPT Cope’s award-winning collection on Yellow Fever. | |
Letter of the Day: July 6
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 6826
Surgeon General’s Office
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets SW
Washington, July 6, 1903.
Mr. Wm. Dant,
711 I St, S.W.,
Washington , D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am directed by the Surgeon General to express his thanks for the specimen of double monster chicken received from you on this day. It will be added to the collection with a properly inscribed card.
Very respectfully,
Calvin DeWitt
Col. Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum & Library Division.
Specimen No. 12691 Path. Sect.
Surgeon General’s Office
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets SW
Washington, July 6, 1903.
Mr. Wm. Dant,
711 I St, S.W.,
Washington , D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am directed by the Surgeon General to express his thanks for the specimen of double monster chicken received from you on this day. It will be added to the collection with a properly inscribed card.
Very respectfully,
Calvin DeWitt
Col. Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum & Library Division.
Specimen No. 12691 Path. Sect.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 5
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 5
July 5 1894
Gentlemen:
I notice in the British Medical Journal of June 23rd (No. 1747, p. 1368), a description of a new basin for mounting and embedding in plaster-of-Paris specimen dissections of the human body. The basins are made by Messrs Powell, of Temple Gate Pottery, Bristol, 10 inches in diameter, and 4 inches deep, of two patterns, as shown in the illustrations in the article above referred to. Will you kindly inquire of the Messrs Powell at what price they will furnish for this Museum a dozen of each of the above basins, and whether they have other sizes.
I would also like to have you inquire of Mr. Claude-Henry, Brandon Terrace, Edinburgh, if, and at what price, he will furnish a sufficient quantity of cement for the sealing of the two dozen basins, the cement to be of the same quality as that furnished by him to Professors Fawcett and Cathcart.
I shall be in London in the early part of August, and shall be pleased to receive the above information at that time.
Very respectfully,
J.S. Billings
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S.A.
Director Army Medical Museum and Library
Messrs Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.
London, W.C., England
July 5 1894
Gentlemen:
I notice in the British Medical Journal of June 23rd (No. 1747, p. 1368), a description of a new basin for mounting and embedding in plaster-of-Paris specimen dissections of the human body. The basins are made by Messrs Powell, of Temple Gate Pottery, Bristol, 10 inches in diameter, and 4 inches deep, of two patterns, as shown in the illustrations in the article above referred to. Will you kindly inquire of the Messrs Powell at what price they will furnish for this Museum a dozen of each of the above basins, and whether they have other sizes.
I would also like to have you inquire of Mr. Claude-Henry, Brandon Terrace, Edinburgh, if, and at what price, he will furnish a sufficient quantity of cement for the sealing of the two dozen basins, the cement to be of the same quality as that furnished by him to Professors Fawcett and Cathcart.
I shall be in London in the early part of August, and shall be pleased to receive the above information at that time.
Very respectfully,
J.S. Billings
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S.A.
Director Army Medical Museum and Library
Messrs Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.
London, W.C., England
Sunday, July 4, 2010
NY Times on quadruple amputee at Walter Reed
Brendan Marrocco lost his arms and legs to a bomb in Iraq. A year later, he is walking again and is an inspiration to fellow veterans.
Letter of the Day: July 4
I've looked through a dozen years of correspondence and haven't found a letter yet. I had been hoping on finding one written to the Museum. In lieu of a letter, here's two photographs. Happy July 4th.
AMERICAN RED CROSS CANTEEN DECORATED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION. GARE DE L'EST. PARIS, FRANCE. World War I. (Reeve 16183).
AMERICAN RED CROSS NURSES IN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE. PARIS, FRANCE. World War I (Reeve 16184).
AMERICAN RED CROSS CANTEEN DECORATED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION. GARE DE L'EST. PARIS, FRANCE. World War I. (Reeve 16183).
AMERICAN RED CROSS NURSES IN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE. PARIS, FRANCE. World War I (Reeve 16184).
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 3 (1 of 2) - French model maker
Extract
x x x x x
Dr. C. Lailles has the special charge of the Museum of the St. Louis Hospital – he has introduced me to Mr. Barella (sic, actually Baretta) – who makes the best anatomical models known. Most of his time is taken by the said Museum. Still he could make about 20 models a year for you. He has no price catalogue. He is to write out a list but when will that be done. Some of his models are in Philadelphia.
x x x x x
Letter by Mr. L. Bossange, Paris,
July 3, 1885
Friend Meyers,
In order that this matter may not be lost sight of-, and as the question may come up again, I send you the extract enclosed.
Yours etc.
F.W. Stone
July 16 / 85
x x x x x
Dr. C. Lailles has the special charge of the Museum of the St. Louis Hospital – he has introduced me to Mr. Barella (sic, actually Baretta) – who makes the best anatomical models known. Most of his time is taken by the said Museum. Still he could make about 20 models a year for you. He has no price catalogue. He is to write out a list but when will that be done. Some of his models are in Philadelphia.
x x x x x
Letter by Mr. L. Bossange, Paris,
July 3, 1885
Friend Meyers,
In order that this matter may not be lost sight of-, and as the question may come up again, I send you the extract enclosed.
Yours etc.
F.W. Stone
July 16 / 85
Letter of the Day: July 3 (2 of 2) - a new curator
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 6836
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
Washington, July 3, 1903.
ORDERS:
First Lieutenant James Carroll, Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army, is hereby assigned to duty as Curator of the Army Medical Museum, and will report in person to Colonel Calvin DeWitt, Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Army, in charge of Museum and Library Division of this office.
Robert O’Reilly
Surgeon General, U.S. Army.
Colonel Calvin DeWitt,
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
in charge of Museum & Library Division,
Surgeon General’s Office.
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
Washington, July 3, 1903.
ORDERS:
First Lieutenant James Carroll, Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army, is hereby assigned to duty as Curator of the Army Medical Museum, and will report in person to Colonel Calvin DeWitt, Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Army, in charge of Museum and Library Division of this office.
Robert O’Reilly
Surgeon General, U.S. Army.
Colonel Calvin DeWitt,
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
in charge of Museum & Library Division,
Surgeon General’s Office.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 2 - Civil War photography
Washington, D.C. July 2, 1885
Mr. Trout
Please deliver to bearer sixty of the Wilderness negatives. He will designate the sixty wanted.
Yours truly,
Albert Ordway
Approved.
J.S. Billings
Surg USA
To be returned within a week
Trought has list of number sent to Ordway
This is of interest to me because we no longer have these photographs, but they were done by two cameramen of note. In 1865, Museum photographer William Bell and Dr. Reed Bontecou, a proponent of medical photography, roamed Virginia battlefields taking photographs including stereographs of the Wilderness battlefield. One hundred and twenty-one negatives of the Wilderness were taken, although 21 were missing by 1874; they had not been printed since Bell's departure from the Museum in 1868. (Otis to Keen, March 8, 1879; Otis to Bontecou, October 8, 1866; Parker to Otis, February 9, 1874, none are still in the Museum)
Mr. Trout
Please deliver to bearer sixty of the Wilderness negatives. He will designate the sixty wanted.
Yours truly,
Albert Ordway
Approved.
J.S. Billings
Surg USA
To be returned within a week
Trought has list of number sent to Ordway
This is of interest to me because we no longer have these photographs, but they were done by two cameramen of note. In 1865, Museum photographer William Bell and Dr. Reed Bontecou, a proponent of medical photography, roamed Virginia battlefields taking photographs including stereographs of the Wilderness battlefield. One hundred and twenty-one negatives of the Wilderness were taken, although 21 were missing by 1874; they had not been printed since Bell's departure from the Museum in 1868. (Otis to Keen, March 8, 1879; Otis to Bontecou, October 8, 1866; Parker to Otis, February 9, 1874, none are still in the Museum)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 1
Nashville 10 se
July 1st / 63
Dear Brinton:
No doubt you will be surprised by the receipt of this, but I trust my motive will be my excuse.
I write to inform you that I have ascertained that there have accumulated, in the Hospitals in this Department, a large number of valuable specimens intended for the “Army Med. Museum,” but that Adams Express Co. refuses to forward them to Washington unless the fright be pre-paid.
Consequently, they are still here, and are spoiling and being lost for want of care etc. Moreover, the knowledge of these facts discourages Med. Officers here from collecting additional specimens. I would suggest that some arrangement be made with the Express Co. which will enable Med Officers to transmit these specimens to the S.G.O. whenever expedient.
I arrived here some days ago – and am in charge of Hospital No. 4. It contains some 225 beds and is considered one of the most desirable in the city. The weather is very warm and tells on the subscriber severely.
I saw Goldsmith last night. He is on his way to Murfreesboro to learn something about the nature etc. of Pyaemia & Gangrene. We are totally in the dark as to Rosecran’s movements.
I see that you are having a “high old time,” in the East. Hooker relieved, the rebels playing the divil (sic, devil) in Md + Pa. + threatening Balto. + Washington! I am sorry I had to leave before the fun.
Give my regards to Mast. Dunstin etc. etc.
Yours very truly,
C.C. Byrne
Surg. J. H. Brinton U.S.V.
Washington D.C.
July 1st / 63
Dear Brinton:
No doubt you will be surprised by the receipt of this, but I trust my motive will be my excuse.
I write to inform you that I have ascertained that there have accumulated, in the Hospitals in this Department, a large number of valuable specimens intended for the “Army Med. Museum,” but that Adams Express Co. refuses to forward them to Washington unless the fright be pre-paid.
Consequently, they are still here, and are spoiling and being lost for want of care etc. Moreover, the knowledge of these facts discourages Med. Officers here from collecting additional specimens. I would suggest that some arrangement be made with the Express Co. which will enable Med Officers to transmit these specimens to the S.G.O. whenever expedient.
I arrived here some days ago – and am in charge of Hospital No. 4. It contains some 225 beds and is considered one of the most desirable in the city. The weather is very warm and tells on the subscriber severely.
I saw Goldsmith last night. He is on his way to Murfreesboro to learn something about the nature etc. of Pyaemia & Gangrene. We are totally in the dark as to Rosecran’s movements.
I see that you are having a “high old time,” in the East. Hooker relieved, the rebels playing the divil (sic, devil) in Md + Pa. + threatening Balto. + Washington! I am sorry I had to leave before the fun.
Give my regards to Mast. Dunstin etc. etc.
Yours very truly,
C.C. Byrne
Surg. J. H. Brinton U.S.V.
Washington D.C.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Letter of the Day: June 30
Jackson Barracks, La
June 30th, 1886
Dr. John S. Billings
Surgeon U.S. Army
Dear Doctor
I find it quite difficult to get the amphibians(?) during this severe hot weather, but will be able to procure them for you, if you are not in a hurry for them.
One large fine specimen was brought me, but being carried with a slip-knot about the neck, was dead when I received it. It is over two feet long and I put it into dilute alcohol thinking you might want it.
I expect to be able to send the live specimens before you return from abroad. It is really too hot here now for much exertion.
Sincerely yours,
D.W. Appel
June 30th, 1886
Dr. John S. Billings
Surgeon U.S. Army
Dear Doctor
I find it quite difficult to get the amphibians(?) during this severe hot weather, but will be able to procure them for you, if you are not in a hurry for them.
One large fine specimen was brought me, but being carried with a slip-knot about the neck, was dead when I received it. It is over two feet long and I put it into dilute alcohol thinking you might want it.
I expect to be able to send the live specimens before you return from abroad. It is really too hot here now for much exertion.
Sincerely yours,
D.W. Appel
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Exciting Intern Project at HDAC
My name is Sarah, I am an Intern here at HDAC. I am currently a senior at the University of Maryland studying biological anthropology. Within biological anthropology I am most interested in studying the molecular and genetic applications of Anthropology. I am excited to learn about developmental embryology this summer here at HDAC.
Today Rebecca and I decided on the topic of our Intern project. We wanted to incorporate the neural tube development and pathology with comparative anatomy. To do this we have been looking into the development of the central nervous system (CNS). The two main books we have been looking at are Langman’s Medical Embryology (Eighth Edition) by T.W. Sadler, Ph.D. and Basic Concepts in Embryology: A Student Survival Guide by Lauren J. Sweeney. It was easy to find issues related to CNS development. If the neural tube does not close properly during the first four weeks of gestation entire sections of the brain and/or spinal cord can be exposed. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs when the neuropore does not fuse. Eventually we will also look further into comparative anatomy regarding brain development.
Image from Langman's Medical Embryology by T.W. Sadler. In the Image the gray part is the vertebra that has failed to fuse, the orange is a herniation of the spinal meninges, and the blue is the neural tissue.
John's First Post - June 29
Hi, my name is John Kim and I go to
Embryology is the study of the developmental process. Embryogenesis is known as the first 8 weeks of human development, while the fetal period is known as the period after the 8 weeks up until birth. The study of embryological origins, birth defects, and the developmental process in general is essential for creating health care strategies for better reproductive outcomes, and the understanding of diseases in our postnatal health. This is interesting to me because I did not know that embryology played a role in the understanding of postnatal health but rather thought it only played a role in the understanding of prenatal health.
Letter of the Day: June 29
Surgeon General’s Office, June 29, 1872
Surg. B.J.D. Irwin, U.S. Army
Dear Doctor: Some months since you sent to the Museum some valuable specimens from an interesting case of cystic kidney (Prv. Jas. King, Co “I” 6th Cav.). The non-cystic kidney in this case contained astride the apex of one of the pyramids what is described in the accompanying history of the case as a “metallic ring.”
I thought it would be of interest to you to learn that this ring proved on investigation to be a small renal calculus of unusual shape. On the analysis of a portion, it proved to be comprised chiefly of the fusible triple phosphates with some dark pigment and a little uric acid.
Very respectfully,
Your obdt Srvt,
(Sgd) J.J. Woodward,
Asst Surgeon, USA
Surg. B.J.D. Irwin, U.S. Army
Dear Doctor: Some months since you sent to the Museum some valuable specimens from an interesting case of cystic kidney (Prv. Jas. King, Co “I” 6th Cav.). The non-cystic kidney in this case contained astride the apex of one of the pyramids what is described in the accompanying history of the case as a “metallic ring.”
I thought it would be of interest to you to learn that this ring proved on investigation to be a small renal calculus of unusual shape. On the analysis of a portion, it proved to be comprised chiefly of the fusible triple phosphates with some dark pigment and a little uric acid.
Very respectfully,
Your obdt Srvt,
(Sgd) J.J. Woodward,
Asst Surgeon, USA
Monday, June 28, 2010
Letter of the day, June 28
I want to find one of these things at an antiques store.
G.S. Moler
408 University Avenue
Ithaca, N.Y.
The Moler Sectional Lantern Slide Cabinet
June 28, 1913.
Major F.F. Russell,
721 13th Street N.W.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your order for 1 Sectional Lantern Slide Cabinet No. 1 with 1 Table for the same, also to have the price include cost of delivery to the museum.
Thanking you for the order I will see that the piece of furniture is promptly built and delivered.
Yours very truly,
Geo. S. Moler
G.S. Moler
408 University Avenue
Ithaca, N.Y.
The Moler Sectional Lantern Slide CabinetEach cabinet holds 1200 lanterns slides or lantern slide negatives.
In each cabinet are twenty sliding frames and each sliding frame holds sixty slides.
Major F.F. Russell,
721 13th Street N.W.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your order for 1 Sectional Lantern Slide Cabinet No. 1 with 1 Table for the same, also to have the price include cost of delivery to the museum.
Thanking you for the order I will see that the piece of furniture is promptly built and delivered.
Yours very truly,
Geo. S. Moler
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Letter of the day, June 27
Fort Mackinac Michigan June 27th 1874.
To the
Curator U.S.A. Medical Museum
Washington D.C.
Sir:
I have the honor to send a dozen photographs of scenery of Mackinac Island for the museum to complete the series sent Sep't 18th 1873.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
Carlos Carvallo.
Ass't. Surgeon U.S. Army
[OHA 26]
To the
Curator U.S.A. Medical Museum
Washington D.C.
Sir:
I have the honor to send a dozen photographs of scenery of Mackinac Island for the museum to complete the series sent Sep't 18th 1873.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
Carlos Carvallo.
Ass't. Surgeon U.S. Army
[OHA 26]
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Letter of the Day: June 26 (2 of 2)
This seems to imply that we had mannequins in the Museum in the 19th century, but I’ve seen no other references to them.
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1556
June 26, 1896.
Captain Frank R. Keefer,
Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Washington Barracks,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:
Will you have the kindness to call at the Army Medical Museum when convenient? I would like to see you in regard to dressing the lay figures representing the Hospital Corps.
Very respectfully,
D.L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
In charge of the Museum and Library Division.
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1556
June 26, 1896.
Captain Frank R. Keefer,
Assistant Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Washington Barracks,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:
Will you have the kindness to call at the Army Medical Museum when convenient? I would like to see you in regard to dressing the lay figures representing the Hospital Corps.
Very respectfully,
D.L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
In charge of the Museum and Library Division.
Letter of the day, June 26 (1 of 2)
Board of Health, Detroit,
Office of the President,
Detroit June 26th 1868
My dear Doctor:
Having been recently elected by the Board of Regents to the chair of "Civil Military Surgery" in the Univ. of Mich at Ann Arbor (in which institution the medical class last winter numbered 418 ----- students I am anxious to be able to fully illustrate the lectures in the department of military surgery and feeling somewhat acquainted with you from your friendly semi official correspondence with me I address you back that through your influence I may be furnished with such material as photographs reports duplicate specimens &c &c as may serve to illustrate the department of military surgery in the Univ of Mich. The students are from all the states nearly of the Union and from the provinces of Canada & Nova Scotia & New Brunswick and the knowledge imparted and the publicity given would be very considerable.
I enclose a list of the photographs & books & papers already kindly furnished my by the Surg. Genl Office in order to prevent duplicates being sent.
Very Sincerely yrs
Henry F. Lyster M.D.
105 Congress St. East
to
Bvt Col Geo A. Otis, U.S.A.
Washington D.C.
[OHA 26]
Office of the President,
Detroit June 26th 1868
My dear Doctor:
Having been recently elected by the Board of Regents to the chair of "Civil Military Surgery" in the Univ. of Mich at Ann Arbor (in which institution the medical class last winter numbered 418 ----- students I am anxious to be able to fully illustrate the lectures in the department of military surgery and feeling somewhat acquainted with you from your friendly semi official correspondence with me I address you back that through your influence I may be furnished with such material as photographs reports duplicate specimens &c &c as may serve to illustrate the department of military surgery in the Univ of Mich. The students are from all the states nearly of the Union and from the provinces of Canada & Nova Scotia & New Brunswick and the knowledge imparted and the publicity given would be very considerable.
I enclose a list of the photographs & books & papers already kindly furnished my by the Surg. Genl Office in order to prevent duplicates being sent.
Very Sincerely yrs
Henry F. Lyster M.D.
105 Congress St. East
to
Bvt Col Geo A. Otis, U.S.A.
Washington D.C.
[OHA 26]
Friday, June 25, 2010
Letter of the Day: June 25
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 744
This report was recalled and a later one made. (See Record Card No. 744)
Subject: Auto-Sterilizing Clinical Thermometer Cases.
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets, S.W.,
Washington, D.C., June 25, 1895,
To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army.
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
In compliance with instructions from your office dated June 21, 1895, I beg to report that a test has been made, in accordance with your directions, of the Auto-Sterilizing Clinical Thermometer Cases manufactured by Messrs Alfred A. Smith & Co., of this city.
Two tests were made: in the first, the bulb of one thermometer was dipped into a recent bouillon culture of the diphtheria bacillus, and, having been placed in the thermometer case with the disinfecting material, and allowed to remain for one hour, it was then carefully removed with sterilized forceps and placed in a tube of sterilized bouillon. The bulb of the second instrument was thoroughly smeared with a recent culture of Streptococcus pyogenes on agar, and was treated in the same manner as given above for the other instrument. This experiment was made about 3 o’clock on June 22nd. At the present writing, after a period of sixty-seven hours, no growth has appeared in either tube.
A second experiment was performed as follows: The bulb of one thermometer, carefully cleansed, was thoroughly smeared with a recent culture of the diphtheria bacillus on blood serum, while that of the other instrument was smeared with a recent culture of Streptococcus pyogenes on agar. After thirty minutes exposure in the cases, the instruments were removed with sterilized forceps and placed in tubes of sterilized bouillon. Twenty-four hours later no growth is to be observed in either tube.
While it is believed that this thermometer case admirably answers the purpose for which it was intended, it is desired that a more complete test of the case, using shorter intervals of exposure, may be carried out. When this has been accomplished an additional report will be submitted.
Upon examination it is found that the auto-sterilizing fluid is nothing more than a solution of formaldehyde.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.
This report was recalled and a later one made. (See Record Card No. 744)
Subject: Auto-Sterilizing Clinical Thermometer Cases.
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets, S.W.,
Washington, D.C., June 25, 1895,
To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army.
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
In compliance with instructions from your office dated June 21, 1895, I beg to report that a test has been made, in accordance with your directions, of the Auto-Sterilizing Clinical Thermometer Cases manufactured by Messrs Alfred A. Smith & Co., of this city.
Two tests were made: in the first, the bulb of one thermometer was dipped into a recent bouillon culture of the diphtheria bacillus, and, having been placed in the thermometer case with the disinfecting material, and allowed to remain for one hour, it was then carefully removed with sterilized forceps and placed in a tube of sterilized bouillon. The bulb of the second instrument was thoroughly smeared with a recent culture of Streptococcus pyogenes on agar, and was treated in the same manner as given above for the other instrument. This experiment was made about 3 o’clock on June 22nd. At the present writing, after a period of sixty-seven hours, no growth has appeared in either tube.
A second experiment was performed as follows: The bulb of one thermometer, carefully cleansed, was thoroughly smeared with a recent culture of the diphtheria bacillus on blood serum, while that of the other instrument was smeared with a recent culture of Streptococcus pyogenes on agar. After thirty minutes exposure in the cases, the instruments were removed with sterilized forceps and placed in tubes of sterilized bouillon. Twenty-four hours later no growth is to be observed in either tube.
While it is believed that this thermometer case admirably answers the purpose for which it was intended, it is desired that a more complete test of the case, using shorter intervals of exposure, may be carried out. When this has been accomplished an additional report will be submitted.
Upon examination it is found that the auto-sterilizing fluid is nothing more than a solution of formaldehyde.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.
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