Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 9748
War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington,
July 12, 1906
The Kny-Scheerer Co.,
225-233 Fourth Avenue,
New York City.
Gentlemen,
Referring to your letter of the 6th instant, please furnish to the Army Medical Museum the collection of thirty-seven imitation surgical instruments from the Ruins of Pompei (sic, Pompeii), enumerated in your letters of June 12 and 16 and July 6, 1906, as follows:
Speculum
Scissors
Trocar & canula
Cautery iron
Lancets
Dilator
The crochet or obstetric forceps
Colpeurynter
Spatula
Pair of pincers
2 bladed vaginal specula, with wide handle bars
Craniotomy forceps
Surgical forceps
Tongue depressor
Vaginal depressor
Curette
Pincers
Elevator
Female catheter
Drainage canula
Conical catheter, female
Hook retractor, large
Hook retractor, small
Pair of pincers, with button end
Pair of pincers, flat end
Abolition hook
Spoon curette & spatula
Specula & probe
Round spoon on metal handle
Probe & spoon
Probe pointed sound
Spatula & probe
Spatula & sound
Spatula & sound, smaller size
Spatula, small
Probe & curette
You state in your letter of June 16th, “It is possible that we may be able to offer these duty free to the Museum, in which case a reduction of fully 18% can be made upon the prices stated”; it is assumed therefore, that the price quoted in your letter of July 6, 1906 ($220.00) includes the import duty, and as articles for Government use are admitted duty free, you will please render bill accordingly.
Kindly notify this office of the arrival of the instruments so that an application can be made for their free admission at the Custom House, New York, N.Y.
Very respectfully,
V. Havard
Col., Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge, Museum & Library Div.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 11 - veterinary museum?
Surgeon General’s Office
Washington City, July 11th 1868
Dear Doctor
Genl. Meigs informs the Surgeon General that “veterinary Surgeon Braley has been directed to turn over to the Surgeon General’s Office the veterinary museum some time since collected and arranged by him for this office and now in his possession, for enlargement and re-arrangement.”
The Surgeon General desires that you will designate a suitable place for the reception + exhibition of these specimens.
I am going to the Arsenal this evening and see what I can do with Genl Ramsay about obtaining the “fourteen skeletons” or “remains”.
Yours truly,
C.H. Crane
Dr. Geo. A. Otis
U.S. Army
Washington City, July 11th 1868
Dear Doctor
Genl. Meigs informs the Surgeon General that “veterinary Surgeon Braley has been directed to turn over to the Surgeon General’s Office the veterinary museum some time since collected and arranged by him for this office and now in his possession, for enlargement and re-arrangement.”
The Surgeon General desires that you will designate a suitable place for the reception + exhibition of these specimens.
I am going to the Arsenal this evening and see what I can do with Genl Ramsay about obtaining the “fourteen skeletons” or “remains”.
Yours truly,
C.H. Crane
Dr. Geo. A. Otis
U.S. Army
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 10
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 788
July 10, 1895
Dr. John E. Ruebsam
635 F St, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am instructed by the Surgeon General to acknowledge the receipt this day of,
1. Leg extension and rest apparatus,
2. Puncture Counter Irritant,
devised by you, and contributed to the Army Medical Museum, and to thank you for this interesting addition to the Museum collection.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon U.S. Army,
Curator.
July 10, 1895
Dr. John E. Ruebsam
635 F St, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am instructed by the Surgeon General to acknowledge the receipt this day of,
1. Leg extension and rest apparatus,
2. Puncture Counter Irritant,
devised by you, and contributed to the Army Medical Museum, and to thank you for this interesting addition to the Museum collection.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon U.S. Army,
Curator.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Surgery cartoon from 1969
This is from the Chicago Today Magazine Dec 7, 1969, in a column called Pause – For a Laugh. I can’t read the cartoonist’s signature though. The paper was padding out a collection of medical models that was donated to us.
Letter of the Day: July 9
Medical Director’s Office,
Louisville, Ky., July 9 1863
General,
I have the honor to enclose four photographs for the “Cripple’s Gallery”, Army Med. Museum,
+ to remain,
Very Res’lly
Yr Obdt Svt.
J. F. Head,
Surg’n. U.S.A.
Brigr. Gen. W. A. Hammond,
Surg. General
U.S.A.
Washington D.C.
Louisville, Ky., July 9 1863
General,
I have the honor to enclose four photographs for the “Cripple’s Gallery”, Army Med. Museum,
+ to remain,
Very Res’lly
Yr Obdt Svt.
J. F. Head,
Surg’n. U.S.A.
Brigr. Gen. W. A. Hammond,
Surg. General
U.S.A.
Washington D.C.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Letter of the Day: July 8
No. 1209 ? Hessan St.
Wilmington Del,
July 8th, ‘74
Dr. Otis
Surg. U.S.A.
My dear Sir,
I owe you an apology for not sooner answering your letter relating to a portrait of my Grand Uncle, Dr. James Tilton formerly Surg. Gen. U.S.A. and of Delaware, of which Dr. H. Tilton, Surg. U.S.A. wrote you as being at my house here.
The fact is I was in Washington when your letter was sent here, and upon its being forwarded to me there, I set out to find you, and met with my old friend Surgeon Gen’l Barnes, with home I arranged to have the portrait sent to him at Washington.
To-day the picture goes to Gen Barnes, by Adams Express, it is an old painting, + is badly cracked by age + exposure to hot rooms, but is an admirable likeness, painted by Rembrandt Peale, at Phil. early in this century. I beg you to communicate to my relative Dr. Henry Tilton of the Army, that his wishes or suggestions with regard to this picture of our relative, have been gladly complied with by the grand=nephie of the old Surg. Genl (after whom I was named) + the cousin of the present Doctor, himself.
Most Truly
Your ? + Obt Srvt
James Tilton, C.E.
The painting is now in the National Library of Medicine -
Wilmington Del,
July 8th, ‘74
Dr. Otis
Surg. U.S.A.
My dear Sir,
I owe you an apology for not sooner answering your letter relating to a portrait of my Grand Uncle, Dr. James Tilton formerly Surg. Gen. U.S.A. and of Delaware, of which Dr. H. Tilton, Surg. U.S.A. wrote you as being at my house here.
The fact is I was in Washington when your letter was sent here, and upon its being forwarded to me there, I set out to find you, and met with my old friend Surgeon Gen’l Barnes, with home I arranged to have the portrait sent to him at Washington.
To-day the picture goes to Gen Barnes, by Adams Express, it is an old painting, + is badly cracked by age + exposure to hot rooms, but is an admirable likeness, painted by Rembrandt Peale, at Phil. early in this century. I beg you to communicate to my relative Dr. Henry Tilton of the Army, that his wishes or suggestions with regard to this picture of our relative, have been gladly complied with by the grand=nephie of the old Surg. Genl (after whom I was named) + the cousin of the present Doctor, himself.
Most Truly
Your ? + Obt Srvt
James Tilton, C.E.
The painting is now in the National Library of Medicine -
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Little bit of art history leads sideways to embryology
HDAC has a lot of work of Mall’s, who’s mentioned in this article, and was a pioneering embryologist.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/nyregion/06portraits.html
July 5, 2010
A Portraitist, and His Images of the Famous, Come to Light
By DAVID GONZALEZ
Working with only a catalog from a 1914 show in Rochester, Mr. Seyffert hunted down a portrait of Dr. Franklin Mall, a renowned professor of anatomy at Johns Hopkins University. The painting, which was in storage at the university, had vexed archivists.
“We were very interested to have the identity of the artist,” said Nancy McCall, director of the archives for the Hopkins Medical Institutions. “It is an extraordinarily well-done portrait. The head and hands are exquisite.”
Lunchtime Art Workshops at the Medical Museum - 7/21, 7/28. 8/4 - Limited Seating !
| MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! | |
| Lunchtime Art Workshops at the Medical Museum, July 21, July 28, and Aug. 4, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Free! Enjoy a short discussion about artworks featured in “Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements” and then spend time creating your own work of art. Explore different media each week in the workshops featured below. Wednesday, July 21: Sketch wounds as seen in wax models from the Museum’s Historical Collections. Wednesday, July 28: Draw medical technology, including historic prosthetic devices. Wednesday, August 4: Sketch sculptures that depict the human form. These workshops are free, but reservations are required. Ages 15 & up. To reserve a spot or for more information, call 202-782-2673. Art supplies will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their favorite materials. | |
| Where: NMHM (Building 54) Questions: (202) 782-2673 or http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum | |
Letter of the Day: July 7 (1 of 2) - Dredging the Potomac
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1589
July 7, 1896
Major Charles J. Allen,
Engineer Corps, U.S. Army,
In charge of Improvement of Potomac river, etc.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In connection with an investigation which I am now making by direction of the Surgeon General, concerning the prevalence of malarial diseases at Washington Barracks, and at Fort Myer, Va, I have the honor to request that I may be informed as to the date when the work of dredging the Potomac River and filling in the flats was begun, and, if possible, the amount of work accomplished each year., vis.: the number of cubic yards raised and deposited monthly, etc.
It is believe that information upon these points may throw considerable light on the investigation in which I am an engaged.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator
Letter of the Day: July 7 (2 of 2)
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1590
July 7, 1896
Colonel F.C. Ainsworth,
Chief Record and Pension Office,
War Department,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In connection with an investigation which I am now making by direction of the Surgeon General concerning the prevalence of malarial diseases at Washington Barracks and at Fort Meyer, Va., I have the honor to request that I may be given access to the medical records of these posts for the period including the years 1870 to 1895.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator
July 8, 1896, permission granted by telephone message
July 7, 1896
Colonel F.C. Ainsworth,
Chief Record and Pension Office,
War Department,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In connection with an investigation which I am now making by direction of the Surgeon General concerning the prevalence of malarial diseases at Washington Barracks and at Fort Meyer, Va., I have the honor to request that I may be given access to the medical records of these posts for the period including the years 1870 to 1895.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator
July 8, 1896, permission granted by telephone message
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Visiting the Museum in the early years
Here's a bit I wrote some years ago, that may be of interest...
Opened to the public on April 16, 1867, the Museum drew around 6000 visitors by the end of the year. (Lamb, p. 43-4) By 1874, over 2600 people visited some months. (Parker to Otis, April 30, 1874) The standard hours for the Museum to be open, at least on Saturday, were 10 am to 2 pm. During the first years, the staff of the Museum worked from 9 am until 3 pm, Monday through Saturday; in January 1867 an hour was added to the end of the day. (Otis to Crane, January 17, 1874; Lamb p. 43) Even before opening to the general public, the Museum was known enough for Dr. S. Weir Mitchell's fictional story, "The Case of George Dedlow," to appear in the Atlantic Monthly in July 1866. Mitchell's Dedlow, who had lost both his legs during the war, was contacted by spirits during a seance. The spirits proved to be his amputated limbs, preserved in the Medical Museum. "A strange sense of wonder filled me, and, to the amazement of every one, I arose, and, staggering a little, walked across the room on limbs invisible to them or me. It was no wonder I staggered, for, as I briefly reflected, my legs had been nine months in the strongest alcohol." (Mitchell) Undoubtedly, readers of the story would have wished to visit the Museum to look for Dedlow's (fictional) limbs.
Opened to the public on April 16, 1867, the Museum drew around 6000 visitors by the end of the year. (Lamb, p. 43-4) By 1874, over 2600 people visited some months. (Parker to Otis, April 30, 1874) The standard hours for the Museum to be open, at least on Saturday, were 10 am to 2 pm. During the first years, the staff of the Museum worked from 9 am until 3 pm, Monday through Saturday; in January 1867 an hour was added to the end of the day. (Otis to Crane, January 17, 1874; Lamb p. 43) Even before opening to the general public, the Museum was known enough for Dr. S. Weir Mitchell's fictional story, "The Case of George Dedlow," to appear in the Atlantic Monthly in July 1866. Mitchell's Dedlow, who had lost both his legs during the war, was contacted by spirits during a seance. The spirits proved to be his amputated limbs, preserved in the Medical Museum. "A strange sense of wonder filled me, and, to the amazement of every one, I arose, and, staggering a little, walked across the room on limbs invisible to them or me. It was no wonder I staggered, for, as I briefly reflected, my legs had been nine months in the strongest alcohol." (Mitchell) Undoubtedly, readers of the story would have wished to visit the Museum to look for Dedlow's (fictional) limbs.
Exciting Intern Project - Part II
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.
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.
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.
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