Letter of the Day: September 23

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 199

 

324 Montgomery St.

Syracuse, N.Y.

Sept. 23. 1894

 

John S. Billings M.D.

Surgeon, U.S.A.

 

Dear Doctor:

 

Incidentally I learned while in London recently that the famous historical collections of microscopes collected by Mr. Crisp at a cost of about L20000, had been offered for sale for L10000. I at once through of the Army Medical Museum. For a short time this collection can be had whole. Presently, I understand, if not sold as a whole, it will be broken up for sale in parts to suit small purchasers. I have been informed, perhaps somewhat privately, that Mr. Crisp intended to present this collection to the Royal Microscopical Society, had the Government given that society permanent rooms in Burlington House. The society would have had no rent to pay and the collection would have belonged essentially to the Government. I am told Mr. Crisp has been so disappointed in the Government, in its want of hospitality – not giving the society rooms – that he probably would take delight in writing a stinging letter to the Authorities pointing to the collection in the hands of a foreign government as the result of Burlington House not being offered as a home to the R.M. Society.

 

Further information can be had from Mr. C. Lees Curties with Chas. Baker, optician, 244 High Holborn, London, S.W. England.

 

Sincerely Yours,

A. Clifford Mercer, Dr.

 

P.S. The writer was much interested in the photomicroscopic work of Dr. Woodward had has been a worker in the same line for 18 years, has visited the Army Museum, has met you personally (in Washington, 1885, at meeting of Am. Public Health Association)

A.C.M.

Boosts Personality

the ad says

"do your child a favor and start them on a strict regimen of sodas and other sugary carbonated beverages right now for a lifetime of guaranteed happiness"

More Weirdness

We probably, have one of these too. At least I thought I saw one at the storage facility.
It was expected "to cure illnesses of the head" though, it probably gave more than it cured.

Weirdness from the Turn of the Century

We have some earlier examples of this in our Historical Collection, I'll post some photos from the collection.

not only did it remove all dandruff, it took your hair and scalp too. If  I had one

of these I would wear it everyday. Until of course I got tased or arrested for being 

a crackpot.

Letter of the Day: September 22

Fort Hamilton N.Y.H.

Sept. 22. 1882

 

The Surgeon General U.S. Army,

Washington D.C.

 

Sir:

 

I have the honor to inform you that I have this day sent, by mail, to the Army Medical Museum, one half doz microscopic specimens, prepared by myself. I desire that they be examined and that I may be notified whether they are properly mounted. If they are found worthy of a place in the microscopic section of the Museum I would be glad to have them placed there.

 

I am Sir,

Very respectfully

Your obedient Servt.

H.G. Burton

Asst. Surgon

U.S. Army.

Two articles that raise interesting medical questions

Is it time to bring back 'old age' as a cause of death?

By David Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 17, 2010; 2:59 PM

 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091703823.html

 

 

Sickle cell testing of athletes stirs discrimination fears

By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 20, 2010; 12:19 AM

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/19/AR2010091904417.html

Musings on military medical photography and the War Surgery in Iraq & Afghanistan book

Picturing War’s Wounded and Dead

By C.J. CHIVERS

New York Times At War blog September 21, 2010

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/picturing-wars-wounded-and-dead/

 

and

 

 

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK, No. 4

By CJ Chivers

The Gun blog (September 21 2010)

http://cjchivers.com/post/1161480852/reporters-notebook-no-4

 

Museum Program Today! "Paws for Purple Hearts" -- service dogs assisting wounded warriors, 12p-1p

TODAY! “PAWS FOR PURPLE HEARTS” -- MEET AND GREET!

When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (and, again, Thu., 9/23, 12pm-1pm)   What: Paws for Purple Hearts, a program of Bergin University of Canine Studies, in collaboration with the Warrior Transition Brigade at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, has developed an innovative initiative that combines both therapeutic and vocational elements to address Wounded Warriors with PTSD symptoms. Drop by the Museum to see a demonstration of Wounded Warriors training service dogs for their comrades with physical disabilities.   Where: In the Museum, in conjunction with the continuing exhibition “Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements”   Questions? Call (202) 782-2673.

 

 

Letter of the Day: September 21

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 6995

 

THE KNY-SCHEERER CO.,

225-233 FOURTH AVENUE,

Department of Natural Science,

G. LAGAI, Ph.D.

Telephone Call, 6314 18^th

 

New York, Sept. 21, 1903.

 

Col. C.L. Heizmann,

Col. Asst. Surgeon General,

U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,

7^th and B Sts. SW.,

Washington, D.C.

 

Dear Sir:-

 

Complying with your request of Sept. 18^th, and referring to our letter of Sept. 19^th, we take pleasure in handing you enclosed a list of the 48 models of the diseases of the human teeth, also a special list of 15 models of abnormities and diseased conditions of the human skin.

 

The models are greatly enlarged, but we are sorry to say that we cannot give you the exact size, as we do not carry the same in New York stock.

 

We shall be pleased to be favored with your order, and remain,

 

Very respectfully yours,

 

THE KNY-SCHEERER CO.,

Dept. of Nat. Science.

 

Dict. Dr. L.

 

 

 

Letter of the Day: September 20 (2 of 2)

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 925

 

September 20, 1895

 

Dr. Williams Donnally

#1022 Fourteenth St., N.W.,

Washington, D.C.

 

Dear Sir:

 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of September 16^th, inviting attention to the action of the American Dental Association in relation to the Army Medical Museum, as reported in the “Dental Cosmos,” and in reply will say that we shall be most happy to cooperate with your Committee with a view to the formation of a collection thoroughly illustrative of all matters pertaining to the subject of dentistry.

 

Our Museum already contains quite an extensive list of casts of maxillae illustrating physiological and pathological dentition, presented b Dr. Samuel Sexton, of New York City; also a number of miscellaneous specimens, casts, etc., from various sources, as  well as quite a complete anatomical exhibit of the normal development of the teeth.

 

With regard to the contributions considered desirable., I would suggest casts, photographs and specimens of anomalous dentition, diseases of the maxillae and oral cavity; photographs or casts of surgical operations, showing, if possible the condition of the parts before and after operation; photographs of prosthetic apparatus, and all miscellaneous exhibits which may lend an interest to the subject of dentistry. All specimens, casts, etc., should be accurately labeled, and a concise description or history given when possible.

 

In any matter of detail on this subject we shall be ready at any time to give you advice or suggestion.

 

Very respectfully,

D.L. Huntington

Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,

In charge of Army Medical Museum and Library.

 

Letter of the Day: September 20 (1 of 2)

War Department,

Surgeon General’s Office,

Washington, Sept 20, 1883.

 

Surg. D.L. Huntington USA

 

Dear Sir:

 

Have you decided anything in regard to Mrs Mullan’s offer to sell picture of Siamese Twins.

 

Some 15 or 16 years ago, shortly after the war, when they were here on exhibition, Otis tried to get them to come to the Museum, for the purpose of having a photograph taken; they were willing to come but either their agent or Mr Barnum objected and the project fell through.

 

Very truly yours

C.J. Myers

 

--

 

I don’t know anything of the merits of the picture, perhaps it wd be well to have it sent to the museum for inspection, unless the price is too great but I don’t want to hold out any inducements to the vendor. Yrs +c DLH

Letter of the Day: September 19

464 Louisiana Avenue
Health Department, District of Columbia
Washington, September 19th, 1895.

Dr. J.S. Billings,
Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
Army Medical Museum, City.

Dear Sir:-

I am desirous of conducting upon as scientific a basis as possible the present investigation into the causes of the recent increase in typhoid fever in this District. To do this it will, of course, be necessary in some cases to have bacteriological analyses made of water and possibly of milk. This department is, as you are doubtless aware, without the means to make such examinations. Would it be possible to have some of them made at the Army Medical Museum without interfering with the current work? Due credit for such work would of course be given in any report that may be issued.

Very respectfully,
Wm. C. Woodward M.D.
Health Officer.

A book recommendation

As an archivist, I don't read as much history as a medical historian has to, especially when taken with my other career (Google me if you really care), but I must note that I really enjoyed this book:

The Anatomist: A True Story of Gray's Anatomy
Hayes, Bill
New York: Ballantine, 2008

It's Hayes' attempt to track down Henry Gray, the creator of the famed textbook, and his parallel tale of his own studies in anatomy, done in an attempt to understand why and how one would create such a book. The idea of medical museums and the preservation of specimens in glanced at within as well. I got my copy from Daedalus Books.

Letter of the Day: September 18

Department of the Interior,
Washington, September 18, 1886.

Dr. John S. Billings,
Surgeon General’s Office.

Sir:-

In conversation with the Public Printer this morning, I learned that he does not purpose [sic, propose] reopening the question of the rejection of the Bell photo-lithographs which were intended to accompany Part 2 of the Census report on Mortality and Vital Statistics. I therefore desire to have an expression of your views as to whether it would be better to issue Volume 12 at once, without illustrations, or to ask the Public Printer to call for proposals in accordance with your original recommendation. In the latter case, the illustrations, 21 in number, might accompany the diagrams belonging to the report, and in either event, the report may be put upon the press at once and made ready for immediate distribution.

I shall be glad if you will address any recommendation you see fit to make, to the Secretary of the Interior.

Very respectfully,

J.H. Wardle
Chief of Census Division

Answered Sept 18th/ 86

Letter of the Day: September 17 (2 of 2)

AEM/caw

 

17 September 1959

 

Colonel Robert S Henry

2210 Russell Road

Alexandria, Virginia

 

Dear Colonel Henry:

 

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology was born because of the Civil War, was a part of it, and is now a living symbol of the benefits that do occur in spite of the violence and misfortunes of war. The Institute will celebrate its hundredth anniversary during and concurrently with the Civil War Centennial.

 

Among our plans for the hundredth anniversary of the Institute is a history of its activities since its beginning in 1862. We have two vacancies which we would like to fill with the very best qualified persons available. Once vacancy is for a person qualified to do the actual writing. This person would be in the grade of a GS-14 and would be on par with a Doctor of Philosophy in History. The other vacancy is in the grade of GS-7 and is authorized for a person qualified as a research historian for screening the material on hand and furnishing it as needed to the writer.

 

Both of these jobs are permanent Civil Service positions but this would not prevent a person taking either of them for the duration of the job only.

 

The historian would be given full credit for authoring the publication. No advancement in grade is promised. The research historian would have every possibility of building that job into one of much higher grade as he or she becomes more familiar with the work.

 

Either job would offer the holder great possibilities for freelance writing and it is felt that sufficient and varied material is available to suggest the writing of more than one historical novel if a person were so inclined.

 

If you are at all interested or if you know of anyone, you would be doing me a very great favor if you would write me as soon as possible with full particulars.

 

Albert E Minns Jr

Colonel, MSC

Curator, Medical Museum

 

Letter of the Day: September 17 (1 of 2)

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 922

 

September 17 1895

 

To the Health Officer,

Washington, D.C.

 

Sir:

 

I have the honor to inform you that the inoculation of two rabbits from the spinal cord of a suspected rabid dog – received on the 23d ultimo – has resulted negatively. At this date both animals are entirely free from any symptoms of rabies.

 

Very respectfully,

James Carroll

In the absence of Dr. Walter Reed

Letter of the Day: September 16

FMT/AEM/caw

 

16 September 1959

 

MM

 

Miss Mabel E. Winslow

Editor

Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine

1776 D Street, N.W.

Washington 6, D.C.

 

Dear Miss Winslow:

 

During the Civil War, General William A. Hammond, Surgeon General of the Army, because of his great concern over what he believed was an excessive loss of life and limb from the type of wound encountered, directed all of his medical officers to forward the amputated bones to a central collecting agency for study. This central collecting point was to be known as the Army Medical Museum. Here was one of the first organized research programs of the military services and from this humble beginning, continuing to this day, has grown the now world renowned Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

 

The Institute will celebrate its hundredth anniversary during and concurrently with the Civil War Centennial. During its lifetime, in addition to the pathological and anatomical collections, many instruments and other items of great historical significance have come into the possession of  the Institute. Every effort is made that these be preserved and used to encourage youth to follow the footsteps of those great medical men who once used them.

 

While the Institute itself is located on the grounds of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Medical Museum, one of its four major departments, is located in the downtown area of Washington where it can better carry out its mission of service and interest to the public. It is here that the military services portray the developments in the field of medicine and the resultant benefits to all mankind. More than 300,000 visitors will pass through the Museum this year.

 

The Museum is now planning its exhibits for the hundredth anniversary of the Institute. Consequently, we are seeking items which will enable us to have the finest, most complete exhibits possible.

 

Enclosed is an article which would help us considerably in locating desired material. We would be most grateful if you were able to make space for its insertion in your Magazine.

 

Whatever you are able to do for us in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Frank M. Townsend

Colonel, USAF, MC

The Director

 

1 Encl

Article

 

Coordination:

 

Roger H Fuller

Captain, MC, USN

Deputy Director

 

Albert E Minns Jr

Colonel, MSC

Curator, Medical Museum

--

 

AFIP SEEKS OLD INSTRUMENTS

 

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology is seeking military medical material to expand the many famous collections of historical items in its Medical Museum.

 

The Medical Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of such material. It is one of the four major departments of the Institute, a national Institution jointly sponsored by the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. More than 300,000 visitors will pass through its halls this year.

 

The Museum has one of the finest collections of microscopes in the world. These instruments are displayed so as to show the evolution of the microscope from its origins through the most recent developments in electron microscopy. Few microscopes have been added to this collection in recent years, and efforts are now being made to fill the gaps, particularly the years from 1920 to the present.

 

The Institute will celebrate its hundredth anniversary during and concurrently with the Civil War Centennial. Museum personnel are now planning the exhibits for this occasion. Through the long history of the Institute a great number of historical instruments have been assembled, but among this material is very little of Confederate Army origin. Such items particularly are being sought.

 

Although budgetary limitations preclude the purchase of such items it is believed that there are a great number of instruments or other items which the owners might wish to place in the Museum where they will be carefully preserved for future generations. Any such donation would be greatly appreciated and due credit given.

 

It is requested that persons having items they might wish to contribute write The Director, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington 25, D.C., relative to their acceptability and shipping instructions.

 

 

Letter of the Day: September 15

Medical Purveyor’s Office, Military Division of the Pacific,

San Francisco, Cal., Sept 15, 1869

 

Sir,

 

I have the honor to state that I have shipped for steamer via Isthmus 6 Cases off specimens for the Army Med’l Museum care of Genl. R.S. Satterlee Chief Med. Purveyor new York, mkd 2 to 6, Five (5) cases from Bvt. Col. J. T. Ghiselin U.S.A. Portland Oregon, + Case No. 1, a box of skulls of the aborigines of the Island of Hawaii obtained for me by Dr. Hutchinson Minister of the Interior for the Hawaiian Govt. I enclose herewith his letter relating to these specimens of skulls.

 

Very respy

Your Obt Servt

R. Murray

Med Purveyor

U.S.A.

Museum docent Sol Barr remembers Sol Pargament

I first met Sol Pargament in the 1960's when I was new in practice.

He was selling medical supplies. For a short period his wife substituted as a secretary in my office when my regular help were away.

He had a small medical supply firm and I occasionally bought from him.

One day he showed up at my office then on Randolph Road in Rockville. I had had a shower built into the lavatory so that I could jog in from my home in Bethesda, shower and change before seeing patients. He suggested that I use this shower as a storage area for charts.

In the 1990's my wife and I visited the medical museum. He had a very distinctive gravely voice and while we were stepping into the exhibit area I knew it had to be him giving a tour even before I saw him.

Because of him and Dr. Ed Beeman I heard about being a docent at this museum. So when I retired I volunteered to be a docent here.

About two years ago I saw him at one of the docent meetings. He told me that his wife had died. He was very proud of his family. Two of his grandchildren had become doctors. This was a little surprising to me because I thought we were about the same age and my grandchildren were still in elementary, middle, and high school. He talked about coming back as a docent.

He never did return and in retrospect it may have been because of illness.

He is another person I knew from earlier days who is now gone and more and more I feel like a survivor.

Dr. Barr