Last day for the Museum's scanning contract

Today is the last day for the scanning contract that we were able to be on as part of the AFIP. As the dissolution of AFIP accelerates, the contract has also shrunken, and the possible last year of it is being used to scan as many accession record microfilms as possible. We didn’t quite finish all the parts of our projects, but we did a lot of work.

 

The work was done by a company that moved along from being Information Management Corporation, to National Interest Security Company, to currently being a division of IBM. Scores of people worked on this project, at AFIP and the Museum, in scanning labs in West Virginia, and in our warehouses in Maryland. I won’t try to list them because over almost a decade, I know I’d leave some important ones out. The project was complex and all of the images had to be catalogued before being scanned, because you need a computer record of the original to hook the scan up to. You can see some of the products on this blog, and thousands of them on the Flickr site. The Walter Reed history book used images catalogued and scanned for this, and the upcoming AFIP history will too.

 

This contract really did a lot for us over the years. Over 1.25 million scans of museum documents are now available electronically. It’s going to be a great resource.

 

Letter of the Day: September 24

Post Hospital,

Morris Island S.C.

Sept. 24, 1863

 

Dear Doctor:

 

I arrived here safely a week after I left W-.  Have a nice time of it here, between bomb shells + sea shells – the latter having the greater attraction.

 

I have the honor performing the duties of Medical Inspector of the Camp on the Island + have nothing more to do, except prescribe for the sick in Genl. Gilmore’s Band; so you see I have very little hard labor to perform. I am present, however, to assist Dr. Gross in his amputations.

 

Now about specimens – what am I to do for you? I can furnish any number of recent ones, both flesh and bone wounds, but will they be of any value to you? This is a God-forsaken place to get anything to put up preparations, and unless they are attended to at once, they become so offensive that we have to dispose of them. The wounds are all produced by Shell that we have to care for now + are therefore terrible. We had six cases last night from Ft. Gregg wounded by Moultrie guns. Three of them died. We average almost five cases of shell wounds daily from our men at work on the Forts + entrenchments.

 

We can give you no pathological specimens, for we ship all the cases that are likely to recover either to Beaufort or to Hilton Head Hospitals. I have a very fine specimen of a shell wound of the Cranium, which I have ready for you with the full history thereof.

 

Please let me know your desires and I shall do all for you I can. I have plenty of time and will be glad to do anything to further the object you have undertaken to accomplish. I am suffering from the cold this morning – it is quite chilly.

 

My pious regards to Dr. Dunston – say to him I have the Crab – a Side Wheeled” one – Tom Turtle I have not caught yet.

 

I will be glad to hear from you soon.

 

Truly yours [illegible]

H.K. Neff

 

To

Surgeon J. H. Brinton

Washington

 

Direct to Post Hospital Morris Island S.C.

 

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