An unofficial blog about the National Museum of Health and Medicine (nee the Army Medical Museum) in Silver Spring, MD. Visit for news about the museum, new projects, musing on the history of medicine and neat pictures.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Letter of the Day: February 3
Subject: Peruvian Skulls.
War Department
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner of 7th and B Streets S.W.,
Washington, D.C. February 3, 1896
To the
Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.
General:
I have the honor to request authority to have prepared for this Museum nineteen facsimiles of ancient Peruvian skulls showing trephining, at a cost of $5.00 each, total of $95.00, to be paid for from the Museum appropriation.
Very respectfully,
D.L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
In charge of Museum and Library Division
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Process Exhibit Design, Steps 1-4
from that comes a 2 d drawing. then the first rendering is after setting the scene.
here is the first scene rendering of the Museum Lobby, NMHM, Washington DC 2011.
Rendered using cinema 4-d 11.5
at this time Im also working on the design concept, but it helps to have accurate to scale renderings
Next adding props
more staging,
Cheers!, Navjeet Singh, Exhibits Designer
Australian Newcastle Medical Museum featured in newspaper
Spine-tingling artefacts
February 2, 2011
http://www.smh.com.au/money/investing/spinetingling-artefacts-20110201-1abkk.html
Greco-Roman medicine featured in newspaper
Ship wreck reveals ancient secrets of medicine
By Adrian Higgins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 1, 2011; E06 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/01/AR2011020100169.html
Letter of the Day: February 2 (Jackson collection)
Feb. 2nd 1862
Capt Wilson, Q.M.
Sir:
I examined the Bread supplied the hospital of the 11th P.V. and find it sour and imperfectly baked – unfit for well soldiers, much more so for sick ones.
I have the honor etc etc
RMS Jackson
Surgeon.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Return of Donna White
Letter of the Day: February 1
Lawrenceville, Tioga Co., Pa., Feb 1st, 1884
To the Surgeon General of the US Army
Dear Sir.
Yesterday I amputated an Arm for Mathias L. Holbert, late a private in the 124th N. York Vol.- He received a gun shot would of the right Elbow Joint, in the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3 1863. He was taken to Carver US. Genl Hospital in Washington, the under Charge of Surg. O.A. Judson US. Vol. The Elbow Joint was Re-Sected + the soldier carried the limb in a sling for 3 years before it entirely healed up. He has never seen the time since he was wounded that the limb did not give him Trouble. Several times his life has been endangered from the high degree of inflammatory action excited. For the past two months he has suffered greatly with it, + two weeks ago I opened into the artificial joint + evacuated more than a pint of filthy pus, blood + serum. It became imperative to remove the arm in the interest of life, as well as comfort.
The history of his case is among the records probably on file in your office- And I thought you would direct that the bones of the arm showing the result of the process of repair after resection, be sent to the Army Medical Museum for preservation.
If you disired [sic] me to prepared [?] the Specimen and forward to your office at government expense, please notify me at once and I will do so-
Yours Very Respectfully
L. Darling, Jr., M.D.
P.S.
Mr. Holbert is a poor man and he disires [sic] me to enquire of you if the government he served faithfully, and for which he has suffered so long, would not pay the expense of his sickness and surgical bills. It seems to me it would be only Justice to him, as he was only one of many victims of Conservative [?] Surgery, that is its results has proven so unsatisfactory.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Medical Heritage Library, an online resource
The Medical Heritage Library (MHL) is a digital curation collaborative among some of the world's leading medical libraries. The MHL promotes free and open access to quality historical resources in medicine. Our goal is to provide the means by which readers and scholars across a multitude of disciplines can examine the interrelated nature of medicine and society, both to inform contemporary medicine and strengthen understanding of the world in which we live.
The Museum's got ~175 items at the Internet Archive (search for otishistoricalarchives) and when we figure out how to link them, we'll add them to this digital resource. Some of ours are unique, like the Pleasants Photograph Album, which is full of pictures of wounded soldiers who made the album as a 'thank you' for being tutored in reading.
Thai medical museum article
Killing time in Bangkok
- Michelle Rowe
- From: The Australian
- January 29, 2011
- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/killing-time-in-bangkok/story-e6frg8rf-1225994742311
Letter of the Day: January 31
January 31st, 1868
Doctor:
Your letter of January 14th concerning Specimens for the Army Medical Museum, is recieved [sic]; in reply I would respectfully state, that I have a Bow and Arrow of the Sioux and one of the Chippewas which I will shortly forward to the Museum. These I consider typical weapons of the respective tribes. I would also have procured Knives and Tomahawks but those which I have seen here have been of such various materials and patterns, that they would be almost valueless as specimen weapons.
I have made arrangements to procure for the Anatomical section of the museum, the skeletons of such of the smaller feral animals as can be obtained in this section of country, and hope when the trappers return from their winter's hunt, to be able to report my success, and forward the specimens procured.
Specimens of Indian Crania can not be obtained here. During the past two years but one death has occurred in the vicinity among the aboriginal inhabitants which has come to my knowledge- That of a Chippewa "half-breed" who was killed by the Sioux Indians on Elm River about 50 miles from here- his body was removed to Pembina and buried in the Catholic Cemetery there. Crania of "half breeds" Sioux and Chippewa I should imagine would present some interesting features for study and I will use every legitimate endeavor to procure specimens of these, for the museum.
In conclusion Doctor I assure you, of my interest in the museum; and of my hearty cooperation in carrying out its purposes, to any extent in my power.
Very Respectfully
You Obedient Servant
W.H. Gardner
Asst. Surgeon and Bvt. Major USA
[To]
Bvt Sr Col George A Otis
Asst Surgeon U.S. Army
Through
Medical Director
Department of Dakota
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Letter of the Day: January 30
To the Chief of the Medical Department, U.S.A.
Washington
D.C.
Dear Sir,
Believing that you take a deep interest in the advancement of Science in the Medical Branch, I take the liberty to address a few lines to you, with the expectation that through your kindness you will give me all the assistance to succeed in carrying out my object. I am requested by one of the most eminent Professors of Anatomy of Europe. Professor Dr. Hyrdel of Vienna, an old acquaintance of mine and whose name may be familiar to you, to procure for him a complete skull of an Indian with the name of the tribe attached to it. Said Professor has a Collection of some five thousand skulls, but none of an Indian. Either a prepared one or unprepared would be acceptable , and I am willing to pay the expense. If you should have a chance to get a prepared skull and should not cause you to much trouble, you may send one directly to Dr. Hyrdel at Vienna (Austria) and if not an unprepared one I suppose might be got from the Plains through your solicitations and in that case have it addressed to me and send to Chicago. Hoping that you will excuse me for causing you so much trouble, and awaiting your kind answer to this, I remain
most respectfully yours
J. Ulrich, M.D.
No 467 North Wells Sre.[?]
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Florida medical museum newspaper article
Lee County's first certified general surgeon now curates medical museum
- By STEPHANIE BORDEN
- Naples Daily News
- Posted January 28, 2011
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/jan/28/David-Bernstein-Roger-Scott-medical-museum-Edison/
Letter of the Day: January 29 (Jackson collection)
Knoxville Jany 29 /64
Respectfully returned with the statement that I have no direct knowledge respecting the affair alluded to in the accompanying communication.
I have seen an order from Maj Genl Foster authorizing Dr Jackson the Medical Director to take possession of any house outside the city limits he pleased for smallpox hospitals, and the Rev Mr Hayden Post Chaplain informed me that he had, under direction of Dr Jackson so appropriated a house which I presume to be the one indicated, indeed the occupant and professed owner so represented to me.
As the business was not in any way transacted through the Quartermasters Department, I do not consider that Dept. as at all responsible for the injury done to the citizen, and should not recommend the payment of any money on account of it except under the express order of Maj Genl Foster himself, who ordered the property to be taken.
Very Respectfully
E.B. Whitman
Capt. U.S.A.
~
Jan. 29. 1864
Respectfully referred to Capt. J. H. Dickinson Chief Q.M. Dept. of the Ohio for his instructions.
J. M. Huntington
Capt A.Q.M.
Office of Chief QuarterMaster
Knoxville Tn. [illegible]
Capt E. B. Hillman A.Q.M. will [illegible] fully the written case, + by [illegible illegible] the private dwelling of Geo. Th. Fagan was taken [illegible] for a hospital.
J.M. Huntington
Acting Chief Q.M.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Letter of the Day: January 28 [Interlude on early psychology]
Jan. 28, 1885
Stone, F.W.
-----------
Leipzig, Jan 30, 1885.
Dr James McKeen Cattell
Humboldtstr 19. Leipzig
Letter to Dr. J.S. Billings U.S.A, acknowledges receipt of this of Dec. 4th.
Explains his method of measuring the reaction time etc. the Electric Chronoscope made by M. Hipp, Neuchatel*. Wundt's "Philosophische Studien"* will give way to use the chronoscope-. Cost of the inst. Offers to obtain me for Museum, and when in U.S. will set-up the apparatus.
----------
S.G.O. Jan 28, 1885
Dr Billings: Acknowledges receipt of this Jan 30. Would be glad to expend for Museum not to exceed $250-. for insts. to measure reaction time, if he is willing to select, order and set-up the apparatus. Apparatus to be sent to Dr. Feinpl[?], Leipsic [sic], who will pay for same, as directed., also for Wundt's 'Phie Studien'
For
Mr Myers-
Explanatory Notes
"Philosophische Studien" (Philosophical Studies) was the first journal of experimental psychology, founded by Wilhelm Wundt in 1883. In 1879, he founded one of the first formal laboratories for psychological research at the University of Leipzig. Cattell, a student of Wundt's, was the first professor of psychology in the United States at the University of Pennsylvania and long-time editor and publisher of scientific journals and publications. Cattell references Hipp's Electric Chronoscope in his 1886 article The Time Taken Up By Cerebral Operations.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Letter of the Day: January 27
Philada Jany. 27, 1868.
Bvt Lieut. Col. George A. Otis.
U. S. Army
My Dear Sir.
It is now been several years since I have had the pleasure of seeing you, although graduating at the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania on the same day, spring of 1857- And also being associated with you at Princeton College, I in the class of '47 you were in the class of '49.
Many very many changes have taken place since those memorable days at old Nassau. The rebellion has made sad havoc among the Alumni of Princeton as the records prove.
Dr. Boher of your class (1622 Chestnut Rd) is now practicing, and the same kind hearted fellow as in days of yore, still a bachelor. Ian Robb, recently married is at the Philadelphia Bar and is ranked among the best of his contemporaries in the legal profession. Johnny Vanderkamp still resides in Paris, [illegible] often as about every two years, as allowed by little. Rudolph[?] + Louis Paul both educated as physicians, neither of whom are practicing nor never have. They have a competence, hence are not compelled to work at slavish professions like many others of us, with but poor remunerations for services rendered. These are all of your class whom at present , I can recall as residing in our city save Juglean[?], your first union man who has left the Bar and is President of a Coal Company . Will you oblige me, if it is within your province without inconvenience at the department, by sending to the enclosed address a copy of the very useful Catalog of the Army Medical Museum recently published under your supervision. I have copies of Circular No 5, 6, +7 sent me on application to Sug Generl Office. The catalogue I was of [illegible] would not be so liberally distributed hence my appeal to you. During the rebellion I was an attending surgeon at the Satterlee U S Hospital for a short time. Whenever you visit our city I would be happy to have a visit from you. Dr. Boher and myself contemplate visiting Washington as delegates to Nat Med Ass in May next - Hoping you may be [illegible] to grant my request
Very Respectfully yours,
A.H. Irish
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
January 26: Museum closing at 3:30 today
Letter of the Day: January 26 (RMS Jackson Collection)
Off. P. MG of E. Tenn
Knoxville Tenn.
Jan. 26/64
Respectfully referred to Dr. Jackson Medical Director of E. Tenn.
By order of Brig Genl Carter
Illegible
Illegible
(over)
~
Med. Dir. D. E. Tenn.
Knoxville Jan’y 26th 1864
Respectfully referred to Capt. Huntington A.G.M. Act. Chief Q.M. Dept. of the Ohio.
RMS Jackson
Surgeon USA.
Med. Director
E. Tenn.
~
Knoxville. Jany. 25th 64
Brig. Genl. Carter,
Sir
The following is the cost of my house that the U. States government has taken possession of on last Saturday, for an hospital
Via original cost $ 750.00
My improvements 1650.00
$2400.00
Dr. Genl.
My family is large + now houseless consisting of 6 persons. I am anxious for the Government to purchase it, and am willing to sell it for the above Amt. as my family will not live in it hereafter, when once occupied as a Small Pox hospital.
I think I have been handled very roughly, for a true union man. I was ordered out, with short notice, without making any provision for my family, whatever.
My loyalty, I have and can prove by Messrs A. G. Jackson Col., Jno. Williams, S. Morrow, J. Baxter, +c. +c.
Genl. I appeal to you , to do something for me, as my self + family will have to suffer, unless there is something done for me very soon.
Resptly
Geo. W. Fagan.
Brig. Genl. S.P. Carter
K.ville
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Letter of the Day: January 25
Publishers.
Established 1785
706, 708 & 710 Sansom Street,
Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1895
Dr. John S. Billings
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: Yours of the 23rd at hand. The list of figures as furnished by Dr. Keen was taken from the 2d or 1889 Edition of the International Encyclopedia of Surgery, Vol. IV.
The corresponding figures in the edition of 1884. Vol. IV as cited by you are, with a single exception, correct, i.e.,
Fig 852, p. 269, of 1889 Ed. = fig 765, p. 675, Spec. 1160, 1884 Ed.
" 865, " 368, " " " = " 778, p. 774, " 5738, "
" 866, " 369, " " " = " 779, " 775, " 2532, "
" 870, " 371, " " " = " 783, " 777, " 3984, "
" 876, " 376, " " " = " 789, " 782, " 611, "
The exception is: fig. 867, p 369, of our list which is President Garfield's case, not the one showing a section of the vertebrae. If you will kindly have electrotypes made of the figures and forwarded to us, you will greatly oblige
Yours truly
Lea Brothers & Co. H
Monday, January 24, 2011
Letter of the Day: January 24
S.G.O. Washington D.C.
January 24th 1863
Doctor
In examining the very interesting history of the Hospital in Baltimore formerly under your charge; I see that you allude to some future Surgical report which will include notes of cases +c.
I am exceedingly desirous of collecting for the “Surgical History of the War,” as many such memoirs & monographs as possible. Would it be possible for you to furnish a resume of the Surgical facts connected with the Hospital during the time you were in charge? Of course such a paper would appear in print, in the form in which it was written, and as your report. I should especially wish your experience as to Resection in continuity; & as to Teales’ amputation, & Symes. If you have any drawings of interest they could readily be cut in wood or stone.
Very Truly Yours
J.H.B. [John Hill Brinton]
Surgeon U.S. Vols.
Asst. Surgeon Bartholow, U.S.A.
Dr. Hasson’s consolidated Report for the months of September-December, 1862, is in the office., He reports 9 cases of Symes. You mention 2. Yours were I suppose done first, and were not included in his enumerations.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Letter of the Day: January 23
S.G.O. Jany 23d 1863
Doctor,
The S.G. directs that accurate notes be taken of the progress of the cases when names are returned on the Enclosed list. All of these patients were until recently under the care of Surg. Squire, at the Locust Spring Hospl. Md. The date of transfer to your hospital, is marked opposite to the name of each patient. As Surg. Squire has already furnished most valuable records of these patients up to the period of transfer, it is exceedingly desirable that the observations subsequent to that date should in each instance be accurate and minute.
Very resply your. Obt servt
By order of the S.G.
JHB [John Hill Brinton]
Surg USA
To Surg. Van der Kieft
Smoketown Genl. Hospl. U.S.A.
Near Sharpsburg Md