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.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Letter of the Day: March 25
Subject: Repair of Army Medical Museum Building.
War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library
Corner of 7th and B Streets SW
Washington, March 25, 1899
To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army
General
I have the honor to state that the following repairs are necessary at the Army Medical Museum Building.
1. Repairing metal work of entire roof including new spouts where necessary
2. Painting entire roof of building.
3. Kalsoming Museum Hall in conformity with present color.
4. Kalsoming entrance hall, corridors, photograph gallery and 3 rooms.
As regards No. 1, the recent storms here damaged the metal work of the roof in a number of places, allowing the rains to penetrate into the photograph gallery, the museum and library halls, and room No. 7 on third floor. It is estimated that the necessary the repairs, including several new spouts will cost about $35.00.
When repairs to the metal work of the roof have been made, roofs of main as well as rear building should be repainted. They were last painted in 1895. The estimated cost of this work is $130.
In regard to the Museum hall, I would state that it has not been rekalsomined since its first occupation in 1887. During this time a number of repairs have been made to the plastering, and the rain has leaked through the roof leaving the walls very much defaced. It is estimated that the area to be kalsomioed [sic] is 2000 square yards (more or less), which, in tints, at 11 cents per square yard would account to $220.00.
The walls of the entrance hall, of the stairs, and main corridors, which were kalsomined three years ago, are open to the public in all kinds of weather, and are much defaced and worn. Rains have spoiled the kalsomining in the photograph gallery and in room No. 7, of third floor, and the removal of stationary wall cases from the new faculty and school room has left the walls marred. This area to rekalsomined contains about 4300 square yards, and at 7 cents per yard would require $301.00. To this should be added for repainting the skirting (washboards) in Museum Hall, corridors and rooms, about 1500 running feet, at 1 cent per foot, $15.00.
The repair of the metal work and the re-painting of the roof should be done as soon as possible, and I would suggest, as the best time for kalsomining, the middle or latter part of April.
Very respectfully,
Dallas Bache
Col. & Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum and Library Division.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Sarah Vowell likes our medical museum
Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011
MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD
February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.
The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.
NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.
During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.
Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.
About the National Museum of Health and Medicine
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.
Letter of the Day: March 24 [thanks for the parasites]
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner of 7th and B Streets SW
Washington, March 24, 1903
Captain B. K. Ashford,
Asst. Surgeon, U.S. Army,
San Juan, P.R.
(Through the Surgeon General, U.S. Army)
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of specimens of the filarial nocturna and uncinaria duodenale for the Army Medical School. Through your co-operation it has become possible to provide each member of the class with specimens of these parasites.
Very respectfully,
James Carroll
1st Lieut. Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
Asst. Curator.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Letter of the Day: March 23
Fort Cummings, N.M.
March 23, 1882
Surgeon General U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.
Sir,
I have the honor to state that I have this day turned over to the Post Quartermaster for shipment to the Army Medical Museum a two headed Foetal calf.
The history of the case is as follows: Mr. Charles Clauberg the post butcher, who presents the specimen, states that about three months ago he slaughtered a fine fat heifer, not knowing that she was pregnant, and on finding that her uterus contained a calf proceeded to cut it out, after he had inadvertently cut off the heads, he found the peculiarities noted, the double head, single neck, and double joints, throughout the body, as far as examined.
I have thought the specimen of too much value, to be lost and therefore forward it.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R.C. Newton.
Asst Surg. U.S.A.
Post Surgeon
[note written at the end of letter, in a different hand]
Specimen received
ackd [acknowledged] May 13, 1882,
Turned over to
Mr. Schafhirt, Anatomical-
for section of Comparative Anatomy
Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011
MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD
February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.
The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.
NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.
During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.
Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.
About the National Museum of Health and Medicine
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Dr Ed Beeman, former museum volunteer, has died
Dr. Edward Arthur Beeman
On Thursday, March 17, 2011, DR. EDWARD ARTHUR BEEMAN of Bethesda, MD. Beloved husband of Jean S. Beeman. Devoted father of Barbara (Dr. Joseph Domagalski) Beeman, Judith (Leon) Malnik, Dr. Cynthia (Dr. Dennis Lynn) and Robert (Jane) Beeman. Loving grandfather of Miriam and Joshua Malnik and Isaac Domagalski. Dear brother of Sydney Beeman. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 21, 2011, 1 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Interment following at Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, MD. After the interment, shiva will be observed at the late residence through Wednesday evening, and at the home of Judith and Leon from Thursday through Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Shalom or to Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001 (endorsed by the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington).
Published in The Washington Post from March 18 to March 19, 2011
Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011
MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD
February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.
The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.
NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.
During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.
Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.
About the National Museum of Health and Medicine
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.
Letter of the Day: March 22
War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington
March 22, 1905.
To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army
Sir:
I have the honor to report that Mr. C. J. Myers, clerk, Class IV, of the Museum and Library Division, died at 9:15 A.M. this day.
Very respectfully,
C. L. Heizmann Col. Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.Army
In charge of Museum and Library Division
Monday, March 21, 2011
FederalNewsRadio features museum
By Suzanne Kubota
Senior Internet Editor
FederalNewsRadio.com
March 21, 2011
Tim Clarke, Deputy Director of Communications, National Museum of Health and Medicine
Download mp3
Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011
MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD
February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.
The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.
NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.
During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.
Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.
About the National Museum of Health and Medicine
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.
Letter of the Day: March 21
Maryland
Agricultural Experiment Station
H.J. Patterson, Director
College Park, Prince Geo. Co., Md.
Mar. 21, 1905
Dr. Carroll
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir-
I take the liberty of asking you a question which concerns or has bearing on some work we have been doing at this station during the past winter on certain conditions affecting the milk, which are supposed to come from a diseased condition of the udder. What I would like to know is whether fibrin is usually associated with pus due to inflammatory conditions.
Very truly yours,
C.F Doane, Dairyman.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Letter of the Day: March 20
War Department,
Surgeon General's Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets SW.,
Washington
March 20, 1900
Colonel A. M. Miller
Corps of Engineers, U.S.A.
Office of Washington Aqueduct.
Dear Sir:
I enclosed tabulated list of the results obtained with the gas producing organisms isolated from Congressional Spring water, collected February 7, 1900.
The average count was 78 per cc.
Of 6 fermentation tube inoculated with 2 cc of the water, 1 gave 68% of gas and 5 were negative.
Of 6 tubes charged with 4 cc of water, 2 gave 20% of gas and 4 were negative.
Nos. 6 and 7 of the table are almost typical colon bacilli; they differ from it only in their slow fermentation of lactose.
Very truly yours,
James Carroll
Acting Asst. Surgeon,
U.S. Army.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011
MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD
February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.
The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.
NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.
During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.
Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.
About the National Museum of Health and Medicine
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.
Letter of the Day: March 19
War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington
March 19, 1904.
1st Lieut. Thos. Devereaux
Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
U.S. Army Transport "Sumner"
Pier 12, East River
New York, N.Y.
Dear Doctor:
I wish to thank you for the tape worm you so kindly sent me, which arrived yesterday. It has been very useful for class demonstration.
Sincerely yours,
James Carroll
1st Lieut. Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.
Curator, Army Medical Museum.
Friday, March 18, 2011
DC government to get, and demolish, Walter Reed Hospital
By: Liz Farmer <http://washingtonexaminer.com/people/liz-farmer>
03/18/11
Washington Examiner Staff Writer Follow Her @LizFarmerDC
<http://twitter.com/LizFarmerDC>
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/03/dc-sees-big-development-p
otential-more-land-walter-reed
Exhibit Design Concept for Downtown Silver Spring
Letter of the Day: March 18
War Department,
Office of the Surgeon General,
Army Medical Museum and Library,
Washington
March 18, 1905.
To the Surgeon General,
U.S. Army
Sir: I have the honor to request the authority to purchase for deposit in the Army Medical Museum:
A series of twelve wax preparations showing stages of diphtheria in children, at a cost of $180.00.
to be paid for from the Museum appropriation.
Very respectfully,
C. L. Heizmann
Col. Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
In charge of Museum and Library Division
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Medical Museum to Close Exhibits on April 3, 2011
MEDICAL MUSEUM TO CLOSE EXHIBITS ON APRIL 3, 2011
TO PREPARE FOR MOVE TO SILVER SPRING, MD
February 28, 2011, Washington, D.C.: As part of the relocation of the National Museum of Health and Medicine from its present location to its new home in Silver Spring, Maryland, exhibits at the present location will phase out over the coming weeks. The last day that the public may visit any exhibits at the Museum in its present location will be on Sunday, April 3, 2011. All of the Museum’s exhibits are expected to remain available to visitors through April 3, 2011.
The Museum is open to the public daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (including weekends and holidays), on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Admission and parking are free. Adults must present government-issued photo identification to gain entry to the Walter Reed campus, and vehicles are subject to search. Learn more about planning a visit to the Museum on the campus of Walter Reed at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/planning/index.html.
NMHM will complete its relocation to the Forest Glen Annex during the summer of 2011 and looks forward to welcoming the public at its new location in the fall. Stay tuned to the Museum’s website, Facebook page and e-newsletter for details.
During this transition period, while the Museum is closed to the public at its present location on the Walter Reed campus, Museum public programs staff will be working to continue their activities at other locations in the Silver Spring, Md., area. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for details.
Questions should be directed to Tim Clarke, NMHM Deputy Director for Communications, (202) 782-2672.
About the National Museum of Health and Medicine
- The National Museum of Health and Medicine, established in 1862, inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine—past, present, and future—with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation, the Museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research. The Museum is presently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum or call (202) 782-2200 for more information.