Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 976
October 23, 1895
Dr. Horatio R. Storer,
Newport, R.I.
Dear Dr. Storer:
Your very kind letter of the 20th inst. has been in received and in return I wish to say that it will give me great pleasure to assist you in making your articles on the interesting subject of medical numismatics as complete as possible, asking only that you will give due credit as to the source of information.
The description of the Vercelli medal of which I spoke in my previous letter is as follows:
Obverse: Bust to left, in high relief. Under shoulder: G. Galeazzi F. – Perigraph: AL CARD. GVALA BICCHIERI PATR. VERCELL. FONDATORE. Beneath bust: MCCXX.
Reverse: Inscription in seven lines: LA |CONGREGAZIONE | DELLO SPEDALE MAGG. | DI VERCELLI | REGNANDO CARLO ALBERTO | PADRE DEI POVERI | MDCCCXLI.
Bronze, size 28.
I attempted to take an impress of the medal, but did not succeed on account of the high relief.
The errors pointed out by you at the time the Lee collection was purchased for the Museum have all been corrected long ago, and this office endeavored to carefully compare the descriptions of medals given by you in your various publications with the medals in this collection, and to ascertain what medals of the Museum collection have not been referred to by you. To complete this comparison I am anxious to obtain the following publications which are not on file in this office, viz.:
American Journal of Numismatics,
1887, October.
1888, January, July, October.
1889, April, July, October.
1890, January, April, July, October.
1891, “, “, “, “
1892, “, “, “, “
1893, January, April.
1895, October.
and I should be very thankful if you will point out a way of obtaining them. All other publications noted on the printed circular which you kindly forwarded are in the Library.
In making the above comparisons some deviations from your publications have been noted on our cards, and I shall gladly point them out to you. As you well know the work will have to be carefully done and will require considerable time and labor; but I will endeavor to give you from time to time such information as may be of use to you.
In regard to duplicates that you may have received through the Fisher and other collections, if you will send me a list of them, with prices, I will select such as are not in our collection to be submitted for purchase.
There was lately submitted to me a medal of Fortunius Licetus, 1577-1657- (see C.A. Rudolphi, 1829, No. 395, and Duisburg, 1862, No. XLVI, ) silver, claimed to be very rare, if not unique; but I hesistated to purchase on account of the price, $37.50. Is the medal as rare as represented?
Returning Dr. Frazer’s letter, I remain,
Very sincerely yours,
D.L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
In charge of Army Medical Museum and Library.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Images from the weekly drawing class at NMHM, held Thursdays 12-1pm.Letter of the Day: October 22
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 971
October 22, 1895
Mr. R.P. Iddings
Lawrence, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In answer to your letter of the 16th inst., I would state that there is at this Museum among the slides of the late J.J. Woodward, U.S. Army, one which contains the Lord's prayer, written with a diamond, 227 letters, in a space of 1/294 x 1/441 of an inch, or the 1/129654 of a square inch. The legend on the slide says that this is at the rate of 29,431,458 letters to an inch, which is more than there are contained in eight bibles, each bible containing 3,566,480 letters.
Very respectfully,
Dr. L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army
In charge of Army Medical Museum and Library
October 22, 1895
Mr. R.P. Iddings
Lawrence, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In answer to your letter of the 16th inst., I would state that there is at this Museum among the slides of the late J.J. Woodward, U.S. Army, one which contains the Lord's prayer, written with a diamond, 227 letters, in a space of 1/294 x 1/441 of an inch, or the 1/129654 of a square inch. The legend on the slide says that this is at the rate of 29,431,458 letters to an inch, which is more than there are contained in eight bibles, each bible containing 3,566,480 letters.
Very respectfully,
Dr. L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army
In charge of Army Medical Museum and Library
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 21
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1766
Fort Barrancas, Fla.
October 21st, 1896
Major Walter Reed
Dear Doctor,
Yours of October 16th with slide received. Am much obliged.
I send by todays [sic] mail sputa of two other patients, Mrs. U. Diffin + Mr. Diffin, will you have them examined + if bacilli are found send me slides.
With kindest regards I remain,
Very truly yours,
W.C Gorgas
Fort Barrancas, Fla.
October 21st, 1896
Major Walter Reed
Dear Doctor,
Yours of October 16th with slide received. Am much obliged.
I send by todays [sic] mail sputa of two other patients, Mrs. U. Diffin + Mr. Diffin, will you have them examined + if bacilli are found send me slides.
With kindest regards I remain,
Very truly yours,
W.C Gorgas
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
TODAY! "Resolution for the Missing: Bringing our Fallen Soldiers Home" features AFDIL, 10/20, 12pm, in the Museum!
| TODAY: SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! |
| |
| When: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. What: Have advances in DNA analysis made it so that our honored war dead will never again be labeled "unknown"? Come listen as a senior DNA analyst from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) shares her experiences working with scientists from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in positively identifying U.S. service members missing from past military conflicts. Suni Edson, assistant technical leader of the Mitochondrial DNA Section at AFDIL, will offer a rare look into the role DNA analysis plays in the process of scientific identification, and how advances in technology have increased the number of persons identified each year. Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/. Where: Russell Auditorium, Bldg 54, Walter Reed Army Medical Center Cost: Free! Bring your lunch! Questions? Call (202) 782-2673 or email nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil or visit the Museum on the web: http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum | ||
Letter of the Day: October 20
Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D.C., Oct. 20 1870
Dear Sir:
In behalf of the Smithsonian Institution we acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your favor or October 18th in regard to “a tin globe which formerly ornamented a flag staff + was struck by lightning” – the specimen itself has, also, been received and will be placed with other matter of a similar character for future reference.
Yours respectfully,
Joseph Henry,
Secretary Smithsonian Institution.
Dr. Geo. A Otis
Army Med Musm
DC
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Washington Post on modern military medicine
Military medics combine ultramodern and time-honored methods to save lives on the battlefield
By David Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, October 17, 2010; 1:14 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/16/AR2010101602974.html
Letter of the Day: October 19
Fort Sisseton, D. T. [Dakota Territory]
October 19, 1880
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that I have this day turned over to the Post Quartermaster for transportation to the Army Medical Museum a box containing the pelvic bone of a mound builder (male) from a tumulus near this fort. These bones were found near the centre of the mound and about six feet three inches from its surface. No other human remains have I been able to discover. A few flint chips and a very peculiar heart shaped stone pierced with numerous small holes and a broken flint arrow head I found just beneath the surface of the mound. I have forwarded these articles to Professor Putnam of the Peabody Museum of American A & E [Archaeology and Ethnology] at Cambridge Mass.
over
The Port Quartermaster's receipt will be forwarded as soon as I can obtain it.
I am Sir
very respectfully
Your obdt [obedient] servant.
August Gecks
Hospital Steward, U. S. A. [United States Army]
October 19, 1880
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that I have this day turned over to the Post Quartermaster for transportation to the Army Medical Museum a box containing the pelvic bone of a mound builder (male) from a tumulus near this fort. These bones were found near the centre of the mound and about six feet three inches from its surface. No other human remains have I been able to discover. A few flint chips and a very peculiar heart shaped stone pierced with numerous small holes and a broken flint arrow head I found just beneath the surface of the mound. I have forwarded these articles to Professor Putnam of the Peabody Museum of American A & E [Archaeology and Ethnology] at Cambridge Mass.
over
The Port Quartermaster's receipt will be forwarded as soon as I can obtain it.
I am Sir
very respectfully
Your obdt [obedient] servant.
August Gecks
Hospital Steward, U. S. A. [United States Army]
Monday, October 18, 2010
Quay Brothers visit the Mutter Museum
Animators Amok in a Curiosity Cabinet
By FRANZ LIDZ
New York Times October 17, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/movies/17quay.html
Letter of the Day: October 18
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 239
October 18, 1894
Colonel Charles H. Alden,
Assistant Surgeon General, U. S. Army.
Surgeon General's Office,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Colonel Alden:
Referring to your favor of October 18th, I will try to have everything in readiness for the Board on Wednesday morning.
As regards the memorandum of what I think will be the proper work, in my line, for the class at the Hospital Corps School, let me say that it will be necessarily very brief. I do not see what more I can do than try to impart to them some idea of the general principles of disinfection. I might also go into the subject of sterilization by heat, giving them practical demonstrations, that would certainly devote the greater part of my time to the matter of disinfection of the hands. It seems to me that this latter would be a most important thing for those who are expected to assist in antiseptic surgical work. They would then appreciate why it was necessary to have their hands thoroughly disinfected. This would, of course, necessitate the taking of cultures from the hands of the members of the class before and after disinfection, so that that could, by ocular demonstration, see very clearly what was obtained by careful washing and disinfection of the hands. I would also expect to tell them something about the disinfection of the steels.
I think I could cover this ground in four (4) lessons, in six (6) at the outside - each lesson to be of one hour's duration. Any time would suit me, provided the hour did not go after 3 p.m.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Major and Surgeon, U. S. Army.
October 18, 1894
Colonel Charles H. Alden,
Assistant Surgeon General, U. S. Army.
Surgeon General's Office,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Colonel Alden:
Referring to your favor of October 18th, I will try to have everything in readiness for the Board on Wednesday morning.
As regards the memorandum of what I think will be the proper work, in my line, for the class at the Hospital Corps School, let me say that it will be necessarily very brief. I do not see what more I can do than try to impart to them some idea of the general principles of disinfection. I might also go into the subject of sterilization by heat, giving them practical demonstrations, that would certainly devote the greater part of my time to the matter of disinfection of the hands. It seems to me that this latter would be a most important thing for those who are expected to assist in antiseptic surgical work. They would then appreciate why it was necessary to have their hands thoroughly disinfected. This would, of course, necessitate the taking of cultures from the hands of the members of the class before and after disinfection, so that that could, by ocular demonstration, see very clearly what was obtained by careful washing and disinfection of the hands. I would also expect to tell them something about the disinfection of the steels.
I think I could cover this ground in four (4) lessons, in six (6) at the outside - each lesson to be of one hour's duration. Any time would suit me, provided the hour did not go after 3 p.m.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Major and Surgeon, U. S. Army.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 17
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 236
Subject: Emergency purchase:
War Department
Surgeon General's Office,
U. S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets S. W.
Washington, D. C. October 17, 1894
To the Surgeon General, U. S. Army, Washington D. C.
General:
I have the honor to request authority to purchase, for deposit in the Army Medical Museum, a collection of models of hygienic apparatus illustrating ventilation, heating, etc., at an estimated cost of $75.00, to be paid for from the Museum appropriation as an emergency purchase.
Very respectfully,
J. S. Billings
Deputy Surgeon General, U. S. Army
Subject: Emergency purchase:
War Department
Surgeon General's Office,
U. S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets S. W.
Washington, D. C. October 17, 1894
To the Surgeon General, U. S. Army, Washington D. C.
General:
I have the honor to request authority to purchase, for deposit in the Army Medical Museum, a collection of models of hygienic apparatus illustrating ventilation, heating, etc., at an estimated cost of $75.00, to be paid for from the Museum appropriation as an emergency purchase.
Very respectfully,
J. S. Billings
Deputy Surgeon General, U. S. Army
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 16
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 971
Lawrence, Mass.,
Oct. 16, 1895
To the official in charge of the Army and Navy Medical Museum.
Dear Sir-
In the October “Current Literature” is an article taken from Cassier’s Magazine under the name of Dr. Henry Morton stating that there is in the medical museum a piece of glass containing the Lord’s Prayer engraved on a space of the 1/441 by the 1/294 of an inch.
If you will kindly inform me if this is correct I shall be much obliged.
Yours truly,
R.P. Iddings
Lawrence, Mass.,
Oct. 16, 1895
To the official in charge of the Army and Navy Medical Museum.
Dear Sir-
In the October “Current Literature” is an article taken from Cassier’s Magazine under the name of Dr. Henry Morton stating that there is in the medical museum a piece of glass containing the Lord’s Prayer engraved on a space of the 1/441 by the 1/294 of an inch.
If you will kindly inform me if this is correct I shall be much obliged.
Yours truly,
R.P. Iddings
Friday, October 15, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 15
U.S.A. General Hospital
Frederick, Maryland
October 15 1862
Dar Doctor-
Yours of the 12th came to hand last evg [evening].
I have only been waiting to get the enclosed not of a case the specimens of which can be obtained in Washington in order to write you.
The Barrel is filling up well. I have now some sixty odd specimens with some notes. The great lack I find is to obtain the results. The notes are sent with the specimens + if they are the results of operations the final result of the case is not known + the surgeons are not careful to send subsequently the results. I am however hunting them up gradually. As soon as the Barrel is full I will Express it to you and advise you of the fact by mail.
I am having good times in operative surgery and would not for at least the present exchange my position for any other what ever. We have the cream.
Porter is doing well + were he here I would send his regards.
The post mortem specimens I spoke of are to be found at Carver Hospital in the room formally occupied by Dr. Russell U.S.A. now occupied by Dr. Banks + wife. The colon is in alcohol on a shelf – or rather was there – and the vertebrae are on a board under the ventilator.
Dr. Banks probably knows of their whereabouts.
With kind regards
Truly your friend
W.W. Keen Jr.
Frederick, Maryland
October 15 1862
Dar Doctor-
Yours of the 12th came to hand last evg [evening].
I have only been waiting to get the enclosed not of a case the specimens of which can be obtained in Washington in order to write you.
The Barrel is filling up well. I have now some sixty odd specimens with some notes. The great lack I find is to obtain the results. The notes are sent with the specimens + if they are the results of operations the final result of the case is not known + the surgeons are not careful to send subsequently the results. I am however hunting them up gradually. As soon as the Barrel is full I will Express it to you and advise you of the fact by mail.
I am having good times in operative surgery and would not for at least the present exchange my position for any other what ever. We have the cream.
Porter is doing well + were he here I would send his regards.
The post mortem specimens I spoke of are to be found at Carver Hospital in the room formally occupied by Dr. Russell U.S.A. now occupied by Dr. Banks + wife. The colon is in alcohol on a shelf – or rather was there – and the vertebrae are on a board under the ventilator.
Dr. Banks probably knows of their whereabouts.
With kind regards
Truly your friend
W.W. Keen Jr.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Post on DC's plans for Walter Reed
D.C. to unveil plans for redevelopment of Walter Reed
By Jonathan O'Connell
Capital Business Staff Writer October 14, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 14
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 962
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. October 14, 1895
To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.
General:
I have the honor to request authority to purchase for deposit in the Army Medical Museum, a sketch, from life, of a case of four (4) testicles, at a cost of $5.00, and one (1) medical medal, Joh. D. Major, at a cost of $9.00, to be paid for from the Museum appropriation.
Very respectfully,
D.L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
In charge of Army Medical Museum and Library
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. October 14, 1895
To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.
General:
I have the honor to request authority to purchase for deposit in the Army Medical Museum, a sketch, from life, of a case of four (4) testicles, at a cost of $5.00, and one (1) medical medal, Joh. D. Major, at a cost of $9.00, to be paid for from the Museum appropriation.
Very respectfully,
D.L. Huntington
Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
In charge of Army Medical Museum and Library
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
concept design for anatomical specimen display
we have 15000 or so anatomical specimens,
, so its missing alot of color blah blah blah excuses circumstances. yak
I remember a thesis idea for containers and the many uses of
containers and their relevance to humans, where we send containers, containers inside containers inside containers...the house, the room, the closet...the way we live our lives. hmmm? ok whatever did this last night just a draft. enjoy
AFIP's Debra McElroy has passed away
Debra McElroy longtime AFIP employee
Debra Ann (Bottazzi) McElroy, 53, of Ellicott City, died Oct. 8 at Gilchrist Hospice Care Center, Towson, Md. Debra affectionately known as “Debbie” by Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) coworkers died of cancer.
McElroy began her career with the federal government as a histopathology technician at The AFIP, Washington, D.C., on Oct. 13, 1981.
McElroy, who grew up in Washington, D.C., and a longtime AFIP employee managed 12 laboratories and supervised 59 employees during her nearly 29 years of service here.
Survivors include her husband of 25 years, Dennis McElroy, of Ellicott City; daughter of Joseph and Barbara A. (Heflin) Bottazzi, of York, Pa.; sister of Maria Ellis, of York, Pa., and the late Joseph Daniel Bottazzi. Debra was an avid lover of dogs.
Friends can call Friday Oct. from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Slack Funeral Home, P.A., 3871 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Md., 21043. Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial’s may be directed to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and 800 Wyman Park Drive, Suite 110, Baltimore, Md., 21211. Go to 222.slackfuneralhome.com for online condolences and directions.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 12
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 959
October 12 1895
Doctor Charles H. Alden,
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Surgeon General’s Office,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:
I beg to report that the specimen of supposed bullet which was referred to you by Medical Referee Thomas Featherstonehaugh of the Pension Bureau, has been subjected to a careful chemical examination by Dr. Wm. M. Mew of the Army Medical Museum, who makes the following report:
“The substance contains no lead nor other metal save a trace of iron; it is composed chiefly of calcium and phosphoric acid, probably calcium phosphate, so it may be bone or cartilage, or as you suggest, it may be a calcified cell-growth.”
I beg further to state that I have carefully examined, microscopically, another portion of the supposed bullet, and am inclined to think, from the appearance of the structure, that it s a portion of a calcified lymphatic gland.
Very sincerely yours,
Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.
October 12 1895
Doctor Charles H. Alden,
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Surgeon General’s Office,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:
I beg to report that the specimen of supposed bullet which was referred to you by Medical Referee Thomas Featherstonehaugh of the Pension Bureau, has been subjected to a careful chemical examination by Dr. Wm. M. Mew of the Army Medical Museum, who makes the following report:
“The substance contains no lead nor other metal save a trace of iron; it is composed chiefly of calcium and phosphoric acid, probably calcium phosphate, so it may be bone or cartilage, or as you suggest, it may be a calcified cell-growth.”
I beg further to state that I have carefully examined, microscopically, another portion of the supposed bullet, and am inclined to think, from the appearance of the structure, that it s a portion of a calcified lymphatic gland.
Very sincerely yours,
Walter Reed,
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 11
No 201 W. Franklin St
Baltimore Oct: 11 1887
Surgeon J.S. Billings U.S.A.
My dear Doctor
Having had remarkable success with a recent artificial crystallization of Cystine I send by present mail a new slide of the beautiful but very rare substance.
It was obtained from a lady who had septicemia after a 6 month’s miscarriage, although there can be no relation of causation in its pathological state.
Hoping that you are well – and thanking you for vol. VIII of Index I remain
Yours very sincerely
Christopher Johnston
Baltimore Oct: 11 1887
Surgeon J.S. Billings U.S.A.
My dear Doctor
Having had remarkable success with a recent artificial crystallization of Cystine I send by present mail a new slide of the beautiful but very rare substance.
It was obtained from a lady who had septicemia after a 6 month’s miscarriage, although there can be no relation of causation in its pathological state.
Hoping that you are well – and thanking you for vol. VIII of Index I remain
Yours very sincerely
Christopher Johnston
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Detroit Institute of the Arts
spent the afternoon with my son at the DIA
8 bucks lets you see some great antiquities, paintings,
sculptures, tapestries, murals by Diego Rivera
and a plethora of African American art
one of my favorite works by Romare Bearden
a huge mosaic 15 feet x 12 was amazing.
Letter of the Day: October 10
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 959
Pension Bureau, Oct. 10 1895
Doctor C.H. Alden,
Asst. Surg. General,
Dear Doctor:
This will introduce to you Doctor D. M. McPherson of this Bureau. The doctor brings to you a substance found in a lung upon post mortem. It is claimed that this substance is the remains of a bullet, + the admission of the widow’s claim turns upon this point.
We have made no examination of the substance for the reason that an examination by someone outside of the official force of the Bureau will carry much more weight. Can I ask you to request someone to test this substance for lead and write a little certificate as to results of tests. If the substance is not lead, we would be glad to learn what it is.
Very respectfully
Thos. Featherstonehaugh
Medical Referee
{Tune in October 12th for the exciting answer!}
Pension Bureau, Oct. 10 1895
Doctor C.H. Alden,
Asst. Surg. General,
Dear Doctor:
This will introduce to you Doctor D. M. McPherson of this Bureau. The doctor brings to you a substance found in a lung upon post mortem. It is claimed that this substance is the remains of a bullet, + the admission of the widow’s claim turns upon this point.
We have made no examination of the substance for the reason that an examination by someone outside of the official force of the Bureau will carry much more weight. Can I ask you to request someone to test this substance for lead and write a little certificate as to results of tests. If the substance is not lead, we would be glad to learn what it is.
Very respectfully
Thos. Featherstonehaugh
Medical Referee
{Tune in October 12th for the exciting answer!}
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 9 / CP 1539
Norfolk, Va
October 9 / 67
Col and Surg: A. L. Edwards USA
Chf M. O. Bur Rgt
Washington D.C.
Col:
I have the honor to transmit herewith Photograph of “Frank Lamb” born at Weldens Orchard near Halifax North Carolina, in the year 1789.
It’s a case of “Inguinal hernia” of 69 years standing. The man was 9 years of age when hernia occurred. The hernia was reducible until he was 40 years of age, when sold to a man, named “Baine Lamb” at or near Jerusalem S. Hampton Co. Va: for the sum of $150.00. The overseer of said man compelled the poor man to work in the woods, cutting and hauling heavy timber, without giving him the support of truss, after his own was worn out. The hernia had its present size about 10 years ago, and I should judge weighs about 10 pounds.
Frank Lamb was send (sic) from Jerusalem to Hospital for Freedmen at this City on the 17th July 1867. Has up to this date, not regarding the continued irritation upon his bowels, enjoyed fair health. The Photograph is not very well taken, the artist could not do better, as the patient trembled too much, and hoping it will nevertheless prove interesting.
I am Surgeon with profound respect, your most ob: ser’t
Ferdinand Lessing
AA Surg USA
In charge Hosp: for Freedman
Norfolk City Va.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 8 (2 of 2)
The World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, New Orleans.
Medical Dep’t. U.S. Army Participation,
Officer of Medical Officer in Charge,
935 F Street, N.W., Third Floor.
Washington, D.C. Oct. 8, 1884
Doctor:
Please let Bearer have bust in plaster, life size, of the late Dr. Otis. I indented to have it bronzed for the Exposition.
Yours truly,
Henry McElderrry
Asst Surgeon, U.S.A.
To J. S. Billings
Major and Surgeon
U.S.A.
Letter of the Day: October 8 (1 of 2)
Ward’s Natural Science Establishment,
Nos. 16—26 College Avenue (opposite University),
Rochester, N.Y., Oct. 8 1885.
Dr. John Billings.
Army Medical Museum.
Dear Sir,
I enclose a small bill * (Skeleton of 19 years old cat $5.00.) simply to put it on record, so that it may be paid at some future day.
I am offered from Europe two young Gorillas – 1 ½ years old – male and female. They are in spirits, with their viscera taken out, but left in good shape to dissect every part of the muscular system and afterwards to make skeletons.
My price – shipped to you form here – is $275 for the pair or $150 for one.
As such specimens are rare, I make you an early offer.
Respectfully yours,
Henry A. Ward,
I have Jumbo’s heart in alcohol in a 5 Gallon keg which it nearly fills. Price $40.
*Bill forwarded to Disbursing Div., S.G.O. Oct 10, 1885.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 7
Fort Brady, Mich.
Oct. 7th 1875.
Dear Doctor,
I enclose a letter from Dr. Mallack in the Hudson Bay Co.s’ service, + now stationed at Moose Factory, 600 miles north of this place. Through the kindness of my friend Capt. Wilson, who resides in Canada opposite Brady, the skull referred to arrived here safely – it is the crania of a full-blooded Cree Indian + in excellent condition. It is to be regretted that Dr. Mallack cd. [could] not send more. I hope yet to obtain some Esquimaux bones. Capt. Wilson who has just returned from those polar regimes, informed me that the Esqimaux in that country are in a most degraded state – incest being quite common, some even marrying their own mothers, or rather having their mothers “in loco conjugis”. The weather has been very stormy during the past month or I shd. [should] have accomplished much more. I lost nine Indian crania three weeks ago by the upsetting of a boat in a squall - + the man I had employed to secure them for me, only escaped drowning by a miracle. This was a great loss, + disheartened me for a while. However, I have many places yet to explore, + trust that I may be more successful. Never having rec’d [received] any letter from you, I fear my specimens have not that value, in yr. estimation, which I attach to them.
Yrs. very sincerely,
J.H.T. King
Surge G. A. Otis, U.S.A.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Upcoming Programs at the NMHM
"Faber Hour" Weekly Drop-In Sketching Sessions
When: Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What: Join the Museum each week for "Faber Hour." Hermann Faber was an Army Medical Museum illustrator during and after the Civil War and is widely known for his meticulous anatomical sketches. “Faber Hours” are drop-in sessions for persons interested in spending directed attention on anatomical, historical or art objects in the Museum. “Faber Hours” will be led by a Museum staffer with a background in medical illustration. Free, no reservations necessary. Bring a small sketchbook and pencils. Questions? Call (202) 782-2673.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! Brown Bag Lunch: "In the Air Intensive Care – A Revolution in Patient Transport"
When: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What: Jim Cox, a retired U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) physician, will discuss the evolution of the U.S. Air Force air evacuation system over the last decade. His talk will describe the development of innovative medical technology used to provide life support to critically injured service members during missions lasting over eight hours.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! "Three Arrangements: Exploring Our Grand Universe"
When: Monday, October 18, 2010, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
What: How did the universe come to be? That is the big question that physicists Dr. Larry Gladney, Dr. Herman White and Dr. James Gates will pose during their performance. Expect to hear exciting and accessible presentations about string theory, particle physics and astrophysics, and about how these areas of study can help us better understand how the universe came to be. Songs like “On the Mathematical Melodies of Reality” will provide an accessible introduction to the framework of mathematics from Maxwell to Superstring/M-Theory, while “Smashing Atoms on Planet Earth” will describe how scientific instruments have evolved to become the primary lenses to explore the realm of the microcosm.
Special Note: Limited Seating. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/pre-expo-events.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! Brown Bag Lunch: "Revolutionizing Prosthetics"
When: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What: Robert Armiger, a Johns Hopkins graduate and biomedical engineer, is part of a nationwide effort led by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to create a neurally-controlled prosthetic arm. The project is funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to enable individuals with amputations or upper extremity paralysis to gain more movement. Armiger and a colleague came up with the idea of using a popular video game to help amputees learn to control their new mechanical arms, calling this technology “Air Guitar Hero.” Armiger, who will be featured as a Nifty Fifty speaker for the USA Science and Engineering Festival, will discuss this project and ongoing efforts in the field of neuroprosthetics.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! Brown Bag Lunch: "Resolution for the Missing: Bringing our Fallen Soldiers Home"
When: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What:Have advances in DNA analysis made it so that our honored war dead will never again be labeled "unknown"? Come listen as a senior DNA analyst from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) shares her experiences working with scientists from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in positively identifying U.S. service members missing from past military conflicts. Suni Edson, assistant technical leader of the Mitochondrial DNA Section at AFDIL, will offer a rare look into the role DNA analysis plays in the process of scientific identification, and how advances in technology have increased the number of persons identified each year.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! "Manya: A Living History of Marie Curie"
When: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
What: This one-woman drama by storyteller Susan Marie Frontczak exposes the struggles and triumphs of Nobel laureate Marie Curie— an academically impassioned, vehemently private, fervently Polish scientist, mother and teacher. From the political oppression of her childhood, to scientific emergence and fame to the tragedy that forced her into single motherhood as well as further world prominence, this is a story that reveals the tenacity of the human spirit and the allure of science.
Special Note: Limited Seating. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/pre-expo-events or call 619-723-8820.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
USA SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FESTIVAL
When: October 23-24, 2010
What: NMHM is proud to be an Official Partner of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival to be held in the greater Washington DC area in October 2010. The Festival, which will be the country's first national science festival, is a collaboration of over 500 of the country's leading science and engineering organizations and aims to reignite the interest of our nation's youth in the sciences. The culmination of the Festival will be a two-day Expo on the National Mall on October 23-24, 2010, which will give children, teens and adults the opportunity to explore all facets of science & engineering through hundreds of fun, hands-on activities. For more information on all Festival events, visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
Halloween Family Program: Serious Fun with Skulls
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What: The Museum invites little ghouls and their families to get into the Halloween spirit by learning about skulls. This year we’ll focus on DÃa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates the human cycle of life and death.
Decorate your own sugar skull (1st grade and up)
Participate in story time with books about Day of the Dead and skeletons
Make your own skull mask
Learn about skulls from an anthropologist
Halloween costumes are encouraged!
When: Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What: Join the Museum each week for "Faber Hour." Hermann Faber was an Army Medical Museum illustrator during and after the Civil War and is widely known for his meticulous anatomical sketches. “Faber Hours” are drop-in sessions for persons interested in spending directed attention on anatomical, historical or art objects in the Museum. “Faber Hours” will be led by a Museum staffer with a background in medical illustration. Free, no reservations necessary. Bring a small sketchbook and pencils. Questions? Call (202) 782-2673.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! Brown Bag Lunch: "In the Air Intensive Care – A Revolution in Patient Transport"
When: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What: Jim Cox, a retired U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) physician, will discuss the evolution of the U.S. Air Force air evacuation system over the last decade. His talk will describe the development of innovative medical technology used to provide life support to critically injured service members during missions lasting over eight hours.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! "Three Arrangements: Exploring Our Grand Universe"
When: Monday, October 18, 2010, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
What: How did the universe come to be? That is the big question that physicists Dr. Larry Gladney, Dr. Herman White and Dr. James Gates will pose during their performance. Expect to hear exciting and accessible presentations about string theory, particle physics and astrophysics, and about how these areas of study can help us better understand how the universe came to be. Songs like “On the Mathematical Melodies of Reality” will provide an accessible introduction to the framework of mathematics from Maxwell to Superstring/M-Theory, while “Smashing Atoms on Planet Earth” will describe how scientific instruments have evolved to become the primary lenses to explore the realm of the microcosm.
Special Note: Limited Seating. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/pre-expo-events.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! Brown Bag Lunch: "Revolutionizing Prosthetics"
When: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What: Robert Armiger, a Johns Hopkins graduate and biomedical engineer, is part of a nationwide effort led by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to create a neurally-controlled prosthetic arm. The project is funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to enable individuals with amputations or upper extremity paralysis to gain more movement. Armiger and a colleague came up with the idea of using a popular video game to help amputees learn to control their new mechanical arms, calling this technology “Air Guitar Hero.” Armiger, who will be featured as a Nifty Fifty speaker for the USA Science and Engineering Festival, will discuss this project and ongoing efforts in the field of neuroprosthetics.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! Brown Bag Lunch: "Resolution for the Missing: Bringing our Fallen Soldiers Home"
When: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What:Have advances in DNA analysis made it so that our honored war dead will never again be labeled "unknown"? Come listen as a senior DNA analyst from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) shares her experiences working with scientists from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in positively identifying U.S. service members missing from past military conflicts. Suni Edson, assistant technical leader of the Mitochondrial DNA Section at AFDIL, will offer a rare look into the role DNA analysis plays in the process of scientific identification, and how advances in technology have increased the number of persons identified each year.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
SPECIAL SCIFEST PROGRAM! "Manya: A Living History of Marie Curie"
When: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
What: This one-woman drama by storyteller Susan Marie Frontczak exposes the struggles and triumphs of Nobel laureate Marie Curie— an academically impassioned, vehemently private, fervently Polish scientist, mother and teacher. From the political oppression of her childhood, to scientific emergence and fame to the tragedy that forced her into single motherhood as well as further world prominence, this is a story that reveals the tenacity of the human spirit and the allure of science.
Special Note: Limited Seating. Pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/pre-expo-events or call 619-723-8820.
Learn more about the USA Science and Engineering Festival at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
USA SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FESTIVAL
When: October 23-24, 2010
What: NMHM is proud to be an Official Partner of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival to be held in the greater Washington DC area in October 2010. The Festival, which will be the country's first national science festival, is a collaboration of over 500 of the country's leading science and engineering organizations and aims to reignite the interest of our nation's youth in the sciences. The culmination of the Festival will be a two-day Expo on the National Mall on October 23-24, 2010, which will give children, teens and adults the opportunity to explore all facets of science & engineering through hundreds of fun, hands-on activities. For more information on all Festival events, visit http://www.usasciencefestival.org/.
Halloween Family Program: Serious Fun with Skulls
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What: The Museum invites little ghouls and their families to get into the Halloween spirit by learning about skulls. This year we’ll focus on DÃa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates the human cycle of life and death.
Decorate your own sugar skull (1st grade and up)
Participate in story time with books about Day of the Dead and skeletons
Make your own skull mask
Learn about skulls from an anthropologist
Halloween costumes are encouraged!
Letter of the Day: October 6
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1736
Fort Crook Neb.
Oct 6th 1896
Major Walter Reed U.S.A.
Washington D.C.
Dear Doctor,
As I am anxious to get the laboratory in the new hospital here in shape for a course in bacteriology this winter, I wish to ask if it would inconvenience you too much to send me cultures of the following bacilli, viz; B. Diphtheria, Typhoid Fever, Coli communis, Tuberculosis, Cholera, Anthrax, Prodigiosus, Glanders, and Finkler-Prior Vibrio.
All of my cultures became extinct in the move from Fort Omaha to this post as no one looked after them when I left to organize this hospital.
Very Sincerely
WB Banister
Capt. + Asst. Surgeon U.S.A.
The Surgeon
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 5
Appleton Station Va Oct 5th 1864
To Surgeon J. H. Brinton A. Medical Depot, Washington
Sir:
Mr. E. Leitz, artist Gallery Broadway New York wrote to me that the Med. Department was in want for an artists in water-colors and that he had recommended me as such.
Therefore I beg leave to give you my directions with the remark that I am unfit for field duty and employed as clerk in the Adjutant’s Office.
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Herman Strider
Comp D, 46th Reg. N.Y. Vet. Vols
1 Division, 2 Brigade 9 Army Corps
Job ad for Project Manager for Museum's move?
We haven’t heard anything, but we also don’t know of any other museums moving in DC –
http://www.jobtarget.com/c/job.cfm?vnet=0&str=26&site%5Fid=8712&jb=7228743
Monday, October 4, 2010
Diagram, Diagram, Surprise! Diagram, Diagram
It’s been a while since I last posted so I thought it may be nice to give you a brief summery of what I’ve been up to here in HDAC. Since school has started again I have only been here once a week cataloging various specimens: acetate models, slide boxes and now OBGYN teaching slides. These slides vary from what I would consider normal diagrams that you see in class or text books to the slightly more unexpected (I guess it’s more of a surprise when you come across them than unexpected after you find the first few) OBGYN visuals. There is one set of slides that I just came across that are interesting for another reason. They depict a transfusion, of what I’m not sure, the second slide shows them filtering the unknown with what appears to just be cheese cloth before injecting it into the body. With all we know now about blood born pathogens, I hope that this was not the method used to “purify” blood when these slides were made. It is strange to see that the individuals depicted are very cautious about wearing masks and gloves while only filtering the solution with a cheese cloth before injecting it into someone. Anyways here are the slides I was talking about.
Letter of the Day: October 4
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 910
October 4, 1895
Dr. Irving W. Rand,
Columbia Hospital,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:
The portions of liver, kidney and spleen from a case of suppression of urine after Caesarean operation, sent to this laboratory on September 9, 1895, have been subjected to microscopical examination with the following result:
Kidney: Chronic parenchymatous nephritis, with extensive cell change and increase of connective tissue.
Liver: Extensive fatty degeneration; the cells at the periphery of the lobules are uniformly degenerated and atrophied., and some of them have disappeared; slight increase of connective tissue.
Spleen: Shows some cellular hyperplasia in the pulp of the organ. All three tissues contain a moderately large bacillus with rounded ends, and of variable length. As cultures were not taken it is impossible to say what this organism is; it may be proteus vulgaris.
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Pictures of average Civil War soldiers
SCDV 192 Ulmur, David, CO. M 4th PA Cavalry, battle of Dinwiddie Court House
The Washington Post is reporting an excellent donation of 700 pictures of average Civil War soldiers to the Library of Congress.
Va. collector donates Civil War photographs to Library of Congress
By Michael E. Ruane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Medical Museum of course took or collected thousands of these types of pictures during the war, excepting the showing of a wound, of course. You can see some on our Flickr site. We also have a donated album - Pleasants Photograph Album (1865) - that we scanned and put online recently. Here's the description of it:
Photograph album of Frances Pleasants, who taught wounded soldiers at the Army Hospital in Germantown, PA during the Civil War. Presented to her by her patients, it contains photographs of them as well as other Civil War images. Includes albumen cartes-de-visite, tintypes, and newspaper clippings. Note: where image numbers are missing in the sequence, those places in the album are empty and the pages were not digitized.
Letter of the Day: October 3
Pittsburgh, October 3d, 1863.
Sir:
We were so unfortunate, on Friday Morning, October 2d, 1863, as to meet with the disaster of having our Factory burned. Our furnace is still perfect, and our moulds uninjured, to any great extent. Our stock was entirely consumed, and some of our books destroyed, among them our order book.
Our suspension of business will be but temporary, as we hope to be able to resume operations in the course of three or four weeks. So soon as we are in operation, we will be glad to receive a continuance of your patronage, so liberally extended to us heretofore.
Yours, respectfully,
T.A. EVANS & CO.
Masterden Fluid Glass Works
Sir:
We were so unfortunate, on Friday Morning, October 2d, 1863, as to meet with the disaster of having our Factory burned. Our furnace is still perfect, and our moulds uninjured, to any great extent. Our stock was entirely consumed, and some of our books destroyed, among them our order book.
Our suspension of business will be but temporary, as we hope to be able to resume operations in the course of three or four weeks. So soon as we are in operation, we will be glad to receive a continuance of your patronage, so liberally extended to us heretofore.
Yours, respectfully,
T.A. EVANS & CO.
Masterden Fluid Glass Works
Saturday, October 2, 2010
NY Times on the problem of cell phone tours
I thought this was an interesting article -
From Picassos to Sarcophagi, Guided by Phone Apps
By EDWARD ROTHSTEIN
October 2, 2010
From Picassos to Sarcophagi, Guided by Phone Apps
By EDWARD ROTHSTEIN
October 2, 2010
Appalling human experimentation done by US in early days of antibiotics
I've been on the AFIP's Institutional Review Board for about 15 years now, and usually it's just people wanting to study archived tissue - but then every once in a while you're reminded why you have to have someone looking over people's shoulders. This is an extraordinarily stupid study as well - they couldn't have gone to VD clinics in the US and set up a controlled study with some getting placebos? Of course they could have. However, note it wasn't just the US government - the Post article says the Guatemalan government was involved as well.
U.S. Apologizes for Syphilis Tests in Guatemala
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
October 2, 2010
U.S. apologizes for newly revealed syphilis experiments done in Guatemala
By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 2, 2010
U.S. Apologizes for Syphilis Tests in Guatemala
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
October 2, 2010
U.S. apologizes for newly revealed syphilis experiments done in Guatemala
By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, October 2, 2010
Letter of the Day: October 2
Be sure to read the reprint ...
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1737
The Sacramento Society for Medical Improvement.
W.J. Hanna, M.D., Sec’y and Treas.
#426 ½ J. St. Sacramento, Cal. October 2, 1896.
My Dear Doctor:
I enclose a reprint of a case of “Heart Injury” which came under my observation. Would you kindly let me know whether you have any similar cases reported in your Museum or any literature on this subject. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience I remain
Yours truly
W.J. Hanna
To.
J.M. Toner M.D.
U.S. Army Medical Museum
Washington, D.C.
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1737
The Sacramento Society for Medical Improvement.
W.J. Hanna, M.D., Sec’y and Treas.
#426 ½ J. St. Sacramento, Cal. October 2, 1896.
My Dear Doctor:
I enclose a reprint of a case of “Heart Injury” which came under my observation. Would you kindly let me know whether you have any similar cases reported in your Museum or any literature on this subject. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience I remain
Yours truly
W.J. Hanna
To.
J.M. Toner M.D.
U.S. Army Medical Museum
Washington, D.C.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Museum transfers from AFIP
Today the Museum officially transfers from the AFIP to the Army's Medical Research and Materiel Command although we're detailed back to AFIP for the moment. The Army Institute of Pathology spun out of the Museum on June 7 1946, and the Museum was placed under it. On February 15, 1950, the triservice Armed Forces Institute of Pathology was created. AFIP was closed by BRAC in 2005 and will finally close in 2011.
Letter of the Day: October 1
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 199
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets, S.W.,
Washington, D.C., October 1, 1894,
Dr. A. Clifford Mercer,
324 Montgomery St.,
Syracuse, N.Y.
Dear Sir:
I have just returned from Europe and find your note of September 23rd on my table, for which I am much obliged.
I know Mr. Crisp’s collection very well, and have received much valuable aid from Mr. Mayall, the gentleman who aided him largely in making that collection. I wish it were possible to obtain it for the Army Medical Museum, to which it would be a splendid addition. But it is out of the question to think of purchasing it, as your annual appropriation for all purposes is only $5000. At all events, however, it can do no harm to make some inquiries about the matter, and I will at once proceed to do this through some friends in London.
Again thanking you for your note, I remain,
Yours very sincerely,
(Sgd) John S. Billings
Lt. Colonel and Deputy Surgeon General, U.S.A.
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets, S.W.,
Washington, D.C., October 1, 1894,
Dr. A. Clifford Mercer,
324 Montgomery St.,
Syracuse, N.Y.
Dear Sir:
I have just returned from Europe and find your note of September 23rd on my table, for which I am much obliged.
I know Mr. Crisp’s collection very well, and have received much valuable aid from Mr. Mayall, the gentleman who aided him largely in making that collection. I wish it were possible to obtain it for the Army Medical Museum, to which it would be a splendid addition. But it is out of the question to think of purchasing it, as your annual appropriation for all purposes is only $5000. At all events, however, it can do no harm to make some inquiries about the matter, and I will at once proceed to do this through some friends in London.
Again thanking you for your note, I remain,
Yours very sincerely,
(Sgd) John S. Billings
Lt. Colonel and Deputy Surgeon General, U.S.A.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Letter of the Day: September 30
Wash. D.C. Sept 30 80
Hon. Alexander Ramsey
Sec of War
Dear Sir
I have the honor herewith most respectfully to request that I may be transferred from my present position in the Record and Pension Division of the Surgeon General’s Office to some other employment under the War Department for the reason that I am afflicted with a very serious trouble in my eyes; which has now become so aggravated by the gas light under which I have to work as to threaten blindness.
Dr. Loring the occulist who has for some time been treating my eyes assures me that this work by gas light will eventually cause the loss of sight.
I forward with this his statement of the matter, and therefore request that you will have the kindness to cause my transfer to someplace where I will not have the difficulty of the gas light, or if possible to some position as messenger or the like. I was appointed upon the recommendation of the Maryland delegation + also f Mr. Pachico of Cal. Being gazette I believe to that state.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant
Alfred de Ronceray
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Letter of the Day: September 29
[There were so many bird collectors in the Army that there’s a book about them – Ornithologists of the United States Army Medical Corps by Hume]
Madisonville, Hamilton Co. Ohio
Sept. 29th 1879
Dear Sir
I send you today, per Express (M+C. care of Adams) as directed, a box containing the following species of birds in the flesh, for the Army Medical Museum; (for skeletons).
Viz.-
Deudioeca castanea
Deudoieca blackburniae
Turdus swainsoni
Pyranga aestiva
Passerella iliaca
Aegialitis vociferous
Hoping that they may reach you in good order, I have the honor to be
Very respectfully yours
Frank W. Langdon
C.H. Crane
Asst. Surgeon General, U.S.A.
--
Received at A.M.M. Oct. 2, 1879, + turned over to Dr. Woodward, in charge of the Sec. of Comparative Anatomy. Copy of this letter furnished Dr. Schafhirt Oct. 7 1879, by order of Mr. Myers.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Rules of the Library of the Surgeon General's Office
Rules of the Library of the Surgeon General's Office , printed on May 16, 1872 from OHA 323.
SGO Circular 2 (1867)
The Army Medical Museum begins collecting animal specimens, Indian culture and remains, and poisonous insects and reptiles, two years after the Civil War ends, and five years after the Museum’s founding.
Letter of the Day: September 28
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 193
Schering & Glatz,
Importers of
Drugs & Chemicals
No. 55 Maiden Lane.
New York, September 28, 1894
Dr. Walter Reed,
Major & Surgeon U.S. Army
Curator U.S. Army Medical Museum,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:-
We beg to own receipt of your valued favor of the 26th. Inst., contents of which are noted with thanks.-
We now enclose invoice for 2 x 5 Gramme Vials DIPTHERIA ANTITOXINE SOLUTION for Immunization, which we forwarded by mail today and trust the same will reach you in good condition. We regret to say that we will probably not be able to furnish the Concentrated Solution until next November, while our stock of the Immunization Fluid is almost exhausted and we will likely be out of stock for a month or two.
We presume your article “The Germicidal Value of Trikresol” has not yet been published in the fourth volume of the Transactions of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, as we have not yet received the separate copy which you were kind enough to promise us in your letter of July 23d.
Very truly yours,
Schering & Glatz
Enclosure: Invoice.
Monday, September 27, 2010
"Save the Date: Museum Program on Wounded Warrior Care at the MATC, 9/30, noon!"
| SAVE THE DATE---Wounded Warrior Care at Walter Reed LUNCHTIME PROGRAM AT THE MEDICAL MUSEUM | |
| What: Join physical therapists from Walter Reed’s Military Advanced Training Center for a panel discussion about their experiences with Wounded Warrior care and amputee rehabilitation. This program is being held in conjunction with “Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibition of Orthopaedic Advancements,” presented by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. When: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Bring your lunch!) Where: Russell Auditorium, NMHM in Bldg. 54, WRAMC Questions? Call (202) 782-2673 | |
Letter of the Day: September 27
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 180
War Department,
Surgeon General’s Office,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
Corner 7th and B Streets S.W.,
Washington, D.C., September 27, 1894
To the Surgeon General, U.S. Army,
Washington, D.C.
General:
I have the honor to state that the following articles are required for immediate use at the Army Medical Museum, and would request authority to buy them as emergency purchases to be paid for from the Museum appropriation:
6 lbs. Acid, carbolic, pure, crystals, Estimated cost, 6.00
8 Oz. Celloidin, Schering’s, “ “ 8.00
3 Small Files, for glass, “ “ .60
½ Ream Filtering Paper, imported “ “ 10.00
1 Gas Stove, 10”, with ring burner, “ “ 5.50
30 Yards Black Rubber Tubing, “ “ 18.00
2 lbs. Metallic Zinc, in sticks, “ “ 1.50
1 Dozen Pencils, blue, for writing on glass, “ 2.00
1 Dozen Pinchcocks, for rubber tubing, “ 3.00
Total “ 54.60
Very respectfully,
Walter Reed,
Major and Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator Army Medical Museum.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Letter of the Day: September 26
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 932
Geo. G. Rambaud,
Superintendent
New York Biological and Vaccinal Institute.
Laboratory of Bovine Vaccine and of Biological Products.
(Pasteur Institute Building.)
New York, September 26, 1895
Dr. Walter Reed,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Doctor:
Dr. Gibier has transmitted to us your favor of the 25th in which you ask for information as to the use of our Tetanus Antitoxin.
In reply we beg to say that we are at present out of the directions for which you ask, but we will have some in a short time, and will be pleased to send you same.
Hoping this delay will not inconvenience you, we remain,
Yours respectfully,
New York Biological and Vaccinal Institute.
Per GGR
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Letter of the Day: September 25
Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 932
September 25, 1895
Dr. Paul Gibier,
Director Pasteur Institute,
1—7 W. 97th St.,
New York.
Dear Sir:
Will you favor me with your circular describing the dose necessary for administration on and the method of administration of your tetanus antitoxine. I have recently received a small quantity from the Post Surgeon at Plattsburg Barracks, which was left over in a case of lockjaw at that Post, and desire to have some definite information as to its dose, etc., should I be called upon to forward the antitoxine to another military post.
Please favor me with a prompt reply.
Very truly yours,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.
September 25, 1895
Dr. Paul Gibier,
Director Pasteur Institute,
1—7 W. 97th St.,
New York.
Dear Sir:
Will you favor me with your circular describing the dose necessary for administration on and the method of administration of your tetanus antitoxine. I have recently received a small quantity from the Post Surgeon at Plattsburg Barracks, which was left over in a case of lockjaw at that Post, and desire to have some definite information as to its dose, etc., should I be called upon to forward the antitoxine to another military post.
Please favor me with a prompt reply.
Very truly yours,
Walter Reed
Surgeon, U.S. Army,
Curator.
Friday, September 24, 2010
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.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
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
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.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
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. CHIVERSNew York Times At War blog September 21, 2010
http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/picturing-wars-wounded-and-dead/
and
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 18th
New York, Sept. 21, 1903.
Col. C.L. Heizmann,
Col. Asst. Surgeon General,
U.S. Army Medical Museum and Library,
7th and B Sts. SW.,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Complying with your request of Sept. 18th, and referring to our letter of Sept. 19th, 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.
Monday, September 20, 2010
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 16th, 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.
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