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Dr. Daniel and Eleanor Albert collection of ophthalmology material, 1596-2000, undated (bulk: 1785-1925) (inclusive)

Extent:

5.25 linear feet (20 boxes)

Abstract:

The Dr. Daniel and Eleanor Albert collection of ophthalmology material (1596-2000, undated) presents the historical transformations of eye care and ocular medicine, with a particular emphasis on the field in the nineteenth century. While the majority of materials in this collection relate to ophthalmology, some pertain more broadly to medicine or to American history. In addition to the historical medical documents, this collection includes dozens of pairs of antique spectacles and over one hundred ophthalmoscopes.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Benjamin Champneys lecture notes, circa 1794-1810 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.2 linear_foot (3 volumes)

Abstract:

Benjamin Champneys (1774-1814) was a college and medical student at the University of Pennsylvania (A.B. 1792, M.D. 1805) and, later, a naval surgeon on the frigate Philadelphia. This collection consists of three volumes of notes taken from lectures and reading over an extended period of time and bound together at a later date. The notes focus on the subjects of medicine and chemistry, with additional notes on logic, mathematics, and moral philosophy.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Recipes for dyes, cosmetics, and ailments, circa 1820 (inclusive)

Extent:

1 volume

Abstract:

This small volume, probably kept by an English woman, contains recipes for dyes, preparations for cosmetics, and a few medicinal prescriptions. There are also instructions for the home.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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William H. Helfand collection of medical quackery ephemera, 1736-2006, undated (inclusive)

Extent:

2 linear feet (6 boxes)

Abstract:

The William H. Helfand collection of medical quackery ephemera contains prints that address the public perception of physicians and the practice of medicine across three centuries (1736-2006, with undated materials). A large number of cartoons from nineteenth century French satirical newspapers reveal that medical practices and symbols were used to visually express political sentiments. In this collection, medicine also emerges as a theme in imagerie populaire, inexpensive block prints mass-produced during the same period. Other aspects and eras of medicine are represented in the collection's portraits, advertisements, devotional images and artwork.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]