Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1197

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Dr. James Truman papers relating to the International Dental Journal, 1890-1905, Ms. Coll. 1197, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1890-1905 (inclusive)

Creator:

Truman, James

Form:

Notes, Clippings (information artifacts), and Correspondence

Abstract:

Dr. James Truman was the editor of the International Dental Journal from 1890 to 1905 as well as a dean of the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania. This collection consists of letters written to Dr. James Truman, notes relating to the International Dental Journal and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, newspaper clippings, and International Dental Journal scratch (or record) books.

Dr. James Truman was born in 1826, and at an early age worked in his father's dental office as an assistant in the laboratory. At the age of 28, he attended the Philadelphia College of Dental Surgery, graduating in 1854. Soon after his graduation, he began to work as a lecturer at the Philadelphia College of Dental Surgery. In 1863, his first article was published and he began concentrating on both writing and teaching. From 1865 to 1870, he served as the chair of Dental Physiology and Operative Dentistry at the Pennsylvania Dental College. For health reasons, Truman traveled abroad, especially to Germany, but returned to the United States in 1880 and set up practice in Philadelphia. From 1882 to 1896, Truman was professor of Operative Dentistry and Dental Histology at the University of Pennsylvania, also serving as the dean of the Dental Department from 1883 to 1895.

During his career and in addition to his teaching, Truman served as chief editor of Dental News, as president of the National Association of Dental Faculties of the United States, as president of the Odontological Society of Pennsylvania, and as editor of the International Dental Journal from 1890 to 1905. The International Dental Journal, which was published from 1889 to 1905, was the official organ of the American Academy of Dental Science and the Odontological Society of Pennsylvania. The journal was devoted to dental and oral science and included articles by dental professionals, bibliographies, current news, domestic correspondence, editorial reports, obituaries, original communications, reports of society meetings, and reviews of dental literature. Some volumes have been digitized.

Truman died on November 26, 1914 at the age of 88.

This collection consists of letters written to Dr. James Truman, notes relating to the International Dental Journal and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, newspaper clippings, and International Dental Journal scratch (or record) books. The letters written to Truman largely concern the editing of the International Dental Journal and the admittance of articles and advertisements to the journal. The notes relate to the journal and Truman's role as an educator, including an 1897 examination on Materia Medica. Newspaper clippings are largely related to the field of dentistry and the collection includes articles titled, "Fifty Years a Dentist" (regarding Dr. Jesse C. Green), "Dr. Sudduth Departs: The University Dean to Go to Chicago Next Month," and "Rules Governing Carnegie Fund." Finally, there are four "scratch books" that contain "matters prepared" and "make-ups" as well as notes and comments for each edition of the International Dental Journal.