Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1222

Repository:

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

Extent:

0.2 linear_foot (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

William A. Capon papers, 1888-1900, Ms. Coll. 1222, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1887-1900 (inclusive)

Creator:

Capon, William A. (William Albert)

Form:

Lecture notes and Medical records

Abstract:

William Albert Capon (1860-1947) was a dentist, professor, and writer. His papers include student lecture notes from his education at Philadelphia Dental College and dental records from the practice of W. A. Capon, D.D.S., in Philadelphia between 1887 and 1900.

William Albert Capon was born on May 15, 1860, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, to parents William B. and Charlotte E. Capon. He emigrated to the United States to attend the Philadelphia Dental School, which was then aligned with Temple University. He graduated with a D.D.S. in 1890 and served as instructor there from 1892 to 1905. He went on to assume the position of Assistant Professor of Dental Ceramics at the Thomas W. Evans Museum and Dental Institute, School of Dentistry, University of Pennsylvania, from 1906 to 1930. In addition to teaching, he practiced privately and contributed regularly to dental professional literature. He married Miriam F. Stagg in 1896 and lived in Philadelphia until his death on January 9, 1947.

The William A. Capon papers include student lecture notes from his education at Philadelphia Dental College and dental records from the practice of W. A. Capon, D.D.S., in Philadelphia between 1887 and 1900. These volumes give insight into Dr. Capon's education and training in the late nineteenth century, in addition to examples of patient records and diagrams from the early years of his dental practice.

W.A. Capon's student lecture notebook includes handwritten notes on courses taken at Philadelphia Dental College (later Temple University School of Dentistry) between 1887 and 1890. Course titles referenced in the notebook include "Mechan Dentistry," "Anatomy," "Physiology," "Operative," "Chem," and "Surgery." In addition to lecture notes, the book also includes "'Ideal' Tooth paste Formula" with a recipe for homemade toothpaste circa 1888.

Volume 1 of W.A. Capon's workbook includes an alphabetical index of patients, and an unbound book of patient dental records with hand-rendered diagrams of tooth work. There is a manuscript inscription on the cover page which reads: "Dedicated to my brother W.A. Capon D.D.S. 'An interesting volume without words,' 'May each folio record success' ... Sept 22nd 91". On the verso side, a color coded key to Dr. Capon's markings may assist users in deciphering his notes on the following diagrams. This workbook includes notations ranging from 1891 to 1895.

Volume 2 of W.A. Capon's workbook includes an alphabetical index of patients, and an unbound book of patient dental records with hand-rendered diagrams of tooth work similar to the first volume. The last third of the workbook has blank diagrams which were not used to record patient information. This workbook includes notations from 1895 to 1900.

The William A. Capon papers were originally donated to the University of Pennsylvania Dental Library by the Capon Estate in 1948.