Sir William Osler Papers, 1893-1939

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Summary

Creators:
Osler, William, Sir, 1849-1919
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of physician Sir William Osler (1849-1919), who helped found Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and served as Regius Chair of Medicine at Oxford University, chiefly consisting of correspondence.
Extent:
231 items in 1 box
Language:
The records are in English.

Background

Scope and content:

Correspondence forms the bulk of the Sir William Osler papers. These letters span the period from 1893-1939. They include Osler's own correspondence with his former student, C.N.B. Camac, concerning Camac's career and Osler's work. The collection also records the conversations between Osler and the prominent physicians William Sydney Thayer, and Henry Barton Jacobs. Also included are the letters exchanged between Camac, Harvey Cushing, and Lady Grace Revere Gross Osler about William Osler's career and the publishing of his biography. These letters reveal the inner workings of a dedicated scholar and the devotion of his students. Several letters detail the European travels of the Oslers, including postcards from Italy and France and ocean liners such as the Lusitania. Others discuss medical issues ranging from aneurisms to trypanosomiasis and Osler's passion for collecting rare books. There is one folder of miscellaneous correspondence and one letter book of Osler's.

One folder includes collected ephemera, mainly newspaper clippings. This material highlights Osler's public persona and medical expertise. A number of obituaries and memorials describe Osler's profound contribution to modern, Western medicine.

The collection is arranged by type. The majority of the collection is correspondence, which is arranged alphabetically by author.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1849, Sir William Osler rose through the ranks of professional medicine eventually becoming one of the world's most renowned physicians. As chair of clinical medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1885, he helped found the American Association of Physicians. Later, in 1893, he helped establish the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 1905, he was appointed the Regius Chair of Medicine at Oxford University, where, in 1911, he received the honorary title of baronet.

Throughout his career as an instructor, Osler developed a philosophy of medicine based on equal parts science and humanism. He insisted students talk and listen directly to patients, supplementing their classroom education with participatory residencies in hospital wards. Meanwhile, his many publications, including the much reprinted textbook, The Principles and Practices of Medicine (1892), significantly contributed to the professionalization of medicine in the late nineteenth century.

In addition to his medical career, Osler gained fame for his wit and humor. He published several satirical articles under the pseudonym, "Egerton Yorrick Davis." During his farewell speech at John Hopkins, he infamously suggested retired men should be chloroformed instead of burdening society. The self-deprecating remark made national headlines, sparked debate, and further elevated Osler's notoriety.

Acquisition information:
On long-term loan from the Los Angeles County Medical Association, 1992.
Rules or conventions:
Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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