Stevens (Charles Wistar) Papers, 1823-1888

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Summary

Title:
Charles Wistar Stevens papers
Dates:
1823-1888
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence and notes of New England doctor Charles W. Stevens (died 1901) and offers insight into 19th century medical practice.
Extent:
1.2 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Charles Wistar Stevens papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence and notes of New England doctor Charles W. Stevens and offers insight into 19th century medical practice. Included are Steven's inquiries concerning dropsy, diphtheria, and other diseases. The collection contains several diplomas and certificates received by Charles Wistar Stevens. Also included are three lists of the Stevens and Baker families. Among the notes included, three are in French (prescription lists) and one is in Spanish (a poem). Notable participants include Clarence J. Baker, Ephraim Cutter, Henry M. Field, Austin Flint, Abraham Jacobi, James Russell Lowell, Justin McCarthy, Edwin Whipple, Henry W. Williams, and Robert C. Winthrop.

Biographical / historical:

Charles W. Stevens (died 1901) practiced medicine in Boston and his native New Hampshire throughout much of the 19th century. A Harvard graduate, Stevens cultivated relationships with several important 19th century figures. He exchanged letters with prominent Boston area physicians including Jacobi Abraham, a leading figure in the study of pediatrics. He was personally endorsed by the famed Fireside poet, James Russell Lowell. He also corresponded with the biblical scholar Osmon C. Baker and his family. Finally, Stevens conversed with the less well- off: the street dregs, the unemployed, and the undesired. He published a book, Revelations of a Boston Doctor in 1882, where he described his encounters with poverty. Several chapters highlighted the plight of orphans, pregnant women, and tuberculosis victims. Well-born and well-off, Stevens' concern for society's less fortunate suggests the complexity of 19th century class relations.

Acquisition information:
On permanent deposit from the Los Angeles County Medical Association, 1992.
Arrangement:

The collection is organized chronologically from 1823 to 1888. In addition, 10 pages of biographical notes concerning the various correspondents are located at the end of the collection.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Steven Collicelli, April 14, 2011.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-10-13 10:48:28 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

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

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Charles Wistar Stevens papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

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