College of Physicians of Philadelphia Processes 19th and 20th Century Materials

The Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia recently began to sort and catalog medical trade ephemera, reprints, and government documents that were collected in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. This collection consists of 700 boxes equating to approximately 70,000 uncatalogued items. Each box was originally organized by subject heading, using contemporary headings such as “Cripples” or “Defective Children.” The unique documents inside each box range from public health decrees in Philadelphia issued by the office of the Mayor to World War I rehabilitation of “limbless soldiers” presented by the Red Cross. Library staff and interns are currently sorting each subject box and cataloging the contents so they may be of access to researchers. Material will be made available as it is cataloged.