The old library of the Pennsylvania Hospital

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Library Science

Background:

• The Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751, aimed to provide care for the sick and poor.
• A library was crucial for medical education and knowledge dissemination.

Observation:

• The first book, "Experimental History of the Materia Medica," was donated in 1762.
• Physicians' fees from students funded library acquisitions starting in 1763.
• The library's collection expanded to include natural history by 1817.

Findings:

• Catalogues were printed periodically, with the earliest in 1790-94.
• By mid-19th century, the library held approximately 9,000 volumes.
• The Pennsylvania Hospital library was the largest medical library in the U.S. at that time.

Implications:

• The library's growth reflects the increasing importance of medical literature and education.
• This collection served as a vital resource for physicians and researchers.
• The library's size and scope highlight the institution's commitment to advancing medical knowledge.