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Taking a (Web) page from history
A 19th century surgeon named Christian Albert Theodor Billroth once said, "Only the man who is familiar with the art and science of the past is competent to aid in its progress in the future."
Even for those who are not involved in the study of the health sciences, the history of medicine is a fascinating area to explore. What did physicians know about human anatomy and when did they know it? What did they believe about the causes behind disorders and diseases? What were the instruments used to treat these? How, in fact, did they handle anything medically in the old days? One might think material related to the history of medicine only resides in rare book collections or museums, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Many historical medical books, photographs, art and implements can now be viewed online.
The National Library of Medicine has a wonderful new resource called Turning the Pages (http://archive.nlm.nih.gov/proj/ttp/books.htm), which enables you to look at incredibly rare volumes of historic books—books that for most people would be otherwise inaccessible, such as Andreas Vesalius' famous anatomical work "De Humani Corporis Fabrica." You not only look, you turn the pages! You also can hear commentary on the content by clicking on the audio link next to the page. And there is a zoom feature that functions as a highly effective magnifying glass. This site is so cutting edge you need a broadband connection to experience its remarkable features. See http://archive.nlm.nih.gov/proj/ttp/requirements.htm for the technical requirements necessary to experience this noteworthy site. If in doubt, the site shows itself off beautifully on University Libraries research computer stations.
Another National Library of Medicine collection, Images from the History of Medicine (http://wwwihm.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/gw_44_3/chameleon?skin=nlm&lng=en), provides access to more than 60,000 prints and photographs through a searchable database. Do a keyword search on "leeches" and you will find an image of a 1598 woodcut Use of Leeches to Reduce Weight. Or search on "toothache" and find an array of depictions of this unfortunate condition, including a 19th century advertisement for Cocaine Toothache Drops.
The University of Virginia's Claude Moore Health Sciences Library also has a notable exhibits page highlighting its Historical Collections (http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/library/historical/exhibits.cfm). Images from the Surgical Instruments from Ancient Rome collection are especially fascinating. The University of Minnesota Libraries' Social History Welfare archives has a collection of Social Hygiene Posters (http://special.lib.umn.edu/swha/exhibits/hygiene/index.htm) that give a fascinating glimpse into how, in the early 20th century, the U.S. Public Health Service tried to educate young people about the dangers of sexual promiscuity and urge them to embrace moral and physical fitness.
UB's own Robert L. Brown History of Medicine Collection (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/hsl/history/), located at the Health Sciences Library, is beginning to have a presence on the Web, thanks to the growing UBDigit project where you can view portions of the Edgar R. McGuire Historical Medical Instrument Collection online (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/hsl/history/mcguire.html).
Of course, you might prefer to visit the actual History of Medicine collection, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Appointments are recommended; call 829-3900, ext. 136.
—Michelle L. Zafron, University Libraries