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History of Medicine Courses

History of Medicine Course

Topics in the History of Medicine
M04-5001

Teaching Objectives

This selective examines various historical topics typical for using the unique resources of the Becker Medical Library that are concentrated in the Archives and Rare Book Section (7th floor). The presentations include topics ranging in time from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Emphasis will be placed on how familiarity with medical history sources can enhance all forms of medical communication.

Instructors

Paul G. Anderson, Ph.D.

Lilla Vekerdy, M.A., M.L.S. – Coursemaster

Sessions
  1. Introduction to the historical collections of the Becker Medical Library and Medieval medicine. Ms Vekerdy.
  2. Magic, morals, and practical treatment: Paracelsus and 16th century medicine. Ms Vekerdy.
  3. Tracing the literature and graphic resources of a specialty: classic descriptions of the kidney. Ms Vekerdy.
  4. Emergence of a key technology: microscopy and its medical use in the 17th century. Ms. Vekerdy.
  5. Masterpieces, replicas, and cheap imitations: early anatomy books and the graphic arts. Ms. Vekerdy.
  6. Introductions to archives, 19th century hospitals, medical schools. Dr. Anderson.
  7. A 19th century medical school professor and practitioner, Gustav Baumgarten. Dr. Anderson.
  8. The reform of our School and development of the Medical Center in the early 20th century. Dr. Anderson.
  9. A closer look at the career of a 20th century Medical School faculty giant, cell biologist E. V. Cowdry. Dr. Anderson.
  10. Methods and styles of writing research papers. Resources in Becker Library and on the World Wide Web. Ms Vekerdy.

Sessions will be held in the Henry G. Schwartz Reading Room (Becker Library, 7th floor). Times will be arranged for the convenience of class members. The instructors will also assist students in individual use of the historical collections by appointment.

Course Requirement: One short (8-10 page) essay on a selected topic offered by or related to the course. Students are encouraged to utilize the primary and secondary resources of the Archives and Rare Books section of the Becker Library, as well as to use general printed and on-line history of medicine source material.

 

Independent Reading Courses

Those students who completed and passed the History of Medicine Selective Course may register for an independent study course. The study in this course is targeted on systematically researching a specific topic and preparing a journal article-level research paper. The student is encouraged to submit his/her paper to a medical history student essay contest.