MenuInventory of the Josiah C. Trent Papers, 1536-1961 and undated, bulk 1944-1950
Abstract
U. S. thoracic surgeon and rare book and manuscript collector.
The Josiah C. Trent papers consist mostly of correspondence and notes for and drafts of published and unpublished research and articles. The collection also includes miscellaneous printed material, photographs, and lecture notes taken as a medical student. There is also material relating to Dr. Trent's death and the subsequent donation of his large private rare book and manuscript collection to the Duke Medical Center Library. The bulk of the material documents Dr. Trent's activities and publications as collector and historian of medical practice, particularly surgery and epidemiology. Most of the correspondence chronicles Dr. Trent's involvement with various professional organizations and his acquaintance with prominent figures in various fields: medical history - John Fulton, Henry Sigerist, W. W. Francis; book collecting - Henry Schuman; Duke University - Wilburt Davison, Lenox D. Baker. There is also some information concerning Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, Dr. Trent's wife. The collection also contains photographic prints and negatives reproducing medical illustrations and texts dating from the 16th century to the 20th century. These dates refer to the content of the images, rather than their date of creation by Dr. Trent in the 1930s and 1940s. Acquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Trent, Josiah C. (Josiah Charles), 1914-1948.
- Title
- Josiah C. Trent Papers, 1536-1961 and undated, bulk 1944-1950
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 6.5 Linear Feet, ca. 1800 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
The Josiah C. Trent papers consist mostly of correspondence, photographs, research files, and notes and drafts of published and unpublished research and articles. Many of these materials concern Dr. Trent's activities and publications as a collector and historian of medical practice, particularly surgery and epidemiology. The collection also includes miscellaneous printed material, photographs, a cardfile, possibly of his personal library, and lecture notes taken as a medical student. There is also material relating to Dr. Trent's death and the subsequent donation of his large private rare book and manuscript collection to the Duke Medical Center Library.
The correspondence chiefly chronicles Dr. Trent's involvement with various professional organizations and his acquaintance with prominent figures in various fields: medical history - John Fulton, Henry Sigerist, W. W. Francis; book collecting - Henry Schuman; Duke University - Wilburt Davison, Lenox D. Baker. This material can be found within the Subject Files Series. Some folders contain an index of the contents. There is also some information concerning Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, Dr. Trent's wife, who was instrumental in facilitating the support of the history of medicine collections at Duke. The collection also contains several hundred photographic prints and negatives of medical illustrations and texts dating from the 16th century to the 20th century. These dates refer to the content of the images, rather than their date of creation; they were assembled by Dr. Trent in the 1930s and 1940s.
The files were kept in Dr. Trent's medical office and contain relatively few items which pertain to his private life. Items of a more personal nature may be found in the James H. and Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Family Papers in the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Acquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.
Administrative Information
Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllContains exam questions and lecture notes from Dr. Trent's time as a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania.
Contains correspondence, notes, and papers chiefly relating to Dr. Trent's activities as a collector, and the dedication of the Trent Collection at the Duke University Medical Center Library in 1949. There is also a folder of material on Dr. Trent's death, a folder concerning Mary Duke Biddle Trent, and some financial information. Some folders contain an index and folder description within. Unless noted, items are undated. Arranged alphabetically.
Contains photographs, receipts, stamps, license, membership card, and invitation.
Cards are contained in one box and probably derive from Dr. Trent's personal library.
Writings Series, 1941-1949 and undated
Contains notes, drafts, and reprints of articles, publications, and presentations written and given by Dr. Trent. Most are related to historical studies of medical practices, particularly surgery and epidemiology. Unless noted, items are undated. Arranged alphabetically by title.
Contains photographic prints and negatives that are reproductions of medical illustrations and texts dating from the 16th century to the 20th century. These dates refer to the content, and not to Dr. Trent's creation of the prints and negatives, which took place in the 1930s and 1940s. Many of the images are from German sources and some are housed in the Bettmann Archive. The prints and negatives are housed separately in 7.5x5.5 and 9x12 inch envelopes and arranged alphabetically by author or title. Unless otherwise noted, all titles include both negatives and prints.
Subject Headings
- Semans, Mary Duke Biddle Trent.
- Trent, Josiah C. (Josiah Charles), 1914-1948.
- Trent, Josiah C. (Josiah Charles), 1914-1948--Library.
- Duke University. Medical Center.
- University of Pennsylvania. School of Medicine.
- Book collecting.
- Collectors and collecting--North Carolina.
- Epidemiology--History.
- History of medicine.
- Medical illustration.
- Surgery--History.
- Negatives.
- Photographs.
- History of Medicine Collections (Duke University)
Related Material
- Henry and Ida Schuman papers, circa 1930-1990s (contains correspondence with Dr. Trent) (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
- James H. and Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Family Papers, record group that is part of the Semans Family Papers (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)
- Dr. Josiah Trent Papers (chiefly professional papers as surgeon) (Medical Center Archives, Duke University)
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Josiah C. Trent Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The Josiah C. Trent Papers were transferred to the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library from the Medical Center Library in 2011.
Processing Information
Processed by Willeke Sandler, May 2012.
Encoded by Paula Jeannet Mangiafico and Willeke Sandler, May 2012.
All accessions are described in this finding aid.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.