Mobile Library

in the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

History of Medicine Collection

Welcome

The Duke University History of Medicine Collections acquire, preserve, interpret, and make available for research and instruction, materials documenting the history of medicine, biomedical science, health and disease in the global context of the Western medical tradition. The collections seek to bring historical perspectives to bear on contemporary health issues and to facilitate an interdisciplinary understanding of the history of medicine.

Discover the history of medicine through our rich and unique collections, which include over 20,000 monographs and 4,000 manuscripts, as well as photographs, illustrations, medical instruments, stamps, medals, and a variety of medical artifacts. We also offer a setting for classes, provide research consultations, host a speaker series and other special events, exhibit items from the collections, and issue a regular newsletter and special publications.

Rubenstein Library Renovation News

**Rubenstein Library collections are on the move through February 17, 2013**

Planning a research visit? You can register as a researcher and request your materials online! Please request all materials at least 4 days before you plan to arrive. (PDF map to 3rd Floor Perkins Reading Room)

Asking a question by phone, mail, or e-mail? Through February 17th, 2013, responses to reference inquiries will take more time due to our collections move.

Keep up with the latest renovation news by visiting our renovation news website.

The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is an interactive online presentation of seventeenth-century copperplate engravings illustrating human anatomy and the stages of human life.

News

A Long and Happy Life
April 11, 2013
Feasting from The History of Medicine Collection
November 21, 2012
Two Words for Halloween: Scary Clowns!
October 31, 2012

Recent Acquisitions

The History of Medicine has recently acquired the Medical Journals of Dr. Caleb Budlong, the first physician in the town and village of Frankfort, New York. Written between 1817 and 1839, these manuscripts are a comprehensive medical history of an early settlement. The eight volumes include medical records, financial accounts, as well as items that document the emerging U.S. Pharmacopeia and medical ethics movements. You can find other new acquisitions in the most recent issue of the Trent Associates Newsletter.