History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

Medical Libraries i)i Illinois Preceding 1900 463Mead as library attendants. It also recorded that the Biology Library contained"a series of models and charts relating to embryological topics,"and that it had "both monographs and periodicals" and that "the representationof current literature is particularly complete."In 1896, the libraries of the several biological departments were movedto the Zoology Building. At the end of the fiscal year 1898, the combinedBiology Library had 7200 volumes and its Reading Room accommodated24 readers.Privately Endowed Medical Libraries1. Columbus Memorial Library — At about the time of the great ColumbianExposition in Chicago, Mr. Henry Jewett Furber erected a pretentiousoffice structure known asthe Columbus Memorial Building opposite theMarshall Field Department Store on State Street. That building in the1890's housed the offices of the elite of Chicago's medical profession. Whenthe establishment of a medical laboratory in the building was proposed toMr. Furber, he entered into the project with enthusiasm and lent the enterpriseaid. Thus, the Columbus Medical Laboratory was founded in 1893.It may be assumed that the Columbus Memorial Library was part of theColumbus Medical Laboratory and that it had its start at the same time(1893), but it is not known whether the library was on the budget of thatorganization or whether it represented in part, at least, the personal bookcollections of its staff members, among whom were Drs. Adolph Gehrmann,William M. Harsha, John A. Wesener, William A. Evans and LudvigHektoen. The statement that Mr. Furber assisted the laboratory financiallyand that, after it was closed, he donated the Columbus Memorial Libraryto the College of Medicine of the University of Illinois, would indicatethat he held ownership in it.2. Newberry Library — Mr. Walter Loomis Newberry, a successful businessman and financier, was a founder in 1841 of the Young Men's LibraryAssociation which was the forerunner of the Chicago Public Library. Hisinterest in its affairs probably influenced him in providing in his will forthe Newberry Library. Thus far no printed history of the Newberry Libraryexists, 16 but according to the proceedings of the trustees of the NewberryLibrary, the story of the origin of its medical department is detailed in thefollowing quotation: 17 "There never has existed in Chicago a medicalreference library of any importance, and many fruitless attempts have beenmade to supply this essential need of the profession." The plan whereby" Woodward, Gertrude L.: Personal communication August 19, 1952, from thecustodian of the Rare Book Room of the Newberry Library, Chicago.17 The Newberry Library. Proceedings of the Trustees, for the year ending Jan. 5,1891, Chicago. 1891.