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W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library: Home

W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library


 

The W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library is a specialized library housing important collections in the history of medicine and allied sciences. Several thousand volumes of rare medical classics (from 1479) and early journal literature (from 1665) comprise the core collection of primary literature on all aspects of medicine and allied fields.  More recently published histories, biographies, facsimiles, and other support materials comprise the remainder of the collection of some 23,000 total volumes.  Special strengths include anesthesiology, cardiology, dermatology, immunology, ophthalmology and neurology.  The library also has a large collection of Mayo physician bound reprints. 

Library Catalog
The W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine collection can be searched online at librarycatalog.mayo.edu 

Borrowing Privileges
Older works are non-circulating and may be used by calling for an appointment (266-7425). Contemporary support materials (recently published historical accounts, biographies, etc.) are available for circulation. Borrowing privileges are extended to faculty, students and employees of Mayo Clinic.

Services

  • Tours by appointment only
  • Reference consultations
  • Image research for historical medical figures and subjects
  • Digital imaging by arrangement 

Loan Policies

  • Classic monographs and journals: non-circulating
  • Selected contemporary monographs/journals: Two weeks, two renewals
  • Media: Two weeks, two renewals

Hours and Access

The W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library is located on the 15th floor of the Plummer Building.

Research access and tours are available Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm by appointment only. At least 24 hours notice is preferred. 

Call or email for arrangements: 

Emily Brown

brown.emily@mayo.edu

507-284-3676

Save the Date

Upcoming History of Medicine Society Lectures
Monday, June 16th 

"A Convenient Villain" Beyond the Legend: Unraveling the Legacy of Charles Lindbergh 
Jonathan D. Reich, M.D.
Leighton Auditorium
Rochester, MN

Few figures in American history are as controversial as Charles Lindbergh. Decades after his death, his legacy still sparks debate. His scientific contributions—like those to national security—are often overlooked to avoid complicating the narrative against him.  Lindbergh co-invented the first working cardiac perfusion pump, proved that perfused organs could function outside the body, co-authored the leading medical textbook of his era, and advanced high-altitude aviation, saving pilots’ lives from WWII through Vietnam — all with only an eleventh-grade education. 

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