W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library
Current Exhibit on Plummer 12
Selections from the W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library: Botanical and Herbal Texts
The development of botanical knowledge is intertwined with the history of medicine, with the use of plants in medical treatment documented to at least 5,000 years ago in written records and 60,000 years in archaeological studies. “Herbals” are books that identify and describe plants and their usage, both medical and non-medical. They provide guidance for use and help pass botanical knowledge on to new practitioners. As seen here, many also include beautiful illustrations.
This exhibit includes books significant to the history of botany, medicine, and science. It also includes books that have lovely imagery. January in the Midwest is cold and snowy, and spending a cozy evening dreaming of warmer weather with garden seed catalogs is a customary practice. At the very least, maybe this exhibit will serve as a reminder that spring is right around the corner.
Curated by the W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library staff with assistance from the W. Bruce Fye Center for the History of Medicine staff.
Exhibit Archives
A Brief History of Midwifery: Selections from the Mayo Clinic History of Medicine Library
An Evening Among the Books: Selections of the Bibliotheca Prima of Sir William Osler
Pioneers in Medicine: Selections from the Mayo Clinic History of Medicine Library
Rochester Cemetery Walks: Nestled just northeast of the Mayo Clinic campus, Oakwood and Calvary cemeteries provide the citizens and visitors of Rochester with a quiet place for reflection. Some of the great men and women of medicine lay next to civic leaders and ordinary citizens, strengthening the bond between Mayo Clinic and its community.
Rare Anatomical Texts: This exhibit marks the 90th anniversary of the Mayo Clinic Libraries (1907-1997) and comprises part of 130 rare anatomy books donated to the History of Medicine Library by Dr. Anthony H. Kelly in the early 1990's.
Other Exhibits (PDF & PPT format)
Liber Chronicarum (Nuremberg Chronicle) Published in 1493
- Liber Chronicarum (Nuremberg Chronical) published in 1493With the exception of the Gutenberg Bible, the Nuremberg Chronicle became the best known of all the items printed in the 15th century. Purchased in 1966, the History of Medicine collection is fortunate to own a first edition copy, printed in Latin
Liber Chronicarum, (Book of Chronicles) was conceived, executed and published in Nuremberg, Germany. Its artistic patina is completely “Nurembergian” and so it is no surprise it long ago gave way to the more popular title of Nuremberg Chronicle. With the exception of the Gutenberg Bible it has become the best known of all the items printed in the 15th century. The W. Bruce Fye History of Medicine Library collection is fortunate to own a first edition copy, printed in Latin, dated 1493.