Introduction
“An Evening Among the Books” was conceived by Miss Ruth Mann, History of Medicine Librarian, 1966-1983, on December 29, 1969, as a way of recognizing the fiftieth anniversary of the death of the great physician, Sir William Osler. It is adapted this evening by Hilary J. Lane, History of Medicine Library Coordinator, in celebration of the 40th Annual Meeting of the American Osler Society.*
"All of us in our careers have tried to emulate someone living or dead whom they have greatly admired. Some of you may feel this way about Sir William.
Osler retained his interest in books and libraries all of his life. As his own library developed he considered its educational value as well as its literary and historic interest. It was a great library and he grouped the books into eight general divisions. The first of these he called Bibliotheca Prima. He arranged, in chronological order, the books from his library representing the important contributions in the evolution of science, including medicine. It is this first section that we are concerned with this evening. A number of books that were in Sir William’s library and duplicated in our holdings have been chosen for display. They are all literary landmarks of the first magnitude. Osler’s comments about the books and authors are included. The numbers are from the published catalogue of his library, the Bibliotheca Osleriana.”
Mr. Thomas E. Keys, Director
Mayo Clinic Libraries, 1946-1969
* Because of limited space not all the titles in the original exhibit are listed and displayed