Open yellowed manuscript on a table, showing two illustrated pages with Hebrew script and ink drawings. The right page features objects such as a chalice, round objects stacked on a table, the Ark with two winged figures, and other ritual items. The pages are yellowed with age with minimal brown foxing and bordered by neat ruled lines.

Our Collection

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Our Collection

The Historical Collection at the Institute of the History of Medicine is housed on the third floor of the Welch Medical Library. Our collection focuses exclusively on historical medicine and the history of medicine. Our collection includes rare books and incunabla, circulating (modern) books, artifacts, prints, photographs, archival collections, medals, and more. Please see below for an overview of available items and collections. 

To search our collection visit the Hopkins Library Homepage and perform a catalyst search. Then filter by Library, “Institute of the History of Medicine”. The catalyst results will indicate which items are available for checkout, and which must be viewed onsite.

Circulating Books

We have a robust secondary source and research collection of circulating materials. This collection has been built through donations, thoughtful purchasing, and the transfer of materials after the closing of myriad departmental libraries across the medical campus. We also continue to purchase new materials pertaining to scholarship in the history of medicine.

Individuals with Hopkins credentials may checkout any of our circulating collection items. Non-Hopkins affiliates will need to make an appointment to view materials in our Rare Book Room.

Rare Books

Our rare book collection ranges from 13th century manuscripts to books from the beginning of the 20th century. These books are housed in distinct locations across the Welch Medical Library based on age and rarity. Collection strengths include obstetrics, German histories of medicine, anatomy, and more.

Jacobs Collection

Bequeathed in 1934 the Henry Barton Jacobs Collection is housed in the stunning Jacobs Room. This collection has five main focus areas: Tuberculosis, Vaccination, Pastuer, the French School of Medicine, and a collection of Osler’s works. It also features an extensive medical print collection.

Jacobs Print Collection Inventory

Finding Aids and Collection Descriptions

Henry E. Sigerist Medieval Manuscript Reproduction Collection

James P. Leake Collection

Artifact Collection

Henry Barton Jacobs Print Collection

 

All collections do not have finding aids at this time. Please reach out if there is a collection not listed here you would like to view.

Undescribed Collections

The Historical Collection is working hard to bring all of our undescribed collections to light. Finding Aids or collection descriptions will be posted as we work through these collections. Some main highlights and collections of potential research significance include:

  • Melvin A. Gravitz Hypnosis Collection (in process)
  • Hutchinson Diagnostic Print Collection
  • Robert Koch Tuberculosis Diagnostic Letters Collection
  • Edward Jenner Correspondence Collection
  • 20th Century African Artifact Collection

LIBRARY

Collection Highlights