Nathan Smith Davis, Sr., papers

Collection consists of the personal and professional papers of Nathan Smith Davis, Sr., founder of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (formerly known as the Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago Medical College, and the Medical Department of Lind University), as well as the American Medical Association. Major parts of the collection are account books and a case book from Davis's private medical practice (which often have ephemera tucked inside, some also act as journals and ledgers; dated 1837-1904) and correspondence and writings from throughout Davis's career as a physician and educator, including as Dean of Chicago Medical College/Northwestern University Medical School from 1866 to 1898. Much of the correspondence relates to Davis's study of the prevalence of cholera in the country, reform of medical education, and his activities in professional medical organizations. Many letters present in the collection are addressed to John V. Shoemaker, a physician and educator in Philadelphia who was Secretary of the Committee on Arrangements for the 9th International Medical Congress, of which Davis was the Secretary General; the letters are responses from physicians around the country to appointments on various committees of the Congress in August 1885.

Other parts of the collection include manuscript copies of lectures and speeches on medical and other topics given by Davis throughout his career; typed transcripts of extracts from the transactions of the AMA and the New York State Medical Association which concern Davis; invitations to meetings of various associations, including the British Medical Association; genealogical information on the family of Davis's wife Anna Maria Parker; a commemorative, hand-illuminated book from the Trustees of Northwestern University accepting a portrait of Davis; packets of papers used for licensing of physicians by the Illinois Board of Medical Examiners, which include letters of recommendation sent to the faculty of the medical department of Lind University; and portrait photographs of Davis and his family.