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12. Abortion, circa 1942

 Item — Box: 1, Folder: 25

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: This small collection of papers of Margaret Castex Sturgis touches on many aspects of her medical career and interests during her time in the Philadelphia area. The collection is particularly strong in the areas of gynecology and cervical cancer research.

The collection is divided into six small series. Series 1 concerns Sturgis' teaching career while at Woman's Medical College. The bulk of this series is the text of a complete course of twelve lectures on gynecology from the 1942-1943 session. The lectures discuss female anatomy, procedures for a gynecological examination, pregnancy, diseases of the vagina and uterus, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, and abortion. Most lectures include a list of references; some drafts are also included. The series also contains some miscellaneous items concerning ways to teach contraception, an outline for an introductory lecture on obstetrics, and procedures for minor gynecological operations.

The texts of speeches made by Margaret Sturgis, 1930-1943, are contained in Series 2. Many of these concern gynecological topics, particularly cervical cancer, but sex education and Sturgis' views on medicine as a profession for women are also included.

Two examples of Sturgis' written work are preserved in Series 3. One is a 1944 article, written by Catharine Macfarlane in conjunction with Sturgis and Faith Fetterman, reviewing the program of periodic pelvic examinations for cervical and uterine cancer performed at Woman's Medical College from 1938 to 1944. The series also contains correspondence with Robert J. Lowrie, 1944-1945, concerning Sturgis' contribution to his proposed New Textbook of Gynecology. Sturgis did write a chapter on chronic inflammatory and traumatic lesions of the uterine cervix, which is included, but she withdrew from the project due to health reasons in 1945. Lowrie's textbook may never have been published.

Two small collections of Sturgis' patient records are preserved in Series 4. These records include three cases with Krukenberg tumors, 1934-1935, as well as the research and a report on a study of uterine carcinoma at the hospital of Woman's Medical College, 1944-1945.

Series 5 consists of two volumes of financial account books, 1940-1946, from Sturgis' private practice in Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

A few miscellaneous items, most concerning Woman's Medical College, are in Series 6. Of particular interest is a letter, 31 May, 1939, from the Office of the Dean which describes the admission requirements and suggested curriculum at the college.

Dates

  • circa 1942

Extent

From the Collection: 0.6 Linear feet (1 document box and 1 half document box)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Repository

Contact:
19 S. 22nd Street
Philadelphia PA 19103 United States
215-399-2001