Manuscript archives of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Collection

Identifier: CPP 1/001-01

Scope and Contents

Correspondence, financial papers, reports, medical cases, and fellowship applications and resignations, 1787-1847, kept by the Secretaries of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, particularly Samuel Powel Griffitts and Thomas Parke. Also includes correspondence from the Office of the President. Volume documents the history and activities of the College from its formation to 1847. Notable correspondents include: John Adams, Charles Caldwell, William Currie, Thomas Mifflin, John Morgan, John Redman, Benjamin Rush, J. Andrew Shulze, and George M. Stroud. Major subjects or items of note are: drafts of the constitution, charter, and by-laws of the College; descriptions of yellow fever epidemics, particularly in Philadelphia in 1793 and 1797; a complaint of professional misconduct lodged by William Currie; quarantine and public health regulations; an examination of the mental condition of John Zimmerman, a convicted murderer; John Redman’s resignation from the presidency; William Currie’s criticism of the College in 1817; and annual reports of the Committee on Meteorology and Epidemiology for 1844 and 1847, describing the weather and prevailing diseases in Philadelphia.

Dates

1787 - 1847

Creator

College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Office of the Secretary (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Office of the Secretary of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia created during organization in 1787. Secretary is the appointed officer of record whose original duties included maintenance of College minutes and transactions and preservation of its documents and correspondence. Later responsibilities include maintenance of fellowship lists, notification of election or appointment to office, and an annual report on fellowship. This is still [1991] an active office.

Extent

1 volume

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Office of the Secretary of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia created during organization in 1787. Secretary is the appointed officer of record whose original duties included maintenance of College minutes and transactions and preservation of its documents and correspondence.

This collection holds correspondence, financial papers, reports, medical cases, and fellowship applications and resignations, 1787-1847, kept by the Secretaries of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, particularly Samuel Powel Griffitts and Thomas Parke.