Author: imsschicago

The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS), maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery, and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically thematized exhibitions and programs, in addition to a strong contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine. In support of this, we are committed to: -Portraying through exhibits and other appropriate media, the art and science of surgery, and related subjects. -Providing programs and services for the education and enjoyment of the public, students, and the medical profession. -Preserving our collection for the education, inspiration, and aesthetic enrichment of future generations. -Gaining recognition as a leader among medical and health museums worldwide.
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A Note from the Library: Florence Nightingale Through Letters

Published by Erin Newton While surgical textbooks and treatise on diseases can tell us much about the history of medicine, it is important to remember that the men and women who labored in medicine—as doctors, surgeons, nurses and midwives—are as much a historical object as the procedures and theories of the body. In addition to … Continue reading A Note from the Library: Florence Nightingale Through Letters

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A Note from the Collections: Dangerous “Soothing Syrups:” Patent Medicines

Published by Education Intern, Lillian Climo Patent medicine trading card. Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. xx1999.255, International Museum of Surgical Science Collection. Advertisement for “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup”, from 1887. The syrup is advertised as a cure for teething and shows a mother administering the medicine to her infant in a peaceful outdoor setting. Patent medicines … Continue reading A Note from the Collections: Dangerous “Soothing Syrups:” Patent Medicines

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Selva Aparicio announced as Spring 2020 Artist-in-Residence

IMSS selects Selva Aparicio for position of Artist-in-Residence for Spring 2020 Interdisciplinary artist Selva Aparicio works across installation, sculpture and performance, creating artwork that functions as a research practice of memory, death, intimacy and mourning. Selva Aparicio was born and raised in the woods of Barcelona, Spain; she received her BFA from the School of the Art … Continue reading Selva Aparicio announced as Spring 2020 Artist-in-Residence

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A Note from the Library: Smellie’s ‘Treatise on Midwifery’: A debate between theory and practice

Published by Erin Newton “William Smellie,” photoprint. Accessed 1/8/2020. <http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101429306&gt; William Smellie (1697-1763) is often referred to as the father of British obstetrics. He spent most of his long career overseeing and assisting in birth, reconciling the health of both mother and child in hundreds of cases. During this time, he developed a number of … Continue reading A Note from the Library: Smellie’s ‘Treatise on Midwifery’: A debate between theory and practice

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A Note from the Library: One Hit Wonder of 1698

Published by Nada Abdelrahim Even those of us that are only slightly acquainted with the medical field can appreciate the way it has come to be an interdisciplinary practice. Medical professionals of our modern era collaborate with engineers and dieticians, psychologists and more to approach patient care in a more well rounded and successful way. … Continue reading A Note from the Library: One Hit Wonder of 1698