Opening of the John P. McGovern History of Medicine Collection

John P. McGovern Historical Collections and Research Center

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John P. McGovern Biography || OR || McGovern Center Development || Opening of the John P. McGovern History of Medicine Collection, April 7, 1982

Over 170 friends of John P. McGovern and of the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library gathered April 7, 1982 for the formal opening of the John P. McGovern History of Medicine Collection.

At the opening Dr. Roger Bulger, President of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at that time, presented to Dr. McGovern a special leather bound edition of the book Appreciations, Remiminscences and Tributes Honoring John P. McGovern.

The following pictures are some of the ones taken at that event. Click the image for an enlargement and the names of those shown in the photograph.

Remarks from Richard Lyders the Executive Director of HAM-TMC Library in 1982.

In honoring Dr. John P. McGovern through the dedication of our history of medicine collection to him, the Library is publicly recognizing a man who has supported the Library and its historical collections for over a quarter of a century. His latest gift, that of his own historical book collection, is now in place in the Special Collections Department and I would invite everyone to tour this department and see this fine collection.

The focus of this collection is nineteenth and early twentieth century American medicine. The works of Cannon, Cecil, Cushing, Kelly, Mitchell, and especially William Osler form a unique resource for historical research. In addition to these, there are many other classic works from European and British authors. Anyone interested in child health will be pleased to find a large selection of pediatric books from Jacobi, Holt, and Rotch.

Throughout the ages medicine and health care have developed and been constrained by the culture and scientific environment of which they have been a part. In preserving and providing access to the John P. McGovern History of Medicine Collection, the Library is adding another dimension to the wide range of services it offers to all of its users. This opportunity for the study of scientific achievements, of the theories of diseases, and of the developing ehtics of health care from their original sources from the men and women who struggled for their truts, is an opportunity the Library is privileged and happy to provide.