Health Services records

Series — Box: 1

Identifier: RG 07-17

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Health Services records contain articles and pamphlets dated from 1990-1996, and the journals of S.D. Brooks, M.D. from 1841 to 1854. There are also annual reports from the years 1854, 1860-62, 1867, 1870-78, 1880-87, 1892-93, 1918-19, 1931-38, 1940-68, and 1986-91. These reports document staff changes and updates, equipment purchases, and statistics of visits and diagnoses. The records also include psychiatrist's annual reports from the years 1928-29, 1932-36, 1939-58. These reports record statistics on student visits to the psychiatrists, what the problems were and analysis. There is also a report to the Trustees from 1956 and correspondence related to it. There are financial records from 1875, medical records volumes of the classes 1893-1971. Also included are copies of photographs taken in the late 1890's of the college physician's office.

Dates

1841

Conditions Governing Access

Restricted

Conditions Governing Use

Records restricted to use by office/department of origin for 25 years from date of record creation.

Historical Note

From 1837 to 1854, the medical needs of the students were taken care of by local doctors. In 1854, Dr. Sophronia Fletcher was appointed as the school's first resident physician as a result of the recommendation of the Sanitary Committee to the Board of Trustees. Dr. Joseph Kitteredge served from 1856-60. The trustees then recommended that a "thoroughly educated and acceptable Female physician" be appointed. Since then, all the resident physicians have been women.

Extent

13.37 Linear Feet (5 boxes, 9 volumes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Health Services records primarily consist of reports, correspondence, memoranda concerning the activities of that unit and the physical and mental health of members of immediate the Mount Holyoke community. These materials also include a photocopy of two journals (1841-1854) compiled by S.D. Brooks when he was serving as the physician at the school and nine ledgers (circa 1889-1917) recording "anthropometric" measurements and other information relating to the health of students.