Recently, the Wigton Heritage Center Rare Book Gallery on Level 5 in Wittson Hall rotated with eight new books. The exhibition features four books from the H. Winnett Orr Rare Book Collection and four books from the library’s Rare Book collection.
Erin Torell, rare books librarian at McGoogan Library, shares what visitors can expect to see when viewing the exhibit, “The latest books on display showcase 17th, 18th, and 19th-century anatomy, including a first-edition copy of ‘Gray’s Anatomy.'”
In addition to the variety of anatomy books, Torell says that the book “Railway and other accidents with relation to injury and disease of the nervous system” is a unique selection.
Individuals are encouraged to explore the books in person and online through the library’s digital exhibit platform.
A Glance into the Rotation
Exhibition visitors can examine a book from 1737 by Frederik Ruysch (1638-1731), “Opera omnia anatomico-medico-chirurgica” which translates to “The complete works of anatomical, medical, and surgical sciences.” Ruysch began his medical career as an apothecary apprentice and made significant discoveries in the understanding of the lymphatic systems.
A book published nearly 170 years later in 1904, “Railway and other accidents with relation to injury and disease of the nervous system,” allows viewers to examine one that was written to be used in court. Allan McLane Hamilton (1848-1919) provided expert witness testimony in legal cases involving the psychological or neurological effects of railroad accidents. His work emphasized that the condition was not malingering or faking injury but involved legitimate medical problems, laying the groundwork for a future psychiatric understanding of traumatic experiences’ resultant physical health issues.
When reflecting on this particular book, Torell shares that, “The special collections and archives is interested in collecting and showcasing books about railroad medicine because of the railroads’ role in Omaha history.”
Whether exploring the exhibit in person or online, viewers will be able to take in stunning images from each book. The online portion of the exhibit also contains “fun facts” about each book’s author sprinkled throughout.
“We’re really excited because visitors of this exhibit will be able to see a beautifully colored obstetrics book and several anatomy books,” Torell said.
Rare Books at McGoogan Library
The Rare Book collection contains a manuscript from the 1300s and medical texts from 1490s to 1910. Collection strengths include, but are not limited to, anatomy, surgery, obstetrics and midwifery, and infectious diseases. The collection features the Charles F. Moon collection of obstetrical works, the Leon S. McGoogan collection in obstetrics, and the H. Winnett Orr book collection, on permanent loan to the library from the American College of Surgeons.
Request a tour to view the Rare Book collection. Learn more about the library’s books and published materials within the special collections and archives department.