Thomas Jerrerson University Hospital Doctors, undated

File — Box: 30, Folder: 4

Scope and Contents note

From the Series: Samuel X Radbill, in addition to his work as a medical doctor, was a noted scholar of medical history. His research interests focused on numerous topics within the larger subject of pediatric history, but also included the history of dermatology, medical folklore, medical bookplates and other topics. The papers date from 1920 to 1987. The “Research and Writing” series documents his historical research and is divided into seven subseries: “Manuscripts and research notes,” “Typescripts,” “Translations,” “Lectures,” “Published articles, book reviews and editorials,” “Other Authors,” and “Audio/Visual materials.”

Radbill’s copious research notes and manuscripts for his books and articles were often first composed on small squares of paper (sometimes even his prescription pad) and stored in shoe boxes according to topic or manuscript. These notes are housed in the first subseries, “Manuscripts and research notes.” The subseries opens with pediatric topics, followed by more general alphabetically arranged subjects, including dermatology, Mesopotamia, Thomas Jefferson University and whooping cough. Unfortunately, it is not immediately apparent exactly what constitutes a manuscript verses research notes.

In the next subseries, “Typescripts,” is a large sampling of annotated typescripts for Radbill’s books, articles and book reviews, which were later published or at least submitted for publication. The typescripts are arranged alphabetically by title or subject, and files are often augmented with related correspondence and notes. The correspondence frequently pertains to conducting research, editing or publication for a particular piece or research topic.

Radbill was also a master of many languages, as evidenced by his efforts to translate notable texts on medicine and the history of medicine, housed in the third subseries, “Translations.” There are numerous annotated typescripts, related correspondence and notes for Radbill’s translations of Bokay’s The Story of Pediatrics, Munz’s The Jewish Physicians of the Middle Ages: A Contributoin to the Cultural History of the Middle Ages, Pediatrics in Greece and Rome by Sophokles Ghinopoulo, Peiper’s Chronicles of Pediatrics, Rhaze's On the Diseases of Children and others.

Following, are a small group of annotated typescripts for “Lectures” on pediatrics and medical history, which Radbill delivered at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania and other venues.

Next, is the subseries “Published articles, book reviews and editorials.” The published items consist of reprints, tear sheets, photocopies and other published versions of Radbill’s research and writing. The materials are grouped as follows: articles arranged according to subject or topics; reprints of specific articles; reprints from specific journals; assorted, unidentified reprints; and lastly, entire journals containing one or more pieces by Radbill.

Lastly, researchers will find the subseries “Other authors” and “Audio/Visual research materials.” “Other Authors” houses published and/or typescript versions of research and writing that was sent to Radbill for review and/or critique. Many files also contain related correspondence and notes. The subseries is arranged alphabetically by author name. The “Audio/Visual research materials” subseries consists of a microfilm copy of John Peachey’s Diseases of Infants and Children and a cassette tape recording of Dr. Rashkind’s 1986 Memorial Service.