The Center for the History of Medicine is pleased to announce that the Boston Surgical Society records are now open for research.
The Boston Surgical Society was incorporated in 1914 as a continuous learning organization, comprised of members from Boston, Mass. and New England, for the dissemination and exchange of information with the purpose of advancing patient care. It was preceded by Surgical Review Club at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. This group decided to expand into a citywide society. A younger surgical society, established in 1911 under the name Boston Surgical Society, relinquished the name to the former Surgical Review Club. The Boston Surgical Society awards the Henry Jacob Bigelow Medal for new and valuable work in surgery. The medal was established by William Sturgis Bigelow, M.D., in 1915. Recipients include Harvey Cushing, Frank H. Lahey, and Elliott Carr Cutler. According to the Society's website, its mission is to advance the science, practice, and teaching of surgery in its various branches.
The Boston Surgical Society records, 1914-2010 (inclusive) consist of meeting minutes, copies of presidential addresses and lectures, membership lists, correspondence, bylaws and member reprints recording the organization's activities from 1914 to 2010.
For more information on the Boston Surgical Society records, please view the collection’s online finding aid. For information about accessing the collection, please consult the Center’s website or contact Public Services.