Jere Mead (1920-2009) was the Cecil K. and Philip Drinker Professor of Environmental Physiology, Emeritus at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Mead also served at the Climatic Research Laboratory, QMC, from 1947-1949. Mead’s major research interest was in respiratory mechanics and the measurement and evaluation of pulmonary airflow. He was known for his work with Mary Ellen Avery (1927-2011) in discovering abnormal surface tension in the lungs of infants with respiratory distress syndrome. This discovery saved lives of premature infants. Avery's papers are also available at the Center for the History of Medicine. Mead also created his own devices to measure and model lung function. Mead was awarded the Chadwick Medal by the New England Thoracic Society in 1976, the Edward Livingston Trudeau Memorial Medal by the American Thoracic Society in 1990, and the Harvard School of Public Health Faculty Emeritus Award of Merit in 1996.
The Jere Mead papers, 1920-2009 (inclusive), 1946-2005 (bulk) consist of correspondence, writings, research records, notebooks, slides, and reprints from Mead’s research and professional activities during his career. Topics of materials include research data on respiratory mechanics, flow-volume, pulmonary circulation, and physiology.
For more information on the Jere Mead papers, please view the collection’s online finding aid. For information about accessing the collection, please consult the Center’s website or email Public Services.