The Center for the History of Medicine is pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Medical Society records are now open to research!
Only five years younger than the Declaration of Independence, in 2026 the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) celebrates 245 years as the state professional organization of physicians and medical students in Massachusetts. The MMS records at the Center for the History of Medicine date from 1765 to 2020, reflecting that long history.
At the time of its founding in 1781, MMS was responsible for examining and licensing all physicians and surgeons in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through their Board of Censors. MMS continued to license all physicians and surgeons in Massachusetts until the end of the 19th century, when the state board of registration assumed the responsibility.
MMS has been involved in many different advocacy and educational initiatives throughout its history. MMS was involved in the development and regulation of medical education: its committees investigated medical schools and created lists of approved schools. Physicians were required to attend an approved school to receive a license to practice in Massachusetts from MMS. MMS also regulated members who were accused of breaches of professional or personal ethics (such as through its Committee on Ethics and Discipline. MMS is also known for publishing the New England Journal of Medicine.
MMS is also involved in advocacy for legislation relating to the medical profession. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this included legislation relating to smallpox vaccination; the use of human remains for anatomical study; and the establishment of state-level health offices and regulators. Many of these concerns continued into the 20th century, as MMS was active in legislative areas including animal experimentation, vaccination, licensure of osteopaths and chiropractors, health insurance (private and state), and malpractice.
The Massachusetts Medical Society records, 1765–2020 (inclusive), 1815–1946 (bulk), are the product of the activities and development of MMS. The papers consist of correspondence, committee records, administrative records, financial records, membership records, commemorative and events records, and district societies records. Topics include (as mentioned above): medical education; medical ethics; physician licensing; medical legislation; and society administration.
For more about the Massachusetts Medical Society and the collection, please view the collection finding aid.