XIV. Neurology Department Records, 1936–2007 (inclusive), 1970–1988 (bulk)., bulk: 1970 - 1988
Scope and Contents
Consists of administrator’s correspondence, annual reports, architectural plans, training program records, notes, memoranda, research materials, and memorabilia, generated by Dr. H. Richard Tyler in his role as administrator of the neurology service at the hospital from 1956–1988. The bulk of the collection, created in the 1970’s and the 1980’s, covers the growth and development of the neurology service at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital through the 1975 merger with the Robert B. Brigham Hospital and the Boston Hospital for Women, and through the first few years at the new, single institution known as the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Additionally, the records include Dr. Tyler’s and the hospital’s involvement with the curriculum and instruction of residents studying neurology. The architectural plans provide a documentation of the physical development of the hospital, with a focus on the neurology floors. In addition to the departmental records, the collection includes a series of papers and books collected by Dr. Tyler related to the history of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Dates
- Creation: 1936–2007 (inclusive), 1970–1988 (bulk).
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1970 - 1988
Language of Materials
Records are in English.
Physical Description
3 cubic feet in 3 records center cartons, and one oversize drawer.
Conditions Governing Access
Access to administrative records is restricted for 50 years from creation date. Personnel records are restricted for 80 years from creation date. Patient information is restricted indefinitely. Researchers may apply for access to restricted material. Consult the Director of Brigham and Women’s Hospital Medical Library for further information. (email: BWHMedicalLibrary@partners.org.).
Extent
48 cubic feet ((42 records center cartons, 10 oversize boxes, 2 letter size document boxes, 2 legal size document boxes, 5 half letter size document boxes, 1 oversize drawer, 1 storage tube, and 1 shelf).)Biographical / Historical
Neurology service at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital evolved from reliance upon consulting physicians from various specialties in medicine at BWH’s parent institution, the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (opened in 1913) to the current, independent Neurology Department inaugurated in 1995. In 1956, Dr. H. Richard Tyler became the first full-time staff neurologist at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. “During the Tyler era, [1956–1988] the neurology division remained in the department of medicine, but grew impressively with the addition of a major basic research program lead by Dennis Selkoe in Alzheimer disease and Howard Weiner in multiple sclerosis. From the early 1960s onward The Brigham was part of the Harvard Longwood Neurology Training Program which graduated many of the leaders of academic neurology.” Quoted from: The Harvard Neurology Residency Program web site: http://www2.massgeneral.org/neurologyresidents/history/ourhistory.html.
Custodial History
Custodial History: From 1988–2009 records were in the custody of Dr. H. Richard Tyler in his business offices. Prior to 1988 the records were in the custody of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Neurology Service.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquired by donation from Dr. H. Richard Tyler in 2009.
Creator
- From the Collection: Brigham and Women's Hospital (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Center for the History of Medicine (Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine) Repository
The Center for the History of Medicine in the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine is one of the world's leading resources for the study of the history of health and medicine. Our mission is to enable the history of medicine and public health to inform healthcare, the health sciences, and the societies in which they are embedded.