Research

The museum does not currently have a programme of research on its collections due to time constraints. However, we are always willing to assist others in their research projects, and are able to make collections (including the rare books) available for study. Please contact the Curator for more information. In particular, we would welcome research on our oral history collections (medicine and healthcare in Worcestershire, and Powick Lunatic Asylum) and on our written archives (several volumes of British Medical Association minutes, student lecture notes, etc). Please note that we do not hold any patient medical records, of any age.

 

Research Material in our Rare Books Collection

 

At the George Marshall Medical Museum, we aim to provide researchers with easy access to our fascinating archive material and rare books collection. Our collection covers a wide range of medical subjects including anatomy, anaesthetics, pathology, pharmacy, psychology, sexual health and surgery, both nationally and within the local area.

 

Our collection contains some of Britain’s most important medical works, dating from the seventeenth century to the present day, many of which are original or early editions. Our most treasured historic books include T. Johnson’s 1678 English translation of Ambroise Paré's medical works, John Wesley’s Primitive Physic of 1760, Astley Cooper’s Treatise on Dislocations and Illustrations of Diseases of the Breast of 1824, and Florence Nightingale’s Notes on Hospitals of 1859.

 

Original Archives and Local Texts

 

We hold some of the early records of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, founded in 1832 (which went on to become the British Medical Association in 1856). We also hold historic archives, objects and photographs from a number of local hospitals including Worcester’s Infirmary, Worcester’s Eye Hospital, Malvern Hospital and Powick Lunatic Asylum. Our collection also contains rare books relevant to the local spa towns of Malvern, Droitwich and Tenbury Wells, which highlight the popular, mid-nineteenth century belief in therapeutic powers of the spa waters.