Moody Medical Library

Truman G. Blocker, Jr. History of Medicine Collections

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About

The Moody Medical Library houses the largest and the most significant collection in the history of the biomedical sciences in the southern United States. The historical holdings, which amount to over 30,000 titles, constitute an important resource not only for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston but also for the state and the nation.

Background

The special collections came into being mostly through the efforts of Truman G. Blocker, Jr., M.D.(1909-1984), plastic surgeon, medical educator, and the first President of UTMB. The expansion of the rare book library began in the late 1960s. With funds provided by foundations, UTMB clinical departments, and with donations from various individuals, the historical collections grew steadily in the 1970s and the 1980s.

Rare Books

About 18,000 titles, with strengths in anatomy and surgery; anesthesiology; immunology; occupational medicine; psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Archives & Manuscripts

Selected institutional records, personal papers of UTMB faculty and alumni including the Centennial Oral History, and records of several Texas organizations in the health sciences.

Visual Materials

10,000 photographs, mostly relating to UTMB; 6,000 portraits of historical figures in medicine; over 100,000 postage stamps; 5,400 hospital postcards.

Artifacts

About 2,000 items including microscopes, medical and surgical instruments, pharmaceutical collection, medals, and related memorabilia.

Exhibits

Displays of materials that the Moody Medical Library is particularly proud of and materials that could be associated with a current or historic event.

Digital Collections

Audio and visual resources that document the history of UTMB as well as the evidence of developments in anatomy and surgery, anesthesiology, immunology, and psychiatry.

Contact Us
Blocker History of Medicine Collections

Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Phone: (409) 772 - 2397
EMAIL

Staff & Services