Especially for First Time Visitors

Overview of Historical Collections
Are you planning your first visit to the History of Medicine Reading Room?

Overview of Historical Collections

NLM historical collections of material related to health and disease are among the richest in the world. Holdings include pre-1914 books, pre-1871 journals, archives and modern manuscripts, medieval and Islamic manuscripts, a collection of printed books, manuscripts, and visual material in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean; historical prints, photographs, films, and videos; pamphlets, dissertations, theses, college catalogs, and government documents. The collection is constantly growing, with new material added through an active Acquisitions Program of purchase and donation.
Are you planning your first visit to the History of Medicine Reading Room?
- How to make your research visit productive:
  - See the Visit Us page for directions, hours, parking, and security information.
  - Browse our FAQs to find answers to frequently asked questions.
  - Explore our Especially for Scholars and Historians page, with special attention to Doing Research at the Library.
- Before you come to the Library:
  - Read The Story of NLM Historical Collections.
  - See What's Happening on the Homepage.
  - Review visitor information at Visit Us.
- Things to do and see in the Library:
  - Visit the current exhibition, Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concept of Health and Illness.
  - Take a guided tour of the current exhibition.
  - Take a tour of the History of Medicine Reading Room.
  - See all exhibitions.
  - Take a tour of the Library.
  - "Turn the pages" of Elizabeth Blackwell's A Curious Herbal, a beautifully illustrated 18th century book of medicinal plants, at the History of Medicine Reading Room's Turning the Pages kiosk.
  - Explore Objects of Art in the National Library of Medicine.
  - Visit the interactive computer displays and pick up give-aways at the NLM Visitors Center, open weekdays except Federal holidays, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (EST)
- Things to do and see at the National Institutes of Health (NIH Map):
  - The DeWitt Stetten, Jr., Museum of Medical Research
- Things to do and see around Washington
  - Visit Historic Medical Sites in the Washington, DC Area

History of Medicine

Especially for First Time Visitors

Overview of Historical Collections

Are you planning your first visit to the History of Medicine Reading Room?

How to make your research visit productive:

Before you come to the Library:

Things to do and see in the Library:

Things to do and see at the National Institutes of Health (NIH Map):

Things to do and see around Washington