BARKER, BENJAMIN FORDYCE. 1818-1891.


Manuscript ledger of patient visits and charges. 433 pp recto and verso, folio (322 x 195 mm), Norwich, 1841 to 1850. Full calf. First ledger leaf missing, calf dry and worn, cracked at joints.WITH: "Annual Address by the President of the American Gynecological Society." [Offprint from:] Gynecological Transactions, volume 1: 1876. 8vo (216 x 147). Publisher's wrappers. Fold line and minor soiling to wrappers, library stamps and labels. Inscribed by Barker.WITH: Two printed receipts for services rendered by Barker (198 x 66 mm). July 1847 and February 1848. Provenance: Patrick J. Cassidy (four handwritten notes with his letterhead laid in)."AMERICA'S BEST KNOWN OBSTETRICIAN," Barker began practicing medicine in Norwich, Connecticut in 1841. In 1850 he moved to New York City, where he was a cofounder of the New York Medical College. Barker was also a cofounder of the American Gynecological Society and served as its first president. This ledger encompasses his first years of practice in Norwich, Connecticut. The entries include the patient's name, dates and reasons for his visits, and the charges. Occasionally, Barker wrote "good for nothing" after the balance due, indicating the patient did not pay for his services. There are occasional references to procedures he performed, such as amputation of finger, application of leeches, bleeding, cupping, obstetrical attendance, and other procedures. Accompanied by a stipple portrait of Barker c. 1878, with a facsimile signature.