UK medical
librarian Tag Heister has been
working with UK Dean of Medicine
Emeritus Emery Wilson to exhibit historical artifacts in the Medical Center
Library. Dean Wilson purchased his first
antique medical bag in Selma, Alabama in 1973 while
stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. The obstetrical bag was a bargain at
$25. The bag likely belonged to a
general practitioner and it was equipped with medical instruments and
medications. It was of particular
interest to Dr. Wilson, an obstetrician, gynecologist, and reproductive
endocrinologist.
The second
bag Dr. Wilson added to his collection was found by his son. Since acquiring those medical bags, Dr.
Wilson made a point of looking for antique medical materials. Over the years he has found other bags and
medical instruments in antique stores.
It is an interest of his, not exactly a passion - but when he happens
upon an antique store, he will make a quick walk through, his eyes alert to
locate old medical instruments.
Dr. Emery Wilson
Recently,
Dr. Wilson created an exhibit of his antique medical bags and their contents for
the UK Medical Center Library. That
exhibit is now down but in December Dr. Wilson plans to mount a new exhibit of
medical instruments. Both exhibits provide a rare opportunity to glimpse into
the practice of medicine as it once was and the changing roles of physicians
over time.
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