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Marcia Crocker Noyes
(1869 – 1946)
Further to my comment on old books and research that started with an interesting bookplate (Ex-Libris). I continued my research and found that the person in charge of the Osler library bookplate was a fascinating individual that today maybe a ghost in the MedChi library and building in Baltimore... This is certainly an article that can be called "A Moment in History"
Marcia Crocker Noyes was the librarian at The Maryland State Medical Society from 1896 to 1946 and was a founding member of the Medical Library Association.[1][2][3]
Sir William Osler, MD. a famous Johns Hopkins surgeon was a noted bibliophile and had a large personal collection of books on various topics. When he became the President of MedChi in 1896, he was dismayed at the condition of the library and knew that with the right person and some stewardship, it could become a significant collection. Sir William asked his friend, Dr. Bernard Steiner, a physician and President of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore for suggestions of a librarian, and Dr. Steiner recommended Marcia Crocker Noyes. A native of New York, and a graduate of Hunter College, Marcia had moved to Baltimore for a lengthy visit with her sister, and took a “temporary” position at the Pratt Library, which turned into three years. Although she had no medical experience or background, she was enthusiastic, and most importantly, she was willing to move into the apartment provided for the librarian, who needed to be available 24 hours a day.
The image in this article is Ms. Noyes on her first year on the job. Marcia developed a book classification system for medical books, based on the Index Medicus, and called it the Classification for Medical Literature. The system uses the alphabet with capital letters for the major divisions of medicine and lower-case ones for the sub-sections. The system was used for many years, but it's now dated and the Faculty's original shelving scheme was never changed. The card catalogs still reflect her classification and many of the cards are written in Marcia's back-slanting handwriting.
Marcia knew enough to ask the Faculty's members about medical questions, terminology and literature. She gradually won over the predominantly male membership and they became her greatest allies; Sir William at the start, and then for nearly 40 years, Dr. John Ruhräh, a wealthy pediatrician with no immediate family of his own. She made a point of attending almost every Faculty function, and in 1904, under guidelines from the American Medical Association, Marcia was made the Faculty Secretary. For much of her first 10 years, she was the Faculty's only full-time employee, only being assisted by Mr. Caution, the Faculty's janitor. Later in life Marcia would say that she hired him because of his name!
Within ten years, the library had outgrown its space, and plans, spearheaded by Marcia and Sir William before his move to Oxford, were made to build a headquarters building, mainly to house the library's growing collection of medical books and journals.
Marcia was instrumental in the design and building of the new headquarters. She travelled to Philadelphia, New York and Boston to look at their medical society buildings, and eventually, the Philadelphia architectural firm, Ellicott & Emmart was selected to design and build the new Faculty building. Every detail of the building held her imprimatur, from the graceful staircase, to the light-filled reading room, and all of the myriad details of the millwork, marble tesserae, and most of all, the four-story cast iron stacks. She was on-site, climbing up unfinished staircases, checking out the progress of the building, which was built in less than one year at a cost of $90,000.
Among the features of the new building was a fourth-floor apartment for her. She referred to it as the "first penthouse in Baltimore" and it had a garden and rooftop terrace. The library collection eventually grew to more than 65,000 volumes from medical and specialty societies around the world. Journals were traded back and forth, and physicians eagerly anticipated the arrival of each new issue. At the same time, Marcia was involved in the Medical Library Association as one of eight founding members. The MLA promotes medical libraries and the exchange of information. One of the earliest mandates of the MLA was the Exchange, a distribution and trade service for those who had duplicates or little-used books in their collections. Initially, the Exchange was run out of the Philadelphia medical society, but in 1900 it was moved to Baltimore and Marcia oversaw it. Several hundred periodicals and journals were received and sent each month, a huge amount of work for a tiny staff. In 1904, the Faculty had run out of room to manage the Exchange, so it was moved to the Medical Society of the Kings County (Brooklyn). But without Marcia's excellent administrative skills, it floundered and in 1908, the MLA asked Marcia to take charge once again.
In 1909, when the new Faculty building opened, there was enough room to run the Exchange and with the help of MLA Treasurer, noted bibliophile and close friend, Dr. John Ruhräh, it once again became successful. Additionally, Marcia and Dr. Ruhräh combined forces to revive the MLA's bulletin, which had all but ceased publication in 1908, taking the Exchange with it. This duo maintained editorial control from 1911 until 1926. In 1934, around the time of Dr. Ruhräh's death, Marcia became the first “unmedicated” professional to head the MLA. During her tenure, the MLA incorporated, the first seal was adopted, and the annual meeting was held in Baltimore. Marcia wanted to write the history of the MLA once she retired from full-time work at the Faculty, but her health was beginning to fail. She had back problems and had suffered a serious burn on her shoulder as a young woman, possibly from her time running a summer camp, Camp Seyon, for young ladies in the Adirondack Mountains. In 1946, a celebration was planned to honor Marcia's 50 years at the Faculty. But she was adamant that the physicians wait until November, the actual date of her 50 years. However, they knew she was gravely ill, and might not make it until then, so a huge party was held in April. More than 250 physicians attended the celebration, but the ones she was closest to in the early years, were long gone. She was presented with a suitcase, a sum of money to use for travelling, and her favorite painting of Dr. John Philip Smith, a founder of the Medical College in Winchester, Virginia. It was painted by Edward Caledon Smith, a Virginia painter who had been a student of the painter Thomas Sully.[4] She adored this painting and vowed, jokingly, to take it with her wherever she went.
The painting was not to stay with her for very long, for she died in November 1946, and left it to the Faculty in her will. Her funeral was held in the Faculty's Osler Hall, named for her dear friend. More than 60 physicians served as her pallbearers, and she was buried at Baltimore's Green Mount Cemetery. In 1948, the MLA decided to establish an award in the name of Marcia Crocker Noyes. It was for outstanding achievement in medical library field and was to be awarded every two years, or when a truly worthy candidate was submitted. In 2014, the Faculty began giving a bouquet of flowers to the winner of the award in Marcia's name, and in honor of her work. Much evidence exists for this tradition, as we know that the physicians, especially Drs. Osler and Ruhräh, frequently gave her bouquets of flowers. Marcia also cultivated flower gardens at the Faculty and decorated the rooms with her work.
Today, the MedChi building is open for tours and if the rumors are to be believed Ms. Marcia Crocker Noyes is still at work in her beloved library as the "resident ghost" [1][5]
NOTE: This article has been modified from the original Wikipedia article on Marcia Crocker Noyes. The article itself is well-written with interesting images of the subject. I would encourage you to visit it. The second insert is from book 00736 in my personal library and shows in pencil, the incredibly small handwriting of Marsha C. Noyes.
Sources:
1. "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" MedChi Archives blog.
2. "Marcia C. Noyes, Medical Librarian" (PDF). Bulletin of the Medical Library Association. 35 (1): 108–109. 1947. PMC 194645
3. Smith, Bernie Todd (1974). "Marcia Crocker Noyes, Medical Librarian: The Shaping of a Career" (PDF). Bulletin of the Medical Library Association. 62 (3): 314–324. PMC 198800Freely accessible. PMID 4619344.
4. Edward Caledon BRUCE (1825-1901)"
5. Behind the scenes tour MedChiBuilding
"Clinical Anatomy Associates, Inc., and the contributors of "Medical Terminology Daily" wish to thank all individuals who donate their bodies and tissues for the advancement of education and research”.
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The word [mesenchymal] is the adjectival form of [mesenchyme] which arises from the Greek combination of [μέσο] (meso) meaning “middle”, and [χυμός] (chymos) meaning “juice”. In the early physiological theory of “humors” it refers to a type of “juicy” organ tissue. These organs needed to be activated by a thick fluid.
The term was used in embryology in 1881 to denote a portion of the mesoderm formed by loose cells that give origin to connective tissues.
The original meaning of the term [mesenchyme] has no application today, except being used to denote a tissue characterized by loose cells that are surrounded by a large extracellular matrix. Mesenchymal cells are able to develop into tissues of the lymphatic and circulatory systems, as well as connective tissues throughout the body, including bone and cartilage.
Some mesenchymal cells in the adult can be harvested and used as somatic stem cells.
Sources:
1. "The Origin of Medical Terms" Skinner, HA 1970 Hafner Publishing Co.
2. "Human Embryology" WLJ Larsen 1993 Churchill Livingstone
Note: The links to Google Translate in these articles include an icon that will allow you to hear the Greek or Latin pronunciation of the word.
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The word [somatic] traces its origins to the Greek word [σώμα] (soma) meaning “body” and [σωμαkwς] (somatikos) meaning “of the body”, “bodily”, or “physically”. Combining the root term [-soma-] with the adjectival suffix [–tic], meaning “pertaining to”, gives the word [somatic], meaning “pertaining to the body”. Combining the root term [-psych] with the root term [-soma-]”,and adding the suffix [–tic], meaning “pertaining to”, gives us the medical word [psychosomatic] that means “pertaining to the mind and body”.
This term has become commonplace in scientific and medical literature, especially in cellular medicine describing stem cells, and at other times the word is appended with a prefix or suffix and used in another capacity. Often overlooked, because of the words it precedes (e.g., somatic stem cells), the word somatic is an important qualifier and adjective in defining a type of cell, or anything pertaining to the body for that matter. Thus, we examine the origins of this word, and why understanding it’s meaning can serve to as a critical adjective in cellular medicine.
Important to note, is that included in this word origins, is the designation that the root term [-soma-] is specific to the body and is distinct from the soul, mind, or spirit. Therein lies the rub, when talking about somatic stem cells, or somatic cells in general. It is imperative to recognize that when using the term somatic, to describe stem cells, scientists and clinicians are talking about cells derived from the body, otherwise considered adult tissue. The NIH gives the definition of a somatic stem cell as:
Somatic (adult) stem cells—A relatively rare undifferentiated cell found in many organs and differentiated tissues with a limited capacity for both self renewal (in the laboratory) and differentiation. Such cells vary in their differentiation capacity, but it is usually limited to cell types in the organ of origin. This is an active area of investigation.
By definition these cells are not germline cells, or embryonic cells, but cells residing in adult tissue and organs with varying capacities for differentiation such as the mesenchymal cells shown in the accompanying image. Thus, a somatic cell can describe anything from a stem cell residing within your kidneys or bone marrow. Research and therapies directed at and utilizing somatic stem cells, do not involve the destruction of an embryo. In fact, there is active research aimed at utilizing one’s own biopsied tissue to create personalized somatic cell therapies, which brings us full circle to the meaning of the word somatic: “pertaining to (and derived from) the body”.
Advances in science and medicine have led to the development of new understandings of the mechanisms that underlie disease, as well as new treatment strategies. With these advances come litanies of new terms that can often lead to confusion and in some cases, contention. One of these ever advancing areas is the rapidly changing field of stem cell science. As our understanding of “stem” cells changes almost daily, consequently, so must our vocabularies. Failure to do so can often lead to misunderstandings in science, medicine, politics, and even religion.
Article contributed by Dr. O’Garcia, a somatic stem cell researcher and medical writer.
Sources:
1. Online etymology dictionary, www.etymonline.com
2. MyEtymology.com www.MyEtymology.com
3. NIH Stem Cell Basics. http://stemcells.nih.gov/Pages/Default.aspx
Note: The links to Google Translate in these articles include an icon that will allow you to hear the Greek or Latin pronunciation of the word.
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The suffix [-schisis-] comes from the Greek word [σχίσις] and means "to tear" or "to separate". In Medicine today its meaning is that of "a cleft", a "split", or "a separation". The root term [gastr-] arises from the old Greek [gaster] meaning "belly"or "abdomen". In modern medical terminology it is used to mean "stomach", although its vernacular past still remains is some medical words.
In the case of [gastroschisis] the word refers to a congenital condition where the abdominal wall does not complete its normal closure and the baby is born with an incomplete abdominal wall allowing for the extrusion of abdominal viscera usually in a right paraumbilical position
Gastroschisis is rare with an incidence of 1 in every 10,000 births and is associated with younger mothers (under 20), smoking, and the use of cocaine.
Many cases of gastroschisis can be successfully treated with surgery.
Images courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Anterior view or the stomach
The root term [gastr-] arises from the old Greek [gaster] meaning "belly"or "abdomen". In modern medical terminology it is used to mean "stomach", although its vernacular past still remains is some medical words. Following are some used for this term:
- Gastritis: The suffix [-itis] means "infection" or "inflammation. Inflammation of the stomach
- Gastrotomy: The suffix [-(o)tomy] means "to cut" or "to open. Opening the stomach
- Gastrorrhaphy: The suffix [-(o)rrhaphy] means "to repair". Surgical repair of the stomach
- Gastroscope: The suffix [-(o)scope] means to an instrument used for viewing. To view the stomach
Here are a couple of examples of the root term [gastr-] used to mean "belly" or "abdomen":
- Gastroschisis: The suffix [-schisis] means "a cleft" or "a separation. An opening in the abdominal wall
- Gastrocnemius: The suffix [-(o)cnemius] is Greek and means "calf". The belly (like) muscles of the calf, the calf muscles
Source:
1. "Anatomy of the Human Body" Henry Gray 1918. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger
Original image courtesy of bartleby.com
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This article is part of the series "A Moment in History" where we honor those who have contributed to the growth of medical knowledge in the areas of anatomy, medicine, surgery, and medical research.
Antonio Maria Valsalva
Antonio Maria Valsalva (1666 – 1723). Italian physician, surgeon, pathologist and anatomist, Antonio Maria Pini was born in the city of Imola. His father Pompeo Pini, a well-to-do goldsmith, adopted the family name Valsalva based on the location of his grandfather’s castle. Valsalva was well educated by Jesuits in mathematics, natural sciences and humanities, and continued his studies in Bologna, where he was trained in anatomy by Marcello Malpighi (1628 – 1694).
In 1687, at the age of 21, Valsalva received his Doctorate in Medicine and Philosophy. He was very dedicated to the practice of medicine, research and anatomical studies. Because of his anatomical knowledge he routinely used cadaver dissection in his clinical practice, advancing his knowledge as a pathologist. In 1694 he was appointed Professor of Anatomy at the University of Bologna.
One of his areas of interest was the anatomy of the hearing system, and his only known publication in 1704 is “De Aure Humana Tractatus” (The Study of the Human Ear) , where he described the ear as composed of the three regions known to us today: internal, middle, and external.
He described a maneuver to inflate the middle ear to erase deafness and increase suppuration caused by middle ear congestion. This is known today as the Valsalva maneuver used in medical practice, but also in deep sea diving and by pilots to clear the middle ear and balance the air pressure in the middle ear with that of the external environment. Today the cardiophysiological bodily response to Valsalva’s maneuver has been studied in detail.
Valsalva is responsible for the eponym “Eustachian tube” that refers to the muscular tube communicating the superior aspect of the pharynx (rhinopharynx) with the middle ear. He did dissections to study in detail the aorta and aortic valve, describing what today are known as the “sinuses of Valsalva”, a pocket-like dilation of the aortic valve between the aortic valve wall and the valve cusps (leaflets). Each of the coronary arteries arises from a sinus of Valsalva. Similar sinuses are found in the pulmonary valve.
During his studies of the mentally ill, Valsalva was of the opinion that madness was an organic disease and therefore mentally ill patients deserved humanitarian treatment, which was not the standard during his times.
One of his best students and pupil was Giovanni Battista Morgagni (1682-1771) who, after the death of Valsalva in 1723, used some of his unpublished material to complement his own studies and publications.
Besides the Valsalva maneuver and the sinuses of Valsalva, there are other eponyms that honor this great anatomist:
• Valsalva Antrum or mastoid antrum is a cavity in the petrous portion of the temporal bone.
• Valsalva’s ligament attaches the pinna to the side of the head.
• Valsalva’s muscle: a band of vertical muscular fibers on the outer surface of the tragus of the ear, innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve
Sources:
1. “Seeing the Anatomy of Hearing: New Tools and Approaches Chart the Pathways Underlying How We Process and Integrate Sound” Laitman, JT The Anatomical Record (2006) 288A:323–324
2. “Antonio Maria Valsalva - Biographical Profile of a Pioneer on Otology” Meirelles, RC et al Int. Arch Otorhinolaryngol (2008)12: 2, 274-279
3. “The Valsalva manoeuvre and Antonio Valsalva (1666-1723)” J R Soc Med. (2006) 99(9): 448–451
4. “A short biography on the life of the dedicated anatomist –Valsalva” Kazi, R . J Postgrad Med (2004) 50:314-5
5. “Antonio Maria Valsalva (1666 – 1723)” Yale SH Clin Med Res (2005) 3(1): 35–38
Original image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine
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The root term -blephar-] arises from the Greek [βλέφαρο]meaning "eyelid".
It is used in many medical terms such as:
- Blepharoplasty: The suffix [-(o)plasty] means "reshaping". The surgical reshaping of an eyelid
- Blepharitis: The suffix [-itis] means "inflammation" or "infection". The inflammation of an eyelid
- Blepharoptosis: The suffix [-(o)ptosis] means "to sag" or "to "fall". A sagging or drooping eyelid
Note: The links to Google Translate in these articles include an icon that will allow you to hear the Greek or Latin pronunciation of the word.
Image courtesy of Kami Parsa, MD. Original image link courtesy of Wikipedia
