William W. Rutherford and A. T. Dean account books

Collection

Identifier: MSS 2/317

Scope and Contents

The collection contains two account books, 1831-1873, documenting the medical practice of Dr. William Wilson Rutherford, 1805-1873, and, in part, Dr. A. T. Dean, d. 1834. Items found interleaved in the account books were removed and placed in folders. The first account book, 1831-1841 (Bulk 1832-1836), is most likely from the period when Dr. Rutherford practiced medicine with Dr. Dean in Mechanicsburg, Pa. The account book lists patients, services rendered and their cost, and payments made. The type of medical treatment given or surgical procedure performed is specificed. If medication was given to the patient, the type and dose is recorded. All account entries were made under the name of an individual, and the volume has an index. The account book contains significant detail about Dr. Rutherford’s patients.

Entries often note the patient’s ethnic background, title, occupation, and/or marital status. Among the prominent individuals listed in the first account book are Samuel McKean, 1787-1841, and Daniel Sturgeon, 1789-1878. At the end of the volume is an accounting of money collected since the death of Dr. Rutherford’s partner, Dr. Dean. Items found interleaved in the account book include loose account entries, letters from patients and their relatives, notes regarding peritonitis, and clippings. The second account book, 1863-1873 (Bulk 1863-1868), documents Dr. Rutherford’s medical practice in Harrisburg, Pa. The volume is in two different hands. The account book lists patients, services rendered and their cost, and payments made. The type of medical treatment given or surgical procedure performed is specified. If medication was given to the patient, the type and dose is recorded. Notable services rendered include use of ether during an amputation (p.531) and setting of a fracture (p.454). All account entries were made under the name of an individual or business firm, and the volume has an index. Like the first account book, the second lists the ethic background, occupation and/or martial status of many patients, but this information is provided in the index. Among the prominent civilians listed are Andrew Gregg Curtin, 1815-1894, Stephen Miller, 1816-1881, and Simon Cameron, 1799-1889. The second account book contains entries for soldiers that Dr. Rutherford treated during the U.S. Civil War. A number of generals are listed among the soldiers treated, including General William F. Smith. The volume also has entries for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, North Central Railroad, and the Harrisburg Car Company.