Articles of agreement between Thomas Dent Mütter and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Collection

Identifier: CPP 10/016-02

Scope and Contents

Original agreement, dated 1858 Dec. 11, by Thomas D. Mütter, conveying his pathological specimen collection to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia to form the Mütter Museum and stipulating the obligations of the College, including construction of a fireproof building, appointment of a committee to oversee the museum and a curator, and establishment of a lectureship in surgical pathology.

Published in: Charter, ordinances and by-laws of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Philadelphia: Collins, 1864.

Dates

1858-12-11

Creator

Mütter, Thomas D. (Thomas Dent) (Person)

Biographical / Historical

On 19 June 1856, a special meeting of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was called to announce Thomas D. Mütter’s offer of his extensive collection of anatomical and pathological specimens to the College along with a $30,000 bequest to provide for the maintenance of a museum, a curator’s salary, and a lectureship in surgical pathology. Mütter stipulated that a suitable, fireproof building be erected to house his museum. A special committee, comprised of Franklin Bache, John Rodman Paul, George W. Norris, Wilson Jewell, Alfred Stille’ and George Bacon Wood, was formed to consider the Mütter proposal. Although the committee approved the proposal, no action was taken by the College, and the committee was discharged. Dr. Mütter reaffirmed his offer in 1858, and the original committee was reactivated to complete the negotiations and arrangements for the establishment of the Mütter Trust and the museum. The committee made its final report to the College on 2 February 1859 and was then released. In June 1863, when the College’s new building at 13th and Locust Streets was completed and Mrs. Mary W. A. Mütter, widow of Dr. Mütter, was satisfied as to its safety, the income from the Mütter Trust was first paid to the College’s Committee on the Mütter Museum.

Extent

1 folder

Language of Materials

English

Subjects

Record Groups

- CPP 10. Records of Committees of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Related Names

Creator

Mütter, Thomas D. (Thomas Dent) (Person)

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: Articles of agreement between Thomas Dent Mütter and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia,
Language of description: Undetermined
Script of description: Code for undetermined script