Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1181

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 linear_foot (3 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Academy of Stomatology records, 1911-1955, Ms. Coll. 1181, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1911-1955 (inclusive)

Creator:

Academy of Stomatology (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Form:

Correspondence and Minutes (administrative records)

Abstract:

The Academy of Stomatology was founded in 1894 with the goal of advancing the field of oral medicine. The Academy of Stomatology records contains the minutes from the Academy's monthly meetings from 1930 to 1955 and the council meetings from 1941 to 1955 as well as a small amount of information regarding fluoridation of water in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

The Academy of Stomatology was founded in 1894 by a group of Philadelphia dentists eager to form a society that would further the profession of oral medicine. This group of dentists included Edwin T. Darby, Louis Jack, Robert Huey, D.N. McQuillen, S.H. Guilford, J.A. Woodward, E.C. Kirk, C.J. Essig, and J.D. Thomas. In the constitution, they stated that "the object of this organization shall be the education and mutual improvement of its members in all matters to the study of the oral cavity by the presentation and discussion of papers; the collection of literature, specimens, and models, and the study thereof; and the fostering of all efforts which tend to the advancement and elevation of dentistry as a profession," (Transactions of the Academy of Stomatology, 1894-1897, page 5). The Academy consisted of a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, a librarian, and a council consisting of five members, as well as the general membership, which at the time of formation could not exceed fifty. The general membership was open to dentists who practiced in the Philadelphia region and "who performed genuine work for the advancement of the profession," (Transactions of the Academy of Stomatology, 1894-1897, page 6). The members were required to apply for membership and the application process included original research and a presentation. During their tenure as member, individuals were expected to submit original research at least once every two years; and if their research was accepted, the members would present their research to the general membership.

The presentations of original research by members may have made up much of the content of monthly meetings as there were scholarly presentations made at each meeting.

A new member was inducted into the Academy of Stomatology of Philadelphia in December 2015, making it the oldest continuing education organization in American dentistry.

Works cited: Transactions of the Academy of Stomatology, 1894-1897, digitized text accessed March 8, 2016.

The Academy of Stomatology records contains the minutes from the academy's monthly or "Stated" meetings from 1930 to 1955 and the Council meetings from 1941 to 1955. The minutes of the monthly meetings contain elections, announcements of special speakers and dinners for members, and votes on common issues. While many of the minutes are fairly sparse, the names of speakers and the topic of their talk is listed. Further, there are frequently resolutions on deaths of members which are typed in full in the minutes and lists of those applying for membership. Copies of programs are glued or taped into the minutes.

The minutes of the Council Meetings deal more with administrative matters including correspondence, financial matters, and committee issues. Committees included the Auditing Committee, Budget Committee, Dinner and Arrangement Committee, Essay Committee, Finance Committee, Gildersleeve Study Committee, Membership Committee, Publication Committee, and Research Committee.

There is one folder containing correspondence, notes, and court documents relating to fluoridation in the New Castle Water supply. J.L.T. Appleton, a member of the Academy of Stomatology, was asked to testify before the Court of Common Pleas. In addition to correspondence regarding the matter and Appleton's notes, the folder contains the Court of Common Pleas complaint in equity and opinion and order of the court.

Finally, there is one volume containing the catalog of the library of the Academy of Stomatology. The placque on the spine indicates that the contents include subjects and authors.