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Seth MacCuen Smith Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-073

Scope and Contents

This collection consists largely of Smith's otological publications. It also contains several addresses, photographs, and biographical materials.

Dates

  • 1885 - 1930

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Seth MacCuen Smith (1863-1929) was born on March 6, 1863 in Holidaysburg, PA. He graduated from Holidaysburg Academy before enrolling in Jefferson Medical College. In 1884, he earned his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College and subsequently became a resident ear, nose, and throat specialist at the Germantown Hospital. He began a private practice in 1885.

In 1886, Smith became the Clinical Chief of Otology at Jefferson Hospital. During his medical career, he also served on the staffs of the American Oncologic Hospital, the Memorial Hospital, and the Jewish Hospital. Smith was appointed Clinical Professor of Otology at Jefferson in 1894 and Full Professor in charge of the Department in 1904. During World War I, Smith served in the Major in the Medical Reserve Corps, where he treated soldiers whose throats had been damaged by poison gas inhalation.

Smith wrote extensively on diseases of the ear. His work included a chapter in Harris System of Practical Therapeutics, along with numerous journal articles. He also edited the English language edition of the Atlas of Otology. He was a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology; the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society; the American Otological Society (serving as President in 1916); and the American College of Surgeons.

Smith married Virginia Allen, with whom he had three children. He died from chronic myocarditis on September 14, 1929, at the age of 66. In his will, he bequeathed his personal library of 1,000 volumes to Jefferson Medical College.

Extent

.25 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language

English

Arrangement

I. Biography (n.d.) II. Addresses (1916-1924) III. Publications (1885-1925) IV. Events and Ephemera (1928) V. Pictorial (1902-1928) VI. Necrology (1930)
Title
Seth MacCuen Smith Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Kelsey Duinkerken
Date
April 2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • October 2021: Collection re-described by Kate Greenberg

Repository Details

Part of the Thomas Jefferson University - Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1020 Walnut Street
Room 401, Scott Memorial Library
Philadelphia PA 19107-5587