Loading...
Creator
Francis, John W. (John Wakefield), 1789-1861
Call number
MssCol 1065
Physical description
2.8 linear feet (7 boxes); 3 microfilm reels
Language
Some letters to Francis are in French
Preferred Citation

John W. Francis papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Repository
Manuscripts and Archives Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

John Wakefield Francis (1789-1861) was a physician who co-founded the New York Academy of Medicine. He served as the second president of the Academy, taught at Bellevue Hospital, wrote medical texts, and edited professional journals. Collection consists of correspondence, financial papers, writings, by-laws and minutes, and related papers of Francis and others. Incoming correspondence, 1809-1861, from colleagues, friends and family members and outgoing correspondence, 1808-1860, contain letters of recommendation, petitions and accounts of medical cases. Correspondence of others includes letters to Francis's associates and family members. Financial documents, 1798-1851, are accounts, receipts, receipt books, checks, and collection notices. Writings are speeches, lectures and notes of Francis and others. Also, minutes and by-laws, 1807-1810, of the Medical and Surgical Society of the University of New York State; and printed material.

Biographical/historical information

John Wakefield Francis, physician, was born in New York City on November 17, 1789, the son of Melchior Francis a German immigrant. Francis higher education was at Columbia College (1809) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of the State of New York, Between, 1811-1820, Francis was in partnership with Dr. David Hosack.

Francis attempted to establish the New Rutgers Medical College with four colleagues but the venture failed (1826-1830). On November 16, 1829, he married Maria Eliza Cutler of Boston. In 1846, Francis with Doctors Motts and Steams founded the New York Academy of Medicine and he was elected to be the second President. As a result of his aid, James Marion was able to establish the Woman's Hospital and Francis help establish the State Inebriate Asylum at Binghamton. Near the end of his career, Francis gave clinical instructions at Bellevue Hospital.

Francis edited "The Medical and Physical Journal" and "Philosophical Register" (1810-1814) and he published Thomas Denman's "Introduction to the Practice of Midwifery (1821). Francis writings include "Case of Enteritis, accompanied with a Preter-Natural Formation of the Ileum" (1810). Francis died on February 8, 1861, survived by his son Samuel Ward Francis, a physician and surgeon.

Scope and arrangement

Collection consists of correspondence, financial papers, writings, by-laws and minutes, and related papers of Francis and others. Incoming correspondence, 1809-1861, from colleagues, friends and family members; outgoing correspondence, 1808-1860, contains letters of recommendation, petitions and accounts of medical cases. Correspondence of others include letters to Francis's associates and family members. Financial documents, 1798-1851, are accounts, receipts, receipt books, checks, and collection notices. Writings are speeches, lectures and notes of Francis and others. Also, minutes and by-laws, 1807-1810, of the Medical and Surgical Society of the University of New York State; and printed material. Note: some letters to Francis are in French.

Arrangement

Six series: I. Incoming Correspondence; II. Outgoing Correspondence; III. Correspondence of Others and Assorted Letters; IV. Financial Documents; V. Writings; VI. By-Laws and Minutes

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Purchased

Using the collection

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
Brooke Russell Astor Reading Room, Third Floor, Room 328

Alternative form available

Entire collection available on microfilm; New York Public Library; *ZL-196