History of the Division of Medical Sciences: United States National Museum Bulletin 240, Contributions from the Museum of History and Technology, paper 43, 1964

"History of the Division of Medical Sciences" by Sami Khalaf Hamarneh is a scholarly publication that details the evolution of the Division of Medical Sciences within the Smithsonian Institution, spanning the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This work is historically focused and provides an account of the division's significant growth and development from its origins as a small section dedicated to materia medica to its current status as a comprehensive repository of medical history and artifacts. The book likely covers topics such as the organization of medical collections, influential figures in the establishment of medical sciences in the museum context, and the evolving understanding of health practices throughout time. The book offers a thorough exploration of how medical sciences became represented in the Smithsonian Institution, tracing its lineage back to the contributions of early medical professionals and the establishment of various sections over the years. It highlights key figures, like Dr. Joseph Meredith Toner and Dr. James Milton Flint, who played pivotal roles in promoting the integration of medical science into museum exhibits. Hamarneh delves into the collections amassed over decades, which now encompass a wide range of historical objects related to healing practices, emphasizing both educational and research-oriented uses. Ultimately, the book encapsulates how the Division of Medical Sciences serves not just as a historical archive but as an evolving space that chronicles and reflects the advancements in medical science.