Boston Medical Library
At the foundation of the Boston Medical Library in 1875, James Read Chadwick should approach Holmes to take on the role of the association’s first president. Holmes continued in that office until 1888, seeing the Library’s phenomenal growth in size to over 18,000 volumes, and its move to 19 Boylston Place in 1878. He delivered the dedicatory address at the opening of the library’s new building at 19 Boylston Place in 1878 and here makes the case for inclusion of “works which we are in the habit of considering as being outside of the pale of medical science,”particularly Thomsonian and homeopathic literature.
Holmes’ major contribution to the development of the Boston Medical Library, however, was the gift of his own collection of rare and recent medical books in 1889—some 968 volumes, along with shelves to hold them. At the ceremony celebrating the gift, Holmes spoke on the value of medical books, mentioning several of the volumes on display here. He said, “These books were very dear to me as they stood upon my shelves. A twig from some one of my nerves (as I remember saying long ago) ran to every one of them…. They marked the progress of my studies, and stood before me as the stepping-stones of my professional life. I am pleased that they can be kept together, at least for the present; and if any of them can be to others what many of them have been to me, I am glad to part with them, even though it costs me a little heartache to take leave of such old and beloved companions.”
After Holmes’ death, the Boston Medical Library held a meeting in his honor, noting his generosity and service as president, and designating the principal reading room in its new building at 8 The Fenway as “Holmes Hall.” That tradition continues today. There has been a Holmes Hall in the Countway Library building since its opening in 1965, and it now houses the reading room of the Center for the History of Medicine.