[Registration Closed] Oct. 13: SWINY’s Exclusive Private Tour of Renowned Research Library

A SWINY UP-CLOSE-AND-PERSONAL TOUR ON OCTOBER 13

nyam-art-decoNo matter what kind of science you write about, you’ll find rare and riveting items in the vast, varied holdings of the New York Academy of Medicine library, with 550,000 volumes including 32,000 rare books.

Not only is it one of the world’s leading collections of medical history, NYAM’s  library is a powerhouse in other sciences, too.

Some things we’ll get to see:

  • Early works on alchemy, astronomy, natural history, and an extensive medical botany section
  • Rare historic artifacts including Alexander Fleming’s penicillin culture; 18th-20th century microscopes; and a well-preserved bezoar from a 19th century cow (we’ll discover how that was used to treat poisoning)
  • Selections from the Academy’s extensive culinary collection, beginning  with the oldest cookbook in the western world
  • 16th and 17th century naturalists’ attempts to organize the known flora and fauna in Europe and America

You’ll learn how to take advantage of their appointment-only research library, where the reference staff leads writers to specific resources they may not otherwise know about.

Join us at this truly remarkable collection on the history of medicine and science.  The magnificent 1925 building features carved details of animals and medicinal plants. Our visit will take place in the historic 1933 Doctors Barry & Bobbi Coller Rare Book Reading Room, the gem of the building, where custom light fixtures were designed with early printer’s devices.

During our private, carefully-planned tour, librarians there will show us fascinating highlights of the collections, discuss them, and answer our questions.

When:
Thursday, October 13
6 to 7:30 pm

Where:
New York Academy of Medicine
2 East 103 Street, at Fifth Avenue

Admission:
Free to SWINY members
$10 non-members
No children under 12

Refund/cancellation Policy:
SWINY will refund admission fees provided we are notified by noon on Wednesday, October 12.

Reserve early – only 20 spots available: https://form.jotform.com/swiny/oct-13-exclusive-tour

Travel:
2 or 3 train to 110 Street/Cathedral Parkway [the stop after 96 St.]
Choose last car if Northbound; first car if Southbound.
Walk 1 block east to Fifth Avenue.  Turn Right.

6 to East 103 Street.  Walk west 3 short blocks.

Bonus:
Arrive early for a few minutes in Central Park’s beloved Conservatory Garden, directly opposite NYAM’s building.  Sunset’s after 6 so you’ll have bright light for viewing autumn leaves (before our 6 pm program begins.)

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