Genevieve Miller (1914-2013)

  It is with sadness that I report the passing on June 23rd of Genevieve Miller, former Director of the Dittrick Museum, at the age of 99.  Reaching that age is rare enough, and I think gives credence to the notion that Genevieve lived life fully and with great commitment and determination. I never worked with Genevieve during her tenure as head of the Dittrick, but got to know her better in retirement and especially as a companion on a trip to visit London medical museums in 2004.  As a way of celebrating her, permit me to review some highlights...

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On the Trail of the Machine: William Smellie's "Celebrated Apparatus"

Last week, Dr. Edmonson (curator of the Dittrick Museum), provided a kind introduction to my work. Today, I am happy to continue the tale with part one of a two-part series.        This journey took place over the course of three years, on two continents--and through the wonderful collections of several museums, beginning with our own Dittrick. I give you the tale--of a trail. --Brandy Schillace, PhD _________________________________________  On the Trail of the Machine: William Smellie's "Celebrated Apparatus" What is the lifespan of a medical device? Most generally, the utility of any instrument determines its tenure in medical practice—and subsequent models evolve to replace their...

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