This Week in History: Education/Medicine/Society
February 1 - 6:
1693 The College of William and Mary was chartered in Williamsburg, VA. Years later, W&M became the founding home of Phi Beta Kappa. [On a personal note: W&M gave me a fellowship to pursue my Masters degree in English. I remain forever grateful for the education I received in the English Department at W&M. Professors John Conlee and Scott Donaldson, if you’re reading this: thank you!]
1821 Birthday of Elizabeth Blackwell. Born in England, Dr. Blackwell came to the US and graduated as the first female doctor - later founding New York Infirmary (whose entire staff was female) and also founding the first women’s medical college.
1840 The first dental college in the US was incorporated: the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery
1859 Birthday of English physician Havelock Ellis: “A man must not swallow more beliefs than he can digest.”
1901 The Army Nurse Corps was organized as a branch of the US Army.
1936 The National Wildlife Association held its first meeting.
1941 The United Service Organizations (USO) was established, providing entertainment and off-duty relaxation for those serving in the armed forces.