Cornelius Rea Agnew papers, 1851-1924

Collection context

Creator:
Agnew, Cornelius Rea, 1830-1888
Extent:
16 linear feet 13 boxes 2 flats
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Correspondence, notes, and manuscripts including items that relate to most of Agnew's professional activities, are especially rich in materials that deal with the treatment of eye diseases during the latter half of the 19th century. An interesting sidelight of the collection is a group of finely detailed woodblocks and steel plates that Agnew used to illustrate his published articles.

Biographical / historical:

Professor of diseases of the eye and ear at the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Agnew, a prominent New York ophthalmologist, also helped organize the eye and ear hospital in Manhattan. (Columbia B.A., 1849; M.D., 1852).

Cornelius Rae Agnew, 1830-1888 New York opthalmologist and medical organizer. Going abroad to make a special study of the diseases of the eye and ear he returned to New York accepting the position of surgeon at the Eye and Ear Infirmary where he served until 1864. In addition to his civilian work prior to the commencment of the Civil War Agnew was appointed surgeon-general to the state of new York by Gov. Morgan. During the war Agnew served as medical director of the New York State Hospital for Volunteers. It was here that his executive abilities were brought to light. One of the main organziers of the United States Sanitary Commission Agnew is also credited with the creation of the pavallion style hospital as exemplified by the plans he prepared for the Judiciary Square Hospital in Washington. A driven man he helped found the Union Club of New York the School of Mines at Columbia an opthalmic clinic at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Brooklyn Eye and Ear Hospital, and the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital. In addition to this he lectured until his death at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The following boxes are located off-site: Boxes 3-14. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Cornelius Rea Agnew Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu