College of Physicians of Philadelphia

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is a medical society housed in a brick building that contains extensive collections related to medical history. The building holds a major library with old manuscripts and a museum with thousands of historical medical objects and instruments.

The institution was founded in 1787 by physicians and was the first private medical organization of its kind in North America. It became a leading place for documenting and sharing medical knowledge.

The museum displays medical objects from different periods that show how medicine changed over time. Visitors can see historical instruments and collections that trace the development of healing practices.

Visitors can browse the historical library, which holds one of the largest collections of early printed books in North America. It helps to check opening hours ahead of time and confirm access for guided tours or independent exploration.

The collection holds more than 400 books printed before 1500, which ranks among the largest holdings of early medical literature on the continent. These rare works show the beginnings of medical printing and are valuable for research.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1787

Founders: James Hutchinson

Website: http://collegeofphysicians.org

GPS coordinates: 39.95333,-75.17667

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02