William Osler, Medical History and the Origins of the International Society for the History of Medicine

With the centennial of William Osler's death approaching, this paper aims to focus on his contributions to medical history, his ideas about the relevance of this discipline and, last but not least, his involvement in some early projects for the foundation of our Society. Osler (1849-1919) is regarded unanimously as one of the most influential figures of 20th century medicine, not only in the Anglo-Saxon context but worldwide. Osler was not a professional historian, nor was he merely a physician interested in the history of medicine in an amateurish way. He was deeply convinced of the importance of this discipline for the education of medical students and, even more, for the continuing “inspiration” of health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, health managers). This is probably why his library (the famous Bibliotheca Osleriana at McGill University in Montreal) continues to be accessed and perused, and his historical essays and addresses continue to be read, enjoyed and quoted with enthusiasm. This is also probably why, according to some documents recently discovered by the author in the archives of the Osler Library, someone in 1913 thought of him as the perfect candidate for first President of the still-to-be-founded International Society for the History of Medicine. After one hundred years, Osler can still provide much food for thought to all interested in medical history and in the future of the ISHM.