Hospital archive preserves years of medical history

A hospital archive is safeguarding historic medical knowledge for future generations.

The library at Northampton General Hospital contains journals dating back to the 18th Century, describing an array of conditions in an era long before modern medical care.

The collection also includes a complete set of medical journal The Lancet from its first 100 years, along with midwifery kits, medical bags, and stainless-steel scopes from the 1980s.

Prof Andrew Williams, from the University of Northampton, said: "[The library has] important knowledge, and by having a physical repository that knowledge is potentially there for future generations."

The archive was founded in 1790 with 33 books but the collection now has about 2,500 books and journals.

A research team from the university recently discovered the identity of a 12-year-old girl who underwent a pioneering operation more than 200 years ago.

They believe the case of Sarah Harris, from Great Addington, near Kettering, can be categorised as an "index case" – the first of its kind with a confirmed name attached to it.

It is thought to have been the first amputation through the hip joint in England.

"Most hospital archives and libraries were discarded long ago. We're very fortunate the [hospital] trust has always valued [this one]," Prof Williams said.

"It is used and is able to pass its knowledge on to others. It's a place of many wonders."

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