Henry and Ida Schuman papers, 1920-1997 and undated

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
Schuman, Henry
Abstract:
Antiquarian book dealers based in New York City with close ties to Duke University physician and rare manuscripts and book collector Josiah Trent. Collection consists chiefly of card indexes representing the medical history rare book and manuscript inventory that Henry and his wife Ida Schuman assembled and managed as part of their antiquarian book business. The cards were very likely used to assemble the dealer catalogs published by the Schumans. Many of the cards record purchases and other transactions, and which institution acquired the item. The larger card file consists of 14 boxes and are alphabetically organized by author or title. Smaller cardfiles exist for mathematical works and other unidentified divisions. There are also several boxes of the Schumans' business and professional papers, including several folders of correspondence between the Schumans and their clients, including Dr. Josiah Trent of Duke University, and bills of sale for rare books and manuscripts. After her husband's death in 1962, Ida Schuman carried on with the business until her death in 1977. Acquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.
Extent:
12 Linear Feet
Approx. 6915 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.01151

Background

Scope and content:

The Henry and Ida Schuman Papers consist chiefly of the card index inventory representing the history of medicine-related rare book and manuscript collection that Henry and his wife Ida Schuman assembled and managed as part of their well-known antiquarian book and manuscript business. The cards were very likely used to assemble the dealer catalogs published by the Schumans, whose business was first based in Detroit, then for the longer duration in New York City. Many of the cards document purchases and other transactions, and which institution or individual acquired the item. The larger card file consists of 15 boxes and is alphabetically organized by author or title. Smaller card files exist for mathematical works and other unidentified indexes. There are also several boxes of the Schumans' business and professional papers, including several folders of correspondence between the Schumans and their clients and friends, such as Josiah Trent; marked copies of the some of the Schuman's published catalogs, including their annotations about sales and other items; and bills of sale for rare books and manuscripts. The collection also includes papers related to the Schumans' Life of Science Library publishing series. Acquired as part of the History of Medicine Collections at Duke University.

Biographical / historical:

Henry and Ida Schuman began their antiquarian book business in Detroit in the 1930s, and soon moved to New York City where they established their well-known business on 20 East 70th Street and later at 2211 Broadway Street. They have been described as the first history of medicine rare book dealers in the United States. They enjoyed close ties with their clients, most notably to Duke University physician and collector Dr. Josiah Trent, whose collection of rare books and medical artifacts comprise the majority of the items in Duke University's History of Medicine Collections. Henry Schuman died in 1962 at the age of 63. After his death, Ida Schuman carried on with the business until her passing in 1977.

Acquisition information:
The Henry and Ida Schuman Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift.
Processing information:

Processed by Nathalie Baudrand and Paula Jeannet, March 2012.

Encoded by Nathalie Baudrand and Paula Jeannet, March 2012.

Updated by Meghan Lyon, April 2016.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.

Subjects:
Book dealers -- New York (State) -- Correspondence
History of Medicine -- Bibliography -- Catalogs
Rare books -- New York (State) -- New York -- Bibliography -- Catalogs
Names:
Schuman's, Inc.
Schuman, Henry -- Library
Schuman, Henry
Schuman, Ida

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Henry and Ida Schuman Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.