PHOTOGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT.

BELLEVUE HOSPITAL, January 1, 1882.

Hon. Jacob Hess,
President Department of Public Charities and Correction.

SIR.—I have the honor to transmit herewith, the twelfth annual report of the Photographic Department at Bellevue Hospital.

The plan of photographing important hospital cases followed in the past, has been continued during the year with such modifications as experience and recent improvements in treatment and methods of work have rendered expedient. During the summer months, a long series of experiments were made with a view to counteract the tremor imparted to the building by traffic in the adjacent street, and from the action of the pumping engine, in order that it might be possible to illustrate by the microscope, the histology of many diseases treated in the hospital. Having devoted a considerable time to this class of microscopical work during the last twenty years, and having the necessary apparatus, I have long felt anxious to practically demonstrate the actual state of diseased tissues during treatment. The result of these experiments, although not yet complete, have so far demonstrated the feasibility of the plan as to meet the earnest approval of the medical profession. Prints from a series of histological plates made during these experiments have, at private expense, been widely circulated among the physicians and surgeons of our own and foreign countries, and the encomiums which they have called out, indicate the importance of the work and encourage its further prosecution. The importance of photographically illustrating disease has become so well known that such illustrations are now required in the production of all great medical or surgical works relating to original investigation, or the application of new and improved methods of treatment.

The photographing of the unknown dead at the Morgue has now become so well known, and is so highly commended by all classes of our citizens that the department may well be pleased with its recognition as the pioneer in this important work. The experience of the last ten years has fully demonstrated the fact, that among the means of recognizing the unknown dead, the pictured face stands pre-eminently first and greatest.

Below will be found a summary of work done and expense incurred during the year:

Respectfully submitted,
O. G. MASON, Photographer.

J. FREY, Superintendent.