Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Enormous Tumor of James Hayes

Displayed in a jar in America's Oldest Surgical Amphitheater, which is open to the public for self-guided tours. The tumor had been growing on Mr. Hayes' neck for 20 years. It weighs seven pounds and is over two feet in circumference.

Address:: Pine St., Philadelphia, PA
Directions:: Downtown. On the third floor of the Pennsylvania Hospital Pine Building, which is on the north side of Pine St. between S. 8th and S. 9th Sts. Check in at the main desk (be ready to show ID), and from there you will be directed to the gift shop for the guide booklet.
Phone:: 215-829-6888
Admission:: Suggested donation of $5.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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Library.

America's Oldest Surgical Amphitheater

This amphitheater is housed in the nation's first hospital built in 1751. Being an RN, I was very impressed with the entire grounds that includes an old medical library. The library held an enormous collection of old medical books, including Florence Nightingale's Notes on Nursing. There is so much history here.

[Shannon Hiser, 11/26/2016]

Surgical theater.

America's Oldest Surgical Amphitheater

Also known as "The Dreaded Circular Room." Opened in 1804, it is the oldest existing surgical amphitheater in North America. An audience of physicians and medical students observed operations from the gallery encircling the room. Without electricity, sterile technique, or anesthesia, patients were lucky to have a bright, sunny day and a surgeon who was swift as well as skillful. Patients could choose rum, laudanum, or a tap on the head with a mallet to dull the pain. The tour is self guided.

[Valerie, 01/27/2016]