William Beverley Towles papers, 1867/1888

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968

Summary

Extent:
3 items The items are two books and one student notebook. They were not donated in any storage container.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of 1 copy of Notes on Anatomy by William Towles (1881) in two (2) volumes and 1 student notebook belonging to William Towles dated 1867.

Biographical / historical:

William Beverley Towles (1847 - 1893) was born in Fluvanna County, Virginia on March 7th, 1847. He was descended from a family well-known in Virginia annals, his grandfather being Major Oliver Towles of the war of 1812, and his great-grandfather Colonel Oliver Towles of Revolutionary fame. His father was Dr. W. B. Towles, who practiced extensively in Fluvanna and Cumberland counties. So well did lie prepare himself that when he entered f the Medical Department of the University of Virginia, in 1868, he already " knew his text-books by heart." In spite of a serious attack of typhoid fever, he obtained his degree in one year. From 1869 to 1872 he practiced medicine in Missouri, where he made many friends. In the latter year he returned to the University of Virginia, having accepted the position of Demonstrator of Anatomy, tendered him by Dr. John Staige Davis. He kept this position until 1885, when, after the death of the gifted Davis, he made Professor of Anatomy and Materia Medica. In 1886 he was elected Professor of Anatomy at the University of Vermont. Towles had his "Notes on Anatomy," which he had prepared while Demonstrator, lithographed, and copies of these were supplied to the students. These books, however, were so full of clerical mistakes that he determined to have the " Notes " printed, and in this form they are now introduced to the profession. Had he lived he would have elaborated it into a complete text-book worthy of his knowledge and reputation as an anatomist. As it is, the book can give no adequate conception of his ability as a teacher; it is but a " faint adumbration " of the lectures delivered by him.

Physical description:
Items are in fair condition and should be handled carefully.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard