Merritte Weber Ireland Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS C 117

Abstract

Articles and speeches by Surgeon General of the Army Merritte Weber Ireland.

Dates

Creation: 1911-1952

Extent

1.26 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Creator

Ireland, Merritte Weber, 1867-1952 (Person)

Physical Location

Materials stored onsite. History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine

Language of Materials

Collection materials primarily in English

Restrictions

Collection is not restricted. Contact the Reference Staff for information regarding access.

Copyright and Re-use Information

Copyright status is unknown. Archival collections often contain mixed copyrights; while NLM is the owner of the physical items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. It is the user's responsibility to research and understand any applicable copyright and re-publication rights not allowed by fair use. NLM does not grant permissions to publish.

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Biographical Note

Merritte W. Ireland was born in Columbia City, Indiana. He received an M.D. degree from both Detroit College of Medicine (1890) and Jefferson Medical College (1891). Shortly thereafter, Ireland joined the Medical Department of the Army. He served in various posts throughout the U.S., had duty in Cuba during Spanish-American War and was for 10 years head of the Hospital Corps Division of the Surgeon General's office. He became Chief Surgeon of American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I and succeeded General Gorgas as Surgeon General of the Army in 1918. He held this position until his mandatory retirement age in 1931.

Collection Summary

Contains correspondence, war diary (1917), and addresses delivered as surgeon general. Letters relate to sanitation and health in Army units stationed in Texas. Correspondents include H.P. Birmingham, J.H. Ford, E.B. Frick, Jefferson R. Kean, C.J. Manly, and J.E. Robins. Also contains index to addresses, and memorial statement by General Silas B. Hays delivered at the funeral of Ireland.