User:Joseph0618/John Shaw Billings
Librarian, building designer and surgeon / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Shaw Billings (April 12, 1838 – March 11, 1913) was an American librarian, building designer, and surgeon.[1] However, he is best known as the modernizer of the Library of the Surgeon General's Office of the Army. His work with Andrew Carnegie led to the development and his service as the first director of the New York Public Library. Because of his approach to improving public health and hospitals, Billings headed the U.S. Census Bureau's division of Vital Statistics and oversaw statistical compilation of censuses. With Robert Fletcher, Billings developed Index Medicus, a monthly guide to contemporary medicine that ran for 16 months until his retirement at the Medical Museum and Library.[2] At the latter end of his work with the military, Billings aided the United States' Secretary of the Treasury in adjusting the organization of the military hospitals. With his growing credibility in the medical field, Billings also oversaw work done to aid those struggling with yellow fever. He also served as Johns Hopkins Hospital's medical advisor, authored reports regarding criteria for medical and nursing curricula, and hospital design.[3]
John Shaw Billings | |
---|---|
![]() John Shaw Billings ca. 1896 | |
President of the American Library Association | |
In office 1901–1902 | |
Preceded by | Henry James Carr |
Succeeded by | James Kendall Hosmer |
Personal details | |
Born | (1838-04-12)April 12, 1838 Allensville, Indiana, US |
Died | March 11, 1913(1913-03-11) (aged 74) New York City, US |
Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
Spouse |
Kate M. Stevens
(m. 1862; died 1912) |
Children | 5 |
Education | |
Occupation | |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Union Army |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | Army of the Potomac |
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/SurgeonGeneral%27sLibrary.jpg/640px-SurgeonGeneral%27sLibrary.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Jsbillings.jpg/220px-Jsbillings.jpg)