| Abstract |
Collection consists largely of correspondence, diaries, and journals. Diaries document events throughout his cruises, such as sea life, military regimen, and alcohol use. Ruschenberger noted weather conditions, giving statistics for latitude, longitude, air and water temperature, barometric readings, and prevailing winds. Letters document his concern with methods of appointment, pay, military assignments, problems of promotion and retirement, education for assistants and doctors, the selection and distribution of hospital and infirmary staff, family relationships, United States politics, and his publications. Morale, politics, and reform of the service are also discussed. Correspondence and diaries reflect his professional involvement in medicine and general science. Diary entries describe Ruschenberger's trip around the world with the East India Squadron and his travels to the Malay Peninsula; China; Brazil, particularly Rio de Janeiro and the suburbs of Botafogo and Tijuca; Chile; including the cities of Valparaiso and Santiago; Anger Island in Java; and Panama. Diaries and correspondence mention the activities of Simon Bolivar in Chile and Peru. |
| Access restriction | Joyner- No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
William S. W. Ruschenberger Papers (#629), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Joyner- Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Commodore E. Schuyler Lott. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Mrs. Marjorie C. Lott. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Mr. E. Schuyler Lott III. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Friends of the ECU Library. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Jonathan Dembo. |
| Biographical note | William Samuel Waithman Ruschenberger (1807-1895) was a physician in the United States Medical Corps from 1826 through the middle of the nineteenth century. Ruschenberger was a member of the Philadelphia College of Physicians, serving as secretary in 1854 and vice president from 1875 through 1883. Also an active member of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, he served as vice president in 1869 and as president from 1869 through 1882. He wrote several books including "Three Years in the Pacific"; "A Voyage Around the World"; "Elements of Natural History"; and "Notes and Commentaries during Voyages to Brazil and China." |
