Archive of the History of Medicine
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Collections of former members of the University of Zurich
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Rooms of the Archives
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Source Types
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Pictures
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Illustrations
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Manuscripts
Profile
The Archives for the History of Medicine is a historical collection.
What is in the collection?
In our archive collections you’ll find manuscripts, unpublished drafts, notebooks, letters, photographs, slides, personal papers and official records of over 300 people and organizations connected to health. These documents center around the research and teaching at the Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich (professors' estates, lecture notes, teaching materials, practice, research, and publications) in the 19th and 20th century.
In addition, the personal papers of individuals and records of associations in the medical field of the Canton of Zurich and Eastern Switzerland (mainly physicians) have also been collected.
From the earlier collecting activities of Gustav Adolf Wehrli (Link in German) (starting in 1919) there are individual documents from doctors and non-academic healers, on folk medicine in Switzerland and an extensive collection of old prints (17th-19th).
Please note, that the majority of documents are handwritten and written in German or French.
Accessing the Collections
Please note: Due to the relocation of the institute, research enquiries and access to original documents will not be possible until 2026.
First, check out the list of the archival collections in order to get an idea what the collections contain. Please contact the archive before visiting either via phone or email . Upon request, you will receive information about the finding aids for the requested individuals, holdings, and topics (see lists).
By appointment, you will have access to the original documents within the scope of the infrastructure (there is no reading room). The agreed documents can be viewed at the Hirschengraben 82 (HIT) external magazine after confirming your appointment. The originals cannot be borrowed.
Copies
Copies can be made independently during the visit using a digital camera / smartphone without artificial light. Ordering, e-mail sending and eventual publication of digital copies is subject to a fee.
With the scans, you will also receive permission for publication. Please state the place, type and intended use of the publication.
Address (until end of 2025)
IBME, Universität Zürich
Winterthurerstrasse 30
CH-8006 Zürich
Tel. +41 44 634 20 15
WIH Building
Access by appointment only