Flexner Family Collection
24
Finding aid prepared by EBL Special Collections Staff
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit
December 09, 2013
EBL Manuscripts Collection
2004-10-28
Flexner Family Collection 24
Table of Contents
Summary Information ................................................................................................................................. 3
Historical or Biographical Note.................................................................................................................... 4
Collection Scope and Content Summary...................................................................................................... 4
Administrative Information .........................................................................................................................5
Subject Headings........................................................................................................................................... 5
Collection Inventory...................................................................................................................................... 6
Series 01: Biographical Material............................................................................................................6
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Flexner Family Collection 24
Summary Information
Repository
EBL Manuscripts Collection
Creator
Flexner, Abraham, 1866-1959
Title
Flexner Family Collection
Date [inclusive]
1920 - 1989
Extent
1.0 Cubic feet
Abstract
Photos, letters, and publications about Abraham Flexner and other
members of the Flexner Family. Dr. Flexner is best known for the highly
influential Flexner Report on the state of medical education in the United
States. The collection includes photographs, biographical material,
correspondence, reprints, manuscripts, and a copy of the privately printed
book: A Family Memoir 1899-1989 by Jean Atherton Flexner Lewinson.
Preferred Citation
Flexner Family Collection. Eskind Biomedical Library Special Collections, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
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Flexner Family Collection 24
Historical or Biographical Note
Collection contains biographical material on the Flexner family including: Abraham Flexner (1866-1959),
Simon Flexner (1863-1946), Morris Flexner (1890-1969), and John Flexner (1926 - ).
Although Abraham Flexner never received a degree from Vanderbilt, or held a professorship at this
institution, he exercised a powerful influence over the funding and design of Vanderbilt's new medical
school, which opened in September 1925. Abraham Flexner is best known for the highly influential
Flexner Report on the state of medical education in the United States. This study, published in 1910
earned Flexner everlasting fame and a powerful position at the General Education Board. This Board
funded by the Rockefeller family, dispensed vast sums for the improvement of medical schools in the
United States and abroad. Vanderbilt Medical School received 14 million dollars from the General
Education Board. This large gift was encouraged by Abraham Flexner, based on his close friendship and
great admiration for Vanderbilt's Chancellor James H. Kirkland.
For more information and pictures please see the VUMC Online Biography of Abraham Flexner.
Collection Description
Photos, letters, and publications about Abraham Flexner and other members of the Flexner Family. Dr.
Flexner is best known for the highly influential Flexner Report on the state of medical education in the
United States. The collection includes photographs, biographical material, correspondence, reprints,
manuscripts, and a copy of the privately printed book: A Family Memoir 1899-1989 by Jean Atherton
Flexner Lewinson.
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Flexner Family Collection 24
Administrative Information
Publication Information
EBL Manuscripts Collection 2004-10-28
Notes about Access to this Collection
All collections are subject to applicable VUMC privacy and confidentiality policies. Collection specific
restrictions: No Restrictions.
Reproduction Rights
Copyright is retained by Eskind Biomedical Library Special Collections.
Subject Headings
Personal Name(s)
Flexner, Abraham, 1866-1959
Flexner, Jean Atherton
Flexner, John M.
Flexner, Morris, 1890-1969
Flexner, Simon, 1863-1946
Subject(s)
Medical Education
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Flexner Family Collection 24
Biographical Material
Collection Inventory
Series 01: Biographical Material
Box
Folder
Photographs of Abraham Flexner and others.
1
1
Handwritten notes and typed drafts of lectures given by Dr. John Flexner on
1
10
1
11
1
2
Newspaper clippings about Abraham Flexner including obituaries.
1
3
Three copies of a program commemorating a tribute to Abraham Flexner
1
4
Articles and reprints on Abraham Flexner.
1
5
Articles concerning medical education and mentioning Abraham Flexner in
1
6
1
7
Articles about the Flexner family: Simon Flexner in particular.
1
8
Original and Photocopy of A Family Memoir 1899-1989 by Jean Atherton
1
9
Abraham Flexner.
Bronze paper weight commissioned at the retirement of Dr. Simon Flexner
from the Rockefeller Institute. Obj. # 881in the Historical Collection
inventory.
Correspondence: an acknowledgement from Abraham Flexner dated
November 23, 1956, and a letter from A.M. Gordon to John Flexner dated
November 6, 1972.
by the National Fund for Medical Education, April 23, 1956. All copies are
inscribed with a note by Abraham Flexner.
a secondary manner.
Material on the Flexner Lectureship including articles and programs. Also,
two programs from the Congress on Medical Education and Licensure,
1960.
Flexner Lewinson 1989.
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