John Weinzirl Papers
Collection
Identifier: MSS -293 -SC
Scope and Content
The Weinzirl Papers include documents related to Dr. Weinzirl's academic career at the University of New Mexico (1897-1907). There are numerous newspaper clippings both glued in a scrapbook and loose in a folder. The clippings describe medical events around the world, such as the Plague in India in 1907, diseased cows in Southern New Mexico in 1906, or tuberculosis generally (1906). Other clippings concern the University of New Mexico, discuss Weinzirl's teaching role at UNM, and include articles written by Weinzirl. In addition to the news clippings is a map of the gold fields in Alaska, architectural plans for an office, a resolution by the City of Albuquerque accepting Weinzirl's resignation, Sept. 3, 1907, and a published booklet about Hartford, Connecticut. There is also an October 1935 copy of the Washington (State) Tuberculosis Association journal, The Health Pilot (Vol. xvii, no. 10), dedicated to the life and memory of Weinzirl.
Dates
- 1897-1935
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography
Dr. John Weinzirl, professor and scientist, was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1870. He was educated at the River Falls Normal School, Wisconsin, and later at the University of Wisconsin, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1896, Master of Science degree in 1899, and Doctorate in 1906. Weinzirl came to New Mexico in 1896 after contracting tuberculosis. At the time, the climate and elevation of New Mexico were thought to contribute to the healing of tuberculosis sufferers.
In New Mexico, Weinzirl found work as an assistant biology professor at the University of New Mexico. During the following decade, Weinzirl taught at UNM, helped to advance scientific teaching standards at the university, and sought a cure for tuberculosis. He was promoted to Professor of Biology and Chemistry in 1900 and known as a hard but fair teacher. During his tenure at UNM, Weinzirl was also the director of the Hadley Climatological Laboratory. In 1907, Weinzirl worked as a chemist for the City of Albuquerque. At that time, the residents of Albuquerque were trying to find out if typhoid fever was caused by dirty city drinking water.
Later in 1907, Weinzirl accepted a teaching appointment at the University of Washington in Seattle where he continued his research into a cure for tuberculosis. In addition to his academic work, Weinzirl was involved with a number of organizations committed to improving public health. Of note, he was the director of the McDermott Foundation for Tuberculosis in Seattle in 1924 and secretary of the Washington State Tuberculosis Association at the time of his death in 1935. He was also on the board of directors of the National Tuberculosis Association from 1922-1934. Weinzirl's commitment to tuberculosis research was manifested in the more than forty-five articles on tuberculosis, public health, bacteriology, and climatology he wrote over the course of his career. Weinzirl died in Seattle in 1935.
In New Mexico, Weinzirl found work as an assistant biology professor at the University of New Mexico. During the following decade, Weinzirl taught at UNM, helped to advance scientific teaching standards at the university, and sought a cure for tuberculosis. He was promoted to Professor of Biology and Chemistry in 1900 and known as a hard but fair teacher. During his tenure at UNM, Weinzirl was also the director of the Hadley Climatological Laboratory. In 1907, Weinzirl worked as a chemist for the City of Albuquerque. At that time, the residents of Albuquerque were trying to find out if typhoid fever was caused by dirty city drinking water.
Later in 1907, Weinzirl accepted a teaching appointment at the University of Washington in Seattle where he continued his research into a cure for tuberculosis. In addition to his academic work, Weinzirl was involved with a number of organizations committed to improving public health. Of note, he was the director of the McDermott Foundation for Tuberculosis in Seattle in 1924 and secretary of the Washington State Tuberculosis Association at the time of his death in 1935. He was also on the board of directors of the National Tuberculosis Association from 1922-1934. Weinzirl's commitment to tuberculosis research was manifested in the more than forty-five articles on tuberculosis, public health, bacteriology, and climatology he wrote over the course of his career. Weinzirl died in Seattle in 1935.
Extent
2 folders
Abstract
The John Weinzirl Papers consist of newspaper clippings and other memorabilia related to Dr. John Weinzirl's career as professor of biology at the University of New Mexico, 1897-1907.
Separated Material
Nineteen photoprints of University of New Mexico scenes were transferred to the John Weinzirl Photograph Collection.
Relevant Secondary Sources
- Johnson, Judith R. "John Weinzirl: A Personal Search for the Conquest of Tuberculosis," New Mexico Historical Review. 63(2): 141-156.
- Spidle, Jake W., Jr. Doctors of Medicine in New Mexico: A History of Health and Medical Practice, 1886-1986.Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1986.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the John Weinzirl Papers, 1897-1935
- Status
- Approved
- Author
- Processed by Tad McIlwraith
- Date
- ©2000
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 293 SC::John Weinzirl Papers)//EN" "nmu1mss293sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu