Wheeler Library & Harkness Eye Institute Historical Collection

Desk of Dr. Franciscus (or Frans) Cornelis Donders

This carved wooden desk belonged to Franciscus Donders (1818-1889), one of the founders of modern ophthalmology.

Herman Knapp Memorial Tablet

This plaque displays a profile of Herman Knapp (1832-1911). Born in Germany, Knapp obtained his MD at the University of Giessen in 1854 and became a professor at the University of Heidelberg.

Annual Institute of Ophthalmology Staff-Alumni Meeting

Guest of Honor: Professor Samuel Randall Detweiler (1890-1957)

Union Club, New York 6 April 1940

Marble Bust of Professor Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Albrecht von Gräfe

Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Albrecht von Graefe (1828-1870) is generally considered to be the founder of modern ophthalmology.

Portrait of Edward S. Harkness

Salisbury depicts Edward S. Harkness (1874-1940), seated, wearing robes which appear to be associated with his honorary Degree of Laws from St Andrews University.

Ruby Laser Prototype

The first ruby laser was used in medicine, by Dr Charles Campbell, in 1961.

Side Table of Dr Philip Knapp (1916-1991)

The owner of this small table, Philip Knapp (1916-1991), was, like his father (Arnold) and grandfather (Herman Knapp) a renowned Eye Institute ophthalmologist.

Dr John Martin Wheeler (1879-1938)

John Martin Wheeler, MD, became the first Director of the newly opened Eye Institute in 1932, having moved to the Presbyterian Medical Center from New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, in 1928.