The P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library originated from the vision and dedication of San Antonio physician, author, and preeminent historian of Texas medicine, Dr. Pat Ireland Nixon. A passionate and avid collector of rare books, Dr. Nixon founded the Bexar County Medical Library Association in 1919 to advance medical scholarship in the region. Through his efforts, the Bexar County Medical Library accumulated a large collection of historical medical books. Learn more about Dr. Pat Ireland Nixon.
In 1970, the extensive collection was donated by the Bexar County Medical Society to the library of the newly established University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio and was named in recognition of his tireless efforts to build the collection and foster an appreciation for medical history. The collection continues to grow and now holds approximately 6,000 rare and classic texts on the history of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health care disciplines, dating from the 15th to the early 20th centuries. Particular strengths of the library include surgery, anatomy, ophthalmology, and early South Texas medicine. In addition to these published works, the Special Collections also include historical manuscripts, photographs, and medical instruments.
Beyond its special collections, the P. I. Nixon Medical Historical Library also houses the University Archives, a specialized repository that collects, preserves, and provides access to institutional records of enduring value in support of research, accountability, and the documentation of the university’s legacy.
