Welcome to the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. The unique library houses approximately 6,000 rare and classic texts in the history of medicine, nursing, dentistry, and other health care disciplines, dating from the 15th to early 20th centuries. The Nixon Library also houses the University Archives, a small collection of historical manuscripts, textiles, and medical instruments.
The Nixon Library is located on the 5th floor of the Briscoe Library and is open by appointment Monday - Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Tours of the Nixon Library, including viewings of the rare books and manuscripts, can also be arranged by making an appointment. For more information contact Andrea N. Schorr, Associate Director of Resource Management at (210) 567-2403 or specialcollections@uthscsa.edu.
Please review the Special Collections Policy prior to your visit.
San Antonio physician and historian Dr. Pat Ireland Nixon was the founder of the Bexar County Medical Library Association in 1919. Dr. Nixon was an avid collector of rare books, and his efforts helped the Bexar County Medical Library accumulate a large collection of historical medical books. This collection of books was donated to the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio, Texas in 1970. The collection was named after Dr. Nixon in honor of his tireless efforts to build it, and is housed in the Briscoe Library. Strengths of the Nixon collection are in the areas of ophthalmology, surgery, and anatomy. To learn more about Dr. Pat Ireland Nixon, visit the P.I. Nixon information page.
The P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library is celebrating 50 years of preservation, promotion, and engagement. Over the years, the Nixon Library has been a source of valuable information for the UT Health San Antonio campus and beyond. This remarkable collection, comprised of centuries of historical works, tells the story of medicine and describes the very foundations that have shaped the way we understand health care today. Stay tuned for events and activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary.