Welcome to our Online Collections Database!
The Didusch Center encompasses a rich and varied collection of drawings, photographs, and instruments of historical importance to urology, many displayed in our urological exhibits. The center also houses a library devoted to urological and early medical texts and the AUA archives.
Cystoscopes
The Didusch Center has nearly 600 cystoscopes—ranging from a replica of the pre-cystoscopy candle-fueled Lichtleiter (developed in the 1800s by Philip Bozzini) to modern-day flexible, fiber-optic models.
Resectoscopes
The resectoscope is an instrument that is inserted through the urethra and used to cut out tissue while allowing the physician to see exactly where he is cutting. The Didusch Center has been collecting resectoscopes since 1971.
Laparoscopes
Inserted through a small incision, the laparoscope is a camera that allows the surgeon to see inside the human body. Once the interior is scrutinized, the surgeon can then place additional ports through which he or she can insert instruments for operating. The Didusch Center's collection of laparoscopic instruments began with a single donation in 1998 and has grown to nearly 60 instruments.
Lithotriptors
The Didusch Center's collection of instruments for stone removal clearly illustrates how far medicine has evolved in treating this painful disorder. The collection ranges from medieval stone knives to modern-day treatments.
Catheters
Today, catheters are used in many specialties—primarily to inject fluid or to drain it—and considered one of civilization's first therapeutic instruments. The Didusch Center boasts a collection of catheters ranging from a replica of the silver-coil catheter developed by founding father Benjamin Franklin to 19th century catheters concealed in hat bands and canes to modern day Foley catheters.
Microscopes
One of the most treasured collections in the Didusch Center is the Reuter Collection of microscopes, a donation from Hans Reuter in 1995. The collection ranges from single lens instruments to multi-lens varieties, and is displayed prominently in the Didusch Center for Urologic History at AUA headquarters.
Medical Illustrations and Drawings
The William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History was created when medical illustrator William P. Didusch donated his original urologic medical illustrations to the American Urological Association. Though all of Didusch’s drawings (~3400) have not yet been entered into the database, they are scanned and available for research purposes. Other medical illustrations, such as those drawn by Tod Dee Craig for Dr. Perry Hudson’s work on radical perineal prostatectomy, are also available.
Tips for Searching
Keyword Search
The Keyword Search button allows you to perform a general search across multiple fields for any catalog records online. Keyword searches use OR as the default connector between words (e.g. a search for Hanley Ranch will return records associated with Hanley OR Ranch). If you want to find records where both keywords are found, type in AND between the two words. To search for a specific phrase, be sure to put the phrase within quotes (e.g. "Rocky Pine Ranch"). You can also use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard (e.g. a search for histor* would come up with records containing history, histories, historical, etc.). Searches are not case sensitive.
Advanced Search
The Advanced Search button can help you be more specific with your search. You can search for a word or phrase within a particular search category or use multiple categories to further narrow down your search results. For example, searching White in the People field will bring up any records associated with a member of the White family, without having to sift through black & white photographs. You can also search People and Creator records through Advanced Search. Phrase searching with quotes and use of wildcards (*) are available in Advanced Search.
Random Images
The Random Images button is a great way to just browse the collection. Each Random Images page displays a random assortment of images from the records online. If something piques your interest, click the thumbnail to view a larger version of the image.
Catalog Searches (Archives / Photos / Libraries / Objects)
The catalog buttons can also help narrow down your search, by only searching with a selected catalog. If you only want to search for Photos, click the Photos button and type in your keyword(s) or phrase. You can also browse records within that catalog without performing a search. Phrase searching, wildcards (*) as well as AND/OR statements are available when performing catalog searches.