Science / Medicine


Dr. Jonas Salk gives a
child polio shot, 1955

The Bentley Historical Library's collections include many films related science medicine, engineering and computer science. Many were produced by the University Television Center (later known as Michigan Media), some a multi-part educational television programs such the 3-part program "Frontiers of Health". The TV Center also produced promotional films and and documentaries. Also included in the Michigan Media collection is a variety of archival footage ranging from film of surgical procedures to the press conferences announcing the successful testing of the Salk polio vaccine to the dedication of the Ford Nuclear Reactor. The selection of online videos below provides a sample of the Bentley's film and video on the topics science,medicine and engineering.


Michigan Media Television Programs and Archives Films


[851831-F-27] Medical Alumni: Teaching, Research and Service  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, color, optical, 00:25:26, 1967
  • Story of the University of Michigan Medical Center, looks at the history of the medical school and hospital and its current activities, with a focus on the use of television in instruction and on the current curriculum of a medical student.

[851831-F-29] Michigan Unlimited: Naval Architecture Lab  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, b/w, optical, 00:24:23, n.d.
  • Produced by WXYZ TV, Detroit. Looks at the research activities and facilities of the Dept. of Naval Architecture of the UM College of Engineering. Footage of the ship tank, other laboratories and classrooms.

[851831-F-30] Michigan Unlimited: Space at U of M  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, b/w, optical, 00:26:50, n.d.
  • Produced by WXYZ TV, Detroit. Looks at research activities and facilities of the Dept. of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, footage of the High Altitude Engineering Lab, high altitude rocket payload, a rocket launch, and the UM wind tunnel.

[851831-H-39] Midac  [view video]
  • Original: kine pos, b/w, sound, 00:14:37, 1955
  • The story of the UM's high-speed electronic computer "Midac" built under the sponsorship of the U.S. Air Force.

[851831-AVEC-22] First Hundred Years: Engineering College Centennial  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, color, sound, 00:43:02, 1954
  • A student from first UM engineering course takes a 100 year nap, on waking he is given tour of College of Engineering facilities. Shows labs and classroom scenes, describes variety of research being conducted, footage of distinguished professors.

Michigan Media -- Archives Films


[851831-AF-181] Salk Vaccine Announcement, 1955  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, pos, b/w, sof, 00:29:42, 1958
  • Film of press conference in Rackham Auditorium prior to announcing successful test of the Salk polio vaccine. Dr Francis and Dr. Salk talk about the development of the vaccine and testing methods.

[851831-FF-218-a-b] Salk Vaccine Promotion  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, pos, b/w, sof, 00:53:24, 1955?
  • "Progress Report to Physicians on Immunization Against Poliomyelitis," a film explaining the development, testing, and use of the Salk polio vaccine featuring Jonas Salk, Thomas Francis and other leading figures in polio research. The film was aimed at doctors. Sponsored by Lilly and includes footage of Salk inoculating child, Closed Circuit on Dumont Network.

[851831-FF-244] Salk Vaccine Announcement  [view video]
  • Original: 16mm film, pos, b/w, sof, 00:20:31, 1955
  • Footage of the press conference announcing the results of the Salk polio vaccine tests. Salk describes the field tests and analyzes the results. Jonas Salk, Tommy Francis and Basil O'Connor answer questions. (Not complete coverage.)