Impressive, whole-plate ambrotype of Dr. Homer Bostwick and his family. Dr. Bostwick was a dentist and had a practice in New York City in 1828, when he published a treatise The Family Dentist. In 1830 he studied medicine in the office of Dr. Kearney Rogers, and continued studies under Dr. Brownlee. He attended the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, obtained his diploma and set up regular practice of medicine in 1837. Through his efforts the New York Surgical Institute was established.  Later, he was appointed Physician of the City Prison.

Dr. Bostwick was the author of the book, “A treatise on the nature and treatment of seminal diseases, impotency, and other kindred affections: with practical directions for the management and removal of the cause producing them, together with hints to young men,” which was published in 1848. Subjects included, genital diseases, male masturbation and complications and also included illustrations of specimens in color lithography. Excerpts from the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal stated, “And it is a striking evidence of the indomitable perseverance of the man who seems to possess an unconquerable energy that will enable him to leave his foot-prints in society, so that he will be spoken of when the memorials of him are only to be found in the libraries of those who know not that he was both censured and envied while living.” Bostwick authored other publications such as “Medical Quackery, its Origin, Cause and Cure with Hints to Young Physicians in Relation to the Important Subject of Consultation, and Family Physicians.” 

The image shows Homer with his wife Anna Membery Western who was the daughter of Henry M. Western.  Two of the Bostwick’s seven children are featured and on the right is daughter Anna M. Bostwick and on the left, her sister, Ada Lucinda Bostwick.  Identifications are made on the back and state other daughters were Mary Kate and Hannnah.  There is a notation also that the children were Aunts of Thos. R. Meekens.  For an additional fantastic and detailed genealogy of the Bostwick family please see this pdf online: http://www.bostwickfamilyhistoryandvalues.com/resources/DescendantReport%20for%20John%20Bostwick.pdf. The image is in very good condition minus with great tones and contrast. There are some scratches as seen with some small loss with the black backing in some areas.  We have not opened the back of this later presentation but this is an ambrotype with no cover-glass mounted in the simple frame.  This would look wonderful with a full brass mat in a case or period frame.  This is a very sharp image and a rare piece of medical history that would complement any collection.
$450