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[HYGIENE IN SIBERIA] Pull-out photo album. Gigienicheskii musei Irkutskogo Gos. Universiteta [i.e. Hygienic Museum of the Irkutsk State University].

Item #1773

[1920s]. 13 photos. Folding series of photos: 10x96 cm. Binding: 11,16,5 cm. In original cloth binding with gilt lettering. Good, fabric connections between cards worn, with tears. Paper sticker on spine, ink numbers and stamp of the State Museum of Social Hygiene (prewar institution) on rear side of front cover.

Very rare and essential source on an early Soviet sanitary and educational campaign brought to life in Siberia. In 1918, the First Congress of Sanitary Departments of Workers’ Soviets decreed to promote largescale educational activity among workers and peasants. In particular, lectures, discussions and exhibitions were supposed to take place. Thus, new healthcare institutions included museums, moving exhibitions for rural areas and organizations for sanitary education. In 1919, the State Museum of Social Hygiene became the first of its kind. Located in the Moscow city center, this research institution had been leading provincial hygienic museums across the country for about 3 years until it was integrated into Moscow State University.

Irkutsk University was founded in 1918. The university was closed in 1930 and reopened as the East Siberian University in 1931. Between the mentioned dates, its hygienic museum was set up and deployed information attacks against infections, filth and unhealthy conditions for work and life. According to pictures taken, the museum was located in a separate two-storey building. It was divided into sections: human organism and organs, epidemics of the early 20th century, alcohol use disorder, tuberculosis, sanitation of dwelling, contemporary demography, etc. Statistical and educational posters were hung on; also, there were volumetric exhibits like a Prokhorov disinfection chamber or drinking water filter of an American model. Two photos feature employees and students who contributed to the museum. Handwritten captures to the images specify the sections.

Price: $750.00