Temporary record

Marcus Ahlenfeld, from a German Jewish family in Bolkenheim, Silesia, studied medicine for three years in Berlin (passing his exam in surgery in 1831), and in Munich and Wurzburg (1832) for one session each. In 1832, Ahlenfeld received his degree to begin the practice of surgery. Ahlenfeld left Germany for the United States where he hoped to earn a 'fortune' practicing. He had arrived in Baltimore by mid-1833 and continued his medical study at the University of Maryland. Having passed examinations for the medical faculty of that university, Ahlenfeld was granted an MD by the Board of Trustees in 1835. He became a citizen of the US in 1845. Thereafter, Ahlenfeld maintained a medical practice in Maryland and northern Virginia until his death in c.1854.

This collection consists mainly of correspondence written to or for Ahlenfeld. includes a large number of letters of recommendation writteby friends and professional acquaintances in Germany and the United States, a few letters from patients (or the families of patients), and a few letters dealing with personal or non-medical business affairs;including testimonials for a case brought against Ahlenfeld in Gettysburg (Pa.), in which he was accused of appearing in that town several years previously under an assumed identity. The collection also includes some notes made in medical school, several lengthy manuscripts in German and Hebrew on medicine; and approximately 12 letters in Hebrew.

M-2579

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