The Mighty Waring Website

Dedicated to the History of the Health Sciences

The Waring Historical Library is the special collections and rare book library for the Medical University of South Carolina. Named for Joseph I. Waring, Jr., the first director of the Historical Library, the library houses books, journals, manuscript items and museum artifacts dealing with the history of the health sciences. Although materials do not circulate, researchers are welcome and encouraged to make appointments for research. Visitors are welcome

  • New! College of Graduate Studies Exhibit


    The Waring Historical Library and College of Graduate Studies announce the opening of a new web exhibit: "College of Graduate Studies: Past and Present" Since 1949 the College of Graduate Studies has educated hundreds of biomedical research scientists. In October 2011, the college offices moved into new quarters in the Bioengineering Building. At that time a physical exhibit was produced to commemorate the history of the college as well as to highlight current programs and individuals. This online exhibit is an expanded version of the physical exhibit, which is on permanent display in the hallway outside of the CGS offices on the first floor of the BEB.

  • MUSC Pictorial History Book- NOW AVAILABLE!


    The Waring Historical Library announces the publication of a pictorial history book on MUSC.

    Drawing on the rich collections of MUSC's Waring Historical Library and University Archives, authors Susan Dick Hoffius, curator, and E. Brooke Fox, university archivist, have compiled a fascinating selection of photographs that tell the story of not just the University but also the people who have improved the health of South Carolinians for nearly two centuries. Campus History Series: Medical University of South Carolina provides a visual journey through the history of each of the six colleges to be enjoyed by alumni, students, and anyone interested in the history of South Carolina health care.

    The book is available for purchase through the Waring Historical Library.

  • The Medicos, 1907


    Did you know that MUSC once had a football team and that they beat The Citadel in 1909, 6-0?

  • MCSC Pennant

    The skull and crossbones reflects the school spirit of the Medical College students and features prominently in memorabilia from the late-19th and early-20th centuries. This pennant was a gift to the Waring Historical Library from Dr. Alan H. Rosen in 1982.

  • MUSC Anatomy Class


    “Anatomy, so indispensable as a ground work of Medical and Chirurgical science, can be no where more advantageously cultivated than in Charleston. While in many of the medical schools of the United States, subjects for dissection cannot be obtained, and in most of them the supply is very inadequate, students who resort to Charleston, experience no difficulty in obtaining them in sufficient abundance to subserve all the purposed of dissection and operations.” Annual Announcement, 1837. Image above dates from about 1900.