Fin-de-siecle Philadelphia and the founding of the Medical Library Association

Philadelphia at the time of the founding of the Medical Library Association (MLA) is described. Several factors that promoted the birth of the associa tion are discussed, including the rapid increase in the labor force and the rise of other health related professions, such as the American Hospital As sociation and the professionalization of nursing. The growth of the public hygiene movement in Philadelphia at the time of Sir William Osler's residen cy in the city is discussed. Finally, the rapid growth of the medical liter ature is considered a factor promoting the development of the association. This article continues the historical consideration of the MLA begun in the author's article on the three founders of the association. The background information is drawn from the items listed in the bibliography, and the con clusions are those of the author.