The American Pocket Medical Dictionary Value Guide

The American Pocket Medical Dictionary, edited by W.A. Newman Dorland, was a cornerstone of early 20th-century medical education. This 1915 ninth edition is highly collectible for its compact design and its role as the primary reference for physicians and students during the pre-WWI era.

What Is The American Pocket Medical Dictionary Worth?

The typical price range for The American Pocket Medical Dictionary is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the flexible leatherette cover, which is prone to cracking or peeling over time.
• Presence and clarity of the gold leaf gilding on the cover and page edges.
• Completeness of the internal pages, including the pronunciation guides and definitions of principal medical terms.
• Evidence of provenance, such as original owner signatures from medical students or practitioners of the era.

How to Identify The American Pocket Medical Dictionary?

• Verify the ninth edition statement and the 1915 copyright date on the title page.
• Check for the signature flexible leatherette binding designed for portability during physician rounds.
• Look for the distinctive gold leaf lettering on the spine and front cover.
• Confirm the editor is listed as W.A. Newman Dorland, published in the United States.

History of The American Pocket Medical Dictionary

First published in 1898, this series became the standard for medical students and practitioners. The ninth edition was released in 1915 and contains the pronunciation and definition of all the principal terms used in medicine and the kindred sciences. These compact volumes were designed to be carried easily by physicians on their rounds.