Lecture Tickets

At the end of the 19th-century, the medical students in Pittsburgh would be able to acquire admission tickets to attend lectures. Before flipped classroom models and online access to the school’s offerings, the system of signing up for classes and participation in coursework was slightly different. Lecture schedules were printed for each session. The printed schedules were easily folded into a pocket size format and could be carried around for a handy reference. The participation in didactic and clinical lectures, attendance in demonstrations and laboratory work was expected. The learning and practice of diagnosis required a large portion of time devoted to clinical study and observation. 

Lecture Schedules

Three-page typewritten foldout showing a timetable from 9AM-4PM for Monday-Saturday for first, second, and third year students. Each time slot is filled with a lecture or clinic assignment, such as "Chemistry, Prof. Tingley," or "Clinic W.P.H. Medical. Prof. Lange."

Inside of the  1898 lecture schedule

Three-page foldout. First page shows typewritten, "Western Pennsylvania Medical College, Medical Department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, Schedule of Lectures, Session 1898=99." Second page shows a handwritten schedule for Monday-Saturday. Third page shows a typewritten timetable for Monday-Saturday, 9AM-4PM for fourth year students.

Outside of the 1898 lecture schedule

Two-page foldout. First page shows typewritten, "Western Pennsylvania Medical College, Medical Department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, Schedule of Lectures, Session 1899=1900." Second page shows a typewritten timetable for Monday-Saturday, 9AM-4PM for third year students.

Partially folded 1899 lecture schedule

Three-page typewritten foldout showing a timetable from 9AM-4PM for Monday-Saturday for first, second, and third year students. Each time slot is filled with a lecture or clinic assignment, such as "Biology, Prof. Hazzard." or "Medical Clinic, W.P.H. Prof. Lange."

Inside of the lecture schedule for 1899

Three-page foldout. First page shows typewritten, "Western Pennsylvania Medical College, Medical Department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, Schedule of Lectures, Session 1899=1900." Second page is blank. Third page shows a typewritten timetable for Monday-Saturday, 9AM-4PM for fourth year students.

Outside of the lecture schedule for 1899

Ticket System

Students had to purchase tickets to attend lectures and clinics. The tickets were confirmation that the fees were paid and the lab work was completed. The system of tickets embraced not only lectures and clinics, but also special quizzes and courses, and the right to register for the classes. Each ticket served as admission pass, receipt, and confirmation that the requirements were met.

Yellowed index card with typewritten and handwritten text. Reads: "This ticket is not evidence of attendance on a course of lectures. Western Pennsylvania Medical College. Session of 1899-1900 matriculation ticket. This certifies that Hugh S. McGuire is entitled to enter the Western Pennsylvania Medical College he having duly complied with the preliminary requirements. [Unknown Signature] Dean."

McGuire's matriculation ticket

Yellowed index card with typewritten and handwritten text. Reads: "Western Pennsylvania Medical College. Sessions of 1891-92. Matriculation Ticket. This certifies that S.J. Heffner is entitled to enter the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, he having duly complied with the preliminary requirements. [Unknown Signature] Dean."

Heffner's matriculation ticket

Yellow index card with typewritten and handwritten text. Reads: "Session of 1898-9. Western Pennsylvania Medical College Medical Dept. of the Western University of Penna. City of Pittsburgh. Admit Hugh E. McGuire. Clinics at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital. [Unknown Signature] M.D., Dean. N.B. This ticket is not good unless endorsed by the Superintendent of the Hospital.

McGuire clinic ticket

Yellow index card with typewritten and handwritten text. Reads: "I hereby certify, that "S.J. Heffner has taken a course of Practical Instruction in Anatomy of the Leg under my supervision. [Unknown Signature], M.D. Demonstrator."

Heffner's anatomy ticket -back

Yellow index card with typewritten and handwritten text. Reads" Session of 1891-2. Western Pennsylvania Medical College, City of Pittsburgh. Practical Anatomy. Admit S.J. Heffner. [Unknown Signature], M.D. Dean. N.B. This ticket is not an evidence that the holder has actually performed laboratory work, unless certified by the demonstrator of the department (over)."

Heffner's anatomy ticket - front

Blue index card with both typewritten and handwritten text. Reads: "I hereby certify, that "HE McGuire has taken a course of Practical Instruction in ANATOMY under my supervision. [Unknown Signature], M.D., Demonstrator."

McGuire's anatomy ticket - back

Blue index card with both typewritten and handwritten text. Reads: "Session of 1897-8. Western Pennsylvania Medical College, City of Pittsburgh. Practical Anatomy. Admit HE McGuire. [Unknown Signature], M.D., Dean. N.B. - This ticket is not an evidence that the holder has actually performed laboratory work, unless certified by the demonstrator of the department (over)."

McGuire's anatomy ticket - front

Single page of an open book showing typewritten text that lists out fees of medical school and their associated costs.

Student’s Costs 

The fees were drastically different from today’s costs. The reputable boarding houses in the area offered lodgings to students for $4-$6 per week (about $200 in today’s money).

Other costs that medical students had to consider were listed in the Western Pennsylvania Medical College announcements.

On the left, a page from the Western Pennsylvania Medical College announcements for 1887/1888.

Below, some of the same fees shown with 2024 values as adjusted for the inflation:

General ticket - $100 (Now - $3,348)

Practical anatomy - $10 (Now - $334)

Matriculation ticket - $5 (Now - $167)

Graduation fee - $25 (Now -  $830)

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