Early Medical Dissertation Research on Tennessee Geology

Unpublished doctoral dissertation that predate American Ph.D. programs are an underutilized source of information on the geology of Tennessee, and on other geological topics. The nature of early doctoral research is briefly described and four pioneer dissertations, submitted in M.D. programs, are reviewed. The first dates from 1822 and the last from 1840. Each has continuing academic value, but must be viewed within the context of nineteenth century culture.