Fisher, Charles Perry, 1857-1940

Charles Perry Fisher was born on January 23, 1857, in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania.

He was a pioneer medical librarian. He was educated in the public schools and the Eastburn Academy in Philadelphia. Later he devoted his leisure time to acquiring a knowledge of languages, science, and literature. In 1881, Dr. Samuel Lewis employed him to catalogue the Lewis Library, which until 1928, formed a separate collection of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia Library. He excelled in his work, and in 1882, he became the College's first employed professional librarian. The library’s real growth began with Mr. Fisher's appointment. He saw it grow from a collection of 25,000 volumes to 166,000 volumes at the time of his retirement in 1932. Under his direction and administration, he developed its material into an organized and systematized collection. His zeal and enthusiasm helped expand the possessions of the older and rare medical works. Mr. Fisher founded the Association of Medical Librarians, which later became the Medical Library Association. In 1912, he became its president. Mr. Fisher loved music and served as Secretary of the Musical Fund Society. He was also interested in photography and obtained an annual license from the Fairmount Park Commission to take pictures in the park.

In 1874, he married Clara Virginia Atwood (1858–1941). He died on October 26, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.