The bulk of the papers are from 1959-1970, years during which Dr. Nungester was chairman of the department. The papers have been arranged into three series; materials relating to the history and development of the department, correspondence and memoranda, and administrative files.
Materials relating to the development of the department include a history written by Dr. Novy, a biographical sketch of Dr. Novy, and summaries of data relating to faculty, students, course offerings, seminars, research and publications.
Correspondence and memoranda cover the years 1959-1971. Dr. Nungester's correspondence relates to the administration of the department and research in microbiology. Dr. Neidhardt's correspondence deals mainly with the transition period between his appointment as chairman and the actual beginning date of his tenure.
In the administrative files, the researcher will find copies of the alumni newsletter, annual reports, completed questionnaires, and financial records. There are also materials relating to faculty, students, research, outside speakers, and distinguished visitors to the department.
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology of the University of Michigan evolved from the Department of Hygiene and Physiological Chemistry, the Hygienic Laboratory, the Department Of Bacteriology, and the Department of Microbiology. It can trace its beginnings to 1981 when Dr. Victor C. Vaughan began teaching Sanitary Science as an elective course in the Department of Literature, Science, and the Arts. In 1887 he was appointed Professor of Hygiene and Physiological Chemistry and Director of the Hygienic Laboratory.
The Hygienic Laboratory was the first of its kind in the country, and had as its objectives teaching, research, and diagnostic service, Dr. Vaughan served as Director until 1909, and was succeeded by Dr. Frederick G. Novy, who held the position until 1935. Dr. Malcolm H. Soule was Director from 1935 to 1941, when the title of Director was abolished. The Department was associated with the Hygienic Laboratory until 1951.
The unit became known as the Department of Bacteriology in 1902; Dr. Novy served as its chairman until 1935, and was succeeded by Dr. Soule, who served until his death in 1951. Dr. Walter J. Nungester was Acting Chairman in 1951 1952, and Chairman from 1952 until his retirement in 1970. Dr. Frederick C. Neidhardt became chairman in September 1970. On July 1, 1963, the name of the department was changed to Department of Microbiology.
One of the early functions of the Department was to aid in the control of rabies. Because of the frequent outbreaks of rabies in the state, the Pasteur institute was set up as a part of the Hygienic Laboratory in 1903. The institute examined animals suspected of being infected with rabies, prepared vaccine, and administered the vaccine to persons who had been exposed to rabies. Examination of animals came to be the only function of the Institute, and the number of specimens began to decline. The Institute was abolished in 1959 because it was believed it no longer met a real need.
Chairs of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology
| Date |
Event |
| 1902-1934 | Frederick G. Novy |
| 1935-1951 | Malcolm H. Soule |
| 1952-1970 | Walter J. Nungester |
| 1970 | Ronald H. Olson (Acting) |
| 1970-1982 | Frederick C. Neidhart |
| 1982-1985 | Michael A. Savageau (Acting) |
| 1985-1986 | J. Latham Clathlin (Acting) |
| 1986-1992 | Barry Eisenstein |
| 1992-2002 | Michael A. Savageau |
| 2003 | Michael J. Imperiale (Interim) |
| 2004- | Harry L.T. Mobley |
Name Changes
| Date |
Event |
| 1902-1963 | Department of Bacteriology |
| 1963-1979 | Department of Microbiology |
| 1979- | Department of Microbiology and Immunology |
