The collections are open to researchers by appointment. Some materials, such as medical records, are restricted because of concern for patient rights. Requests for access to the collections need to be submitted in writing.
Pathologists, medical and military historians, medical researchers, and the media have used the collections. Materials from the collections are also used by museum staff for exhibitions, lectures, and educational activities.
Appraisals
The National Museum of Health and Medicine is unable to provide appraisals of the monetary value of materials offered as gifts, brought in for identification, or submitted for any other purpose.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regards libraries and museums as interested parties, and appraisals prepared by them for gifts that they receive are subject to question. Such appraisals are likely to be challenged by the IRS. Further information about IRS regulations on charitable contributions can be found in Publication 561, "Determining the Value of Donated Property" and Publication 526 "Charitable Contributions. This information can be found at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov or Fax (703) 487-4160 or Telephone (800) TAX FORM [(800) 829-3676, or TTY/TDD (800) 829-4059].
People desiring appraisals should consult a professional appraiser. Accurate appraisals require expert knowledge of prices, which come from continually observing the antiques market. An appraiser must be prepared to defend his appraisal in court. Museum staff, who are not in the daily business of buying and selling, are not necessarily conversant with prices on the current market. A list of Dealers of Medical and Scientific Antiques is available upon request.
Information about the care of medical and scientific antiques can be found on the World Wide Web at:
