Ciment, J., & Radzilowski, J. (Eds.). (2015). American immigration: An encyclopedia of political, social, and cultural change. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.
This four-volume encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of immigration in the United States from the pre-Colonial time period to the present. The causes, process, and patterns of immigration are addressed as well as the role of immigration in society, culture, and politics. Of special interest are the sections in volume two concerning health and welfare, and the laws and labor needs surrounding immigration, both past and present. This resource is an excellent source for understanding how the previous waves of immigration and social, political, and cultural factors influenced the examination and treatment practices at Ellis Island as well as for showing the impact of Ellis Island on immigration in the following eras.
Hayes, P. J. (Ed.). (2012). The making of modern immigration: An encyclopedia of people and ideas (Vols. 1-2). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
Of particular interest in this two-volume immigration encyclopedia, is the chapter on immigration and disability written by Douglas C. Baynton. The author tells the stories of several Ellis Island immigrants with disabilities ranging from deafness, poor physique, lack of sexual development, mental defects, curved spines, and partial blindness. The chapter explains the appeal process and the stories show the important role that social class and politics played in the decision-making process. Other chapters of interest deal with national policy regarding immigration, immigration and politics, and immigration restriction.
Loue, S. & Sajatovic, M. (Eds.). (2012). Encyclopedia of immigrant health. London, UK: Springer.
Encyclopedia of Immigrant Health brings together an interdisciplinary and global perspective on immigrant health. Topics include disease transmission and prevention, development in health policies, and health costs. Although the book includes reference material for current health issues and practices, it does include a brief history concerning immigrant processes and health in the United States.
Moreno, B. (Ed.). (2004). Encyclopedia of Ellis Island. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
This encyclopedia provides over 430 essays on different aspects of Ellis Island’s history. It is an excellent starting point for a researcher seeking to understand the broader context of the medical inspections and the immigrant hospital. The articles cover many applicable topics including medical certificates; tuberculosis; trachoma; profiles of Ellis Island employees; and different rooms, buildings, and wards on Ellis Island. The appendix contains several primary documents including reports and rules. An extensive bibliography provides suggestions for further research.
Barry Moreno, the editor of this encyclopedia, heads Ellis Island Research Library and is a leading authority on Ellis Island.
New York Public Library. (2003). The New York Public Library American history desk reference (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Hyperion.
The reference book is organized by themes, detailing numerous stories and events from American history. A researcher interested in Ellis Island will find the chapters on immigration and medicine of particular interest.
Powell, J. (2005). Encyclopedia of North American immigration. New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc.
Published in 2005, Powell’s encyclopedia is good starting point for any researcher interested in investigation the role of immigration in North America. The book provides information about immigration-themed events, people, places, laws, and more. Each entry provides additional bibliographic resources for further study.
Medicine on Ellis Island 