An amazing collection of medical memorabilia by a Chattanooga doctor is drawing nationwide interest.
Jim Blair of Blair's Antiques said there have been calls and visits from all over the country at an estate sale of the Dr. William Campbell collection.
The sale started Saturday and continues through Tuesday. Items are 40 percent off today and 50 percent off on Tuesday.
Mr. Blair said Dr. Campbell started his collection when he was given a skeleton when he was 10 years old.
He grew up to be a family doctor at Ducktown and Copper Hill before coming to Chattanooga in 1977 as physician for TVA. Dr. Campbell died last December.
Mr. Blair said his collection became so extensive that "you had to wind your way through his home."
The initial sale filled a brick building at Chestnut and Main where the sale is being conducted, but that was only 65 percent of the collection. A second sale will come later.
Mr. Blair said a host of physicians have been coming by to inspect the collection. He had a call from a museum in New Mexico. A woman from Seattle, Wash., made some purchases. Others have come from many parts of the country to buy a portion.
He said many of the items "are museum quality."
A book dealer made $30,000 in purchases, but many old books are still on the shelves.
The collection includes everything from ancient wheelchairs and antique bedpans to medical equipment and cabinets.
There are hundreds of early medical books along with many photos from the old Chattanooga Medical College.