Editing Pennsylvania Hospital (section)

== The Pine Building ==

The '''Pine Building''' is Pennsylvania Hospital's original historic structure, built in three sections between 1756 and 1804. Designed by Samuel Rhoads, the building is named for the pine boards used in its original construction and is considered a masterpiece of Georgian colonial architecture.<ref name="hiddencity">{{cite web |url=https://hiddencityphila.org/2016/04/inside-pennsylvania-hospitals-little-seen-original-building/ |title=Inside Pennsylvania Hospital's Little Seen Original Building |publisher=Hidden City Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

The Pine Building houses several nationally significant medical firsts:

'''Nation's First Surgical Amphitheater (1804)'''
The circular amphitheater on the top floor was designed with tiered seating so medical students could observe surgeries performed in the center. A skylight provided natural illumination for operations. This teaching model influenced the design of surgical theaters throughout America.

'''First Hospital Medical Library (1762)'''
Dr. John Fothergill of London donated the initial collection of medical texts, creating America's first hospital library. The library still contains rare medical volumes and continues to serve researchers.

'''First Hospital Apothecary'''
The hospital established the colonies' first hospital pharmacy, where medicines were prepared and dispensed.

The Pine Building underwent a major preservation and restoration completed in 2012. Today, it houses medical offices, scholarly research facilities, conference rooms, and serves as the site for historic tours.