Brown, Alfred Jerome, 1878-

Alfred Jerome Brown graduated from Yale University (1899) and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University (M.D., 1903). While a physician at Bellevue Hospital, New York, he started making bookplates (largely for family members and friends) and collecting French's work. He later practiced medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. Brown was also an avid bookcollector. His collection on surgery was sold by Swann Auction Galleries, March 31, 1949.

French was born in North Attleboro, Mass. in Jan. 1851. He attended Brown University, but ill health forced him to withdraw before he completed his degree. He became a silver engraver for Whiting Company. In 1876 he moved to New York City, became involved with the Art Students League and developed his interest in engraving. He became interested in bookplates and created bookplates for serious book collectors and libraries.