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{{short description|American neurologist}}
'''H. Houston Merritt''' (1902–1979) was a prominent American neurologist known for his contributions to the field of [[neurology]] and his role in the development of [[anticonvulsant]] medications. He served as a professor and chair of the Department of Neurology at the [[Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons]].


{{Infobox person
==Early Life and Education==
| name = H. Houston Merritt
Hiram Houston Merritt Jr. was born on January 12, 1902, in [[Salisbury, North Carolina]]. He attended the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]], where he earned his undergraduate degree. Merritt then pursued his medical degree at the [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]], graduating in 1926.
| image = <!-- Image removed -->
| caption =  
| birth_date = January 12, 1902
| birth_place = {{w|Sulligent, Alabama}}
| death_date = January 9, 1979
| death_place = {{w|New York City}}
| nationality = American
| occupation = Neurologist
| known_for = Research in {{w|neurology}}, particularly {{w|epilepsy}} and {{w|multiple sclerosis}}
}}


'''H. Houston Merritt''' (January 12, 1902 – January 9, 1979) was a prominent American neurologist known for his significant contributions to the field of {{w|neurology}}. He is particularly noted for his research on {{w|epilepsy}} and {{w|multiple sclerosis}}.
==Career==
After completing his medical degree, Merritt trained in neurology under the mentorship of [[Tracy Putnam]] at the [[Boston City Hospital]]. He later joined the faculty at [[Harvard Medical School]] and worked at the [[Massachusetts General Hospital]].


== Early Life and Education ==
In 1948, Merritt was appointed as the chair of the Department of Neurology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, a position he held until 1967. During his tenure, he significantly advanced the field of neurology through both clinical practice and research.
Merritt was born in {{w|Sulligent, Alabama}}. He pursued his medical education at the {{w|Vanderbilt University School of Medicine}}, where he developed an interest in neurology.


== Career ==
==Contributions to Neurology==
Merritt's career in neurology was marked by his innovative research and dedication to advancing the understanding of neurological disorders. He served as a professor of neurology at the {{w|Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons}} and was the director of the Neurological Institute of New York.
Merritt is best known for his pioneering work in the development of anticonvulsant drugs. Along with Tracy Putnam, he discovered the anticonvulsant properties of [[phenytoin]], which became a widely used treatment for [[epilepsy]]. This discovery marked a significant advancement in the management of seizure disorders.


=== Contributions to Neurology ===
Merritt also contributed to the understanding of various neurological conditions, including [[multiple sclerosis]] and [[migraine]]. His textbook, ''Merritt's Neurology'', first published in 1955, remains a seminal work in the field and continues to be updated and used by medical professionals worldwide.
Merritt made several key contributions to the field of neurology:
* He co-authored the book ''Merritt's Neurology'', which remains a fundamental text in the field.
* His research on {{w|epilepsy}} led to the development of new treatment protocols that improved patient outcomes.
* Merritt was instrumental in advancing the understanding of {{w|multiple sclerosis}}, contributing to the development of diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.


== Legacy ==
==Legacy==
Merritt's work has had a lasting impact on the field of neurology. His contributions to medical education and research continue to influence neurologists and researchers worldwide.
H. Houston Merritt's impact on neurology is profound, with his work laying the foundation for modern treatments of neurological disorders. His leadership at Columbia University helped establish the institution as a leading center for neurological research and education.


== Personal Life ==
==Related Pages==
Merritt was married and had children. He passed away in {{w|New York City}} on January 9, 1979, just a few days before his 77th birthday.
* [[Neurology]]
 
* [[Epilepsy]]
== See Also ==
* [[Phenytoin]]
* {{w|Neurology}}
* [[Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons]]
* {{w|Epilepsy}}
* {{w|Multiple sclerosis}}
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
 
== External Links ==
* [https://www.wikimd.com/wiki/H._Houston_Merritt H. Houston Merritt on WikiMD]
 
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:American neurologists]]
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1902 births]]
[[Category:1979 deaths]]
[[Category:1979 deaths]]
[[Category:American neurologists]]
[[Category:People from Alabama]]
[[Category:Columbia University faculty]]
[[Category:Columbia University faculty]]
[[Category:Vanderbilt University alumni]]
[[Category:Johns Hopkins School of Medicine alumni]]
[[Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumni]]

Latest revision as of 02:59, 9 March 2025

American neurologist


H. Houston Merritt (1902–1979) was a prominent American neurologist known for his contributions to the field of neurology and his role in the development of anticonvulsant medications. He served as a professor and chair of the Department of Neurology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Early Life and Education[edit]

Hiram Houston Merritt Jr. was born on January 12, 1902, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his undergraduate degree. Merritt then pursued his medical degree at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, graduating in 1926.

Career[edit]

After completing his medical degree, Merritt trained in neurology under the mentorship of Tracy Putnam at the Boston City Hospital. He later joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School and worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

In 1948, Merritt was appointed as the chair of the Department of Neurology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, a position he held until 1967. During his tenure, he significantly advanced the field of neurology through both clinical practice and research.

Contributions to Neurology[edit]

Merritt is best known for his pioneering work in the development of anticonvulsant drugs. Along with Tracy Putnam, he discovered the anticonvulsant properties of phenytoin, which became a widely used treatment for epilepsy. This discovery marked a significant advancement in the management of seizure disorders.

Merritt also contributed to the understanding of various neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis and migraine. His textbook, Merritt's Neurology, first published in 1955, remains a seminal work in the field and continues to be updated and used by medical professionals worldwide.

Legacy[edit]

H. Houston Merritt's impact on neurology is profound, with his work laying the foundation for modern treatments of neurological disorders. His leadership at Columbia University helped establish the institution as a leading center for neurological research and education.

Related Pages[edit]