Henry Jacob Bigelow

Henry Jacob Bigelow 1888

Henry Jacob Bigelow (March 11, 1818 – October 30, 1890) was a prominent American surgeon and professor at Harvard Medical School. He is best known for his contributions to the development of anesthesia and his work in orthopedic surgery.

Early Life and Education

Henry Jacob Bigelow was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Jacob Bigelow, a noted physician and botanist, and Mary Scollay Bigelow. He attended Boston Latin School and later graduated from Harvard College in 1837. He then pursued medical studies at Harvard Medical School, earning his M.D. in 1841.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Bigelow traveled to Europe to further his education, studying under several prominent surgeons. Upon returning to the United States, he began practicing in Boston and quickly gained a reputation for his surgical skills.

Contributions to Anesthesia

Bigelow played a crucial role in the early adoption and promotion of ether anesthesia. He was present at the first public demonstration of ether anesthesia by William T.G. Morton at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1846. Bigelow's subsequent publication in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal helped to establish the use of ether as a standard practice in surgery.

Orthopedic Surgery

Bigelow made significant advancements in the field of orthopedic surgery, particularly in the treatment of hip dislocation. He developed the "Bigelow maneuver," a technique for reducing hip dislocations, which remains a fundamental procedure in orthopedic practice.

Academic Contributions

Bigelow was appointed as a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School in 1849, a position he held until his retirement in 1882. He was also a member of several medical societies, including the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Personal Life

Bigelow married Susan Sturgis in 1847, and they had several children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for botany, a field in which he followed in his father's footsteps.

Death and Legacy

Henry Jacob Bigelow passed away on October 30, 1890, in Newton, Massachusetts. His contributions to medicine, particularly in the areas of anesthesia and orthopedic surgery, have left a lasting impact on the field.

See Also

• Anesthesia
• Orthopedic surgery
• Harvard Medical School
• William T.G. Morton
• Massachusetts General Hospital