Paul Beck Goddard
American physician and photographer of the 19th century
About Paul Beck Goddard
Lived 1811 – 1866 (aged 55). Paul Beck Goddard was an American businessperson, inventor and photographer.
Paul Beck Goddard (c. 1811 - July 5, 1866) was an American medical doctor and editor of medical books who also made pioneering contributions to photography.
He graduated from the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania in 1832. As well as practicing as a physician and surgeon, he was professor of anatomy at Franklin Medical College of Philadelphia, and a member of the American Philosophical Society (elected in 1840).
In his experimental photography work with Robert Cornelius, in 1839 Goddard became the first to use bromide for daguerreotypes. Goddard was then working as an assistant to University of Pennsylvania Chemistry professor Dr. Robert Hare, and this chemistry background contributed to his successful experiments with bromine.
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Important facts
People in Paul Beck Goddard's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Paul Beck Goddard?
American physician and photographer of the 19th century
When was Paul Beck Goddard born?
Paul Beck Goddard was born on 26 January 1811 in Baltimore.
When did Paul Beck Goddard die?
Paul Beck Goddard died on 3 July 1866 in Philadelphia.
What was Paul Beck Goddard's occupation?
Paul Beck Goddard was a businessperson, inventor and photographer.
What nationality was Paul Beck Goddard?
Paul Beck Goddard was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Paul Beck Goddard
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Paul Beck Goddard. https://biography.guide/paul-beck-goddard/
MLA: "Paul Beck Goddard." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/paul-beck-goddard/.
Chicago: "Paul Beck Goddard." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/paul-beck-goddard/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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