William Fiske Whitney

William Fiske Whitney (March 26, 1850 – March 4, 1921) was an American anatomist, curator, and pathologist. Whitney was a pioneer in the field of the medical museum and originator of the method of quick diagnosis. An obituary describes him as "another of those early pioneers in pathology and the use of the microscope on this continent of whom his contemporaries, the late Sir William Osler and Prof. William H. Welch are notable examples." He specialized in anatomy, becoming one of the top experts in the country. Later, he was much sought after by the courts for his exceptional anatomical knowledge, especially in determining if poison had any bearing on a case.

Personal life

Early years and education Whitney was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 26, 1850.

He was also known for his ability to use fresh specimens in diagnosis. Under his curatorship, the Warren Museum passed from its original home in the old Harvard School building on North Grove Street in Boston to more adequate quarters on Boylston Street, and then to its present location in the front block of the Longwood Avenue building.

He delivered the 1901 Shattuck Lecture at the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Medical Society, entitled "The Alleged Increase of Cancer in Massachusetts." His lecture was based on his studies of world-wide statistics from which he made his "Comparative Study of Death Rates from Cancer for the Years 1850, 1875, and 1900."

He authored a number of other articles on carcinoma, which was one of his lifelong studies.

Professional memberships and honors Member from 1870, committee member, counselor, and Vice President of the Boston Society of Natural History Member of the Massachusetts Medical Society Member of the American Medical Association President of the Massachusetts Obstetrical Society Active and interested member of the International Association of Medical Museums from its first organization in 1907, and he was one of its warmest supporters President of the Massachusetts General Hospital Alumni Association