A revered teacher, an influential author, and a skilled surgeon, Samuel David Gross (1805-1884) initiated many important advancements in medicine, particularly surgery. He formulated and taught the first hands-on, systematic approach to surgery in the United States.

One of six children, Gross was born to Philip and Johanna Juliana (Brown) Gross on July 8, 1805, on a farm outside Easton, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Gross spoke German until the age of 12, and even after he learned English, his dialect retained a distinct German accent. His father was a farmer who died when Gross was nine years old. After that, his mother raised him, instilling strong moral values that stemmed from her devout Lutheran faith. As a child Gross spent a good deal of his time outdoors. He was very attentive to nature, studying the calls of birds, the habits of the local animals, and...