1808-1892

American physician whose fame is primarily because of a single article, "On Pleuristic Effusions, and the Necessity of Paracentesis for their Removal," published in 1852. In this article Bowditch promoted the use of a suction pump in chest surgery. He also wrote an influential book about the stethoscope; actively promoted hygiene, sanitation, public health, and preventive medicine; and contributed to the understanding of pulmonary tuberculosis, then known as "consumption" or "phthisis."