Alexander Skene

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Skene

Alexander Johnston Chalmers Skene (17 June 1837 – 4 July 1900) was a Scottish-American gynecologist known for his contributions to the field of gynecology. He is best remembered for his discovery of the Skene's glands, which are also known as the paraurethral glands.

Early Life and Education

Alexander Skene was born in Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen and later at the King's College Hospital in London. In 1863, he emigrated to the United States and continued his medical education at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.

Medical Career

Skene became a prominent figure in American gynecology. He served as a professor of gynecology at the Long Island College Hospital and later at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School. He was also a founding member of the American Gynecological Society.

Skene's Glands

Skene is best known for his identification and description of the paraurethral glands, which are now commonly referred to as Skene's glands. These glands are located on the anterior wall of the vagina, around the lower end of the urethra. They are thought to be homologous to the prostate gland in males and play a role in the female reproductive system.

Publications

Skene was a prolific writer and contributed extensively to medical literature. His most notable work is "Diseases of the Bladder and Urethra in Women," published in 1878. This book was one of the first comprehensive texts on the subject and established Skene as a leading authority in the field.

Personal Life

Skene married Annette Van Derveer in 1869, and they had three children. He was also an accomplished artist and musician, often integrating his artistic skills into his medical illustrations.

Legacy

Alexander Skene's contributions to gynecology have had a lasting impact on the field. His discovery of the Skene's glands has been crucial in understanding female anatomy and reproductive health. He is remembered as a pioneer in gynecology and a dedicated educator.

See Also

• Gynecology
• Skene's glands
• American Gynecological Society
• Long Island College Hospital