Benjamin Fordyce Barker

American physician and obstetrician

Benjamin Fordyce Barker (May 2, 1818 – May 30, 1891) was a prominent American physician and obstetrician known for his contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. He was a leading figure in the medical community during the 19th century and played a significant role in advancing medical education and practice in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Fordyce Barker was born in Wilton, Maine, on May 2, 1818. He was the son of John Barker and Sarah Fordyce. Barker pursued his early education in local schools before attending Bowdoin College, where he graduated in 1837. He then studied medicine at the Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1841.

Medical Career

After completing his medical education, Barker traveled to Paris, where he furthered his studies in obstetrics and gynecology under the tutelage of renowned European physicians. Upon returning to the United States, he established a successful medical practice in New York City.

Contributions to Obstetrics

Barker was a pioneer in the field of obstetrics, introducing new techniques and practices that improved maternal and infant care. He was particularly noted for his work on the management of puerperal fever, a common and often fatal complication of childbirth during that era. Barker advocated for the use of antiseptic techniques to reduce the incidence of infections in postpartum women.

Academic and Professional Achievements

In 1852, Barker was appointed as a professor of midwifery and the diseases of women and children at the New York Medical College. He later joined the faculty of Bellevue Hospital Medical College, where he served as a professor of clinical midwifery. Barker was also a founding member of the American Gynecological Society and served as its president in 1876.

Publications and Legacy

Barker was a prolific writer and contributed numerous articles to medical journals. His most notable work, "The Puerperal Diseases," published in 1874, became a standard reference in the field of obstetrics. Barker's teachings and publications significantly influenced the practice of obstetrics and gynecology in the United States.

A cyclopedia of American medical biography vol 1 - Fordyce Barker

Personal Life

Barker married Elizabeth P. Adams in 1844, and the couple had several children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his community, often providing medical care to those in need regardless of their ability to pay.

Death and Commemoration

Benjamin Fordyce Barker passed away on May 30, 1891, in New York City. He was remembered as a compassionate physician and a dedicated educator. His contributions to the field of obstetrics and his efforts to improve medical education left a lasting impact on the medical profession.

Related Pages

• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Puerperal fever
• Antiseptic technique