Burt Green Wilder

Burt Green Wilder (1841%E2%80%931925)

Burt Green Wilder (August 11, 1841 – January 21, 1925) was an American comparative anatomist and neurologist. He was a prominent figure in the field of neuroanatomy and made significant contributions to the study of the human brain.

Early Life and Education

Wilder was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University, where he studied under the renowned scientist Louis Agassiz. Wilder graduated from Harvard in 1862 and subsequently served as a surgeon in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Academic Career

After the war, Wilder returned to academia and joined the faculty at Cornell University in 1867. He was instrumental in establishing the university's Department of Zoology and served as a professor of neurology and vertebrate zoology. Wilder's research focused on the structure and function of the brain, and he was known for his meticulous dissections and detailed anatomical drawings.

Contributions to Neuroanatomy

Wilder made several important contributions to the field of neuroanatomy. He was one of the first scientists to advocate for the use of the term "neuron" to describe the basic unit of the nervous system. His work helped to advance the understanding of brain anatomy and laid the groundwork for future research in the field.

Personal Life and Legacy

Wilder was known for his eccentric personality and his dedication to science. He was a prolific writer and published numerous articles and books on neuroanatomy and comparative anatomy. Wilder's legacy continues to influence the field of neuroanatomy, and his work remains a valuable resource for researchers and students.

Selected Works

• Anatomical Technology as Applied to the Domestic Cat (co-authored with Simon Henry Gage)
• The Brain of the Cat

See Also

• Neuroanatomy
• Comparative anatomy
• Cornell University
• Louis Agassiz