Felix Semon

Sir Felix Semon. Colour lithograph by Sir L. Ward (Spy), 190 Wellcome V0005368

Felix Semon (8 December 1849 – 1 March 1921) was a German-born British laryngologist who made significant contributions to the field of otolaryngology. He is best known for his work on the vagus nerve and its implications in laryngeal paralysis.

Early Life and Education

Felix Semon was born in Danzig, Kingdom of Prussia (now Gdańsk, Poland). He studied medicine at the University of Berlin and the University of Leipzig, where he earned his medical degree in 1874. Semon moved to London in 1875 to further his studies and career.

Career

Semon began his career in London as an assistant to the renowned laryngologist Morell Mackenzie. He later became a consulting laryngologist at several prestigious institutions, including St Thomas' Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Contributions to Medicine

Felix Semon is best known for "Semon's Law," which describes the behavior of the vagus nerve in cases of laryngeal paralysis. According to Semon's Law, in cases of progressive neurological disease, the abductor fibers of the recurrent laryngeal nerve are affected before the adductor fibers, leading to a characteristic pattern of vocal cord paralysis.

Semon also made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of laryngeal cancer and other disorders of the larynx. He was a prolific writer and published numerous articles and books on otolaryngology.

Personal Life

Felix Semon married Henrietta Mackenzie, the daughter of his mentor Morell Mackenzie. They had three children. Semon was known for his dedication to his patients and his passion for teaching and advancing the field of otolaryngology.

Legacy

Felix Semon's work laid the foundation for modern laryngology and his contributions continue to influence the field. He was a member of several professional societies, including the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal Society of Medicine.

Related Pages

• Laryngology
• Vagus nerve
• Laryngeal paralysis
• Morell Mackenzie
• St Thomas' Hospital
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery