Owsei Temkin

Owsei Temkin (1929)

Owsei Temkin
Born	(1902-10-06)6 October 1902 Minsk, Russian Empire
Died	18 July 2002(2002-07-18) (aged 99) Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Medical historian
Known for	Contributions to the history of medicine

Owsei Temkin (October 6, 1902 – July 18, 2002) was a prominent medical historian known for his extensive work on the history of medicine. He was born in Minsk, which was then part of the Russian Empire, and later emigrated to the United States.

Early Life and Education

Temkin was born into a Jewish family in Minsk. He pursued his early education in Europe, studying at the University of Leipzig where he earned his medical degree. His interest in the history of medicine was sparked during his time in Leipzig, where he was influenced by the works of Karl Sudhoff, a pioneer in the field.

Career

In 1932, Temkin emigrated to the United States and joined the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He became a key figure at the Institute of the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins, where he served as director from 1958 to 1968. Temkin's work focused on the historical development of medical concepts and practices, particularly in the areas of neurology and psychiatry.

Contributions to Medical History

Temkin's scholarship was characterized by a deep understanding of both medical science and its historical context. He authored several influential books and articles, including "The Falling Sickness: A History of Epilepsy from the Greeks to the Beginnings of Modern Neurology" and "Hippocrates in a World of Pagans and Christians." His work emphasized the continuity and change in medical ideas over time, and he was known for his meticulous research and insightful analysis.

Legacy

Owsei Temkin's contributions to the history of medicine have had a lasting impact on the field. His work continues to be a valuable resource for historians and medical professionals alike. Temkin was a member of numerous professional organizations and received several honors and awards for his contributions to medical history.

Personal Life

Temkin was married and had children. He passed away in Baltimore at the age of 99.

Selected Works

• "The Falling Sickness: A History of Epilepsy from the Greeks to the Beginnings of Modern Neurology"
• "Hippocrates in a World of Pagans and Christians"
• "Galenism: Rise and Decline of a Medical Philosophy"

See Also

• History of medicine
• Johns Hopkins University
• Epilepsy