J Neurosurg. 2021 Dec 24;1-8. doi: 10.3171/2021.10.JNS211907. Epub 2021 Dec 24.

The life and legacy of William Beecher Scoville.

Journal of neurosurgery

Andy Y Wang, Diang Liu, Joseph N Tingen, Harleen Saini, Vaishnavi Sharma, Alexandra Flores, Ron I Riesenburger

PMID: 34952520 DOI: 10.3171/2021.10.JNS211907

Abstract

Dr. William Beecher Scoville (1906-1984) is a giant figure in the history of neurosurgery, well known by the public for his operation on Patient H.M. He developed dozens of neurosurgical instruments and techniques, with many tools named after him that are still widely used today. He founded numerous neurosurgical societies around the world. He led the movement in psychosurgery, developing the technique of selective orbital undercutting and performing hundreds of lobotomies throughout his career. However, his many contributions to the advancement of neurosurgery have not been well described in the medical literature. To bridge the knowledge gap, this article seeks to detail the life and career of William Beecher Scoville and bring to attention the enduring impact of his work.

Keywords: Patient H.M.; William Beecher Scoville; World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies; history; lobotomy; psychosurgery

Publication Types

• Journal Article