Houston Dermatological Society: Dermatology in the 19th Century

On Monday, December 12, Stanley Burns MD, FACS lectured as guest speaker for the Houston Dermatological Society's annual ethics meeting in Houston, Texas.

Nineteenth Century Photography and its Role in the Creation of Modern Dermatology

The core of the lecture consisted of over 250 nineteenth century photographs of dermatological patients.

A Few Topics Discussed:

• Worldwide- Dermatologists produced more photographic atlases than all other medical fields combined.
• New York Dermatologists produced the greatest number of photographic atlases.
• New York’s George Henry Fox, one of the six founders of the American Dermatological Association, produced more atlases than any other physician. He influenced generations of dermatologists.
• Photography produced an objective detailed description.
• Provided a permanent document for future evaluation.
• Allowed non specialists to recognize skin disease.

Dr. Burns with HDS President Melissa Bogle, MD

Melissa Bogle, MD with Asra Ali, MD

The Attendees at Brennan's of Houston

Featured Images:

Urticaria George Henry Fox, MD, New York 1885

Pityriasis Rosea De Gibert,  E. Chatelain, MD & Félix Méheaux, Paris, 1893

Urtica, George Henry Fox, MD, New York 1896

Elephantiasis Henry G. Piffard, MD, New York, 1891

To Learn More About 19th Century Dermatology 

Read Dr. Burns' Four Volume Series 'Skin Pictures'