Daniel Hale Williams: Innovative Surgeon, Educator, and Hospital Administrator

Abstract

When Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a black surgeon, reported his successful suturing of the pericardium early in 1897 he stated: “The Index Catalogue and Medicus of the National Medical Library, surgeon-general's office, Washington, D.C., do not give a single title descriptive of suture of the pericardium or heart in the human subject. This being the fact, this case is the first successful or unsuccessful case of suture of the pericardium that has ever been recorded.” 1 Williams DH Stab wound of the heart and pericardium-suture of the pericardium—recovery—patient alive three years afterward. Med Rec. 1897; 51: 439 Google Scholar Dr. Williams also examined the specimens of pericardial and heart wounds in the Army Medical Museum and found none that had any history of operation. These steps were typical of Dr. Williams' thoroughness throughout his 40-year career.