The memorable life of Hosmer A. Johnson, early midwestern laryngologist

Hosmer A. Johnson, one of the early laryngologists in the Midwest, graduated in 1852 from Rush Medical College, and was the first intern in Chicago. With four other faculty members he left Rush in 1859 to establish what subsequently became the Northwestern University Medical School. He taught many subjects and was extremely active in local and national societies. An interest in diseases of the chest led him into laryngology and he became a charter member of the American Laryngological Association, where he reported on congenital tumors of the larynx, laryngeal paralysis, and cancer of the larynx. Dr. Johnson was a master of six or seven foreign languages, a versatile civic leader, a talented orator, and was greatly admired for his medical skills. The breadth of his accomplishments and character made for a truly memorable life.