Origins & Early Life

Alexander Solomon Wiener (March 16, 1907 – November 6, 1976) was an American biologist and physician, specializing in the fields of forensic medicine, serology, and immunogenetics. His work led to the discovery of the Rh factor in 1937, along with Karl Landsteiner, and subsequently to the development of exchange transfusion methods that saved the lives of infants with hemolytic disease of the newborn. He received a Lasker Award for his achievement in 1946. Alexander Solomon Wiener was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of George Wiener, an attorney who had emigrated from Russia in 1903, and Mollie (Zuckerman) Wiener.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He attended Brooklyn public schools, graduating from Brooklyn Boys' High School at the age of 15. He was awarded scholarships to attend Cornell University where he continued his study of mathematics and even contributed mathematical problems to the American Mathematical Monthly. He majored in biology, however, receiving his A.B. in 1926. He then entered the Long Island College of Medicine where he was awarded an M.D.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

in 1930. During his time in medical school Wiener did research work on blood groups at the Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn and from 1930 to 1932 he...

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