Origins & Early Life

Howard Atwood Kelly (February 20, 1858 – January 12, 1943) was an American gynecologist. He, William Osler, William Halsted, and William Welch together are known as the "Big Four", the founding professors at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He is credited with establishing gynecology as a specialty by developing new surgical approaches to gynecological diseases and pathological research. He also developed several medical innovations, including the improved cystoscope, Kelly's clamp, Kelly's speculum, and Kelly's forceps.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Because Kelly was a famous prohibitionist and Fundamentalist Christian, many of his contemporaries expressed skepticism towards his medical professionalism. Howard Kelly was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1858; his parents were Henry Kuhl Kelly and Louisa Warner (Hard) Kelly. His family had a history in politics (Kelly's father's great grandfather, Michael Hillegas, was the first Treasurer of the United States), business, real estate and civil service. He was raised with strong religious influence from his parents, especially his mother. During the Civil War, Kelly and his mother lived in Chester while his father served...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Carl Gustaf Mosander — Contemporary (Died in 1858) (1858): Pioneering Swedish chemist known for discovering rare earth elements like lanthanum.
• E. Nesbit — Contemporary (Born in 1858) (1858): Pioneering English author and poet, celebrated for children's literature and socialist activism.
• Eleonora Duse — Contemporary (Born in 1858) (1858): Iconic Italian tragedienne, celebrated for her profound stage conviction and artistry.
• Alvy Ray Smith — Contemporary (Born in 1943) (1943): Pioneering computer scientist and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.
• Antonio Inoki — Contemporary (Born in 1943) (1943): Pioneering Japanese wrestler, martial artist, and political figure.
• Arthur Ashe — Contemporary (Born in 1943) (1943): Pioneering American tennis star, celebrated for his skill and activism.
• Adalbert Gyrowetz — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1763): Czech-Austrian composer known for symphonies and string quartets.
• Ansel Adams — Shared historical date (02-20 · Born) (1902): Iconic photographer and environmentalist celebrated for the American West's landscapes.
• Agatha Christie — Shared historical date (01-12 · Died) (1976): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Shared historical date (01-12 · Born) (1929): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• 1858 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1858
• February 20 (02-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 20
• 1943 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1943
• January 12 (01-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 12