Henry Miller, M. D.
1800-1874
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Henry Miller was born in Glasgow, Kentucky. November 1, 1800. His father, who was; one of the first three settlers of Glasgow, was a native of .Maryland. After having received a good common school education, at thy age of seventeen, he entered upon the stud v of medicine, in the office of Drs. Bainbridgo and Gist, in his native town, where he remained two years. He then entered the Medical School of Transylvania University, the first school of Medicine founded in that city. The faculty with which the institution started was one of distinction, comprising Drs. Charles Caldwell John Esten Cooke, Lunsford P. Yaudell, who had been member of the Transylvania Medical School, and Drs. Cobb and Flint. The list was completed bу the appointment of Dr. Henry Miller to the chair of Obstetrics. The school was, in 1846. merged into the University of Louisville, Dr. Miller retaining his professorship until 1858. Having served continuously for twenty-three years and feeling the need of a change, he,ir.gton, where he graduated in 1821.
Such was his proficiency that he was at once appointed demonstrator of anatomy, in which position he laid the foundation of the high reputation he achieved later. Subsequently, lie attended a course of lectures in Philadelphia and, upon his return to Kentucky, began the practice of medicine in Glasgow. In 1827. he moved to Tarrodsburg, Kentucky, and practiced his profession with success until 1835, when he was called to Louisville to aid in the organization of the Medical Insti-
in that year, resigned his chair and devoted himself to his private practice. In this, his great skill and thorough knowledge of his pro fcssioii gave him a large patronage and he soon became a favorite family physician. In 1867, he was recalled to the institution, and was for two years, professor of medical and surgical diseases of women, when he again resigned. Subsequently, he accepted a similar- chair in the Louisville Medical College, holding it at the time of his death, which occurred February 18, 1874.
Dr. Miller was an extensive writer upon medical topics and, in addition to many monographs on various subjects, was th author of two standard medical works. The first, entitled, "Theoretical and Practical Treatise on lînman Parturition/' was published in 1849, and the second. "Principles and Practice of Obstetrics," several years later. The latter became ihe text book in most of the schools of the day, and still ranks among; the very first in this day medical literature, as a standard authority, especially the chapters relating to the Mechanism of Labor, which have been but slightly changed since he first published his views. He enjoyed to an unusual degree the satisfaction of being recognized and appreciated in his lifetime, instead of looking for- ward to post bunions fame. By both the medical fraternity and the laity, he was esteemed, honored and beloved. In addition to his membership in many local and state societies, he was a member of the .American Medical Association, and its president in 1859.
