Peter Neil Temple Wells CBE. 19 May 1936—22 April 2017

Abstract

Peter Wells will be remembered internationally for his many outstanding contributions in the field of medical ultrasound. He pioneered the development of non-invasive imaging techniques in the development of ultrasonics as a diagnostic and surgical tool. He was the originator and developer of instruments for ultrasonic surgery and ultrasonic power measurement, as well as the two-dimensional, articulated-arm ultrasonic general purpose scanner and the water-immersion ultrasonic breast scanner. He demonstrated ultrasonic-pulsed Doppler range-gating, and was the discoverer of the ultrasonic Doppler signal characteristic of malignant tumour neovascularization. He investigated ultrasonic bioeffects and formulated ultrasonic safety guidelines and conditions for prudent use of ultrasonic diagnosis. His outstanding and sustained achievements in the medical applications of ultrasound extend continuously from the 1960s until a few days before his death at the age of 80. Anyone who has ever benefited from an ultrasound procedure owes a debt of gratitude to Peter Wells.