The life and legacy of William Beecher Scoville

Abstract

Dr. William Beecher Scoville (1906–1984) is a giant figure in the history of neurosurgery, well known by the public for his operation on Patient H.M. He developed dozens of neurosurgical instruments and techniques, with many tools named after him that are still widely used today. He founded numerous neurosurgical societies around the world. He led the movement in psychosurgery, developing the technique of selective orbital undercutting and performing hundreds of lobotomies throughout his career. However, his many contributions to the advancement of neurosurgery have not been well described in the medical literature. To bridge the knowledge gap, this article seeks to detail the life and career of William Beecher Scoville and bring to attention the enduring impact of his work.