HF01-05: The Racist Tale of the Brown-Buerger Cystoscope
Friday, May 3, 2024 2:18 PM to 2:25 PM · 7 min. (US/Central)
206
Abstract
History of Urology Forum
Information
Full Abstract and Figures
Author Block
Loren J Smith*, Portland, ME, Michael E Moran, Columbia, SC
Introduction
Cystoscopy is heralded as the de facto progenitor and forerunner of urologic surgery, its through-line evident in the Brown-Buerger cystoscope. This cystoscope helped to define urology as a surgical sub-specialty. Of note, the two men responsible for its creation were contemporarily characterized and evaluated with different foci based on presumptive culture, ethnic, and religious differences. Their respective histories remain obscure owing to no primary texts.
Methods
All present and past aspects of endourology were perused with an attention to the advent and continued evolution of cystoscopy. Special attention was applied to the import and artifact of Frederic Tilden Brown (1853-1910) and Leo Buerger (1879-1943).
Results
F. Tilden Brown descended from the ultimate WASP lineage of the Mayflower imbued with the power and prestige of familial connection. His father was also a well-known physician at the time and he was well regarded by Valentine, EL Keyes, FN Otis, PA Morrow, FF Sturgis, and RW Taylor. In contrast, Leo Buerger was a persecuted Austrian-Jewish immigrant who ultimately created the prototype to contemporary modern cystoscopy as well as publishing over 120 manuscripts but was denigrated in his time. In his heyday he operated on the famous Sarah Bernhardt, however, he died in relative obscurity and limited regard after being barred from scholastic consideration and staff appointment at Mt. Sinai despite his considerable contributions to the study of urologic surgery.
Conclusions
The Brown-Buerger cystoscope was the proto-urology workhorse requiring thoughtful resourcefulness. Ultimately, its creators were preferentially treated potentially due to antisemitism.
Source Of Funding
None
Author Block
Loren J Smith*, Portland, ME, Michael E Moran, Columbia, SC
Introduction
Cystoscopy is heralded as the de facto progenitor and forerunner of urologic surgery, its through-line evident in the Brown-Buerger cystoscope. This cystoscope helped to define urology as a surgical sub-specialty. Of note, the two men responsible for its creation were contemporarily characterized and evaluated with different foci based on presumptive culture, ethnic, and religious differences. Their respective histories remain obscure owing to no primary texts.
Methods
All present and past aspects of endourology were perused with an attention to the advent and continued evolution of cystoscopy. Special attention was applied to the import and artifact of Frederic Tilden Brown (1853-1910) and Leo Buerger (1879-1943).
Results
F. Tilden Brown descended from the ultimate WASP lineage of the Mayflower imbued with the power and prestige of familial connection. His father was also a well-known physician at the time and he was well regarded by Valentine, EL Keyes, FN Otis, PA Morrow, FF Sturgis, and RW Taylor. In contrast, Leo Buerger was a persecuted Austrian-Jewish immigrant who ultimately created the prototype to contemporary modern cystoscopy as well as publishing over 120 manuscripts but was denigrated in his time. In his heyday he operated on the famous Sarah Bernhardt, however, he died in relative obscurity and limited regard after being barred from scholastic consideration and staff appointment at Mt. Sinai despite his considerable contributions to the study of urologic surgery.
Conclusions
The Brown-Buerger cystoscope was the proto-urology workhorse requiring thoughtful resourcefulness. Ultimately, its creators were preferentially treated potentially due to antisemitism.
Source Of Funding
None
Sessions
History of Urology Forum
206