William Potts Dewees

Who was William Potts Dewees?

William Potts Dewees was an American physician, best known for his work in obstetrics.

Dewees received a Bachelor of Medicine and in 1806 an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, where he would become Professor of Obstetrics, and Chair of Obstetrics from 1834 to 1841. His fame comes mainly from three books published in quick succession in the mid-1820s, each of which went to at least ten editions: Comprehensive System of Midwifery, Treatise on the Physical and Medical Treatment of Children, and Treatise on the Diseases of Females. Of these, the System of Midwifery had the most lasting influence, introducing ideas from British and continental European physicians and becoming the standard reference on obstetrics in the United States for a time.