Finsen, Niels R. (Niels Ryberg), 1860-1904

Born in the Faroe Islands, Neils Finsen studied medicine at University of Copenhagen, graduating in 1890. In the course of studying Pick's disease, which afflicted him, Finsen became interested in the effects of sunlight and certain rays within sunlight and their effect on people. Though he found no solution to his own situation, he discovered that the absence of such rays greatly reduced scarring from small-pox and that application of such rays provided effective treatment to sufferers of lupus vulgaris. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1903 for his experiments with light in the treatment of disease and is known as the developer of phototherapy.

From the description of Memoir of funeral of Niels Ryberg Finsen, and clippings, 1904. (National Library of Medicine). WorldCat record id: 14312839

From the guide to the Memoir of Funeral of Niels Ryberg Finsen, and Clippings, 1904, (History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine)