Chevalier Jackson

Chevalier Jackson (November 4, 1865 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - August 16, 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a laryngologist.

Jackson went to school at the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh) from 1879 to 1883, and received his MD from Jefferson Medical College. He also studied laryngology in England.

His work reduced the risks involved in a tracheotomy. He essentially invented the modern science of endoscopy of the upper airway and esophagus, using hollow tubes with illumination (esophagoscopes and bronchoscopes). He developed methods for removing foreign bodies from the esophagus and the airway with great safety - a huge advance for a condition that previously had often been a death sentence, with a high mortality from the object itself or from complications of chest surgery in the 19th century.

Jackson campaigned to put labels on all poisonous or corrrosive substances to prevent ingestion accidents. Due to this, Congress passed the Federal Caustic Act of 1927, which has saved countless children from serious injury and death over the years. He was also the author of four monographs, twelve textbooks, and over 400 medical articles. Jackson was a professor at six different schools as well.

When he died, his obituary stated, "One of the greatest, if not the greatest laryngologists of all time."