Pathfinders in oncology from the beginning of the 19th century to the inauguration of the first cancer hospital in the United States.

The fields of medicine and oncology made substantial progress between 1800 and 1885. The first half of this period was dominated by the spectacular progress in physiology, cytology, histology, histopathology, and diagnostic microscopy. In the second half of the period, advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, asepsis, and laboratory medicine, including bacteriology, chemistry, and biochemistry, led to the development of medical specialties, including surgical pathology and surgical oncology. Although wars, revolutions, and socioeconomic upheavals interrupted the daily life of the populace, distinguished artists, scientists, and physicians continued, against all odds, to advance their field of interest. Among the many eminent individuals, there were 7 renowned physicians (4 pathologists and 3 surgeons) who revolutionized medical and oncology thinking in ways that are still felt today. They were polyglots with formidable erudition, beloved teachers, and mentors, and are remembered eponymically for their contributions to oncology to this day. As a passing note, the 3 surgeons also were skillful microscopists. Cancer 2018;124:230-41. © 2017 American Cancer Society.