SIMANOVSKY

Simanovsky Nikolai Petrovich (1854-1922), professor, academician, founder of Russian otorhinolaryngology as an independent and fully-fledged scientific discipline. Received medical education at Kazan University and the Military Medical Academy. In 1884, he organized the teaching of an independent course in laryngology at the academy, and in 1892, he took charge of the combined department of throat, nose, and ear diseases, subsequently securing a separate clinic and making the subject compulsory for students. S. contributed to the widespread development of the specialty by organizing departments and clinics in other institutions, founding the Society of Physicians for Throat Diseases, and publishing textbooks and a specialized journal.

Personal qualities

Author of a number of scientific works, of which the most well-known are the study of the motor apparatus of the larynx ("Simanovsky's muscle"), diseases of the palatine and other tonsils ("Simanovsky's knife" for opening throat abscesses), a monograph on tuberculosis of the larynx, in the treatment of which S. introduced a new therapeutic agent - parachlorophenol ("Simanovsky's ointment"), and a monograph on nasal diseases. As a public figure, S. devoted much effort to helping the deaf, sanatorium work, organizing mobile ear detachments in the provinces, and made donations for educational and scientific needs. His charm, versatile talent, and lecturing abilities raised teaching and research work in his clinic to a high level, which is rightly considered one of the largest centers for the specialty of throat, nose, and ear diseases in our country.