Washington University School of Medicine Oral Histories
George H. Bishop Oral History
Interviewer
Walter W. Walker MA, MLIS
Summary
George H. Bishop was interviewed by Walter Walker on November 24, 1969 for approximately 10 minutes.
Scope and Content
Bishop discusses his collaboration with Joseph Erlanger and Herbert Spencer Gasser on the properties of nerve fibers as recorded on the oscilloscope in the early 1920s at the Washington University School of Medicine. (Dr. Erlanger later received the 1944 Nobel Prize in physiology for this research.)
Biographical Information: Interviewee
George H. Bishop received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1919 and joined the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine in 1921. He held a variety of appointments, among them research associate and associate professor in the Department of Physiology (1921-1930), professor of applied physiology in the Department of Ophthalmology (1930-1932), professor of biophysics in the Neurophysiology Laboratory (1932-1947) and professor of neurophysiology in the Department of Neuropsychiatry (1947-1954). Dr. Bishop is remembered for his collaboration with Joseph Erlanger and Herbert S. Gasser in research on the properties of nerve fibers, for which the latter two received the 1944 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Dr. Bishop is also well-known for his work in the development of electroencephalography as a diagnostic tool in the understanding of epilepsy.
Biographical Information: Interviewer
Walter W. Walker became an archivist at the Washington University School of Medicine library in 1964. He received a BS from Hampden-Sydney College, an MA (history) from American University, and a Master’s in Library Science from Case Western University.
Interview Date
1969-11-24
Collection Identifier
OH004
Length
Approximately 10 minutes.
Restrictions
Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).
Recommended Citation
George H. Bishop Oral History, OH004, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.
Disclaimer
The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.
