Hallowell Davis Oral History | Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives

Title: Hallowell Davis Oral History

ID: OH/OH027

Extent: 0.05 Linear Feet

Predominant Dates: 4/6/1977

Hallowell Davis was a physiologist and otolaryngologist (1896-1992). Graduated from the Harvard Medical School in 1922, and served on its faculty from 1923 to 1946. Director, Central Institute for the Deaf (1946-1965). Research professor of otolaryngology (1946-1965) and professor of physiology (1946-1965), Washington University School of Medicine.

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Related Materials: Oral history interview

Preferred Citation: Hallowell Davis Oral History, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University School of Medicine.

Collection Material Type: Oral History

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Scope and Contents: Collection Photo

These interviews begin with Davis’s studies at Harvard and his post-graduate study in England. Davis discusses his research on the electrophysiology of the auditory system and electrical activity of the brain and his defense work during World War II studying human tolerance to loud sounds. Davis describes the establishment of a research department at the Central Institute for the Deaf and work on hearing tests and speech audiometry, including the development of the first American standards for audiometers. Davis describes then-current methods in electro-physiology to measure peripheral hearing of young children by detecting electrical responses in the brain. The interview ends with a brief discussion of the problems related to world overpopulation, pollution, and international relations.

The transcript presents an edited version of the sound recording. The interview begins with a biographical sketch of Hallowell Davis, and ends with a revised biographical sketch. Interviewed by Estelle Brodman on April 6, 1977 and April 28, 1977. OH027. Approximate Length 2 hours, 45 minutes.