Mildred Codding (1902–1991): Neurosurgery Medical Illustrator at Harvard Medical School, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, and Boston's Children Hospital

• Published in: World neurosurgery 2024-11, Vol.191, p.198-204
• Main Authors: Detchou, Donald, Tissot, Marianne I.J., Jenkins, Abigail, Barrie, Umaru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boston; Harvard; History, 20th Century; Hospitals, Pediatric - history; Humans; Johns Hopkins; Medical illustration; Medical Illustration - history; Mildred Codding; Neurosurgery; Neurosurgery - history; Schools, Medical - history
• ISSN: 1878-8750; 1878-8769; 1878-8769
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.08.107

This historical account reviews the life and times of Mildred Codding (1902–1991) in neurosurgery and medical illustration. The writing of this project was sparked by the discovery of original scientific and bibliographical information about Codding, testimony on personal relationships, and viewpoints after comprehensive compilation of information. Mildred Codding learned the carbon dust technique from Max Brödel at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, Maryland USA), and worked at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, now Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts, USA). Codding was Dr. Cushing's medical illustrator, colleague, and friend. She provided photographs, diagrams, and sketches for the majority of Cushing's collection of intracranial tumors from 1929 to 1932. A 1991 interview of Codding was hosted by Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital for the permanent collection of the Archives of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons and provides additional photographs and insignia, drawings with pen and ink method, multistepped layering, and illustration implements. Importantly, the Brigham Surgical Alumni insignia showing a surgeon's hand with scalpel was modeled after Codding's left hand. Outside of the operating room, Codding's interests included Pediatrics, Zoology and Genetics, atlantes of surgical operations, teatime, and paint with watercolor, particularly seascapes, lighthouses and dunes. This article provides glimpses into the personality and marked influence of Mildred Codding on neurosurgery and medical education and adds to the growing literature on her person.