Niels Ryberg Finsen

1903 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine

"in recognition of his contribution to the treatment of diseases, especially lupus vulgaris, with concentrated light radiation, whereby he has opened a new avenue for medical science" --- http://www.nobel.se/medicine/laureates/1903

Quick Facts

• Born: 1860
• Birthplace: Thorshawn, Faroe Islands
• Residence: Denmark
• Education: Herlufsholm; University of Copenhagen
• Family: Wife, Ingeborg Balslev; four children, two boys, two girls
• Field of Study: Medicine
• Affiliations: University of Copenhagen; Finsen Medical Light Institute
• Died: 1904
• Knighthood: Knight of the Order of Dannebrog, 1899
• Other Awards: Danish gold medal for merit; and the Cameron Prize from the University of Edinburgh
• Publication: On the effects of light on the skin, 1893
• Founded: The Finsen Institute
• Major contribution:unique research into treatment with ultraviolet rays

"Finsen made the great breakthrough that established his international reputation by introducing the revolutionary carbon arc treatment (Finsen's Therapy) of lupus (lupus vulgaris)."

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Sources
http://www.nobel.se/medicine/laureates/1903/
http://nobele.port5.com/niels_ryberg.html
http://www.um.dk/english/danmark/danmarksbog/kap3/3-7-10-2.asp

1902 - Ronald Ross | 1904 Ivan Pavlov