Johann Christian Stark (the Elder)

Johann Christian Stark (January 13, 1753 – January 11 1811) was a German physician and obstetrician born in Oßmannstedt. His nephew, also named Johann Christian Stark (1769–1837) was a noted obstetrician.

He earned his doctorate in 1777 from the University of Jena, where in 1779 he became an associate professor. At Jena he was director of a health institute and subdirector of maternity hospital services. Known as an outstanding clinical teacher, one of his better-known students was Adam Elias von Siebold (1775–1828). In addition he was a physician to the Weimar Ducal Court, in particular Anna Amalia and Carl August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, and was also the doctor of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller.

In 1787 he became editor of the first obstetric-gynecological journal, Archivs für Geburtshilfe, Frauenzimmer und Neugeborener Kinder Krankheiten. He also published works in the fields of pharmacology and pediatrics, and was the author of a treatise on the history of tetanus. Additionally, he is credited with making modifications to a number of obstetrical instruments and devices.

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