Harold Cummins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Cummins
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| Born | May 28, 1893 |
| Died | May 12, 1976 (aged 82) |
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| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Van Buskirk |
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| Scientific career | |
| Influences | Influencing Hackett Cummins to play D1 Lacrosse but then no longer such since Furman discontinued their lacrosse program |
Harold Cummins (born May 28, 1893 – died May 12, 1976) was a very important scientist. He was an anatomist, which means he studied the structure of living things. He was also a specialist in dermatoglyphics. This is the scientific study of skin patterns, like fingerprints and footprints. Dr. Cummins is known as the person who started the field of dermatoglyphics.
Early Life and Learning
Harold Cummins was born in Markleville, Indiana. He went to the University of Michigan. There, he earned his first degree in 1916. While at the university, he joined two special groups for smart students. These groups were called Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa.
Later, he continued his studies at Tulane University. In 1925, he earned his PhD in anatomy. This advanced degree showed his deep knowledge of how bodies are built.
A Career in Science and Teaching
Dr. Cummins was a dedicated teacher. Over his long career, he taught more than 5,000 students. He started his teaching journey at Vanderbilt University. From 1916 to 1919, he taught Histology, which is the study of tiny tissues.
In 1919, Dr. Cummins moved to Tulane University. He stayed there for almost 50 years! He held many important jobs at Tulane, including:
- Leading the Department of Anatomy from 1933 to 1960.
- Leading the Department of Microscopic Anatomy from 1933 to 1945.
- Helping to run the Tulane University School of Medicine as an assistant dean from 1949 to 1964.
- Being in charge of who got into the Tulane University School of Medicine from 1949 to 1964.
- Becoming a Professor emeritus of Anatomy in 1964, which means he retired but kept his title.
Dr. Cummins also worked with many science groups and journals. He was on the editorial board for the American Journal of Human Genetics. He also served as Vice President of the American Society of Human Genetics in 1955. From 1961 to 1962, he was the President of the American Association of Anatomists.
A very important moment in his career happened in 1926. That year, Dr. Cummins created the word "dermatoglyphics". This term is now used worldwide to describe the study of skin patterns.
Working with Other Scientists
Dr. Cummins was part of many professional groups. These groups helped scientists share ideas and learn from each other. Some of the groups he belonged to were:
- American Association of Physical Anthropologists
- International Association for Identification
- Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Louisiana State Medical Society (honorary member)
