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Herbert Clay Scurlock facts for kids

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Herbert Clay Scurlock
Born (1875-03-11)March 11, 1875
Died September 26, 1952(1952-09-26) (aged 77)
Nationality American
Alma mater
Occupation biochemist
Employer Howard University
Known for Pioneer in the use of radiation therapy on the treatment of cancer and in the use of X-rays for dental diagnosis
Spouse(s) Mabel S. Scurlock
Children 5

Herbert Clay Scurlock (born March 11, 1875 – died September 26, 1952) was an important American scientist. He was a biochemist, which means he studied the chemistry of living things. Dr. Scurlock was a pioneer, meaning he was one of the first to use radiation therapy to help treat cancer. He also helped show how X-rays could be used to check teeth at the dentist's office.

Herbert Scurlock's Life Journey

Herbert Scurlock was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1875. His parents were George Cornelius Scurlock and Nannie Sanders Scurlock. He had two siblings. One of his brothers, Addison Norton Scurlock, became a famous photographer.

His Education and Studies

Herbert Scurlock loved to learn. He first graduated with a degree in chemistry from Livingstone College in Salisbury in 1895. Later, in 1900, he earned a medical degree from Howard University. He continued his studies and received a master of arts degree from Columbia University in 1915.

Working at Howard University

From 1900 to 1905, Dr. Scurlock worked at the Howard University College of Medicine. He started as an assistant in chemistry. He also taught about electrotherapy and how to use X-rays. After a short time teaching chemistry and physics, he returned to the College of Medicine. There, he became a full professor in the department of physiological chemistry.

Important Groups He Joined

Dr. Scurlock was a member of several important scientific and medical groups. He was part of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of the District of Columbia. He even served as its president in 1916. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society, which is a group for chemists. He joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Medical Association.

Herbert Scurlock's Later Years

After working for 40 years at Howard University, Dr. Scurlock became ill. He struggled with his illness for two years. He passed away on September 26, 1952, in Washington D.C.. He was 77 years old.

His body was buried in the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland-Silver Hill, Maryland. Herbert Scurlock was survived by his wife, Mabel S. Scurlock. He also left behind a son, Herbert S. Scurlock, and four daughters: Dorothea Dedmon, Helen Brown, Nina E. Mundy, and Mabel E. Lewis.

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