University of Maryland Baltimore Dental School - Mirror Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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Hdrrij Clifton bi rd President of the Uniuersity , ' m-7Hfi Herbert R. O ' Conor Qouernor of Mari land

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3in il mnrmm Alexander H. Paterson, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. On February 4, 1941, dentistry lost one of its most important figures with the demise of Dr. Alexander Horn Paterson, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Dr. Paterson was a prominent contributor to modern prosthetic dentistry, of which subject he was professor at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, Dental School, University of Maryland. He was not only famous for his accomplishments in dental progress and education but renowned as a specialist in prosthesis and as an important contributor to dental literature. Dr. Paterson, one of twelve children of Henry and Elizabeth Hoag Paterson was born in Arnot, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, on May 11, 1878. Both of his parents were natives of Cumbernauld, Scotland, his father having followed merchandising since his emigration to America. Dr. Paterson received his elementary education in the public schools of his native town; and his secondary trainmg at Starkey Seminary, Lakemont, New York. In order to secure means for entering college he worked for several years at various occupations, such as coal-mining and meat-cutting. He received his profes- sional education in the Dental Department of the University of Maryland; and when he was graduated in 1911, every scholastic honor which the School offered was conferred upon him. Immediately after graduation, he was appointed Demonstrator in Prosthetic Dentistry. Dr. Paterson followed the advice of Dr. Timothy D. Heatwole, who had been his dean, and prepared himself thoroughly in the field of dental prosthesis. Throughout his professicnal life, Dr. Paterson devoted the greater part of his time and inexhaustible energy to perfecting the technicjues which were in existence, and in developing newer, more scientific, advancements in denture prosthesis. As a result, he became one of the leading prosthodontists in the world. In addition to his teaching at the dental school, he presented lectures and clinics in every Eastern and Southern state and many Mid-Western and Western states in this country, as well as in several Euro- pean countries. His untiring study and research, his profound accomplishments, and his earnest teachings have greatly influenced the development of more adequate and scientific denture service in the United States and Europe. Dr. Paterson was a member of the American Dental Association, Baltimore Dental Society, Maryland State Dental Association, Psi Omega Fraternity and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Fraternity. He was chairman of the Historical Exhibits Committee of the Dental Centenary Celebration held in Baltimore during March, 1940. 8 —