The New International Encyclopædia/Wistar, Caspar

WISTAR, (1761-1818). An American physician, born in Philadelphia. He graduated in medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1786, and in 1789-92 was professor of chemistry and physiology at the College of Philadelphia. This institution in the latter year united with the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and Wistar was made adjunct professor of anatomy and surgery. In 1808 he became full professor and remained such till his death. In 1815 he succeeded Thomas Jefferson as president of the American Philosophical Society, and held the position until his death. He published, among other works, A System of Anatomy (1811).