Stephen Smith

Photograph of Dr. Stephen Smith, 1823-1922, in the Palm Room of the Battle Creek (MI) Sanitarium. Dr. Smith was Professor of Principles and Practice of Surgery, <p> Dr. Smith was a well known surgeon and pioneer public health officer. He undertook a survey of New York City Health conditions in 1865 on behalf of the Council on Hygiene and Public Health. The Report of the council, referred to as the Magna Carta of municipal sanitation in the United States, resulted in a law passed in 1866 which established the Health Department. Dr. Smith was a founder and first president of the American Public Health Association.