Henry William Frauenthal

Who was Dr. Henry William Frauenthal?

Dr. Henry William Frauenthal was a prominent American physician and pioneer in orthopedic surgery, best known for establishing the Jewish Hospital for Deformities and Joint Diseases in New York City. He was also a survivor of the Titanic disaster, which added a dramatic chapter to his already accomplished life.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 13, 1863, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Henry William Frauenthal was the son of Samuel Frauenthal, a boot and shoe vendor, and Yetta Lowenstein. Both his parents were immigrants, with his father hailing from Bavaria and his mother from Prussia. Henry grew up in a large family, with eight known siblings.

Academic Pursuits

Frauenthal’s academic journey was marked by diverse interests:

Graduated from Lehigh University in 1888 with a degree in analytical chemistry
Worked as a chemist for the Rossie Iron Ore Company in Spragueville, New York
Studied medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College while working as a chemist
Qualified as a doctor in 1890

Medical Career and Innovations

Dr. Frauenthal’s medical career was characterized by innovation and specialization:

Establishing the Jewish Hospital for Deformities and Joint Diseases

In 1905, Dr. Frauenthal, along with his brother Hermann Clay Frauenthal, founded the Jewish Hospital for Deformities and Joint Diseases in New York City. This institution would become his life’s work and legacy.

Initially housed in conjoined brownstones on Madison Avenue
Expanded rapidly due to successful treatment techniques
By 1914, the hospital treated over 48,000 patients annually

Pioneering Use of Color Photography in Medicine

Dr. Frauenthal was at the forefront of incorporating new technologies into medical practice. In 1910, he championed the use of color photography in medicine, stating:

“Color photography is a boon to the medical profession. It enables the physician and the surgeon to have at their command the accurate record of great quantities of clinical material at a comparatively small cost.”

This innovative approach allowed for more accurate documentation and study of various medical conditions, particularly in dermatology and oncology.

The Titanic Voyage

A Fateful Journey

Dr. Frauenthal’s experience on the Titanic was a dramatic episode in his life:

Boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912
Traveled as a first-class passenger with his newly-wed wife, Clara, and brother Isaac
Ticket number: PC 17611
Cost of ticket: £133 13s (equivalent to about $15,000 today)

Rescue and Controversy

The Frauenthals’ rescue from the sinking ship was not without controversy:

Escaped on Lifeboat 5
Annie May Stengel, another survivor, claimed a “Hebrew doctor” jumped into the lifeboat, landing on her and causing injury
The incident’s details remain disputed, with some researchers suggesting it might have been another passenger

Later Life and Legacy

Continuing Medical Work

After surviving the Titanic disaster, Dr. Frauenthal returned to his medical practice with renewed vigor:

The hospital continued to grow under his leadership
He traveled extensively, showcasing his expertise in Europe and California
In 1925, he was still actively working, described as a surgeon during a trip to Britain

Personal Struggles and Tragic End

Despite his professional success, Dr. Frauenthal’s later years were marked by personal difficulties:

Both he and his wife Clara suffered from mental health issues
On March 11, 1927, at the age of 63 (sixty-three), Dr. Frauenthal tragically ended his life by jumping from the seventh floor of his hospital building

Posthumous Wishes and Legacy

Dr. Frauenthal’s final wishes reflected his deep connection to the institution he founded:

His ashes were scattered from the roof of his Madison Avenue Hospital on October 4, 1955
This date marked the 50th anniversary of the hospital’s incorporation
He left the bulk of his fortune, estimated between $300,000 and $400,000, to the hospital

A Lasting Impact

Dr. Henry William Frauenthal’s life was one of medical innovation, personal drama, and lasting impact. From his pioneering work in orthopedic surgery to his survival of the Titanic disaster, his story encapsulates the tumultuous yet progressive spirit of the early 20th century. The Jewish Hospital for Deformities and Joint Diseases, now known as the Hospital for Joint Diseases, continues to be a testament to his vision and dedication to improving medical care for those suffering from chronic joint diseases.