# Max Theiler

> South African-American virologist and doctor (1899-1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q46928](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q46928)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Theiler)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-theiler

## Summary
Max Theiler was a South African-American virologist and physician (1899–1972) who co-developed the first vaccine for yellow fever, a breakthrough that saved millions of lives. His work in viral research and public health earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1951.

## Biography
- Born: January 30, 1899, in Pretoria, South Africa
- Nationality: South African, later American
- Education:
  - Pretoria Boys High School (1901–1916)
  - University of Cape Town (1917–1920)
  - University of the Witwatersrand (1920–1921)
  - Harvard University (1921–1924)
  - Rockefeller University (1924–1925)
- Known for: Developing the first yellow fever vaccine
- Employer(s):
  - Rockefeller University (1924–1925)
  - Harvard University (1925–1930)
  - University of Cape Town (1930–1931)
  - Rhodes University (1931–1932)
- Field(s): Virology, medicine, public health

## Contributions
- **Yellow Fever Vaccine (1937)**: Co-developed the first vaccine for yellow fever with Sir Edward Adrian, revolutionizing tropical medicine and saving millions from the disease.
- **Viral Research**: Pioneered techniques in viral cultivation and purification, advancing virology as a scientific discipline.
- **Public Health Leadership**: Advocated for global health initiatives, including the establishment of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau (later the Pan American Health Organization).
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1951), the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, and the Chalmers Medal.

## FAQs
**Where did Max Theiler study?**
Theiler attended Pretoria Boys High School (1901–1916), the University of Cape Town (1917–1920), the University of the Witwatersrand (1920–1921), Harvard University (1921–1924), and the Rockefeller University (1924–1925).

**What was Max Theiler's most significant achievement?**
Theiler co-developed the first vaccine for yellow fever in 1937, a breakthrough that saved millions of lives and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

**Where did Max Theiler work professionally?**
He worked at the Rockefeller University (1924–1925), Harvard University (1925–1930), the University of Cape Town (1930–1931), and Rhodes University (1931–1932).

**What awards did Max Theiler receive?**
Theiler received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1951), the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, and the Chalmers Medal.

**What field did Max Theiler specialize in?**
Theiler specialized in virology, medicine, and public health, with a focus on viral research and disease prevention.

## Why They Matter
Max Theiler's development of the yellow fever vaccine was a landmark achievement in tropical medicine, preventing millions of deaths and shaping global public health strategies. His work laid the foundation for modern virology and influenced subsequent vaccine development. Theiler's Nobel Prize recognition cemented his legacy as a pioneer in viral research. His contributions to public health and scientific discovery continue to impact medical advancements and global health initiatives today.

## Notable For
- Co-developer of the first yellow fever vaccine (1937)
- Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1951)
- Pioneer in viral research and cultivation techniques
- Advocate for global health initiatives
- Recipient of the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award and the Chalmers Medal

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Max Theiler was born on January 30, 1899, in Pretoria, South Africa. He attended Pretoria Boys High School from 1901 to 1916. His academic journey continued at the University of Cape Town (1917–1920) and the University of the Witwatersrand (1920–1921). He pursued advanced studies at Harvard University (1921–1924) and the Rockefeller University (1924–1925), where he began his research in virology.

### Career and Research
Theiler's professional career included roles at the Rockefeller University (1924–1925), Harvard University (1925–1930), the University of Cape Town (1930–1931), and Rhodes University (1931–1932). His work focused on viral research, particularly the cultivation and purification of viruses. In 1937, he co-developed the first vaccine for yellow fever with Sir Edward Adrian, a breakthrough that revolutionized tropical medicine.

### Scientific Contributions
Theiler's research advanced virology as a scientific discipline. His techniques in viral cultivation and purification were groundbreaking, influencing subsequent viral research. His work on yellow fever vaccine development saved millions of lives and earned him international recognition.

### Awards and Recognition
Theiler received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1951), the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, and the Chalmers Medal. These accolades highlighted his contributions to medicine and public health.

### Legacy and Influence
Max Theiler's legacy endures in the field of virology and public health. His yellow fever vaccine remains a cornerstone of tropical medicine, and his research techniques continue to be referenced in modern virology. Theiler's work inspired future generations of scientists and shaped global health initiatives.

### Personal Life and Death
Theiler's personal life included his dual citizenship as a South African and later an American. He passed away on August 11, 1972, leaving behind a lasting impact on medical science and public health. His contributions continue to be celebrated in scientific communities worldwide.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Dictionary of African Biography
3. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
4. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1951. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1951/summary/)
5. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
6. [Source](https://laskerfoundation.org/award/clinical/)
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Croatian Encyclopedia
11. Munzinger Personen
12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://de.wikisource.org/wiki/Kurze_Lebens-Notizen_zu_der_Portrait-Gallerie_merkw%C3%BCrdiger_Luzerner_auf_der_B%C3%BCrgerbibliothek_in_Luzern#252_Max_Theiler)
15. nobelprize.org
16. Library of Congress Control Number