Presenters
Elizabeth Scheuer
Abstract
Over nearly fifty years, Dr. Martin A. County, an extraordinary physician-showman, demonstrated the benefits of baby incubators at various Expositions and World’s Fairs in the United States and abroad, and at various amusement parks in the United States. From 1903 until 1943 he maintained a summer-season incubator institute at Coney Island, only closing it after New York Cornell Hospital finally opened a dedicated unit for premature babies in 1941. In his fusion of science and showmanship education and entertainment, he confused and confounded critics over his long career, but despite attacks his passion for his premature clients and their families, and his dedication to their wellbeing, never waned.