| Abstract: | Lightner Witmer inaugurated the first psychological clinic in 1896, and he also took a number of other crucial steps in establishing and defining the field of clinical psychology. Witmer was one of the early group of Americans who took their doctorates under Wilhelm Wundt. He was a charter member of the American Psychological Association and the last to die. Clearly, he is an important figure in the history of psychology, yet relatively little biographical information about him has been available. This article summarizes his life and career, examines the beginnings of his clinic, and evaluates the significance of his contributions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) |
