Lydia Maria DeWitt (née Adams; February 1, 1859 – March 10, 1928) was an American pathologist and anatomist.
That year, she was starred in the first edition of American Men of Science for her notable work in microscopic anatomy and neuroanatomy.
Her research there was so noted that she was invited to join the faculty of the University of Chicago to work on chemotherapy for tuberculosis, which she did in 1912.
[2] DeWitt's research career covered a variety of topics and organ systems, including the pathology of tuberculosis.
She studied muscles extensively, in their pathology and nervous connections, as well as the disease myositis ossificans.
Working with Hope Sherman, Gladys Leavell, and Lauretta Bender, among others, DeWitt examined several dyes as potential precursors to an anti-tuberculosis drug, including methylene blue and trypan red.
[2] DeWitt died at the age of 69 in Winters, Texas at the home of her daughter, of her chronic health problems (arteriosclerosis and hypertension).