Rudolph August Witthaus

Biography

Dr. Rudolph August Witthaus devoted his life to the rigorous study of poisons and their effects, earning a reputation as a careful interpreter of medical evidence when forensic toxicology was still taking shape. His work in lecture halls and laboratory spaces brought clarity to the difficult questions that courts and families faced, and he met every challenge with calm analysis and heartfelt concern for truth.

His colleagues remembered him for the steady generosity with which he shared his knowledge, whether counseling legal teams or mentoring young physicians, and his influence helped to establish standards that benefited patients and the public alike. He now rests beneath the trees of Green-Wood Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of integrity in scientific inquiry.