Wendell Holmes, Oliver, Jr.: - Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. (1809-1894) was an American physician, writer, and professor of anatomy and physiology at Harvard University. He was a prominent figure in American literature during the 19th century and is known for his contributions to both medicine and literature. Holmes wrote several novels, including Elsie Venner, which was published in 1861. The book is considered a significant work of American literature and deals with themes such as original sin, the nature of good and evil, and the role of heredity in human behavior. The novel is set in a fictional New England town and tells the story of a young woman named Elsie Venner, who is believed to be the offspring of a union between a human and a rattlesnake. In addition to his literary works, Holmes is also known for his medical writing, particularly his essays on medical topics, which were published in several journals and collections.