Edgar Van Nuys Allen

Edgar Van Nuys Allen (June 22, 1900 – June 14, 1961) was an American doctor who was a native of Cozad, Nebraska. He is remembered for his work done as a Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Edgar Allen was a specialist in cardiovascular medicine, and particularly known for his research of peripheral vascular disease. His name is lent to the eponymous "Allen test", a procedure used to determine blood supply to the hand. He conducted extensive research and development of dicumarol, an anti-coagulant that is produced from coumarin.

During World War II, he served as an Army officer in the Medical Corps.

Early life and education
Allen was born on June 22, 1900 in Cozad, Nebraska to Charles Edgar Allen and Sue Morrow. He attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1923 and a Masters of Arts degree in 1923.

Career
He began his career at the Mayo Clinic in 1930.

He took a military leave of absence from the Mayo Clinic in 1942. In August 1942, he was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel with the United States Army's Medical Corps. He was promoted to colonel in February 1944.

In addition to his work at the Mayo clinic, he was on the faculty of the University of Minnesota in Rochester, Minnesota.

Personal life
Allen married Margaret Wise on November 23, 1929. Together, they had three children.

Selected writings

 * "Peripheral vascular diseases". Edgar van Nuys Allen along with associates in the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation; 2nd edition, Philadelphia, Saunders, 1955. 825 pages. 3rd edition by Edgar V. Allen, Nelson W. Barker and Edgar A. Hines, Jr. With the assistance of John A. Spittell, Jr. and others. Philadelphia, Saunders, 1962. 1044 pages. 4th edition, Philadelphia, Saunders, 1972. 797 pages. 5th edition 1980, 981 pages.

Death and legacy
He died on June 14, 1961 and was buried in Mankato, Minnesota.