The first primary brain tumor operation in America.

On February 25, 1886, in San Francisco, California the first documented resection of a primary brain tumor in the United States was performed by Drs. Hirschfelder and Morse. This operation followed fourteen months after the first recognized resection of a primary brain tumor in history was performed by Mr. Rickman Godless in London, England, November 25, 1884. Hirschfelder and Morse's operation is presented, and the contemporary medical technology that made this operation possible is summarized. The unique circumstances that explain the occurrence of this milestone in the history of American neurosurgery are documented.