Record #00452Technology archive
On 23 December 1954, a Boston clinical team including Joseph Murray, John Merrill and Hartwell Harrison successfully transplanted a kidney between identical twins. Recipient Richard Herrick survived for years, marking the first sustained clinical success in human kidney transplantation.
Achievement date
1954
1954-12-23
At Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Ronald Herrick donated a kidney to his identical twin brother Richard.
The close genetic match reduced early immune rejection barriers. The operation helped establish modern organ transplantation.
Earlier attempts included experimental or temporary renal support. This record uses sustained clinical graft function and survival rather than a transient experimental result.
The record conclusion has sufficient verification support.
Basis: direct confirmation by an authority
Harvard and the New England Journal of Medicine document the sustained successful transplant on 23 December 1954, while earlier short-term attempts existed. Murray is used as a representative holder; the clinical team also included Merrill and Harrison.
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