CORLETT, WILLIAM THOMAS (15 Apr. 1854-11 June 1948), a physician and dermatologist who introduced new methods to treat skin and venereal diseases, and researched the effect of climate, particularly cold, on skin diseases, was born in Orange, Ohio, to William and Ann (Avery) Corlett. He attended Oberlin College from 1870-73, and graduated with an M.D. from Wooster University Medical College (College of Wooster) in 1877. After teaching 2 years at Wooster, Corlett studied skin diseases in London and Paris, qualifying as a fellow in the London Royal College of Physicians. Returning to Cleveland, in 1882 Corlett was appointed lecturer, then in 1884 professor, on skin and genito-urinary diseases at Wooster. He resigned to take a lectureship in the same branch at Western Reserve University Medical School. He was appointed professor of dermatology in 1887. Returning to Europe in 1889, Corlett visited medical centers in Vienna, Berlin, London, and Paris. In 1890, his title at WRU was changed to professor of dermatology and syphilology, a chair he held until 1914, when he was appointed senior professor. In 1924, he became professor emeritus. Corlett was on staff at Charity, ST. ALEXIS, Lakeside, and City (Metropolitan General) hospitals. He brought the first x-ray machine to the area from Vienna. As a member of the Board of Health in 1893, Corlett fought for better lighting and ventilation in public schools, as well as instituting Health Board visits to the schools.
Corlett married Amanda Marie Leisy at Rheinpfalz, Germany, on 28 June 1895. They had five children: Christine (Mrs. Horace F. Henriques), Ann (Mrs. Daniel B. Ford), Helen, Thomas, and Edward. Corlett died in Cleveland and is buried in RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.