Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (August 29, 1809 – October 7, 1894) was an American physician, poet, professor, lecturer, and author. He was a member of the Fireside Poets. His most famous works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with "The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table" (1858). He was also an important medical reformer. He also wrote old ironsides, a famous poem.