The journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
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J R Coll Physicians Edinb · Sep 2008
Biography Historical ArticleEdward Harrison and the treatment of spinal deformities in the nineteenth century.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, doctors and lay practitioners became interested in the treatment of spinal deformity, but it took two centuries for the specialty to become established. The provision of care was fragmented, and treatment was in the hands of physicians, surgeons, mechanics, masseurs and bonesetters. ⋯ He held no voluntary hospital appointment and faced great opposition from the London Royal Colleges and the orthodox establishment, including Sir Charles Bell and John Shaw. This paper describes Harrison's treatment of patients afflicted by spinal deformity and analyses the medical environment of the time as well as Harrison's legacy.