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.
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After an annual introduction of new Fellows one of them viewed the neckties on display and, referring to their sagittary motif, was heard to say, 'I suppose it is the College crest.' Of course, it is precisely not that. The only crest the College has is that of its arms, which is completely different. However, one can sympathise with the new Fellow, for in the College he was surrounded by confusing reminders of the medical mythology of ancient Greece. This account is offered as a refresher course on the dramatis personae of the pantheon and some of their activities and attributes.
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J R Coll Physicians Edinb · Dec 2005
Biography Historical ArticleBefore the welfare state: Bastian's Civil List pension.
Bastian, an eminent, if controversial, naturalist, pioneer neurologist, and for 30 years, professor at University College, London, ended with a certain income of only Ł75 in his last year. Sir James Crichton-Browne initiated the grant of a Civil List pension. Prime Minister H Asquith, after consulting the London Royal Society, advised King George V to disburse a pension of Ł150.
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J R Coll Physicians Edinb · Dec 2005
Biography Historical ArticleThe excoriation of Benjamin Bell: who was 'Jonathan Dawplucker'?
Because of a perceived lack of continuity of care of the surgical patients in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, James Gregory, one of its managers, suggested that from 1800 a total of only six surgeons should be appointed full-time to that institution. As considerable animosity existed between Gregory and John Bell, a senior Edinburgh teacher and surgeon, a pamphlet that was extremely hostile to his activities was posted in prominent locations throughout Edinburgh. ⋯ This was extremely hostile to Benjamin Bell, one of Gregory's close surgical colleagues. While much distress was caused at the time, the real authors of these pamphlets are unlikely ever to be established.
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J R Coll Physicians Edinb · Feb 2005
Biography Historical ArticleCurare: the South American arrow poison.
The history of curare is both curious and convoluted. A product of South American culture it emerged in the sixteenth century from the mists of antiquity at the same time as quinine, coca, and chocolate. Like quinine, at first came the extract but no plant, and later the plant but no chemical compound. ⋯ Such a paralytic poison could be used to kill oneself or others. The bizarre plot to kill the Prime Minister, Lloyd George, during the First World War is described. Fortunately this nefarious plan was thwarted by the Secret Service!